Observation is one of the most powerful tools that children can learn from a very young age. These 20 activities can aid children in developing scientific inquiry, paying attention to detail, developing problem-solving skills, and cultivating their creativity. These observation activities range from scientific observations completed at home to observations made in natural environments. They’re great for all ages and skill levels and will certainly leave your littles asking questions and gaining a keen eye for detail.
1. The “What’s Missing?” Game
This difficult brain activity will require children to remember which objects were present and which ones were taken away. You can use any household objects; simply set them all out and have children observe them and take one away. Then, ask the children to recall which object was removed.
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2. Color Changing Flowers Activity
You will need cups, food coloring, and white carnations for this creatively colorful optical activity. Just add food coloring to the water and observe the flowers every few hours; journaling the changes that occur over time.
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3. Wind and Weight Observation Activity
Cut long, rectangular strips of construction paper out and tape them to a surface- letting them hang down. Next, tape small, but different size objects onto the pieces of paper and observe what happens when the fan blows the papers with different weights.
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4. Observational Drawing Activity
Use observational drawings in different outdoor environments to have children draw specific shapes and objects. Encourage conversation and concentration as children draw their surroundings. This is an excellent activity to practice attention to detail and perspective, and you only need a piece of paper and a writing utensil!
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5. M&M Science Rainbow Observation
You’ll need M&Ms and a plate for this rainbow observation activity. Lay out different colored M&Ms on a plate and fill it with a small amount of water. Have children observe the rainbow that is created over the next few minutes.
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6. Hidden Colors Science Experiment
Keep children entertained and observe for hours with this color experiment. Add baking soda, vinegar, and various colors of food coloring to a muffin tin. Then, add a squirt of water. Children will love seeing the colors fizz while they observe this chemical reaction.
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7. Grid Games Logical Reasoning Observations
Use these simple cards for a logical reasoning activity during observation. Line up the cards on a surface and ask children to recognize patterns that they see in the cards (colors, items on the cards, objects missing, etc.)
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8. Big Alphabet Memory Game
Use paper plates and markers to write down a few letters of the alphabet in pairs on paper plates and put them face down. Children will have to memorize the location of letters to match and remove letters.
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9. Spot the Difference Activities
These simple printables are great for close observations and children will love being the ones to find the difference in the picture. Simply print them and give them to children to spot the differences in the pictures.
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10. Nature Journal
Have kids study environmental features and record them in a nature journal. You will only need a small notebook, colored pencils, and the great outdoors! Children will journal what they see and draw pictures of their environments.
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11. Natural Observation: Worm Study
Use a plastic cup to create this wonderfully informative worm observation activity. Fill the cup with different types of soil and small rocks and then simply add your wiggly friends. Children will observe how worms create tunnels in the soil which can then be used to discuss their roles in ecosystems and more!
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12. I-Spy Tray Activity
Use a tray and a variety of random toys to set up this I-Spy tray activity. It’s great for siblings or partners in class. Children will discuss what they see while the other partner waits and pulls out the described object. This is great to build patience and vocabulary skills!
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13. Magic Cup Observation Activity
This classic game is great for building close observational skills in young children. Prepare three plastic cups and an object. Cover the object with one cup and then shuffle them around. Ask children to guess which cup the object is in!
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14. Nature Study: Ant Observation
Put out two types of food near grass or a tree and wait for ants to come. Children will love watching which food the ants choose and then observing their movements.
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15. Memory Card Game
Print out these cards and lay them face down on a surface. Watch as children observe the placement of each card to find the matching pairs.
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16. Dancing Rise Science Experiment
Use white vinegar, baking soda, rice, and water to bring this fantastic science experiment to life. Children will observe the effect of the contents in a glass and make note of what is occurring. The “dancing rice” will amaze children while teaching them about chain reactions and cause and effect.
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17. Observations and Inferences Activity
Practice observations and inference with this wildly creative activity for middle elementary-aged students. Great for a classroom or at home, students will have to observe objects on the floor and match them with questions posed from a studied novel or text.
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18. Sets of Five Observation Activity
This activity is fantastic for encouraging detailed observations and math reinforcement. Gather five objects of any kind, although it helps to organize the objects into a specific category like five cars, five shells, etc. Show children the objects and then remove some and have them look again to count how many are missing and explain what they look like.
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19. Mini Ecosystem Natural Observation
Use this mini ecosystem for endless natural observations. Get a plastic container, screening for the top, and a rubber band to create your natural environment. Next, add rocks, soil, leaves, and critters to create an endless observation activity for all ages.
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20. Kaleidoscope STEAM Activity
All you will need for this STEM-inspired kaleidoscope is an empty Pringles can, glue, glitter, and some tissue paper. Watch as children observe light and color patterns using this DIY device.
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