Water Table Activities for Preschoolers

Use a water table to wrap education in entertainment for young children. Preschoolers need to be prepared for the structured education of kindergarten and first grade. Masking the lessons with the ability to splash, squirt and play teaches them from an early age that learning is fun.

Buoyancy

Have preschoolers test an object's buoyancy by dropping it into the water table. Objects that float have positive buoyancy, while objects that sink have negative buoyancy.

Current

Create current in the water table by adding water with a hose or creating a whirlpool by stirring the water with a spoon. Watch the movement of toys as they are caught in the current.

Erosion

Add sand to the water table to demonstrate erosion. Hide dinosaur bones or other toys in the sand. Create current and watch as the sand is eroded to reveal the toys beneath.

Dry Ice

When dry ice comes in contact with water, it produces a boiling effect and causes a fog that fascinates preschoolers.

Basic Toys

Every water table can benefit from having basic toys available. Include measuring cups, funnels, whisks, eyedroppers, toy boats and other creations. Line the bottom of the table with aluminum foil for a shimmering effect and add rocks, beads and other treasures to the bottom.