Post updated July 2025.
Preschoolers are natural scientists. They ask big questions, explore their surroundings with curiosity, and love experimenting with how things work. That’s exactly why introducing STEM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) early on can be such a powerful way to nurture your child’s development.
At Aussie Kindies, we believe that STEM is more than a buzzword - it’s a fun, hands-on way for children to build confidence, creativity and problem-solving skills. And the best part? You can support these same skills at home with a few simple activities.
Why STEM Learning Matters in the Early Years
STEM might sound advanced for preschoolers, but in reality, it’s all about exploring the world through play, discovery and experimentation.
STEM activities help your child:
- Develop early problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Strengthen fine motor and coordination
- Build confidence in early numeracy and measurement
- Learn about cause and effect and how things change
- Work with others and practice teamwork and communication
- Break down gender stereotypes by showing that STEM is for everyone
It’s not about getting the right answer - it’s about asking questions, testing ideas, and learning through experience.
10 Fun STEM Activities to Try at Home
You don’t need expensive materials to inspire a love of STEM. These simple, age-appropriate ideas are perfect for curious preschoolers:
1. Sink or Float
Fill a tub with water and gather everyday items (e.g. spoon, cork, rock, toy car). Ask your child to predict whether each object will sink or float, then test it together.
Concepts: prediction, observation, density
2. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of natural items like leaves, feathers, sticks, or pebbles. Head outside and explore your backyard or a local park.
Concepts: classification, observation, natural science
3. Building With Blocks or Lego
Challenge your child to build a bridge, a tall tower, or a house. Talk about balance, height, and what makes structures strong.
Concepts: engineering, spatial reasoning, problem-solving
4. Colour Mixing with Water
Provide red, yellow and blue coloured water in small cups. Let your child use droppers to mix and create new colours.
Concepts: colour theory, cause and effect, experimentation
5. Make Your Own Playdough
Mix flour, salt, water and food colouring together. Involve your child in measuring and mixing.
Concepts: measurement, texture, chemical reactions
Need a recipe? Check out our post on the benefits of playdough and how to make your own.
6. Magnet Hunt
Give your child a magnet and some household items (e.g. paper clips, coins, buttons). Which ones are magnetic? Which aren't?
Concepts: magnetism, material properties, sorting
7. Planting Seeds
Use small pots or recycled containers, fill them with soil, and plant seeds. Watch them grow over days and weeks.
Concepts: biology, life cycles, observation
8. Ice Rescue
Freeze small toys in ice cubes. Give your child warm water, salt, and droppers to experiment with freeing the toys.
Concepts: temperature, melting, problem-solving
9. Paper Plane Challenge
Make a few different paper planes and test how far each one flies. Which design works best, and why?
Concepts: aerodynamics, physics, testing hypotheses
10. DIY Balancing Scale
Hang two small containers from a coat hanger using string. Let your child experiment with objects of different weights.
Concepts: balance, measurement, comparison
How Aussie Kindies Brings STEM to Life
At Aussie Kindies Early Learning, STEM is woven into our School Readiness Program through our Big Thinkers STEM initiative. This program encourages children aged 3–5 to explore real-world topics through hands-on, play-based learning.
Our educators introduce children to concepts like:
- Natural science (weather, animals, plants)
- Physics (motion, force, cause and effect)
- Math and measurement (patterns, counting, comparing size)
- Creative engineering (designing, building, testing ideas)
Through everyday moments, like noticing shadows on a walk or building a rain gauge from recycled materials, children begin to see STEM as part of the world around them. And because it’s part of our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, it’s always developmentally appropriate and fun.
“The best part is watching children ask their own questions, make guesses, and feel so proud when they discover something new. That spark, that joy of learning, is what STEM is all about.” - Aussie Kindies Educator
Ready to Raise a Little Thinker?
STEM isn’t just for scientists or engineers - it’s for every child. And it starts with a simple question: “What happens if…?”
Whether at home or in our centres, we’re here to nurture your child’s curiosity, confidence, and love of learning.
👉 Find your nearest Aussie Kindies centre and book a tour today.