Science games online featuring physics soccer, science classroom games, rocket science games, chemistry games online and more. Our games cover varied aspects of second grade science through interactive activities. Click to start playing each game. 1st grade science games for kids online, Interactive educational science fun games, Science activities for the classroom, Interactive online tests, learn 1st grade science with fun.
Practice science topics on animals, living and nonliving things, animal life cycles, photosynthesis, labelling insects, animal diets and more. Features pirate science game, moonshot game, catapult game, rally game and more. Play and learn science. This page is a collection of grade 1 science lessons.
25 Best 1st Grade Science Games to Spark Curiosity in 2026
Finding the perfect 1st grade science games can transform a standard lesson into an unforgettable adventure. At this age, children are natural explorers, eager to understand how the world works. By integrating play into science, educators and parents can foster a lifelong love for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) while meeting essential curriculum standards.
This comprehensive guide features a curated selection of the best interactive science games for kids, ranging from high-energy classroom activities to engaging online platforms. Whether you are looking for hands-on science experiments for 1st grade or digital resources to reinforce learning, these games cover the core pillars of early science education: Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Physical Science.
The Importance of Game-Based Learning in 1st Grade Science
In the first grade, science is less about memorizing facts and more about developing the scientific method through observation and inquiry. Games provide a low-stakes environment where students can test hypotheses, fail safely, and try again. This approach aligns perfectly with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which emphasize "doing" science rather than just reading about it.
Benefit |
Description |
Engagement |
Games capture attention and keep young learners focused on complex topics. |
Retention |
Active participation helps students remember scientific concepts longer than passive listening. |
Critical Thinking |
Many science games require problem-solving and logical reasoning. |
Social Skills |
Group games encourage collaboration, communication, and teamwork. |
Top Hands-On 1st Grade Science Games for the Classroom
Hands-on activities are the backbone of a great science curriculum. These games use simple materials often found in the classroom or at home to demonstrate powerful scientific principles.
1. The Animal Classification Relay
This high-energy game introduces students to biological classification. Divide the class into teams and provide each with a bucket of toy animals. At the other end of the room, place labeled bins for "Mammals," "Reptiles," "Birds," and "Fish." Students must race to sort their animals based on physical features like fur, scales, or feathers.
2. Camouflage Candy Hunt
To teach the concept of animal camouflage, scatter colored beads or small candies across a large photo of a wildflower meadow or a patch of grass. Give students 30 seconds to "predate" as many "prey" items as they can. Afterward, discuss why certain colors were harder to find and how this helps animals survive in the wild.
3. Pollution Sponge Fish
This sobering but effective game teaches environmental science. Give each student a sponge cut into the shape of a fish and place it in a bowl of clean water. Gradually add "pollutants" like food coloring (chemicals), coffee grounds (dirt), and bits of plastic. As the sponge absorbs the pollutants, students see firsthand how dirty water affects aquatic life.
4. Static Electricity Race
Explore physical science by giving each student a balloon and an empty soda can. Have them rub the balloon on their hair to create a static charge, then use that charge to "pull" the can across a finish line without touching it. It is a fantastic way to demonstrate invisible forces in motion.
5. Shadow Tag
On a sunny day, take the class outside to learn about light and shadows. In this version of tag, the "it" person must step on another student's shadow to tag them. As the sun moves throughout the day, students will notice how their shadows change in length and direction, providing a natural lesson on the Earth's rotation.
Best Online Interactive Science Games for 1st Grade
Digital games are excellent for individual practice and can be used as a reward or a focused learning station. These platforms offer high-quality, NGSS-aligned science games that are both safe and educational.
6. PBS Kids: Nature Explorers
PBS Kids is a gold standard for early childhood education. Their "Nature Explorers" series allows children to join characters like Elinor and Sid the Science Kid to observe plants, track animal footprints, and explore different habitats in a vibrant, interactive world.
7. ABCya: The Water Cycle
ABCya offers a variety of science games, but their "Water Cycle" interactive is particularly effective for 1st graders. It breaks down complex terms like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation into simple, clickable steps that show how water moves through our environment.
8. NASA Space Place: Earth and Space Games
For young astronomers, NASA Space Place provides games that explain the sun, moon, and stars. Students can "build" their own spacecraft or play "Shields Up" to learn how Earth's magnetic field protects us from solar wind.
9. Education.com: Weather Words
Education.com features "Weather Words," a game where students help a character named Cuz-Cuz dress for the weather. This reinforces their understanding of seasonal changes and the appropriate tools (like umbrellas or coats) used to stay safe in different conditions.
Integrating STEM Challenges into Science Play
STEM challenges are a subset of science games that focus on engineering and problem-solving. These are perfect for Friday afternoon activities or "Maker Space" sessions.
The Egg Drop Challenge: A classic for a reason! Give students a limited set of materials (straws, tape, cotton balls) and ask them to build a "space capsule" that will protect an egg from a fall. This game teaches gravity, force, and structural integrity.
Push and Pull Scavenger Hunt: Turn your classroom into a laboratory. Give students a checklist and ask them to find five things they have to push to move and five things they have to pull. This simple game reinforces the basic principles of physics and motion.
Conclusion: Making Science Fun Every Day
The key to a successful 1st grade science experience is variety. By mixing online science games with hands-on experiments, you cater to different learning styles and keep the excitement alive. Whether they are racing static-charged cans or exploring digital habitats, these games ensure that 1st graders aren't just learning science—they are living it.
Ready to start? Pick one game from this list and try it out this week. You might just be inspiring the next generation of great scientists!