NGSS Kindergarten Science Printables

Kindergarten science printables aligned to NGSS performance expectations.

Browse by domain

Physical Science

4 standards

K-PS2-1Pushes and PullsPlan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object.See printables →K-PS2-2Change Motion With a Push/PullAnalyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.See printables →K-PS3-1Effect of SunlightMake observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface.See printables →K-PS3-2Reduce Warming From SunlightUse tools and materials to design and build a structure that will reduce the warming effect of sunlight on an area.See printables →

Life Science

1 standard

K-LS1-1What Plants and Animals NeedUse observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.See printables →

Earth & Space Science

5 standards

K-ESS2-1Weather PatternsUse and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.See printables →K-ESS2-2Living Things Change Their EnvironmentConstruct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment to meet their needs.See printables →K-ESS3-1Where Living Things LiveUse a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.See printables →K-ESS3-2Prepare for Severe WeatherAsk questions to obtain information about the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather.See printables →K-ESS3-3Reduce Human ImpactCommunicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.See printables →

In kindergarten, science is just curiosity with a name

Kindergarten science isn’t about memorizing facts or big vocabulary — it’s noticing, wondering, and trying things out. Why does the ball roll faster down the steep ramp? What do the plants outside need? What’s the weather doing today? Today’s standards are built around that kind of hands-on investigating, not flashcards. If your child is curious and asking “why,” they’re already doing science.

Kindergarten science questions, answered

What will my kindergartener learn in science this year?

Kindergarten science centers on three hands-on topics: pushes and pulls (how things move when you push, pull, or stop them), living things (what plants and animals need and where they live), and weather (noticing and describing patterns day to day). It’s all observing and exploring, not memorizing.

What is NGSS, and why does science look different now?

NGSS — the Next Generation Science Standards — is how most schools teach science now, and it’s a real shift from the “read the chapter, memorize the facts” approach many of us grew up with. Kids actually do science: they observe, ask questions, test ideas, and explain what they notice. For a kindergartner, that mostly looks like guided play and a lot of “I wonder why…”

My child isn’t memorizing facts — shouldn’t they be learning science content?

That’s by design, and it’s a good thing. Today’s science focuses on how to think and investigate, not on memorizing facts a five-year-old will soon forget. A kindergartner who can notice a pattern, make a guess, and test it is learning real science — the facts settle in naturally on top of that curiosity.

How can I help my kindergartener with science at home?

Lean into everyday wonder: push and roll toys and balls and talk about what makes them speed up or stop; watch the weather and compare today to yesterday; plant a seed or watch the birds and ask what living things need. Ask “what do you think will happen?” and “why?” more than you give answers — the wondering is the science.

Do I need to know science to help my kindergartener?

Not even a little. Kindergarten science is curiosity, not expertise — your job is to wonder alongside them, not to have the answers. “Let’s find out!” is the most scientific thing you can say.