Looking for free science worksheets to use with elementary students? This collection brings together printable science activities for grades K–6, covering Earth science, life science, physical science, chemistry, and essential investigation skills.
Use the worksheets to support hands-on experiments, science centers, notebooks, review, or independent practice. You’ll also find reusable pages for observations, measurement, predictions, recording results, and explaining what happened—so you can choose the printables that fit the science you’re already teaching.
Field: General Science
Grades: K–6
Concepts: Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science, Chemistry, Observation, Measurement & Investigation Skills
🔬 Scientific Method & Science Skills
Scientific Thinking and Experimentation
- Scientific Method Worksheet – Record observations, form hypotheses, and summarize results
- Variables Worksheet – Identify independent, dependent, and controlled variables
- STEM Challenge Worksheets – Plan and reflect on engineering and design tasks
- Science Fair Resources – Pick a science fair project and learn how to create a visual presentation
- Science & Engineering Best Practices – This is an alternative approach to the scientific method.
- Observation vs Inference – What’s the difference? How to apply observation in science.
- Science Tools – Learn about and explore how different science tools work!
👉 Start with our free science starter guide!
🌱 Life Science and Biology
Life Cycles
- Life Cycles Collection – Explore the life cycles of frogs, butterflies, ladybugs, plants, and more with printable diagrams and activities
Basic Needs and Classification of Living Things
- What Do Living Things Need to Survive? – Explore the essentials: air, food, water, and shelter
- Living vs. Non-Living Things Worksheets – Sort and identify characteristics
- Diurnal and Nocturnal Animals Worksheets – Classify animals by their active times of day
Plants and Photosynthesis
- Photosynthesis Worksheet – Understand how plants make food from sunlight
- Seed Germination Observation Sheet – Observe and record a seed’s growth stages
- Plant Cell Coloring Page and Collage – Label the parts of a plant cell with fun visuals
- Plant Growth Experiment – Track plant height and leaf changes over time with printable charts
- Flower Dissection Lab – Take apart a flower to explore and label its reproductive structures
- Parts of a Flower Labeling Worksheet – Identify and label flower parts like stamen, pistil, and petals
Animal Biology and Human Body Systems
- Animal Cell Worksheet – Learn about parts and functions of the animal cell
- DNA Worksheet and Candy Model – Introduce genetics with a creative twist
- Reaction Time Experiment – Measure and analyze reflexes using simple tools
- Heart Rate Experiment – Track and graph pulse rate before and after exercise
- Five Senses Worksheets: Activities that help students explore sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell.
Food Chains and Ecosystems
- Food Chain Worksheet – Identify producers, consumers, and decomposers (winter food chain version here)
Habitats and the Biosphere
- Layers of the Ocean Worksheet – Explore ocean zones and adaptations
- Layers of the Atmosphere Worksheet – Learn about the Earth’s atmospheric layers
- Bodies of Water Worksheet – Identify lakes, rivers, oceans, and how life depends on water
- Habitat Notebook – Create a custom mini-book for researching animal habitats
⚗️ Physical Science and Chemistry
Matter and Its Properties
- States of Matter Pack – Classify solids, liquids, and gases
- Physical, Chemical, and Phase Change Worksheets – Learn the difference between physical and chemical change
- Build an Atom Worksheet – Explore atomic structure through diagrams and models
- Observable Properties of Matter – Learn how to classify everyday materials
Chemical Reactions and Solutions
- pH Scale Worksheet – Test acids and bases with red cabbage indicator
- Dissolving Candy Experiment – Compare how candies dissolve in various liquids
- Gummy Bear Osmosis Lab – Observe water movement in and out of cells
- Separating Mixtures Worksheet – Learn physical methods of separating materials
🌍 Earth and Environmental Science
Earth’s Structure and Surface
- Layers of the Earth Worksheet – Study Earth’s crust, mantle, and core
- Soil Layers Worksheet – Identify and label the horizons in a soil profile
- Rock Cycle Worksheet (Starburst Rock Cycle) – Simulate rock formation using candy
Environmental Impact and Weather
- Carbon Footprint Worksheet – Explore personal environmental impact
- Weather Observation Journal – Record daily conditions and patterns with a homemade weather station
- Carbon Cycle Worksheet – Explore how carbon moves through Earth’s systems in a continuous loop
- Nitrogen Cycle Worksheet – Understand how nitrogen cycles through the atmosphere, soil, and living things
- Water Cycle Worksheets – Learn about evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection with diagrams and activities
- Seasons Worksheets – Explore the four seasons through sorting, matching, and observation activities
Astronomy and Space Science
- Moon Phases Worksheet – Learn about the phases of the moon through diagrams and models
- Life Cycle of a Star Worksheet – Explore how stars form, live, and die in space
- Solar System Lapbook – Build a mini-book exploring planets, moons, and solar system features
💡 Energy, Light & Color
Light, Perception, and Brain Science
- Water Refraction Worksheet – Observe how light bends through water
- Stroop Effect Worksheet – Investigate how the brain processes conflicting information
- Color Taste Test Experiment – Test if color influences taste perception
- Light Energy Worksheets – Discover sources of light and explore reflection/refraction
🛠️ Physics and Engineering
👉 Take a look through our Free STEM Worksheets and Templates here.
Simple Machines and Forces
- Simple Machines Worksheet Pack – Identify levers, pulleys, inclined planes, and more
- Force and Motion Worksheets – Learn about push, pull, gravity, and motion
- Catapult Worksheet – Design and test a simple machine while learning about force and motion
- Electricity Worksheets – Learn the basics of circuits, conductors, insulators, and energy transfer with fun, printable experiments
- Gravity Quest – Explore gravity with hands-on activities and a fun challenge
Properties and Measurement
- Sink or Float Sorting Sheet – Predict and test object buoyancy
- Observable Properties Worksheet – Practice describing materials using characteristics like color, texture, and shape
- Material Properties Worksheet – Explore how materials behave (flexible, waterproof, transparent) and why they’re chosen for certain tasks
- What Absorbs? Worksheet – Explore which materials absorb water best in this hands-on experiment
- What Is Magnetic? Worksheet – Sort and test objects to discover which materials are attracted to magnets
📖 Science Vocabulary & Literacy
- Science Vocabulary Pack – Flashcards, definitions, and word games
- What Is a Scientist? Worksheet and Lapbook – Explore STEM careers and scientist traits
- Science Books for Kids – A curated list of engaging science-themed read-alouds
📚 Science by Grade Level
Quickly find worksheets for your learner’s level:
- Toddler Science Activities
- Preschool Science Worksheets
- Kindergarten Science Activities
- First Grade Science Activities
- Elementary School Science Activities
- Middle School Science Activities
🧠 NGSS-Aligned Learning
Many of our printable science worksheets support the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by engaging students in:
- Asking questions and defining problems
- Planning and carrying out investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
We also use the 3 guiding questions of NGSS to support science learning:
- What do you notice or wonder?
- What are you trying to figure out or explain?
- How will you find out or test your ideas?
These best practices help kids think like scientists and connect scientific ideas to real-world observations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What grades are these science worksheets for?
Our worksheets are designed for preschool through middle school, with clearly labeled topics by grade level.
Are these science worksheets free?
Yes! Most of the worksheets listed above are free to download and use.
Are these science worksheets NGSS aligned?
Many are! Activities are designed around inquiry, experimentation, and analysis aligned with NGSS principles.
Can I use these in the classroom?
Absolutely. These resources are teacher-tested and great for home, homeschool, and school settings.
Do I need special supplies?
Most activities use household or classroom materials. Specific supplies are listed with each experiment.
Printable Elementary Science!
Want to do meaningful science — but not start a full unit yet? This starter lab provides quick, hands-on investigations across multiple science topics, allowing students to explore how science works before diving deeper into any one subject.
Perfect for regularly trying science without extensive planning. Grades: K–5.
