Companion activity guide to the Sing a Song of Science recording. These songs are a great way to introduce children (ages 2–8) to science or reinforce basic concepts — each paired with a hands-on activity.
Dedicated to Fred Hooper. Songs arranged, performed, and produced by Nancy Stewart except where noted.
Science
Concept: Introduction to the scientific method
Ask children: what do scientists do? Discuss observing, questioning, testing, and learning. Set up a simple "science station" with a magnifying glass and objects to examine.
Mixing Up the Colors
Concept: Color mixing
Use food coloring in water, or paint, to demonstrate primary color mixing. Children predict what color will result before each mix. Red + blue = ? Blue + yellow = ?
Hi, Ho, to Space We Go
Concept: Astronomy and the solar system
Create a solar system mobile using paper plates or painted balls. Children learn the planet names and relative sizes. How many Earths would fit inside the sun?
Gravity Dance
Concept: Gravity
Drop different objects and observe: does a feather fall the same as a rock? Discuss why (air resistance). In a vacuum, everything falls at the same speed!
Optical Illusions
Concept: How the brain processes vision
Look at classic optical illusions together. Is it a vase or two faces? Is it an old woman or a young one? Discuss how our brains sometimes "fill in" information.
Energy
Concept: Forms of energy
Identify examples of energy in the classroom: light, sound, heat, movement. Children run in place (kinetic energy), then stop and feel their warm hands (heat energy).
Squid Tarantella
Song by MaryLee SunseriConcept: Ocean life / cephalopods
Learn about squids: eight arms plus two tentacles, three hearts, blue blood! Draw a squid together. Why might a squid squirt ink?
Measurement Song
Concept: Units of measurement
Measure things in the room using non-standard units first (hand spans, foot lengths), then introduce inches and centimeters. Children measure each other's heights.
I Have a Little Pulley
Concept: Simple machines
Demonstrate a pulley using a rope over a chair back. What other simple machines can children find? (Lever, wheel, inclined plane, wedge, screw.) They're everywhere!
Electricity Game
Concept: Electrical circuits
Children stand in a circle holding hands — one child is the "power source" and gives a gentle hand squeeze that travels around the circle like electricity through a circuit.
Sadie the Slimy Slug
Concept: Gastropod biology
Learn about slugs: they have one "foot," breathe through a hole on their side, and leave a slime trail. Go outside and look for slug trails! Draw Sadie the Slug.