This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop. All opinions are 100% mine.

The world of STEM is fascinating for little learners. And you don’t have to spend a fortune on supplies to share simple science activities for preschoolers at home with your child. One of my girls’ favorite ways to learn about science is through hands-on exploration of the world, right in our own backyard.

We’re Going on a Bug Hunt!

My girls have a bit of a bug phobia – to the point where trying to have a picnic lunch is almost futile because they might see a tiny ant or gnat… and game over. I decided to try and channel their interest in taking pictures to learn more about bugs, and thus, lessen their fear of them.

Simple Science Activities for Preschoolers

Photo scavenger hunts are a great, simple and super affordable way to explore science with your kids right in your own home or backyard. Pick a subject of focus – in the past we have searched for shapes in nature, stars during the day, architectural features in our home, and now, bugs! Then, head out and see where your hunt takes you.

Supplies

instax® camera or smartphone
All About Bugs – PGPB printable
Glue stick
Crayons

During our explorations, we found spiders, bees, ants, butterflies, and a dragonfly. My preschooler snapped pictures with her new instax® camera, which we then used to journal our findings in our printable All About Bugs journal, extending a simple science activity for preschoolers into awesome preschool journal ideas. Our All About Bugs Journal is on sale now through the end of February 2017.

Extending Simple Science for Preschoolers into Early Literacy

Preschool journaling is an awesome way to turn a science activity for preschoolers into an easy early literacy activity. And the best part? Instead of you reading facts to children about bugs from a book, they are uncovering the facts themselves and recording them to create their OWN book. As my 4 year old and I discussed the observation questions in the journal about each of the bugs she photographed, she could already answer them herself – and when memory failed her, she could reference her photographs. It was such a fun learning experience, and her enthusiasm was totally contagious.  She can’t wait to get out and capture the rest of the bugs in her journal on film, and is already trying to negotiate an extended bedtime one night soon to capture the evening fireflies.

More Ways to Learn with Photos at the Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop

Should your learning adventures take you to NYC this summer, the brand new Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop is an awesome place to visit with your tiny travelers. With smartphones more prevalent than ever, it is no wonder kids are so enamored with taking photos themselves.  So let them – and use it to unlock learning! Walk into the Wonder Photo Shop, in the heart of Manhattan’s Flatiron district, with your smartphone, connect to the store’s WiFi, and turn your child’s latest photos into a Memory Book, a fun keepsake, a puzzle or countless other instantly printable gift ideas. You can find more ways to learn with photos here. Learn more about the new Wonder Photo Shop NYC on Facebook.

If you enjoyed this post, you will love all our preschool journal ideas, including our Garden Observation Journal. Encourage your child’s exploration of the plant life cycle as they watch their garden grow from seed to harvest. You can find these and more awesome simple science activities for preschoolers on our STEM for Kids – Science board on Pinterest.

Love it? Pin THIS!