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Preschool science. It’s a bit of an oxymoron. While the traditional idea of science for preschoolers is often a very basic subject (weather, basic anatomy, life cycle of butterflies, etc.), it’s also thoroughly mixed into everything our kids are learning.They’re constantly studying the world around them. Everything is an experiment for them.
When it comes to board games that introduce science to preschoolers, the choices are seemingly slim. While there are some great options out there for science activities, not so much for traditional board games. So when searching for science games I extended my definition to include S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) games and I’m so excited about the world of ideas it has introduced to my kids.
Our favorite preschool science game:
Robot Turtles is the most backed board game in Kickstarter history and for very good reason. It was created by a computer programmer dad to teach his kids about programming! It’s so clever and way easier than you might think. It takes coding down to the basics and turns it into a video game come to life.
There really are no winners or losers in this game. The object is to create a “program” using directional cards to tell the computer (mom, dad, or other experienced player) which way to move your robot turtle. When your turtle successfully reaches its jewel in the center of the board, you win!
I love that this game can grow with my kids as they learn the strategies and basics of coding their turtle’s program. As they “unlock” different obstacles (ice walls, stone walls, and crates) they’ll need to use their new coding skills to navigate a clear path.
This game is especially fun in that the programmers (kids) get to boss around the computer (in this case, mom). They loved telling me what to do! And, just like the instructions suggest, adding robot sound effects is a must. 🙂
Squeaks quickly learned that the shortest path to her jewel required the least turns, and is thoroughly excited to unlock the ice walls challenge. Little Dude on the other hand is still getting the hang of directing his turtle left or right. The game includes a “bug” button for when a programmer makes a mistake. Little Dude loved hitting his bug button to undo his last move. In fact, he liked it almost too much and might have made a few “mistakes” on purpose. Lol!
Overall, I think this is the perfect game for introducing the science of computer coding to your littles. It’s a game I see us playing far into the future.
Our favorite printable science games:
As we cover the more traditional science topics, I’ve come across some very helpful preschool science games that are easy to print, set up, and incorporate into our lessons.
- If outerspace is your current focus, consider this fun Bingo game from Preschool Powol Packets. It’s a great way to review! You may also like my Solar System Memory Game, complete with fun facts on each planet.
- For learning about basic anatomy and our five senses, check out this super clever use for a Mr. Potato Head. Genius! Combine that game with my First Anatomy Game and you’re set!
- If the weather is the topic of the day, head over to Pink Stripey Socks (cutest name!) and download this weather board game. It would go perfectly with my weather wheel during your morning circle time or calendar time.
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