Free Science Movie Day Activities

Do you plan movie days at the end of the school year, after a lot of testing, or before winter break? If so, why not make it science related? Here are some no-prep and fun science movie day activities, easy to do ideas, plus free printable activities that will keep your students engaged and reviewing topics they have learned in science!

Play I Spy Science!

To play: Place students in small groups. Students take turns choosing an object in the classroom. When it’s their turn, they describe the object by telling its properties and the materials it is made of. Older students can describe the object and include forces that are acting on it, the science behind its design, any patterns of motion it may make, and if its materials are natural or man-made.

Make “Matter” Floats

Movie days are always more fun with treats! Make root beer floats and have students explain to a partner the different states of matter in the float’s ingredients. Ask students to discuss the effects of temperature on the ingredients (matter) and whether they are seeing reversible or irreversible changes as they combine the ice cream and root beer.

Watch Science Videos

There are a number of great science channels for kids on You Tube. Two of my favorites are SciShow Kids and CrashCourse Kids. Each of those channels has entire playlists of science topics for kids. The videos are fairly short, usually 3 to 8 minutes long. Choose videos related to what you’ve taught in science or use the clickable video links included in the free download below. I’ve included several different science topics that are typically taught in first, second, and third grade. This habitats post has several videos about ecosystems and micro-habitats. For videos on biomimicry check out this engineering design post. I’ve also included videos in this plant and animal interdependence post.

Choose Science Activities from the Movie Day Menus

After each video, have students choose 2-3 activities to do with a classmate. These super simple menu activities require only a sheet of paper and a pencil. Students write lists, make science drawings, and explain things they have learned in each of the menu activities. Students color the square once they finish each task.

Use these free printables with any science video. Choose videos that support what you are teaching or use the included clickable list with video links to a variety of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade science topics.

Pop in your non-school email below and I’ll send the movie day menu, a properties of matter cut and paste page, and a clickable video list straight to your inbox!

Watch Science Simulations

You’ll find an entire library of science experiments and cool simulations on SteveSpanglerScience.com. It’s a lot of fun to show students simulations and experiments you typically can’t do in an elementary classroom like the famous Mentos Geyser Experiment. Be sure to check out, Whip Off the Tablecloth too!

Your students will love having a science movie day. Pin this post so you have it when you plan!