New Year’s Science Starter Activity
Here’s an easy, low-pressure way to start the new semester after the long break. As you ease your kids back into the week, try this free 2026 science reflection activity designed to get our children thinking, drawing, and sharing, without feeling like “real work.”
There are three levels – youngest learners, upper elementary, and 5th grade and up. We have also included a blank form so you can add your own prompts. Please note that to add your own prompts, you will need a PDF editor that supports editing and adding text fields.
Use it as a morning warm-up, science warm-up, bell-ringer, brain break, or welcome back activity.
It’s completely free, no email required, and you’re welcome to share it with friends who could use an easy, engaging way to kick off the new year with curiosity and connection.
CLICK HERE TO OPEN THE PDF AND SAVE TO YOUR DEVICE. The file will open in a new tab on your browser. Enjoy!
Feel free to use the sharing buttons on this post to send to a friend!
I hold a master’s degree in child development and early education and am working on a post-baccalaureate in biology. I spent 15 years working for a biotechnology company developing IT systems in DNA testing laboratories across the US. I taught K4 in a private school, homeschooled my children, and have taught on the mission field in southern Asia. For 4 years, I served on our state’s FIRST Lego League tournament Board and served as the Judging Director. I own thehomeschoolscientist and also write a regular science column for Homeschooling Today Magazine. You’ll also find my writings on the CTCMath blog. Through this site, I have authored over 50 math and science resources.