When you teach 2-3-year-olds, preschool science activities are simple, but still important. This month my class is focusing on things they can find in our local environment. We have a discovery bottle with animals that are found locally like bald eagles, frogs, coyotes, etc. I have pine cones and acorns out to explore and tomorrow I will add this simple preschool science nature bottle. Last year I did a similar bottle, but the leaves all clumped together. I experimented and discovered that if I coated the leaves in glycerin first, they floated a little differently in the water. I am not sure how long they will retain their color but with nothing but water the other leaves lasted about eight weeks.
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Gather your materials. You will need a clear water bottle. We love Voss bottles( order here) because they have a wide opening, and the labels are easy to take off. Go for a leaf hunt if possible and get a mix of colors. You will also need glycerin ( find it here) and adhesive to secure the lid.
Fill the bottle with water. Put a drop of glycerin on the leaves and spread.
Add leaves to the bottle. Add more water if needed and glue the lid on. Let dry for 48 hours. It will be dry in minutes but if you are using epoxy which is so strong ( yay!) you will need time for the fumes to die off ( not yay!).
Explore! This will be a lovely addition to the science table in my classroom. For more science activities for preschool check them out here.
Amy says
Hello, I have a question? If you don’t have real colorful leaves, could you use fake plastic leaves? I hope you can answer this question as I really would like to make this with my toddler. Thank you
Clarissa Ching says
Hi, if glycerin is not used, will it affect the nature bottles?
Allison McDonald says
In my experience, the leaves will clump.