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72 Easy Science Experiments Using Materials You Already Have On Hand
Because science doesn’t have to be complicated.
If there is one thing that is guaranteed to get your students excited, it’s a good science experiment! While some experiments require expensive lab equipment or dangerous chemicals, there are plenty of cool projects you can do with regular household items. We’ve rounded up a big collection of easy science experiments that anybody can try, and kids are going to love them!
Easy Chemistry Science Experiments
Easy physics science experiments, easy biology and environmental science experiments, easy engineering experiments and stem challenges.
1. Taste the Rainbow
Teach your students about diffusion while creating a beautiful and tasty rainbow! Tip: Have extra Skittles on hand so your class can eat a few!
Learn more: Skittles Diffusion
2. Crystallize sweet treats
Crystal science experiments teach kids about supersaturated solutions. This one is easy to do at home, and the results are absolutely delicious!
Learn more: Candy Crystals
3. Make a volcano erupt
This classic experiment demonstrates a chemical reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid), which produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate.
Learn more: Best Volcano Experiments
4. Make elephant toothpaste
This fun project uses yeast and a hydrogen peroxide solution to create overflowing “elephant toothpaste.” Tip: Add an extra fun layer by having kids create toothpaste wrappers for plastic bottles.
5. Blow the biggest bubbles you can
Add a few simple ingredients to dish soap solution to create the largest bubbles you’ve ever seen! Kids learn about surface tension as they engineer these bubble-blowing wands.
Learn more: Giant Soap Bubbles
6. Demonstrate the “magic” leakproof bag
All you need is a zip-top plastic bag, sharp pencils, and water to blow your kids’ minds. Once they’re suitably impressed, teach them how the “trick” works by explaining the chemistry of polymers.
Learn more: Leakproof Bag
7. Use apple slices to learn about oxidation
Have students make predictions about what will happen to apple slices when immersed in different liquids, then put those predictions to the test. Have them record their observations.
Learn more: Apple Oxidation
8. Float a marker man
Their eyes will pop out of their heads when you “levitate” a stick figure right off the table! This experiment works due to the insolubility of dry-erase marker ink in water, combined with the lighter density of the ink.
Learn more: Floating Marker Man
9. Discover density with hot and cold water
There are a lot of easy science experiments you can do with density. This one is extremely simple, involving only hot and cold water and food coloring, but the visuals make it appealing and fun.
Learn more: Layered Water
10. Layer more liquids
This density demo is a little more complicated, but the effects are spectacular. Slowly layer liquids like honey, dish soap, water, and rubbing alcohol in a glass. Kids will be amazed when the liquids float one on top of the other like magic (except it is really science).
Learn more: Layered Liquids
11. Grow a carbon sugar snake
Easy science experiments can still have impressive results! This eye-popping chemical reaction demonstration only requires simple supplies like sugar, baking soda, and sand.
Learn more: Carbon Sugar Snake
12. Mix up some slime
Tell kids you’re going to make slime at home, and watch their eyes light up! There are a variety of ways to make slime, so try a few different recipes to find the one you like best.
13. Make homemade bouncy balls
These homemade bouncy balls are easy to make since all you need is glue, food coloring, borax powder, cornstarch, and warm water. You’ll want to store them inside a container like a plastic egg because they will flatten out over time.
Learn more: Make Your Own Bouncy Balls
14. Create eggshell chalk
Eggshells contain calcium, the same material that makes chalk. Grind them up and mix them with flour, water, and food coloring to make your very own sidewalk chalk.
Learn more: Eggshell Chalk
15. Make naked eggs
This is so cool! Use vinegar to dissolve the calcium carbonate in an eggshell to discover the membrane underneath that holds the egg together. Then, use the “naked” egg for another easy science experiment that demonstrates osmosis .
Learn more: Naked Egg Experiment
16. Turn milk into plastic
This sounds a lot more complicated than it is, but don’t be afraid to give it a try. Use simple kitchen supplies to create plastic polymers from plain old milk. Sculpt them into cool shapes when you’re done!
17. Test pH using cabbage
Teach kids about acids and bases without needing pH test strips! Simply boil some red cabbage and use the resulting water to test various substances—acids turn red and bases turn green.
Learn more: Cabbage pH
18. Clean some old coins
Use common household items to make old oxidized coins clean and shiny again in this simple chemistry experiment. Ask kids to predict (hypothesize) which will work best, then expand the learning by doing some research to explain the results.
Learn more: Cleaning Coins
19. Pull an egg into a bottle
This classic easy science experiment never fails to delight. Use the power of air pressure to suck a hard-boiled egg into a jar, no hands required.
Learn more: Egg in a Bottle
20. Blow up a balloon (without blowing)
Chances are good you probably did easy science experiments like this when you were in school. The baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment demonstrates the reactions between acids and bases when you fill a bottle with vinegar and a balloon with baking soda.
21 Assemble a DIY lava lamp
This 1970s trend is back—as an easy science experiment! This activity combines acid-base reactions with density for a totally groovy result.
22. Explore how sugary drinks affect teeth
The calcium content of eggshells makes them a great stand-in for teeth. Use eggs to explore how soda and juice can stain teeth and wear down the enamel. Expand your learning by trying different toothpaste-and-toothbrush combinations to see how effective they are.
Learn more: Sugar and Teeth Experiment
23. Mummify a hot dog
If your kids are fascinated by the Egyptians, they’ll love learning to mummify a hot dog! No need for canopic jars , just grab some baking soda and get started.
24. Extinguish flames with carbon dioxide
This is a fiery twist on acid-base experiments. Light a candle and talk about what fire needs in order to survive. Then, create an acid-base reaction and “pour” the carbon dioxide to extinguish the flame. The CO2 gas acts like a liquid, suffocating the fire.
25. Send secret messages with invisible ink
Turn your kids into secret agents! Write messages with a paintbrush dipped in lemon juice, then hold the paper over a heat source and watch the invisible become visible as oxidation goes to work.
Learn more: Invisible Ink
26. Create dancing popcorn
This is a fun version of the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment, perfect for the younger crowd. The bubbly mixture causes popcorn to dance around in the water.
27. Shoot a soda geyser sky-high
You’ve always wondered if this really works, so it’s time to find out for yourself! Kids will marvel at the chemical reaction that sends diet soda shooting high in the air when Mentos are added.
Learn more: Soda Explosion
28. Send a teabag flying
Hot air rises, and this experiment can prove it! You’ll want to supervise kids with fire, of course. For more safety, try this one outside.
Learn more: Flying Tea Bags
29. Create magic milk
This fun and easy science experiment demonstrates principles related to surface tension, molecular interactions, and fluid dynamics.
Learn more: Magic Milk Experiment
30. Watch the water rise
Learn about Charles’s Law with this simple experiment. As the candle burns, using up oxygen and heating the air in the glass, the water rises as if by magic.
Learn more: Rising Water
31. Learn about capillary action
Kids will be amazed as they watch the colored water move from glass to glass, and you’ll love the easy and inexpensive setup. Gather some water, paper towels, and food coloring to teach the scientific magic of capillary action.
Learn more: Capillary Action
32. Give a balloon a beard
Equally educational and fun, this experiment will teach kids about static electricity using everyday materials. Kids will undoubtedly get a kick out of creating beards on their balloon person!
Learn more: Static Electricity
33. Find your way with a DIY compass
Here’s an old classic that never fails to impress. Magnetize a needle, float it on the water’s surface, and it will always point north.
Learn more: DIY Compass
34. Crush a can using air pressure
Sure, it’s easy to crush a soda can with your bare hands, but what if you could do it without touching it at all? That’s the power of air pressure!
35. Tell time using the sun
While people use clocks or even phones to tell time today, there was a time when a sundial was the best means to do that. Kids will certainly get a kick out of creating their own sundials using everyday materials like cardboard and pencils.
Learn more: Make Your Own Sundial
36. Launch a balloon rocket
Grab balloons, string, straws, and tape, and launch rockets to learn about the laws of motion.
37. Make sparks with steel wool
All you need is steel wool and a 9-volt battery to perform this science demo that’s bound to make their eyes light up! Kids learn about chain reactions, chemical changes, and more.
Learn more: Steel Wool Electricity
38. Levitate a Ping-Pong ball
Kids will get a kick out of this experiment, which is really all about Bernoulli’s principle. You only need plastic bottles, bendy straws, and Ping-Pong balls to make the science magic happen.
39. Whip up a tornado in a bottle
There are plenty of versions of this classic experiment out there, but we love this one because it sparkles! Kids learn about a vortex and what it takes to create one.
Learn more: Tornado in a Bottle
40. Monitor air pressure with a DIY barometer
This simple but effective DIY science project teaches kids about air pressure and meteorology. They’ll have fun tracking and predicting the weather with their very own barometer.
Learn more: DIY Barometer
41. Peer through an ice magnifying glass
Students will certainly get a thrill out of seeing how an everyday object like a piece of ice can be used as a magnifying glass. Be sure to use purified or distilled water since tap water will have impurities in it that will cause distortion.
Learn more: Ice Magnifying Glass
42. String up some sticky ice
Can you lift an ice cube using just a piece of string? This quick experiment teaches you how. Use a little salt to melt the ice and then refreeze the ice with the string attached.
Learn more: Sticky Ice
43. “Flip” a drawing with water
Light refraction causes some really cool effects, and there are multiple easy science experiments you can do with it. This one uses refraction to “flip” a drawing; you can also try the famous “disappearing penny” trick .
Learn more: Light Refraction With Water
44. Color some flowers
We love how simple this project is to re-create since all you’ll need are some white carnations, food coloring, glasses, and water. The end result is just so beautiful!
45. Use glitter to fight germs
Everyone knows that glitter is just like germs—it gets everywhere and is so hard to get rid of! Use that to your advantage and show kids how soap fights glitter and germs.
Learn more: Glitter Germs
46. Re-create the water cycle in a bag
You can do so many easy science experiments with a simple zip-top bag. Fill one partway with water and set it on a sunny windowsill to see how the water evaporates up and eventually “rains” down.
Learn more: Water Cycle
47. Learn about plant transpiration
Your backyard is a terrific place for easy science experiments. Grab a plastic bag and rubber band to learn how plants get rid of excess water they don’t need, a process known as transpiration.
Learn more: Plant Transpiration
48. Clean up an oil spill
Before conducting this experiment, teach your students about engineers who solve environmental problems like oil spills. Then, have your students use provided materials to clean the oil spill from their oceans.
Learn more: Oil Spill
49. Construct a pair of model lungs
Kids get a better understanding of the respiratory system when they build model lungs using a plastic water bottle and some balloons. You can modify the experiment to demonstrate the effects of smoking too.
Learn more: Model Lungs
50. Experiment with limestone rocks
Kids love to collect rocks, and there are plenty of easy science experiments you can do with them. In this one, pour vinegar over a rock to see if it bubbles. If it does, you’ve found limestone!
Learn more: Limestone Experiments
51. Turn a bottle into a rain gauge
All you need is a plastic bottle, a ruler, and a permanent marker to make your own rain gauge. Monitor your measurements and see how they stack up against meteorology reports in your area.
Learn more: DIY Rain Gauge
52. Build up towel mountains
This clever demonstration helps kids understand how some landforms are created. Use layers of towels to represent rock layers and boxes for continents. Then pu-u-u-sh and see what happens!
Learn more: Towel Mountains
53. Take a play dough core sample
Learn about the layers of the earth by building them out of Play-Doh, then take a core sample with a straw. ( Love Play-Doh? Get more learning ideas here. )
Learn more: Play Dough Core Sampling
54. Project the stars on your ceiling
Use the video lesson in the link below to learn why stars are only visible at night. Then create a DIY star projector to explore the concept hands-on.
Learn more: DIY Star Projector
55. Make it rain
Use shaving cream and food coloring to simulate clouds and rain. This is an easy science experiment little ones will beg to do over and over.
Learn more: Shaving Cream Rain
56. Blow up your fingerprint
This is such a cool (and easy!) way to look at fingerprint patterns. Inflate a balloon a bit, use some ink to put a fingerprint on it, then blow it up big to see your fingerprint in detail.
57. Snack on a DNA model
Twizzlers, gumdrops, and a few toothpicks are all you need to make this super-fun (and yummy!) DNA model.
Learn more: Edible DNA Model
58. Dissect a flower
Take a nature walk and find a flower or two. Then bring them home and take them apart to discover all the different parts of flowers.
59. Craft smartphone speakers
No Bluetooth speaker? No problem! Put together your own from paper cups and toilet paper tubes.
Learn more: Smartphone Speakers
60. Race a balloon-powered car
Kids will be amazed when they learn they can put together this awesome racer using cardboard and bottle-cap wheels. The balloon-powered “engine” is so much fun too.
Learn more: Balloon-Powered Car
61. Build a Ferris wheel
You’ve probably ridden on a Ferris wheel, but can you build one? Stock up on wood craft sticks and find out! Play around with different designs to see which one works best.
Learn more: Craft Stick Ferris Wheel
62. Design a phone stand
There are lots of ways to craft a DIY phone stand, which makes this a perfect creative-thinking STEM challenge.
63. Conduct an egg drop
Put all their engineering skills to the test with an egg drop! Challenge kids to build a container from stuff they find around the house that will protect an egg from a long fall (this is especially fun to do from upper-story windows).
Learn more: Egg Drop Challenge Ideas
64. Engineer a drinking-straw roller coaster
STEM challenges are always a hit with kids. We love this one, which only requires basic supplies like drinking straws.
Learn more: Straw Roller Coaster
65. Build a solar oven
Explore the power of the sun when you build your own solar ovens and use them to cook some yummy treats. This experiment takes a little more time and effort, but the results are always impressive. The link below has complete instructions.
Learn more: Solar Oven
66. Build a Da Vinci bridge
There are plenty of bridge-building experiments out there, but this one is unique. It’s inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s 500-year-old self-supporting wooden bridge. Learn how to build it at the link, and expand your learning by exploring more about Da Vinci himself.
Learn more: Da Vinci Bridge
67. Step through an index card
This is one easy science experiment that never fails to astonish. With carefully placed scissor cuts on an index card, you can make a loop large enough to fit a (small) human body through! Kids will be wowed as they learn about surface area.
68. Stand on a pile of paper cups
Combine physics and engineering and challenge kids to create a paper cup structure that can support their weight. This is a cool project for aspiring architects.
Learn more: Paper Cup Stack
69. Test out parachutes
Gather a variety of materials (try tissues, handkerchiefs, plastic bags, etc.) and see which ones make the best parachutes. You can also find out how they’re affected by windy days or find out which ones work in the rain.
Learn more: Parachute Drop
70. Recycle newspapers into an engineering challenge
It’s amazing how a stack of newspapers can spark such creative engineering. Challenge kids to build a tower, support a book, or even build a chair using only newspaper and tape!
Learn more: Newspaper STEM Challenge
71. Use rubber bands to sound out acoustics
Explore the ways that sound waves are affected by what’s around them using a simple rubber band “guitar.” (Kids absolutely love playing with these!)
Learn more: Rubber Band Guitar
72. Assemble a better umbrella
Challenge students to engineer the best possible umbrella from various household supplies. Encourage them to plan, draw blueprints, and test their creations using the scientific method.
Learn more: Umbrella STEM Challenge
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Hands on kids activities for hands on moms. Focusing on kids activities perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
50 Amazingly Simple Science Experiments for Kids at Home
Science Kindergartners Preschoolers Experiment Resources 30 Comments
Kids love experimenting , and these 50 simple science experiments for kids at home from Brigitte are perfect for all ages! Plus, you probably already have the basic supplies at home.
My daughters and I have had a lot of fun doing science experiments. Each year when we create our spring and summer list , we make sure to include “science days” which are days filled with science experiments.
Sometimes our science experiments don’t work according to plan, but I have been told that all scientists have failures with experiments from time to time.
It’s okay if they aren’t all successes.
Get the FREE Science Experiments Download
50 Simple Science Experiments with Supplies You Already Have
I love these 50 simple science experiments for you to try with your little scientists. They all use basic household supplies that you probably already have at home!
Most of these are experiments my daughters and I have done together. I hope you enjoy them as much as we have!
Get little ones involved with these easy toddler-friendly science experiment ideas!
Simple Science Experiments with Water
Not only can water be a blast to play in, but water plus a few basic supplies equals a lot of science fun!
- Make an orange sink and float with an orange buoyancy experiment from Playdough to Plato.
- Compare the amount of salt in different types of water with this salty egg experiment as seen on Uplifting Mayhem.
- Do a little more sinking or floating with a fun sink or float experiment even toddlers can do from Hands On As We Grow.
- Use the free printable to record what sinks or floats in an outdoor experiment from Buggy and Buddy.
- Create some beautiful pieces of paper with this rainbow paper experiment from Science Kiddo.
- Talk about solutions as you try the “what dissolves in water” experiment as seen on Hands On As We Grow.
- Learn about water absorption with this simple experiment from Little Bins for Little Hands.
- Mix some fun colors with this oil and water experiment from Fun Learning for Kids.
- Make your own lava lamp , just like on Hands On As We Grow.
- Can you keep all the water in the bag? Try it with a leak-proof bag experiment as seen on Hands On As We Grow.
- Learn about surface tension with this magic finger pepper experiment found on Hands On As We Grow.
- Make your own water cycle in a bottle as seen on A Dab of Glue Will Do.
Simple Science Experiments with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda + vinegar = a great chemical reaction! This fizzy reaction can fuel a variety of simple science experiments at home.
First of all, we have tested and found out the absolute best combination of baking soda and vinegar to get the best reaction possible. It makes a difference if you add vinegar to baking soda or vice versa! And how much you use!
- Inflate a balloon without blowing into it with a baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment as seen on Little Bins for Little Hands.
- Practice colors as you do a baking soda and vinegar with color experiment as seen on Hands On As We Grow.
- Have fun outside with an outdoor volcano eruption as seen on Preschool Inspirations.
- Have more volcano fun by making apple volcanoes as seen on The Resourceful Mama.
- Learn about acids and bases and the chemical reaction that occurs when you make apple seeds dance with a jumping apple seeds experiment as seen on JDaniel4s Mom.
- Watch some rice dance with a dancing rice experiment as seen on Green Kid Crafts.
- Continue your dance party by making raisins dance with a dancing raisin experiment as seen on 123 Homeschool 4 Me. What other items can you get to dance?
- Learn more about acids and bases by dissolving a sea shell as seen on Teach Beside Me.
- Make an egg shell disappear with this disappearing egg activity as seen on Premeditated Leftovers.
- See how far you can launch a soda bottle with this baking soda powered boat as seen on Science Sparks.
- Make your own rocks (or eggs) with this fizzy treasure rocks experiment as seen on Living Life and Learning.
- Have some fun this summer with this frozen vinegar experiment as seen on Inspiration Laboratories.
Plant Themed Simple Science Experiments
Enjoy learning about seeds, plant parts, and how plants grow with these simple science experiments.
- Learn about how plants soak up water through their stems with a flower experiment for kids from Growing A Jeweled Rose.
- Watch seeds sprout as you grow seeds in a jar as seen on Teaching Mama.
- Learn about the parts of the seed with a seed coat experiment as seen on Gift of Curiosity.
- Build a house out of sponges and then watch it sprout with this sprout house as seen on The Stem Laboratory.
- Learn what liquids allow seeds to grow the best with this seed experiment as seen on Gift of Curiosity.
- Explore how plants grow towards the light with this shoe-box maze experiment from Plants for Kids.
Animal Themed Simple Science Experiments
Learning about animals can be even more fun with some simple hands-on simple science experiments.
- Find out more about giraffes and create some giraffe spots as seen on Preschool Powol Packets.
- Learn about how animals in the Arctic keep warm by making an arctic glove as seen on Steve Spangler Science.
- Discover how penguins stay dry with a penguin feather experiment as seen on Raising Little Superheroes.
- Learn about different bird beaks with a bird beak experiment as seen on Blessed Beyond a Doubt.
- Explore how fish (and hermit crabs) breathe with this gill experiment as seen on Preschool Powol Packets.
- Learn about sharks with a shark buoyancy experiment as seen on Little Bins for Little Hands.
Even More Simple Science Experiment for Kids at Home!
If you are still looking for more science fun, you may enjoy the following simple science experiments.
- Find out how sugary drinks hurt teeth with an eggs-periment as seen on Feels Like Home Blog.
- Discover geodes (the state rock of Iowa) with this eggshell geode crystal experiment as seen on Science Bob.
- Learn about air pressure with an egg and bottle experiment as seen on Science Sparks.
- Find out what causes an apple to brown with this apple science experiment as seen on Teach Beside Me.
- Make an edible bubble apple with an experiment as seen on Preschool Powol Packet.
- Learn more about surface tension with a penny and water experiment as seen on Artful Parent.
- Mix colors like magic with this color changing milk experiment from Hands On As We Grow.
- Blow up a balloon with this soda and balloon experiment from Learn Play Imagine.
- Practice letters by making beautiful crystal letters as seen on Books and Giggles.
- Make your own indoor hovercraft as seen on Living Life and Learning.
- Learn about colors with this beautiful butterfly chromatography craft as seen on Buggy and Buddy.
- Make soap souffle as seen on Steve Spangler Science.
- After talking about liquids and solids (and finding them in your own home), create oobleck as seen on Babble Dabble Do. Is it a liquid, or is it a solid?
- Learn about frost by making some indoor frost as seen on Little Bin for Little Hands.
- Make your own homemade butter in a jar as seen on Happy Hooligans.
What scientific experiment will you try first?
About Brigitte Brulz
Brigitte Brulz is a homeschooling mom of two daughters, wife of her high school sweetheart, and author of Jobs of a Preschooler and Pickles, Pickles, I Like Pickles. She offers free coloring pages and activity ideas on her website at BrigitteBrulz.com .
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Reader Interactions
30 comments.
college brawl says
March 13, 2024 at 1:05 am
Wow, these experiments look like so much fun! I can’t wait to try them out with my kids. We’re always looking for new and creative ways to learn about science at home, and these experiments look like they’ll be perfect for us. Thanks for sharing! 😊
threadsBay says
August 31, 2023 at 3:13 am
I love science experiments! This one is really simple and easy to do.
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Science Experiments
35 Easy Science Experiments You Can Do Today!
Looking for easy science experiments to do at home or in the classroom? You’re in luck because we’ve got over 35 easy science activities for kids that will help you make science fun for all ages.
Most of these simple science experiments for kids are easy to prepare, quick to perform, and use household items or inexpensive materials you can find almost anywhere. To connect the fun to the “why it works” you’ll find an easy to teach explanation with every experiment!
Musical Jars Science Experiment
This super easy experiment is simple as it is fun! Kids make their own musical instruments with clear jars and water then investigate sound waves, pitch, and more.
When the experiment is complete, use the colorful new “instrument” for a fun music lesson. Kids can play and take turns to “name that tune”!
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Musical Jars Science Experiment
Viscosity of Liquids Science Experiment
Viscosity may be a confusing term for kids at first, but this super easy experiment can help them see viscosity in action!
With marbles, clear jars, and a few household materials, kids will make predictions, record data, and compare the results while they test high and low density liquids.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Viscosity Science Experiment
Floating Egg Science Experiment
Can a solid egg float? Kids can find the answer and understand why with this quick science experiment.
Discover just how easy it can be to make a raw egg float while testing the laws of density. We’ve included additional ideas to try so kids can make predictions and test the concept further.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Floating Egg Science Experiment
Paper Towel Dry Under Water Experiment
Is it possible to keep a paper towel dry even when submerging it under water? The answer is a surprising “yes,” if you use science to help!
Start with the properties of your materials, make a prediction, then explore matter, density, volume, and more.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Paper Towel Dry Under Water Experiment
Mixing Oil & Water Science Experiment
This simple experiment for kids helps them better understand density and the changes that happen when adding an emulsifier to the mix.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Mixing Oil & Water Experiment
Will it Float or Sink Science Experiment
Will it sink or will it float? This fun experiment challenges what students think they know about household items!
Students record their hypothesis for each item then test it to compare what they think will happen against their observations.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Float or Sink Science Experiment
Water Temperature Science Experiment
What does thermal energy look like? In this easy science experiment, kids are able to see thermal energy as they explore the concept in action.
With clear jars and food coloring, students can quickly see how molecules move differently through hot and cold water.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Water Temperature Science Experiment
Balloon Blow-up Science Experiment
Kids will discover how matter reacts when heated and cooled as they watch with surprise as baking soda and vinegar blow the balloon up before their eyes.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Balloon Blow-up Science Experiment
Floating Ping Pong Ball Science Experiment
Kids will giggle with joy with this super easy experiment. With only a ping pong ball and a hair dryer, students will have a great time while exploring Bernoulli’s Principle in action.
We’ve included additional ideas to further explore the concept with different objects and observe the change in results.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Floating Ping Pong Ball Science Experiment
Hair Stand on End Science Experiment
It’s especially fun for those who’ve never seen static electricity in action before!
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Hair Stand on End Science Experiment
Oil Bubbles in Water Science Experiment
Kids explore density and experience some chemistry when creating oil bubbles in water with everyday household items.
This experiment is particularly fun when kids see that they’ve made what looks like a lava lamp!
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Oil Bubbles in Water Science Experiment
Color Changing Water Science Experiment
Kids will be surprised as they watch a new color being “created” without mixing! Using only a clear bowl and glass, some food coloring, and water, this super easy science experiment is quick and easy with a huge wow factor.
Try it with yellow and blue to follow along with our demonstration video then try different primary color combinations and explore the results.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Color Changing Water Science Experiment
Magnetic Paper Clip Chain Science Experiment
It may seem a bit like magic but it’s actually science! It’s not hard to capture your kids’ attention with this quick and easy science experiment as they watch paper clips “stick” together and form a chain!
Perfect for younger children, the experiment only takes a few minutes and is a fun way to explore the concept of magnetic transference.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Magnetic Paper Clip Chain Science Experiment
Is it Magnetic Science Experiment
With only a magnet and a few household items, kids will make and record their predictions, test and observe, then compare what they think is magnetic against the results.
Simple and quick, but some of the results may surprise your students!
Cloud in a Jar Experiment
This simple experiment only requires a few materials but really holds student attention as a cloud forms before their eyes!
Kids will learn new weather vocabulary as they explore how physical changes and reactions happen as clouds begin to take form. We’ve also included a helpful chart on the types of clouds.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Cloud in a Jar Science Experiment
Magic Milk Science Experiment
Create a dancing rainbow of colors with this easy science experiment for kids!
Using only a few ordinary kitchen items, your students can create a color explosion in ordinary milk when they add our special ingredient. (Hint: The special ingredient (soap!) includes hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules that make the magic happen!)
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Magic Milk Science Experiment
Walking Water Science Experiment
Water can’t really walk upwards against gravity, but this cool science experiment makes it seem like it can!
Kids are able to see the capillary action process and learn how attraction and adhesive forces in action allow water to move out of one glass into another.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Walking Water Science Experiment
Light Refraction Science Experiment
The results of this easy science experiment are so amazing, it makes kids (and adults) think it must be magic!
Young scientists watch in surprise while they see an arrow change directions instantly. Investigating refraction couldn’t be more fun!
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Light Refraction Science Experiment
Dancing Raisins Experiment
Learn about the reactions of buoyancy and density in this simple science activity for kids.
They may not need dancing shoes, but give them a glass of soda pop and the raisins in this fun experiment love to dance!
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Dancing Raisins Science Experiment
See Sound Experiment
Kids love this experiment because they are encouraged to drum loudly so they can “see” sound waves in action!
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> See Sound Science Experiment
Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment
Grab some giant brushes and get ready to make elephant toothpaste! Although you might not be able to get an elephant excited by this super easy experiment, kids love it!
The impressive and quick results created by the chemical reaction and the heat released in the process makes an abundant amount of fun and colorful foam!
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment
Upside Down Glass of Water Science Experiment
We all know what happens when we turn a glass of water upside down, but what if I told you you can do it without the water spilling out?
The experiment only requires a few common items and you’ll be amazed by the results of air pressure in action!
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Upside Down Glass of Water Science Experiment
Pick up Ball with a Jar Science Experiment
It almost seems like magic but with the help of science, you can pick up a ball with an open jar!
Instead of magic, this easy science activity uses centripetal force and practice to do what seems like the impossible.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Pick up Ball with a Jar Experiment
Will It Melt Science Experiment
Can you guess which items will melt? This easy outside experiment challenges what students think they know about the effects of the sun.
Pepper Move Science Experiment
Can you make pepper move and zoom away with just a light touch of your finger? With science you can!
This experiment only takes a few quick minutes from beginning to end, but the reaction caused by surface tension makes kids want to do it over and over.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Pepper Move Science Experiment
Crush a Plastic Bottle Science Experiment
Go for it, crush that bottle, but don’t touch it! Although it usually can’t be seen or touched, air pressure is pushing against all surfaces at all times.
With this easy science activity kids can see air pressure at work when they watch a bottle crushes itself!
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Crush a Plastic Bottle Science Experiment
Egg in Vinegar Science Experiment
This vinegar science experiment will have your eggs and kids bouncing (with excitement!) before you know it!
Kids can watch and explore the results of chemical reactions as the egg changes from something that seems solid into what feels like something bouncy!
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Egg in Vinegar Science Experiment
Straw Through a Potato Science Experiment
Can you make a normal plastic straw go into a raw, solid potato? It seems like something impossible, but science can easily make it possible!
Pick your potatoes then let kids try their strength as they explore air pressure with this super easy experiment.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Straw Through a Potato Science Experiment
Rainbow in a Jar Science Experiment
With only a few household items, they’ll explore mass, volume, and density with every color layer!
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Rainbow in a Jar Experiment
Tornado in a Bottle Science Experiment
Kids can have fun while learning more about centripetal force with this fun experiment.
With a little muscle and science, kids watch with amazement as they create their own glitter cyclone in a bottle as the centripetal force vortex appears.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Tornado in a Bottle Science Experiment
Why Doesn’t the Water Leak Science Experiment
Can you poke holes in a plastic bag full of water without the water leaking out? With this super easy science activity you can!
Kids are stunned as they learn about polymers and how they can do what seems to be impossible.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Why Doesn’t the Water Leak Science Experiment
Use a Bottle to Blow-up a Balloon Experiment
Is it possible to blow up a balloon with only water and science?
In this super easy experiment, kids learn more about how matter behaves as they watch a balloon inflate and deflate as a result of matter being heated and cooled.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Use a Bottle to Blow-up a Balloon Experiment
Orange Float Science Experiment
Kids explore buoyancy as they learn about and test density in this sink or float science activity.
While it only takes a few minutes, this super easy experiment invites kids to predict what they think will happen then discuss why the heavier orange floats!
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Orange Float Science Experiment
Pick up Ice with String Science Experiment
With only a few household items, kids learn about freezing temperatures and the results they create in saltwater versus freshwater.
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Pick Up Ice with String Science Experiment
Color Changing Walking Water Experiment
Using the concepts explored in our popular Walking Water Science Experiment, kids will see color walk from one glass to another and change colors as it goes!
The quick experiment seems to defy gravity like magic, but don’t worry, kids can find out how science makes it work!
Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Color Changing Walking Water Experiment
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21 Easy Science Experiments for Kids to Do at Home
Looking for fun and educational activities to keep your kids engaged at home? How about diving into the world of science with some exciting science experiments that are easy to set up and guaranteed to spark curiosity?
These simple science experiments use everyday household items and turn them into magical learning experiences that will amaze your little ones and teach them the wonders of the scientific world.
From walking rainbows to growing gummy bears, these hands-on activities are perfect for exploring basic scientific concepts in a fun and interactive way.
Whether your kids are interested in chemistry, physics, or biology, there’s something here to captivate their imaginations and keep them asking, “Why?” and “How?”
So, gather your supplies and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery right in your own kitchen or backyard.
Easy Science Experiments for Kids
Walking rainbow science experiment for kids.
Create a walking rainbow in this fun and easy science experiment for kids! This experiment teaches kids about capillary action, the process by which liquid moves through a material against gravity, illustrating how water travels through plants and other porous materials.
Rain Cloud in a Jar STEM Experiment for Kids
With this raincloud in a jar experiment, kids will learn about the science principle of precipitation, observing how clouds accumulate moisture until they become heavy enough to release rain.
Watch as the color seeps through the shaving cream and “rains” into the jar, demonstrating how real clouds release rain when they become saturated.
Magic Milk Science Experiment
Kids will love seeing chemistry in action with this fun magic milk science experiment! This is a great opportunity to learn about surface tension and the interaction of different kinds of molecules as you watch colors swirl and create beautiful patterns.
Bouncy Egg Experiment
Learn about chemical reactions with this bouncy egg experiment for kids. Your kids will be fascinated watching their egg’s structure change over the course of this experiment, leaving them with an egg that actually bounces!
Easy Paper Helicopter DIY STEM Activity
Kids will have a blast creating simple helicopters from paper and watching them twirl to the ground when dropped in this DIY STEM activity!
This hands-on activity teaches children about the forces of gravity, lift, and air resistance. By experimenting with different variables in their design, kids can also explore how these factors affect the way the helicopter flies, providing insights into the principles of flight and aerodynamics in a fun and interactive way.
Jell-O and Vinegar Experiment for Scented Science Fun
In this Jell-O and vinegar experiment, kids can learn about chemical reactions in a fun and visual way! Adding vinegar to the Jell-O and baking soda mixture will create a fizzy, colorful eruption that will leave kids wanting to do this experiment over and over again.
Growing Gummy Bears Experiment for Kids
In this easy experiment, kids place gummy bears in different solutions like water, saltwater, and vinegar to observe how they change in size. This experiment is a fun way to help children learn about osmosis, the process by which water moves through a semi-permeable membrane.
Skittles Rainbow Experiment
With this experiment, kids can create their own colorful rainbow at home using Skittles! This is a great way for kids to learn about the concept of diffusion, demonstrating how colors and substances mix and move through water.
Make an Ant Farm Science Experiment for Kids
Create a miniature habitat in a jar with this ant farm science experiment!
This experiment helps children learn about the fascinating world of ant biology, including their social structures, tunneling behaviors, and how they work together to create and maintain their underground homes.
How to Make a Lava Lamp Experiment
Kids can make a mesmerizing lava lamp at home using a few simple ingredients, transforming ordinary items into a exciting science project.
This experiment is a fun and interactive way to explore concepts of liquid density and gas production, plus it’s so colorful and fun to look at!
Make Your Own Water Compass Science Experiment
In this fun experiment kids can make their own water compass and learn to magnetize a paper clip! This experiment helps children understand the principles of magnetism and how the Earth’s magnetic field can be used for navigation.
Hot and Cool Colors Outdoor Science Experiment for Summer
In this hot and cool colors experiment, kids see how color affects temperature and learn about the concept of heat absorption.
It’s a hands-on way to explore the relationship between color and temperature in a fun, summer-friendly activity.
Growing Rock Candy Sticks
What kid wouldn’t love to grow their own rock candy? That’s exactly what they’ll learn to do in this fun experiment!
This experiment helps children learn about the process of crystallization, demonstrating how saturated solutions deposit solids as they cool and evaporate. It’s a sweet and educational way to explore the principles of solubility, saturation, and crystal growth.
Magic Paint Potions: A DIY Process Art Lab for Kids
Use common household ingredients to make your own magic paint potions- and some pretty awesome art in the process!
This is an engaging, hands-on way for kids to learn about chemical reactions as they experiment with the different art their “potions” can create.
How to Make a Papier Mache Erupting Volcano
Kids will love making their own bubbling, erupting volcano with this fun activity!
This classic experiment helps children learn about chemical reactions and the dynamic nature of volcanic eruptions. And what kid wouldn’t love to see a mini volcano that actually erupts?!
Heart STEM Activity for Kids
In this fun science activity, an invisible ink solution is used to paint a simple diagram of the human cardiovascular system on a paper outline of the human body. By using a special reagent to reveal the hidden ink, kids will be delighted to see the heart, veins, and arteries “magically” appear.
This engaging experiment teaches children about the cardiovascular system, while also demonstrating the chemical reaction between the invisible ink and the reagent that makes the hidden illustration come to life.
Leaf Chromatography Science Experiment For Kids
In this leaf chromatography science experiment, kids explore the hidden pigments in leaves by separating their colors using a simple chromatography technique.
This fascinating activity helps children learn about leaf pigmentation, revealing the different chemicals like chlorophyll and carotenoids that give leaves their vibrant green, yellow, and orange hues.
Underwater Volcano Experiment for Kids
This underwater volcano experiment teaches children about the principles of density and convection currents, demonstrating how warm water, being less dense, moves upwards through colder, denser water. It mimics the way underwater volcanic eruptions release hot magma, creating dynamic movement and mixing in the ocean.
How to Make a Mini Balloon Racecar
In this fun project, kids create a small racecar powered by the force of a deflating balloon.
As the air rushes out of the balloon, it propels the car forward, providing a hands-on way to learn about Newton’s Third Law of Motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Working Indoor Water Cycle Experiment
Learn all about the water cycle with this working indoor water cycle experiment!
This experiment helps children understand the stages of the water cycle by observing how water vapor rises, condenses into droplets on the cling wrap, and then falls back into the bowl, mimicking rain.
It’s a hands-on way to explore the processes of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation in a contained environment.
Fun Bouncing Bubbles Activity
In this bouncing bubbles experiment, kids create a special bubble solution that allows them to make bubbles that can bounce without popping easily.
This fun activity helps children learn about surface tension, which is the force that holds the surface of a liquid together. Kids explore how surface tension works to keep the bubbles intact, providing a fascinating look at the properties of liquids and the science behind bubbles.
Final Thoughts
Exploring these easy and engaging science experiments is a fantastic way to spark curiosity and excitement in young minds.
Each activity, from making a raincloud in a jar to growing rock candy sticks, provides a hands-on opportunity for kids to discover fundamental scientific principles.
These experiments transform everyday materials into tools for learning, making complex concepts like density, osmosis, and the water cycle both accessible and fun.
I hope these experiments inspire your children to ask questions, make observations, and see the world around them through the lens of a budding scientist.
Keep experimenting and enjoy the journey of discovery together!
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17 Easy Science Experiments for Kids Using Household Items
September 29, 2017 by Laura 15 Comments
Last Updated on May 29, 2024
When we’re stuck indoors on a rainy weekend we are always trying to find activities to entertain the kids using things we already have at home. But usually we end up on our computers for 30 minutes trying to find ideas! So I thought I’d do a round up post of easy science experiments for kids that only require household ingredients.
This post contains affiliate links. Read more .
Easy Science Experiments for Kids
These experiments are best suited for 3-6 year olds I think. But honestly I really like them, so maybe they’re for all ages! I’ve included any of the ingredients that you may or may not have on hand so you can easily pick an experiment that you can do right away!
1. Shaving Cream Rain Clouds
Learn about how rain is made or just have fun mixing pretty colours! You’ll need shaving cream and food colouring . From: One Little Project at a Time
2. Growing Gummy Bears
Compare the difference between using plain and salt water to grow gummy bears. You’ll need salt and gummy bears. From: Play Dough to Plato
3. Walking Rainbow
Watch as colours travel through paper towels to mix in the next jar. You’ll need food colouring and paper towels. From: Steam Powered Family
4. Dish Soap Silly Putty
It’s not quite liquid and not quite solid, but lots of fun! The colour of the putty will depend on the colour of the dish soap you use. You’ll need dish soap (or shampoo) and cornstarch . From: One Little Project
You might also be interested in these posts:
11 Edible Silly Putty, Play Dough and Slime Recipes 13+ Ideas for Teaching Elementary Math Using Games and Play 11 Awesome & Free Educational Websites for Kids
5. Salt Crystal Apples
You could easily make different shapes with this simple experiment! You’ll need pipe cleaners and salt. From: Schooling a Monkey
6. The Science of Yeast
Discover how yeast works. You’ll need balloons and active dry yeast. From: Play Dough to Plato
7. Hatch a Dinosaur Egg
This is such a fantastic idea! And a great alternative to the standard volcano. You’ll need, small toys or objects, baking soda, food colouring and vinegar. From: Sunshine and Hurricanes
8. Growing Rock Candy
Grow your own rock candy and your kids will love you forever! 😀 You’ll need lots of sugar, skewers or candy sticks and food colouring. For edible experiments you may want to look into natural food colouring . You may also want candy flavouring .
The form you have selected does not exist.
My mom used to make this for us as kids, I didn’t know it had a proper name though, we just called it goop! We made this a couple weekends ago and my 5yo spent over 2 hours playing with it. Major success! You’ll need cornstarch and food colouring . From: Babble Dabble Do
10. Ocean Currents
Learn how ocean currents work! You’ll need food colouring . From: Life Over C’s
11. Rainbow Paper
Make pretty paper then turn into another craft! You’ll need black paper and clear nail polish . From: Science Kiddo
12. Constellation Flashlight
My son loves learning about space, so this will be a great way to teach him about constellations! You’ll need a flashlight, black paper and black paint. From: Handmade Charlotte
13. Dancing Worms
This is another fun variation on the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment. You’ll need gummy worms, vinegar and baking soda. From: Play Dough to Plato
14. Make Pennies Turn Green
Learn about chemical reactions and make observations with a free printable. You’ll need copper pennies and vinegar. From: Buggy and Buddy
15. Mentos Geyser
Who doesn’t love a good explosion? You’ll need a 2L bottle of dark coloured soda and a pack of Mentos . From: I Can Teach My Child
16. Disappearing Eggshell
Is there anything vinegar can’t do?! You’ll need a mason jar with a lid, eggs and vinegar. From: Premeditated Leftovers
17. Chromatography
These instructions call for a canvas tote bag , but I think a piece of cotton fabric would work too. You’ll need fabric, black water based markers and rubbing alcohol . From: Babble Dabble Do
Which of these looks like the most fun?! I can’t wait to try the dino eggs!
Happy Experimenting!
Reader Interactions
May 21, 2018 at 6:34 pm
These are such great ideas! I cant wait to try a bunch this summer!
May 31, 2018 at 6:59 pm
I hope you do! They’re fun!
February 19, 2018 at 2:35 pm
recently I looks for something different and you helps me a lot. Thanks for the magical ideas.
October 3, 2017 at 1:56 pm
Love these! They look so fun too. Wondering if I can do some of them with my toddlers? Perhaps the shaving cream one?
October 3, 2017 at 3:27 am
Oh these look like soooo much fun! Pinning for later!!!
October 3, 2017 at 2:34 am
Thank you for this post! My five year old wants to be a scientist when he grows up, so we do a lot of science experiments in our house. I love the rainclouds, goop, and constellations.
October 3, 2017 at 1:10 am
These look so fun! I’m sharing so I can come back and do some of these with my kids.
October 2, 2017 at 6:29 pm
My kids will LOVE these! Sharing on my Facebook page for other mamas to see!
October 2, 2017 at 9:40 pm
I’m so glad! Thanks for sharing!
October 2, 2017 at 4:34 pm
These are awesome! My 8 year old son loves doing science experiments so I am saving this one for him! Thanks for sharing!
October 2, 2017 at 9:39 pm
I’m glad you liked it! Have fun experimenting! 🙂
October 2, 2017 at 12:58 pm
Wonderful round up of science projects to do with children. Nice you can make these from common household items.
Yes! So many times I’ve wanted to do fun stuff like this but the project requires such specialized ingredients. I love that I have most of the items required for these experiments already in my cupboards!
October 2, 2017 at 12:54 pm
This list is outstanding!! I love the rain clouds and the walking rainbow! It’s my daughter’s birthday this week and we may have to try these with her friends!
October 2, 2017 at 9:35 pm
I love that it’s a super inexpensive activity, you can just grab a couple cans of shaving cream from the dollar store! Have fun with the birthday celebrations!
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30 Easy Science Experiments for Kids Using Items You Already Have At Home
- Kindergartner
- Preschooler
30 Easy Science Experiments for kids to try using supplies you probably already have in your kitchen, bathroom or craft room. The best science experiments for curious and creative kids!
Science for Kids
I have rounded up all the best and easiest science experiments that we have done over the years and many many others that are super accessible to create at home. They use supplies that are easily available in most homes and classrooms or can easily (and cheaply) be acquired. These are fun and exciting ideas perfect for preschoolers and up. These experiments will wow your kids and get them asking a million and one questions!
- Amazing Dancing Water Beads: STEAM Activity
Make water beads dance in a jar in this easy idea.
- Awesome Fizzy Ice Cream Shop Sensory Bin
Ice cream anyone! Serve up delicious looking ice cream cones that fizz and pop!
- Easy Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment for Kids
One of our favorites using baking soda and vinegar. A classic for a reason and a great way to keep kids busy at home.
- Walking Rainbow Heart Experiment
So simple yet so amazing. A great way to look at capillary action at work!
- How to Make Glow in the Dark Slime
This amazing Glow in the Dark Slime is one your kids will love and its mess free! All you need is three easy ingredients!!
- How to Make Oobleck for Kids
Learn how to make one of the best taste safe sensory play materials for kids: oobleck! It uses only 2 ingredients: corn starch and water!
- DIY Water Wall
DIY Water Wall is an amazing STEAM activity for kids this summer! Its a great way to beat the summer heat!
- Pool Noodle Marble Run
- Growing a Carbon Sugar Snake
- How to Build a Toilet Paper Roll Balloon Car
- Flying Tea Bag Ghosts
- Candle and Rising Water Science Experiment
- Leak Proof Bag Science Experiment for Kids
- Egg Drop Experiment
- Floating Dry Erase Marker Experiment
More Easy Science Experiments for Kids
- Density Tower Experiment
- How To Make Colour Changing Lemonade
- Ice Cube on a String Experiment
- Soda Gysers
- Surprise! You Can Stand on Eggs
- Make A Sundial Experiment
- Light Refraction Magic
- Sugar Water Rainbows
- Rainbow Celery
- Water Cycle In A Bag
- Fun Thanksgiving Milk Experiment
- Playing with Magnets
- Oil & Water Experiment
- Tie-Dye with Sharpies and Rubbing Alcohol
- DIY Toy Parachute
Age Suitability for these Easy Science Experiments
This activity is good for kids 3 years and up with adult assistance. My kids are 4, 4, and 8 year old.
Mess Level for these Easy Science Experiments
This is a mess level is varies.
Difficulty to Create these Easy Science Experiments
Easy to medium.
Skills Developed in Easy Science Experiments
Language development, problem solving skill, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, imaginative play, creativity.
(This post and list contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission. Please visit my disclosure policy for more information.)
Check out My Books, TV Show & Play Kits!
Book: super steam activity book for kids.
Learning all about science, technology, engineering, art, and math sets kids up for scholastic success―and it can be so much fun! Watch kids enjoy building STEAM skills as they color friendly fish, help water find its way to tree roots, solve math problems with mazes, and more.
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Book: Exciting Sensory Bins for Curious Kids
Did you know I wrote a book of sensory bins? Click here for more information Exciting Sensory Bin for Curious Kids . Or grab your copy at Amazon .
Boring afternoons are made exciting with awesome animal-based bins, like Salty Shark Bay or Yarn Farm. Pretend play bins like Birthday Cake Sensory Play or Bubble Tea Party encourage creativity and imagination. And your kids will have so much fun they won’t even know they’re getting smarter with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities like Sink or Float Soup, Magnetic Letter Hunt or Ice Cream Scoop and Count.
Book: Big Book of Riddles for Kids – coming out September 27, 2022
Book: steam crafts for kids – coming out november 29, 2022, tv show: curious crafting.
I’m so excited to finally share my new crafting TV show Curious Crafting which launched July 1 at on TVOkids and TVOkids YouTube !
This show is all about fun and easy crafts for toddlers and preschoolers.
Set in the ultimate crafting space, Curious Crafting is a short form pre-school age series about the joy of making crafts. I lead a rotating cast of adorable little preschoolers (including my own) making magic out of common household objects.
In each episode we transform recycled items into magical crafts like a milk carton school bus, paper bag puppet or cotton pad turtle. The crafters learn and laugh their way through each activity while demonstrating what their young imaginations can create.
Curious Crafting shares the adventure and joy of making art with takeaway lessons for creating crafts at home.
The Best Sensory Play Kits for Kids
Play is at the core of learning during the early years and it can take many forms. One of the most important of these is sensory play because it engages all of a child’s senses (taste, touch, smell, sight and hearing) and has a enoumous positive impact on brain development.
Our Sensory Play Kits are some fun and easy ways to keep your child engaged while at the same time using sensory play to nurture their mind!
Shop our ready made play kits here .
Will you try any of these easy science experiments with your kids pin it for later.
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50 Fun Kids Science Experiments
Science doesn’t need to be complicated. These easy science experiments below are awesome for kids! They are visually stimulating, hands-on, and sensory-rich, making them fun to do and perfect for teaching simple science concepts at home or in the classroom.
Top 10 Science Experiments
Click on the titles below for the full supplies list and easy step-by-step instructions. Have fun trying these experiments at home or in the classroom, or even use them for your next science fair project!
Baking Soda Balloon Experiment
Can you make a balloon inflate on its own? Grab a few basic kitchen ingredients and test them out! Try amazing chemistry for kids at your fingertips.
Rainbow In A Jar
Enjoy learning about the basics of color mixing up to the density of liquids with this simple water density experiment . There are even more ways to explore rainbows here with walking water, prisms, and more.
This color-changing magic milk experiment will explode your dish with color. Add dish soap and food coloring to milk for cool chemistry!
Seed Germination Experiment
Not all kids’ science experiments involve chemical reactions. Watch how a seed grows , which provides a window into the amazing field of biology .
Egg Vinegar Experiment
One of our favorite science experiments is a naked egg or rubber egg experiment . Can you make your egg bounce? What happened to the shell?
Dancing Corn
Find out how to make corn dance with this easy experiment. Also, check out our dancing raisins and dancing cranberries.
Grow Crystals
Growing borax crystals is easy and a great way to learn about solutions. You could also grow sugar crystals , eggshell geodes , or salt crystals .
Lava Lamp Experiment
It is great for learning about what happens when you mix oil and water. a homemade lava lamp is a cool science experiment kids will want to do repeatedly!
Skittles Experiment
Who doesn’t like doing science with candy? Try this classic Skittles science experiment and explore why the colors don’t mix when added to water.
Lemon Volcano
Watch your kids’ faces light up, and their eyes widen when you test out cool chemistry with a lemon volcano using common household items, baking soda, and vinegar.
Bonus! Popsicle Stick Catapult
Kid tested, STEM approved! Making a popsicle stick catapult is a fantastic way to dive into hands-on physics and engineering.
Grab the handy Top 10 Science Experiments list here!
Free Science Ideas Guide
Grab this free science experiments challenge calendar and have fun with science right away. Use the clickable links to see how to set up each science project.
Get Started With A Science Fair Project
💡Want to turn one of these fun and easy science experiments into a science fair project? Then, you will want to check out these helpful resources.
- Easy Science Fair Projects
- Science Project Tips From A Teacher
- Science Fair Board Ideas
Easy Science Experiments For Kids
Science Experiments By Topic
Are you looking for a specific topic? Check out these additional resources below. Each topic includes easy-to-understand information, everyday examples, and additional hands-on activities and experiments.
- Chemistry Experiments
- Physics Experiments
- Chemical Reaction Experiments
- Candy Experiments
- Plant Experiments
- Kitchen Science
- Water Experiments
- Baking Soda Experiments
- States Of Matter Experiments
- Physical Change Experiments
- Chemical Change Experiments
- Surface Tension Experiments
- Capillary Action Experiments
- Weather Science Projects
- Geology Science Projects
- Space Activities
- Simple Machines
- Static Electricity
- Potential and Kinetic Energy
- Gravity Experiments
- Magnet Activities
- Light Experiments
Science Experiments By Season
- Spring Science
- Summer Science Experiments
- Fall Science Experiments
- Winter Science Experiments
Science Experiments by Age Group
While many experiments can be performed by various age groups, the best science experiments for specific age groups are listed below.
- Science for Toddlers
- Science for Preschoolers
- Science for Kindergarten
- Elementary Science by Season
- Science for 1st Grade
- Science for 2nd Grade
- Science for 3rd Grade
- Science for 4th Grade
- S cience for 5th Grade
- Science for 6th Grade
- Science for Middle School
How To Teach Science
Kids are curious and always looking to explore, discover, check out, and experiment to discover why things do what they do, move as they move, or change as they change! My son is now 13, and we started with simple science activities around three years of age with simple baking soda science.
Here are great tips for making science experiments enjoyable at home or in the classroom.
Safety first: Always prioritize safety. Use kid-friendly materials, supervise the experiments, and handle potentially hazardous substances yourself.
Start with simple experiments: Begin with basic experiments (find tons below) that require minimal setup and materials, gradually increasing complexity as kids gain confidence.
Use everyday items: Utilize common household items like vinegar and baking soda , food coloring, or balloons to make the experiments accessible and cost-effective.
Hands-on approach: Encourage kids to actively participate in the experiments rather than just observing. Let them touch, mix, and check out reactions up close.
Make predictions: Ask kids to predict the outcome before starting an experiment. This stimulates critical thinking and introduces the concept of hypothesis and the scientific method.
Record observations: Have a science journal or notebook where kids can record their observations, draw pictures, and write down their thoughts. Learn more about observing in science. We also have many printable science worksheets .
Theme-based experiments: Organize experiments around a theme, such as water , air , magnets , or plants . Even holidays and seasons make fun themes!
Kitchen science : Perform experiments in the kitchen, such as making ice cream using salt and ice or learning about density by layering different liquids.
Create a science lab: Set up a dedicated space for science experiments, and let kids decorate it with science-themed posters and drawings.
Outdoor experiments: Take some experiments outside to explore nature, study bugs, or learn about plants and soil.
DIY science kits: Prepare science experiment kits with labeled containers and ingredients, making it easy for kids to conduct experiments independently. Check out our DIY science list and STEM kits.
Make it a group effort: Group experiments can be more fun, allowing kids to learn together and share their excitement. Most of our science activities are classroom friendly!
Science shows or documentaries: Watch age-appropriate science shows or documentaries to introduce kids to scientific concepts entertainingly. Hello Bill Nye and the Magic Schoolbus! You can also check out National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, and NASA!
Ask open-ended questions: Encourage critical thinking by asking open-ended questions that prompt kids to think deeper about what they are experiencing.
Celebrate successes: Praise kids for their efforts and discoveries, no matter how small, to foster a positive attitude towards science and learning.
What is the Scientific Method for Kids?
The scientific method is a way scientists figure out how things work. First, they ask a question about something they want to know. Then, they research to learn what’s already known about it. After that, they make a prediction called a hypothesis.
Next comes the fun part – they test their hypothesis by doing experiments. They carefully observe what happens during the experiments and write down all the details. Learn more about variables in experiments here.
Once they finish their experiments, they look at the results and decide if their hypothesis is right or wrong. If it’s wrong, they devise a new hypothesis and try again. If it’s right, they share their findings with others. That’s how scientists learn new things and make our world better!
Go ahead and introduce the scientific method and get kids started recording their observations and making conclusions. Read more about the scientific method for kids .
Engineering and STEM Projects For Kids
STEM activities include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In addition to our kids’ science experiments, we have lots of fun STEM activities for you to try. Check out these STEM ideas below.
- Building Activities
- Self-Propelling Car Projects
- Engineering Projects For Kids
- What Is Engineering For Kids?
- Lego STEM Ideas
- LEGO Engineering Activities
- STEM Activities For Toddlers
- STEM Worksheets
- Easy STEM Activities For Elementary
- Quick STEM Challenges
- Easy STEM Activities With Paper
Printable Science Projects For Kids
If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!
- 90+ classic science activities with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information. NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
- Best science practices posters and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
- Be a Collector activities pack introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
- Know the Words Science vocabulary pack includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
- My science journal writing prompts explore what it means to be a scientist!!
- Bonus STEAM Project Pack: Art meets science with doable projects!
- Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics
Subscribe to receive a free 5-Day STEM Challenge Guide
~ projects to try now ~.
65 Science Experiments for Kids: Have a Blast at Home
Is your kid bored at the weekends or while on school vacation? Are they couch potato-ing in front of the TV again? I know a brilliant way to keep your child entertained and engage their brain: science experiments.
Whether your child is intrigued by the thought of Imploding Cans or a Lemon Volcano, I’ve put together a list of 65 dazzling science experiments for kids! No need for a fancy science lab — you can do these all from the comfort of your home.
I’ll let you know exactly how to carry out each experiment. Gone are the days when there was nothing to do. Now you have 65 theories to test out!
Easy Science Experiments Kids Will Enjoy
Safety tips, faqs about science experiments for kids.
From making a cloud in a bottle to homemade bouncy balls, here are 65 easy science projects for kids to try. Plus, most use household items, making this a cheap way to pass the time.
1. Cloud in a Bottle
Tightly secure the lid on an empty plastic water bottle. Twist the bottom of the water bottle as tightly as possible. This will compress the air and push all the molecules inside together.
When you open the water bottle, the molecules expand, releasing the pressure and creating an instant cloud.
2. Floating Fish
Learn about solubility and density with this fun experiment. On the bottom of a glass plate, draw the outline of a fish with a dry-erase marker.
After a couple of minutes, slowly pour tap water into the corner of the dish until it covers the plate. The water will move towards the fish drawing, surrounding it. Tilt the plate from side to side and watch as the fish drawing starts to float!
3. Lava Lamp
Learn about density and make a lava lamp at home. Add two inches of baking soda to the bottom of a jar, then fill the rest with vegetable oil until full. These two ingredients won’t mix.
Combine ¼ cup of vinegar with a bit of food coloring in a separate cup. Mix together before pouring the solution into the jar with oil and baking soda.
Turn off the lights and shine a flashlight on your lava lamp!
4. Foamy Fountain (Elephant’s Toothpaste)
In this experiment, kids will make foam with a few household ingredients. In scientific terms, this is called an Exothermic Reaction.
Pour ¾ cup of hydrogen peroxide into a bottle. Add 10 drops of food coloring and one tablespoon of dish soap. Swirl it around to mix.
Combine three tablespoons of warm water and one tablespoon of dry yeast in a separate cup. Mix for 30 seconds.
Use a funnel to pour the yeast-water combination into the bottle and watch it fantastically foam!
Don’t touch the foam. We know it’s tempting, but it contains peroxide, which can irritate your skin and eyes.
5. Magic Milk
Pour whole milk into a shallow pie dish with a flat surface. Add a few drops of food coloring to different parts of the dish. You can use tons of different colors!
In a separate bowl, pour some dish soap. Dip a cotton swab into the dish soap and gently touch the surface of the milk with the swab.
The soap will lower the surface tension of the milk, and the colors will burst and swim around.
6. Egg in a Bottle
Did you know you can fit an egg in a bottle without breaking it? Firstly, boil and peel your egg. Then grab a glass bottle (no plastic!) and ensure that the opening is smaller than the diameter of the egg.
With an adult’s help, light three matches and drop them into the bottle. Place the egg at the bottle’s opening with the wide end pointing up. The egg will slowly squeeze into the bottle as the fire goes out!
7. Floating Ping Pong Ball
Levitate a ping pong ball with Bernoulli’s Principle! Make a paper funnel using thick card. With a grown-up’s help, cut a small hole in the bottom of the funnel.
Insert a straw into the bottom of the funnel and secure it in place with putty or tape.
Add a ping pong ball (or DIY foil ball) into the funnel and put the long end of the straw in your mouth. Blow into the straw and watch the ball levitate because of the high speed and low-pressure air.
8. Imploding Cans
Fill up a few empty soda cans with a bit of water. Then, fill up a large bowl with ice cubes and water.
Heat a flat frying pan on the stove and carefully stand your cans on the frying pan until they are hot. Using tongs, transfer the hot cans one at a time into the ice water.
When the cans drastically change temperature, they implode on themselves and crush inwards.
This is one for parents to do and kids to watch. It’s not safe for kids to do on their own.
9. Eggs and Toothpaste
Learn about the power of toothpaste in this shocking science project for kids. Fill up four glasses, two with soda and two with lemon juice. Then cover two eggs in toothpaste and pop one into a soda glass and another into the lemon juice glass.
Next, place two more eggs into the remaining glasses. This time, they’re not covered in toothpaste. Leave all the eggs in the glasses for 12 hours.
Once the time is up, remove the eggs, rinse under cool water, and pat dry. You’ll notice that the eggs covered in toothpaste feel and look different than those without. This emphasizes the significance and protective abilities of toothpaste.
10. Black Pepper Trick
Teach kids about surface tension and the power of soap in this fun and easy experiment. Pour a thin layer of water onto a plate. Pour a bit of ground pepper all over the water’s surface.
Then pour a tiny amount of dish soap onto your finger. Dip your finger into the water, and you’ll notice the pepper quickly zoom away from your finger.
Need something for your science fair project? People will love watching this one in action!
11. Ice Cream in a Bag
Have fun and try something yum! Pour four ounces of milk and cream, ¼ teaspoon of vanilla, two tablespoons of sugar, two teaspoons of vanilla, and food coloring (optional) into a zip-bag and ensure it’s securely closed.
Place the bag into a larger zip-bag and fill it with ice and a small handful of salt to surround the smaller bag. Zip it shut and hold either side while shaking back and forward for about five to eight minutes.
Yes, your arms will be tired. But in the end, you’ll have ice cream! Open the large bag and remove the smaller bag. Rinse off salt from the bag and open it up. It’s ice cream time!
12. Magic Melting Skittles
Grab a plate and line up Skittles around the edge of the bowl. Pour a little bit of boiling water into the plate to surround the bottom. Watch as the colors from the Skittles slowly melt off and swirl together on the plate.
This experiment has endless possibilities. Try it with different colors and shapes on the plate!
13. Bouncy Egg
Turn a raw egg into a bouncy egg! Simply place the raw egg (uncracked) into a glass. Cover it completely with distilled white vinegar and leave for 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can gently scrape off the eggshell, and you’re left with a squishy, bouncy egg.
14. Grow an Avocado Tree
Wash an avocado pit and insert four toothpicks halfway up the side, on all sides. Suspend the pit over a jar and fill the container with enough water to submerge the lower third of the seed. Make sure the broad side of the pit is facing down.
Keep the jar in a warm place out of direct sunlight and change the water every few days. After a few weeks, roots and sprouts should start appearing.
When the sprouts are about six inches, cut it back three inches. This will encourage more growth. When the stem has grown back again, plant the avocado pit in a 10-inch pot with soil, and voila! Your avocado tree will grow.
15. Make Slime
This exciting experiment will provide days of fun! Mix together ¼ of water and ¼ cup of white school glue in a bowl. Add a few drops of food coloring.
In a separate bowl, combine ½ tablespoon of Borax and another ½ cup of water. Stir to combine. Add the solution to the glue mixture, and enjoy playing with the slime!
16. DIY Rock Candy
On the stove, combine a 1:3 ratio of water and sugar. Bring it to the boil.
Let it cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a large glass or jar. If you want colorful rock candy, add food coloring to the solution and stir.
Pour half a cup of sugar onto a plate. Dampen a wooden skewer in water and roll it around in the sugar. Then place the skewer into the glass jar and secure it in place with a clothespin so it stays in the middle of the jar.
After five days, your rock candy will have formed. Use a skewer to break the piece of rock candy out of the water. Place it inside an empty jar to dry, and yum! You have your own rock candy.
Ask for an adult’s help for this one since you’ll be using high heat.
17. Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon
Baking soda and vinegar can blow up a balloon without any help from your lungs. Using a funnel, pour about ¼ cup of vinegar into a bottle (with an opening small enough to stretch the mouth of a balloon over).
Put the mouth of the balloon over the funnel and add one tablespoon of baking soda to the balloon. Stretch the balloon over the bottle’s mouth and empty the baking soda into the bottle.
Watch as the balloon fills up with air. More technically, it’s carbon dioxide because that’s what happens when you combine baking soda and vinegar.
18. Frozen Bubbles
Blowing bubbles can be even more fun when the temperatures are below freezing. The bubble solution can freeze on the spot! You can do this with a bubble solution and a bubble wand — wave it around to produce bubbles.
The bubbles will either freeze mid-air, once they fall to the ground, or even while they are still attached to the wand.
Another option is to pour the bubble solution onto a plate or shallow bowl. Use a straw to blow a bubble into the solution. The bubble will slowly freeze, forming ice crystals.
You can pop the bubble and notice how it shatters and crumples rather than disappears like a normal bubble.
19. DIY Phone Speaker
When you don’t have your own Bluetooth speaker, you can easily make one with paper cups and toilet roll tubes. On the toilet roll tube, cut out an opening on one side that will fit the bottom of your phone.
On the paper cups, cut out a small opening to fit the end of the toilet roll tube through. Connect the pieces together, choose your favorite song, and insert your phone speaker into the toilet roll tube.
The system will naturally amplify the sound from the phone! Dancy party time.
20. Invisible Ink
Reveal hidden messages with this science project for kids. Pour ⅓ cup of baking soda and ⅓ cup of water into a bowl. Mix together before adding a cotton swab into the solution and writing a secret message onto a card.
Pour 100 percent grape juice into a cup. Dip in a paintbrush and paint over the secret message to reveal it. This is a great way to teach about acids and bases.
21. Milk Bottle Xylophone
Make music with items you already have in the house. Line up six glass bottles and pour a different amount of water into each jar.
Make music by tapping a metal spoon on each jar. Notice how the amount of liquid in each jar changes the sound waves and vibrations, resulting in a higher and lower pitch.
22. Dancing Raisins
Fill a clear glass with clear soda and fill another glass with water. Place a few raisins in each glass and notice how the raisins dance in the soda liquid but not in water. This is because the gas bubbles carry the raisins up, and when the bubbles pop, the raisins sink again.
23. Exploding Lunch Bag
This chemistry test is a great way to add excitement to a dull Saturday morning!
Fill a zippable lunch bag with ¼ cup of warm water. Add ½ cup of distilled white vinegar. Zip the bag shut.
Place a piece of tissue or paper towel down and pour three teaspoons of baking soda onto the middle. Fold the tissue over itself.
It’s time to be speedy! Open the zippable bag enough to add the baking soda tissue.
Once you’ve added it, quickly shut the bag, put it on the ground and step back. The bag will begin to expand and eventually… BOOM!
Do this experiment outside. You don’t want a mess on your living room floor!
24. Lemon Volcano
Let’s make citrus volcanos! This is a great one for science fair projects.
Cut the top and bottom off a lemon and carve out the insides. Add food coloring to the inside and fill the lemon with baking soda. Mix with a knife and watch as the baking soda starts to fizz out.
You can also try this with different citrus fruits, like an orange or grapefruit. Make it with different colors to have a rainbow volcano collection.
25. Walking Water Rainbow
Place seven identical jars or glasses in a row or a circle. Fill every second jar ¾ full with water, so jars #1, #3, #5, and #7 have water.
Then add a big squirt of red food coloring to jars #1 and #7, yellow to jar #3, and blue to jar #5. Jar #2, #4, and #6 will remain empty.
Fold six paper towels in half (hot-dog style), then in half again, making long, thin pieces of paper towels. Fold each paper towel in half (hamburger-style), so they make a tent shape.
Then place one end of the paper towel in the first cup and the other half in the second cup. Repeat with each paper towel.
Each cup should have two paper towel ends inside unless your cups are in a row. In that case, the first and last cups will only have one paper towel end inside.
After a couple of hours, the paper towels will have soaked up the food coloring using a capillary action. The colors mix together to create the shades of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and purple.
26. Rising Water
Fill a shallow bowl with enough water to cover the bottom. You can add food coloring for more fun!
Place a tealight candle in the middle of the water and light it. Quickly place an empty glass over the candle.
The candle will gently burn out while water rises into the glass. This is a great way to teach Charles’s Law, which conveys how when temperature decreases, the volume does, too, allowing water to rise and fill the empty space.
Get an adult to help with the Rising Water experiment, since it involves fire.
27. Bend Water
Run your kitchen or bathroom tap with a very thin stream of water. Blow up a balloon and create static by rubbing it against a towel or your hair. Hold the balloon close to the water and watch as the water bends towards the balloon.
28. Citrus Pops Balloons
Limonene, a component in citrus, has the ability to dissolve rubber, which is a component of balloons (1) . Therefore, when you squirt citrus onto a balloon, it pops!
Blow up a few balloons. Peel an orange, ensuring you have large pieces of the peel to hold.
Hold the peel a few inches from the balloon, with the rind side facing the rubber. Quickly squeeze the peel so the liquid squirts onto the balloon, and it should pop!
Something To Note
Not all balloons will pop through this experiment. If the balloons are made from natural rubber, they will most likely pop easily. But if the rubber is vulcanized, it’s more durable and harder to dissolve.
29. DIY Compass
Never get lost again! To make a compass, stroke a strong magnet down one length of a sewing needle 50 times. Then flip the magnet and the needle, and repeat on the other side.
Cut a cork so it’s about 1.5 centimeters thick. Push the needle through the cork — you may need to use pliers, so ask a parent for help.
Next, fill a bowl with a few inches of water. Place the cork into the water, and it should point North.
30. Sink or Float
Take note of which ones sink and which ones float. Can you determine why?
31. Optical Illusions
Optical illusions are an incredible way to confuse your brain using your eyes. Why not get a book of optical illusions for your kids to flick through all summer? This will keep them entertained — and amazed.
32. Pumpkin Volcano
Cut a hole in the top of a pumpkin and clean out the insides. Pour ¼ cup of baking soda into the pumpkin with a squirt of dish soap and watch the pumpkin start to foam from the top!
33. Create a Marshmallow Catapult
Stack up six popsicle sticks and tie them together with a rubber band on either end. Then tie a wooden spoon and another popsicle stick together at the bottom end of the spoon. Push the large stack of popsicle sticks between the spoon and the second stick until it’s halfway down.
Secure it together by making an “X” with a rubber band where the two sticks meet. Then put a mini marshmallow on the spoon and pull it back slightly.
The marshmallow should fly through the air! If not, adjust your mechanism until it can catapult the marshmallows.
34. Make Ginormous Bubbles
Make the biggest bubbles your eyes have ever seen! Mix together six cups of distilled or purified water with ½ cup of cornstarch.
Add one tablespoon of baking powder, one tablespoon of glycerine, and ½ cup of dish soap. I recommend Blue Dawn dish soap .
Use it with a giant bubble wand. If you need to make your own giant bubble wand, do this beforehand so you can use the bubbles immediately.
35. Magnet Experiment
Fill a glass with water and add a few tablespoons of magnetic fine iron filings . Run magnets up and down the side of the glass and watch the iron fillings move around.
36. Paper Bridge
All you need for this are pieces of paper, two plastic cups, and a bunch of pennies. Create different types of bridges by trying out different designs with the paper. Add one penny at a time to the bridges to discover the strongest bridge design.
37. Shine Up Pennies
Discover how to clean copper pennies using household items. Fill different cups with different liquids, including white vinegar, soapy water, ketchup, and soda. You can fill up the other cups with any liquid you please!
Put a penny in each cup and wait 10 minutes. Then rinse the pennies with water and rub with a paper towel. Which liquid cleans the pennies best?
38. Egg Drop Challenge
The aim here is to drop the egg into the glass of water. So fill a glass full of water (make sure it’s big enough for the egg) and place a piece of cardboard or a small tray on top of the glass. Then place a toilet paper tube on top of the tray before balancing the egg horizontally on the tube.
When you’re ready, strike the tray or cardboard away with your hand, making sure to send it flying away without knocking over the water. The egg will hang in the air for a split second before dropping into the water.
39. Green Pennies
Above, I taught you how to polish pennies. Did you know you can turn pennies green using a very similar method?
Fill up two bowls with ¼ cup of vinegar and one teaspoon of salt. Mix well. Add a few pennies to each bowl.
After 10 minutes, remove the pennies from one bowl, rinse them, and lay them flat to dry on a paper towel.
Take the other pennies from the second bowl and place them onto the paper towel. Don’t rinse! Wait and see what happens.
The pennies that you rinsed will be polished. But the pennies you didn’t rinse will be green. This is called a patina — a layer caused by the weathering chemical process you just carried out.
40. Homemade Butter
Pour heavy cream into a jar and put the lid on tight. And start shaking! This is a great one for siblings so they can take turns because it can take up to half an hour for the cream to turn to butter!
As the cream solidifies, it separates from the buttermilk. When you remove the lid, pour the buttermilk away; underneath, you’ll have butter. Spread it on your toast, and enjoy!
41. Neon Flowers
Fill up a few glasses with water and five drops of food coloring. Mix well before adding white daisies or carnations to each glass. The next day, your flowers should be bright and colorful!
42. Expanding Soap
Watch what ivory soap does when you microwave it. Submerge a bar of ivory soap into water before cutting it into quarters and placing it on a plate. Pop it in the microwave for two minutes and watch as it expands into a pile of fluff!
43. Sticky Ice
Fill a container with water and ice cubes. Lay a piece of string across the container, ensuring the string is in contact with one or some ice cubes. Sprinkle salt over the string.
One minute later, gently submerge the ice cube slightly under the water to wash the salt off. Pick up the string, and you’ll notice that the ice cube comes with it!
This is because the salt melts the ice a little, and when you wash the salt away, the ice cube refreezes, attaching the string to it.
44. Density Jar
This is what I did my 5th grade science experiment on. Learn all about density with this cool and easy experiment.
Pour some honey into a jar, followed by corn syrup, dish soap, water, oil, and alcohol. The layers of liquid will sit on top of one another rather than mixing together!
45. Soap Boat
Cut out a mini boat about one-inch long using card or paper. Fill up a large tray or container with water. Dip a cotton swab into dish soap and place a tiny amount on the back of the paper boat.
Watch as it starts zooming around the water! This works because the soap breaks the surface tension of the water and creates a force strong enough to push the paper through the liquid.
46. Dancing Sprinkles
Place plastic wrap tightly over a bowl and secure it with a rubber band. Make sure there aren’t any wrinkles.
Pour a few sprinkles over the plastic wrap. Lean closely and hum songs near the bowl. The louder or higher you sing, the different sound waves you’ll create.
You can also try placing a speaker into the bowl before you place the plastic wrap over it. Once you’ve poured on your sprinkles, play a song and watch the sprinkles boogy!
47. Eggs and Salt Water
Fill a glass full of water. Fill a second glass all the way with water and add a bunch of salt. And finally, fill a third halfway with water.
Place an egg in the plain, full glass of water and watch as it sinks. In the salty glass of water, the egg floats. Finally, add salt to the third glass of water, allowing it to dissolve slightly before placing the egg inside.
What does the egg do? It floats. But if you pour water on top of it so the glass is full, the egg stays in the middle. This is a great science lesson to teach density to kids.
48. Leakproof Bag
Fill a plastic zippable bag half full with water and seal it shut. Stab a sharp pencil through the bag until it comes out the other side. Repeat with a few more pencils. Notice how the bag doesn’t leak water when you stab the pencils through!
50. Frozen Baking Soda
Fill a freezable tray with one cup of baking soda. Add three cups of water and food coloring. Mix well.
Add some figurine toys to the mixture and freeze the mixture overnight. Start pouring vinegar into the mixture as you try and rescue the figurine toys. The vinegar will slowly break down the baking soda with a fizzing reaction until you can break free the figurines.
51. Leaf Breathing
Fill three bowls with warm water. Place one freshly picked leaf in each bowl and hold the leaf down with a small rock. After a few hours, check back, and you’ll notice little oxygen bubbles all over the leaves.
These bubbles convey the oxygen coming out of the leaves. This highlights that plants breathe! They take in carbon dioxide and transform it into oxygen, which goes back into the air we breathe.
52. Exploding Colors
Fill a tray with baking soda. Fill an ice cube tray with distilled white vinegar. Add food coloring to the vinegar. Use an eyedropper to transfer the colored vinegar to the baking soda, and watch the colors explode!
53. Floating Paperclip
When you drop a paperclip into water, it will sink because it has a bigger density than water. But with this experiment, you can make it float!
Bend a paperclip to create an “L” shape. Balance another paperclip on the bottom end of the “L” shaped paperclip.
Gently lower the paperclips into the water, sliding out the “L” shaped one from beneath the second paperclip. The second paperclip will now float!
54. Viscosity Experiment
Fill three glasses with different liquids like water, olive oil, and honey. Place a ruler over the top of the glasses with a marble balancing above each glass.
At the same time, tip the marbles into the cups and watch which one reaches the bottom first. This is a great science lesson on viscosity.
55. Plastic Milk
Create your own plastic using milk. Pour one cup of fat-free milk into a saucepan with four teaspoons of white vinegar. Stir gently to combine.
Set the heat to a high temperature. Don’t stir. After a couple of minutes, the milk will start separating.
Gently stir the solution, and the milk will form a big curd called a casing. Voila! You’ve made plastic out of milk. You can mold and cut it into anything you want.
Adults should help set the heat to a high temperature and stir the milk. Don’t leave your child unattended with this experiment.
56. Oxidation With Apples
Learn about oxidation with this fun and fruity experiment.
Get 10 plastic cups and pour ½ cup of water in all but one cup. Then add ½ teaspoon of ingredients to each water-filled cup, including vinegar, honey, salt, sugar, baking soda, and anything else you’d like to try.
With the help of an adult, cut up 10 apple slices. Place one apple slice in each solution for 10 minutes.
Remove them from the solution and wait another 10 minutes. Notice how the oxidation process varies depending on what solution the apple slice was exposed to.
57. Sunscreen Science
Using bright construction paper, fold each sheet in half and open it back up. Squeeze sunscreen onto a paper plate and use a paintbrush to draw a picture on one half of the construction paper.
On the other half of the paper, apply a spray-on sunscreen. Leave the paper outside in the sun for a few hours, ideally all day.
Notice how the sunscreen bleaches the part of the paper that doesn’t have sunscreen on it. But the sunscreen portion is protected! This is a great way to enforce the importance of sunscreen.
58. Static Electricity Hair
Teach your kids about electrons and negative vs. positive charge with this silly balloon experiment! Rub the surface of a balloon with a cloth for around one minute. Hold it slightly above your head and watch your hair move upwards towards the balloon.
59. Chicken in a Cup
Punch a hole in the bottom of a plastic cup. Attach a paperclip to the end of the ribbon and weave the other side through the hole so the paperclip is inside the cup. Dampen the dangling part of the ribbon slightly.
Hold the cup tightly in one hand and use your other hand to squeeze the ribbon and pull it down in sharp, short movements. All going well, it should make chicken noises!
60. Gummy Bear Osmosis
Pour water, coke, salt water, and white vinegar into four separate cups. Add one gummy bear into each cup and wait 24 hours. Remove the gummy bears and notice how they expand or stay the same depending on the liquid they rested in.
Weigh and measure the gummy bears before and after the experiment to track exactly how much they changed.
61. Make a Sundial
Make your own sundial to help you tell time! Start by poking a stick in the ground. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, tilt the stick at a bit of an angle to the North. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, angle it slightly to the South.
Every hour, take note of where the stick’s shadow is pointing on the ground. So, at 7 a.m., head outside and mark the shadow with a rock. Repeat at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., and so forth. As long as the sun is in the sky, you can use your sundial to tell the time.
62. Homemade Bouncy Balls
Combine ½ teaspoon of Borax with two tablespoons of warm water. Add a few drops of food coloring (optional). Then add one tablespoon of school glue to a separate bowl. Add glitter if you’d like.
Now add ½ teaspoon of the Borax solution into your glue, followed by one tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir well.
Once the solution has hardened, pick it up and mold it into a ball. Leave it to dry for 10 minutes. Watch it bounce!
63. Instant Ice
Fill a plastic bottle with water and place it in the freezer for two hours. Carefully remove it from the freezer.
Place a bowl or cup upside down and set an ice cube on top of it. Then, slowly pour the cold water onto the ice cube and watch instant ice form!
As an extra step, you can pour the cold water into a glass. Then hold an ice cube slightly into the water’s surface and watch as the water slowly freezes beneath it.
64. Mystery Smell
Get an adult or friend to fill up various opaque containers with different objects, such as chocolate, milk, vanilla, and other fragranced items. The children should put a blindfold on and sniff the different containers, trying to guess what is inside.
65. What Dissolves in Water?
This experiment is fantastic for learning what dissolves in water and what doesn’t. Drop some ingredients into various cups — oil, sugar, pepper, flour, and more. Then add warm water and stir.
Make it more fun by guessing beforehand which ingredients will dissolve and which won’t. Were your theories correct?
It’s essential to stay safe during your science fair projects and experiments. Here are five tips for ensuring your child is safe while they meddle with science.
- Stay nearby: Don’t leave your child unattended while they perform science experiments. Stay nearby without distractions to keep an eye on what your child tries out.
- Wear protective clothing: It’s a good idea to wear a lab coat, glasses, and goggles while conducting experiments. Many ingredients, even natural ones, can irritate the skin and eyes.
- Provide clear instructions: Before your child attempts a science experiment, ensure you have given them clear instructions, and they have a good understanding of what to do.
- Only do approved experiments: The experiments on this list have been tried and tested many times. I urge you to stick with approved experiments. Don’t make up your own experiments, as many mixtures and chemical combinations can make toxic gasses.
- Work in a well-ventilated spot: Some ingredients might cause nausea, dizziness, and headaches. So always work in a well-ventilated spot near an air purifier or open window.
What Are the Most Popular Science Experiments?
The most well-known science project experiment is definitely the baking soda and vinegar volcano. It has a beloved place in school fairs, movies, and TV shows.
Other popular projects include invisible ink, growing crystals, making a vegetable battery, making a baking soda rocket, and elephant’s toothpaste.
What Are Some Simple Science Experiments?
Your science experiment doesn’t need to be super complicated.
Keep it nice and simple with these easy experiments:
- Magic Milk.
- Black Pepper Trick.
- Dancing Raisins.
- Sink or Float.
- Eggs and Salt Water.
About the Author
Beth McCallum
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20 Awesome Science Experiments You Can Do Right Now At Home
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Morenike Adebayo
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We can all agree that science is awesome. And you can bring that awesomeness into your very own home with these 20 safe DIY experiments you can do right now with ordinary household items.
1. Make Objects Seemingly Disappear Refraction is when light changes direction and speed as it passes from one object to another. Only visible objects reflect light. When two materials with similar reflective properties come into contact, light will pass through both materials at the same speed, rendering the other material invisible. Check out this video from BritLab on how to turn glass invisible using vegetable oil and pyrex glass.
2. Freeze Water Instantly When purified water is cooled to just below freezing point, a quick nudge or an icecube placed in it is all it takes for the water to instantly freeze. You can finally have the power of Frozone from The Incredibles on a very small scale! Check out the video on this "cool" experiment.
3. Create Oobleck And Make It Dance To The Music Named after a sticky substance in a children’s book by Dr Seuss , Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid, which means it can behave as both a solid and a liquid. And when placed on a sound source, the vibrations causes the mixture to gloopily dance. Check out these instructions from Housing A Forest on how to make this groovy fluid funk out in every way.
4. Create Your Own Hybrid Rocket Engine With a combination of a solid fuel source and a liquid oxidizer, hybrid rocket engines can propel themselves. And on a small scale, you can create your own hybrid rocket engine, using pasta, mouthwash and yeast. Sadly, it won’t propel much, but who said rocket science ain’t easy? Check out this video from NightHawkInLight on how to make this mini engine.
5. Create "Magic Mud" Another non-Newtonian fluid here, this time from the humble potato. "Magic Mud" is actually starch found in potatoes. It’ll remain hard when handled but leave it alone and it turns into a liquid. Make your own “Magic Mud” with this video.
6. Command The Skies And Create A Cloud In A Bottle Not quite a storm in a teacup, but it is a cloud in a bottle. Clouds up in the sky are formed when water vapor cools and condenses into visible water droplets. Create your own cloud in a bottle using a few household items with these wikiHow instructions .
7. Create An Underwater Magical World First synthesized by Adolf van Baeyer in 1871, fluorescein is a non-toxic powder found in highlighter pens, and used by NASA to find shuttles that land in the sea. Create an underwater magical world with this video from NightHawkInLight .
9. Make Your Own Lava Lamp Inside a lava lamp are colored bubbles of wax suspended in a clear or colorless liquid, which changes density when warmed by a heating element at the base, allowing them to rise and fall hypnotically. Create your own lava lamp with these video instructions.
10. Create Magnetic Fluid A ferrofluid is a liquid that contains nanoscale particles of metal, which can become magnetized. And with oil, toner and a magnet , you can create your own ferrofluid and harness the power of magnetism!
12. Make Waterproof Sand A hydrophobic substance is one that repels water. When sand is combined with a water-resistant chemical, it becomes hydrophobic. So when it comes into contact with water, the sand will remain dry and reusable. Make your own waterproof sand with this video .
13. Make Elephant's Toothpaste Elephant’s toothpaste is a steaming foamy substance created by the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, which sort of resembles giant-sized toothpaste. Make your own elephant’s toothpaste with these instructions.
14. Make Crystal Bubbles When the temperature falls below 0 o C (32 o F), it’s possible to freeze bubbles into crystals. No instructions needed here, just some bubble mix and chilly weather.
15. Make Moving Liquid Art Mixing dish soap and milk together causes the surface tension of the milk to break down. Throw in different food colorings and create this trippy chemical reaction.
16. Create Colourful Carnations Flowers absorb water through their stems, and if that water has food coloring in it, the flowers will also absorb that color. Create some wonderfully colored flowers with these wikiHow instructions .
17. "Magically" Turn Water Into Wine Turn water into wine with this video by experimenter Dave Hax . Because water has a higher density than wine, they can switch places. Amaze your friends with this fun science trick.
18. Release The Energy In Candy (Without Eating It) Dropping a gummy bear into a test tube with potassium chlorate releases the chemical energy inside in an intense chemical reaction. That’s exactly what's happening when you eat candy, kids.
19. Make Water "Mysteriously" Disappear Sodium polyacrylate is a super-absorbent polymer, capable of absorbing up to 300 times its own weight in water. Found in disposable diapers, you can make water disappear in seconds with this video .
20. Create A Rainbow In A Jar Different liquids have different masses and different densities. For example, oil is less dense than water and will float on top of its surface. By combining liquids of different densities and adding food coloring, you can make an entire rainbow in a jar with this video .
There you have it – 20 experiments for you to explore the incredible world of science!
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100+ Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home (Using Materials You Already Have!)
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Looking for fun science experiments to do at home with your kids? We’ve compiled the ultimate list of cool science experiments for kids – most of which can be done with materials you already have on hand!
Children are naturally curious about the world around them, but explaining scientific concepts without a physical demonstration can be confusing, and well, just not fun! We’ve found the best way to teach science is with simple science experiments that provide hands-on learning opportunities – making concepts more accessible, and most importantly, extremely fun and memorable for kids.
We’ve scoured the web to pull together an epic list of the best easy science experiments you can do at home with your kids. Whether you have preschoolers starting at square one, or tweens or teens looking for the ultimate Science Fair project idea, this list has it all – ranging from weather, water and physics experiments, to chemical reactions and explosions (always a kid favorite!).
And you won’t have to make a special trip to the craft or hardware store – almost all of these fun science experiments use common household ingredients that you probably already have at home. Score!
So what are you waiting for – dive right in and have some science fun!
PIN for when you’re ready to perform a fun science experiment:
Science Experiments using Chemistry (Hello, Explosions!)
Your kids will have a blast watching how different materials react and change with these simple chemistry experiments – there’s tons of bubbly explosions, fizzy reactions and rainbow creations to choose from!
(1) These Oozing Pumpkins are sure to bring lots of laughs from your young scientists as you create overflowing reactions from baking soda and white vinegar. (via Little Bins for Little Hands)
(2) Or swap the pumpkin for a lemon to create a miniature volcano right in your kitchen with this Lemon Volcano . (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
(3) Go big or go home with this incredible Watermelon Volcano experiment where you just need a few simple materials including baking soda, dish soap, vinegar and a little bit of food coloring. (via Preschool Play & Learn)
(4) We love this colorful twist on the classic Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction . It just never gets old! (via Crafts by Amanda)
(5) Grab a baking sheet and try this Fizzing Colors activity to make a bubbly piece of art! (via Mom Wife Busy Life)
(6) A fun Rainbow variation on the classic Baking Soda and Vinegar experiment that is sure to make kids smile. (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
(7) Make these amazing Magical Color Changing Unicorn Noodles with cabbage and then squeeze on some lemon to watch the noodles change color! (via Left Brain Craft Brain)
(8) Learn about reactions on a large scale and turn milk into a work of art with this interactive Giant Magic Milk experiment . (via Hello Wonderful)
(9) Up the ante and make this Vinegar & Baking Soda Rocket – the chemical reaction can make it fly 30-50 feet into the air! (via 123 Homeschool for 4)
(10) Or try this super cool Chemical Reaction Car – it gets a boost from a fizzy reaction from a base (sodium bicarbonate, aka baking soda) and an acid (vinegar) which mix together and release carbon dioxide. (via Left Brain Craft Brain)
(11) Kids love this simple experiment about Apple Oxidation where they can predict which liquid will keep the apple slices from browning, then test their hypothesis. (via Jennifer Findley)
(12) Ever wonder why the Statue of Liberty is green? Get the answer to that question and learn a little bit about a famous US landmark with this cool Penny Science Experiment . (via The Keele Deal)
(13) Wow your kids by making raisins dance! This Dancing Raisins chemical experiment requires minimal ingredients (water + baking soda) but gets maximum results. (via 123 Homeschool 4 ME)
(14) What happens if you drop an egg? It cracks, right? But what if you drop a bouncy egg?! Learn how to make Bouncing Eggs with this fun kitchen experiment. (via 123 Homeschool 4 ME)
(15) It’s an old classic, but it’s still fun to do – try to fit a hardboiled egg into a glass jar with this Egg in a Bottle experiment. (via Left Brain Craft Brain)
(16) Practice fire safety while learning about the relationship between oxygen and fire with this incredibly simple Fire Safety Experiment . (via Mama Smiles)
(17) Impress your kids with this cool Smoking Fingers Trick that makes it look like your fingers are on fire as smoke rises from them! And yes, it’s best to leave this one to the grown-ups for demonstration. (via Left Brain Craft Brain)
(18) Kids will enjoy watching these balloons inflate “on their own” in this fun Balloon experiment . (via All for the Boys)
(19) With a few ingredients from your pantry, you can head outside and try this Exploding Sidewalk Chalk , because who doesn’t love messy explosions?! (via Hess Un-Academy)
(20) How do elephants keep their teeth clean? With Elephant Toothpaste of course! This is one of the best science experiments for kids of all ages – from preschoolers to teens. All it takes is hydrogen peroxide, dry yeast, dish soap and food coloring to make this super cool foamy reaction. (via Teach Beside Me)
(21) Kids (and parents) will enjoy seeing the “lava” flowing in this fun experiment where you can Take a Look Inside of a Volcano ! (via 123 Homeschool 4 Me)
(22) How pretty are these Crystal Flowers ? They’re a craft and science experiment all in one! (via Preschool Play & Learn)
(23) Make your own sweet treat, with this Fizzy Sherbet and learn the science behind why it tickles your tongue. (via Go Science Kids)
(24) Grab all your dull pennies and task your little scientists to try different solutions to determine How to Clean Pennies , then learn why some solutions work better than others. (via Gally Kids)
Weather Science Experiments for Kids
Why is it rainy one day and sunny the next? What causes thunder and lightning? How do clouds form?
The weather is always changing and easily observable by kids. That makes weather experiments not only super fun, but incredibly relevant for children of all ages. Explore weather-related science with these easy experiments:
(1) Have fun creating your very own rain clouds using shaving cream and food coloring with this Rain Cloud in a Jar activity. (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
(2) If you’ve got a marker and a plastic zipper bag, your kids will love getting to watch the water cycle in action by creating their very own Water Cycle in a Bag . (via Playdough to Plato)
(3) Or simply use a glass bowl and some ice cubes for a Water Cycle Experiment on the kitchen counter! (via Taming Little Monsters)
(4) Alternatively, reuse plastic bottles for a hands-on Water Cycle Experiment . (via 123 Homeschool 4 ME)
(5) Now that you know all about the water cycle, why not Build Your Own Rain Gauge ? (via Nurture Store)
(6) Learn what happens when warm air rises and cool air sinks with this colorful simple experiment. (via Mom Brite)
(7) Kids will love watching a cloud form and escape when you Create a Cloud in a Water Bottle . (via Playing with Rain)
(8) If you don’t have an empty water bottle lying around, you can check out this post to create another billowing cloud using a mason jar . It is so exciting to watch the clouds roll out of the jars! (via Little Bins for Little Hands)
(9) This Tornado in a Jar is one of the most classic science experiments and is always a hit with kids. (via Natural Beach Living)
(10) Light a fire and learn about how heat moves from the Earth in this Observing Conduction experiment. (via Learn, Play, Imagine)
(11) If it’s too cold to go out and play, make the most of your time inside with this Snowstorm in a Jar . (via Taming Little Monsters)
(12) You can create your own lightning spark at home with static electricity by using just a balloon and a metal spoon! (via Learn, Play, Imagine)
(13) Have you ever wondered how hail forms? Well, you’re in luck! Grab your hair dryer for this Understanding Hail activity . (via Playing with Rain)
(14) Watch wind create energy by Making a Pinwheel. (via Science Sparks)
(15) Your kids will love learning about ice caps and polar regions with this fun sensory Melting Polar Ice Caps science activity. (via Science Sparks)
(16) And if that’s not enough snow, you can kick it up a notch with this Avalanche Experiment . (via A Dab of Glue Will Do)
(17) Grab some sidewalk chalk on a sunny day for a Human Sundial Experiment . (via Rhythms of Play)
(18) Make your own Rainbow and learn about refraction and dispersion of light. (via Rookie Parenting)
Easy Science Experiments with Candy
Adding candy makes anything more exciting for kids (or at least more sweet!), and these cool candy science experiments are no exception.
These experiments are easy, fun, and a great way to use up any extra candy that might be hanging around after the holidays!
(1) Create a rainbow on your plate with this stunning Easy Skittles Experiment . (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
(2) Now this is an experiment that kids will get excited about! Make your own Homemade Rock Candy while learning about the crystallization process. (via Better Life Blog)
(3) Explore chromatography, a technique for separating difference substances (in this case, candy and dye), with this cool Candy Chromatography kid-friendly experiment. (via Mama Miss)
(4) Learn about osmosis and watch gummy candy magically grow with this simple Gummy Bear Science Experiment . (via Playdough to Plato)
(5) Does your child like to collect rocks? Why not let them dig deeper by making these Edible Sedimentary Rocks . (via Rainy Day Mum)
(6) Watch your kids get excited as you make Pop Rocks blow up a balloon in this epic Pop Rock Science Experiment . (via 123 Homeschool 4 ME)
(7) While many people either love or do not love bright marshmallow Peeps, everyone will love learning what makes them dissolve in this Dissolving Peeps experiment. (via A Dab of Glue Will Do)
(8) If your candy has transparent colored wrappers, you can save them to learn about color mixing in with this fun color science project . (via Kids’ Craft Room)
(9) There are many ways to learn about the human body, but we’re pretty sure that the sweetest way is with candy. Kids of all ages will love making this Candy DNA Model . (via Science Sparks)
(10) Your kids won’t be the only wiggle worms in the house with these fun Dancing Frankenworms . (via Playdough to Plato)
(11) Learn how powerful the sun can be with these DIY Solar Oven S’mores . We bet you can’t eat just one! (via Desert Chica)
(12) Your little scientists will LOVE this Mentos Geyser which will teach them what happens when carbon dioxide in Soda meets a Mentos candy, while putting on quite the display! (via I Can Teach My Child)
(13) Usually we’d advise that kids stay far away from broken glass – unless, this is, it’s this yummy Edible Glass ! (via Go Science Kids)
(14) This is a simple science experiment and a magic trick! Find out what happens to sugar when emerged in warm water with this cool Disappearing Candy Cane Stripes experiment. (via Playdough to Plato)
Science Experiments Using Water
If there is anything that is almost universally fun for kids, it’s playing with water. Try one of these fun water science experiments that are perfect for a rainy day indoors, or for keeping cool on a sunny day!
(1) If your little one enjoys all things colorful, they will love this incredible Walking Water Science Experiment – and all you need are paper towels, water and food coloring to get started. (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
(2) Your kids won’t believe their eyes when they see cabbage changing colors in this fun Rainbow Cabbage experiment . (via Growing a Jeweled Rose)
(3) Discover how different liquids react together with this easy experiment that creates a colorful Layered Density Column . (via Steve Spangler Science)
(4) Or learn how water travels upward through vines and stems all while creating a beautiful bouquet with these Color Changing Flowers . (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
(5) Observe how different liquids do or do not mix by creating Fireworks in a Jar . (via Hands on Teaching Ideas)
(6) Find out how temperature affects the density of water with this colorful Hot and Cold Water Density experiment. (via STEAMsational)
(7) “Grow” your own Rainbow with this colorful science experiment that highlights chromatography. (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
(8) Keep exploring the concept of absorption, diffusion and solubility while bringing out your creative side with this Coffee Filter Process Art . (via Babble Dabble Do)
(9) See how quickly you can move water from one container to the next using sponges in this fun Water Transfer Activity. (via Live Well Play Together)
(10) Play with water and Bubbles while learning about surface tension and evaporation. (via Hello Wonderful)
(11) Who else had a lava lamp growing up? This DIY Frozen Lava Lamp experiment is not only simple and fun, but brings back the lava lamp nostalgia! (via Hello Wonderful)
(12) Explore the relationship between gas, pressure, and volume in this easy Rising Water Experiment . (via Team Cartwright)
(13) Explore the power of water pressure with this low-prep, big fun Water Suspension Science activity. (via A Mothership Down)
(14) If you are looking for an activity that you can do almost anywhere, take a couple of minutes for this Water Light Refraction Experiment . (via Go Science Kids)
(15) Learn about absorption and expansion by Measuring Water Beads. (via Blue Bear Wood)
(16) Kids will love watching their drawings come to life with these Floating Dry Erase Figures . So cool! (via Go Science Girls)
(17) What will happen if you poke a hole in a bag full of water? Will it leak? Not with this Leak Proof Bag experiment. (via Montessori from the Heart)
Life Science Experiments for Kids
One of our favorite things to learn about is how living things (ourselves included) work. These life science experiments and activities will spark your child’s curiosity about the world around them!
Life Science Experiments about the Human Body:
(1) Learn how our heart pumps blood to our bodies with this Heart Pump Model . (via Science Sparks)
(2) Your child can learn how our lungs work by making a Model Lung with simple materials you probably have around the house: a plastic bottle, straw, elastic band, balloons and play dough! (via Science Sparks)
(3) These printable life-sized organs allow kids to study their body anatomy in a hands-on way. (via Adventure in a Box)
(4) Learn all about scabs – what causes them (and why they’re so important not to pick!) by making a Fake Jelly Scab that can then be eaten! (via Science Sparks)
(5) If you’re willing to brave glitter, this Glitter Germs Hand Washing Activity teaches children the importance of thorough hand washing while talking about how germs spread. (via The Soccer Mom Blog)
(6) Or, try this Growing Germs easy science experiment which uses an apple and your own child’s germs to not only teach kids to wash their hands, but all about controls and variables too! (via Playdough to Plato)
(7) Demonstrate how tooth decay happens and how to prevent it by soaking eggshells in various liquids in this Tooth Decay experiment. Is sugar a culprit? A great lesson for kids. (via Sciencing)
(8) This super easy Heart Rate Investigation will teach your kids about their heart, blood circulation and pulse, but also get them moving! (via Science Sparks)
(9) Your budding artists will love this Magic Heart Painting activity. Watch the cardiovascular system appear before their eyes! (via Taming Little Monsters)
Life Science Experiments with Plants:
(10) How do different liquids affect plant growth? Find out with this Plant Growth experiment – it’s one of our favorite science experiments and makes a great Science Fair Project! (via Lemon Lime Adventures)
(11) Discuss how plants grow and what they need to thrive by growing a Bean in a Jar . (via Growling a Jeweled Rose)
(12) Or use a plastic bag instead! All you need is a Ziploc baggie, a few beans and a damp paper towel to Grow Beans in a Bag . (via Community Playthings)
(13) Combine engineering and science while learning all about germination with this DIY Sprout House . (via The STEM Laboratory)
(14) Observe plant growth both above and beneath the “ground” by planting bulbs in a clear cup . (via Buggy and Buddy)
(15) Watch how plants respond to sunlight in this super easy Plant and Sunlight Experiment . (via Mama Smiles)
(16) Kids will love learning How Leaves Breathe with this simple plant experiment. (via Edventures with Kids)
(17) Did you know that you can grow vegetables with scraps? Watch your scrap veggies grow new life with a Scrap Garden . (via Hess UnAcademy)
Easy Physics Science Experiments for Kids
Learn how things move with these simple physics experiments for kids. Physics is the branch of science that studies matter, how it moves, and how it interacts – it encompasses the study of motion, light, electricity, magnetism, aerodynamics, and sound.
We’ve found that the best way to explain physics to kids is to skip the explanation and do a hands-on demonstration instead. Use these fun experiments to jump feet first into the world of Physics:
(1) First off, a classic Craft Stick Catapult ! This simple activity is a great way to teach about energy cause and effect, as well as simple machines…and you thought you were just going to be launching marshmallows across the room! (via Team Cartwright)
(2) Explore physics and play at the same time with these awesome Pom Pom Shooters . (via Left Brain Craft Brain)
(3) This classic science fair project will teach your kids how to use chemistry to generate an electric current by making a Lemon/Lime Battery ! (via Babble Dabble Do)
(4) Explore the science of sound with this pretty Rainbow Water Xylophone . (via Mama Papa Bubba)
(5) Make a simple Newton’s Cradle out of popsicle sticks, string and marbles to demonstration the conservation of momentum – kids loooove this one! (via Babble Dabble Do)
(6) Send a balloon blasting off and introduce simple physics with these neat Balloon Straw Rockets . (via Preschool Play & Learn)
(7) Grab some plastic bottles and string to make this fun Inertia Zoom Ball – a project kids can learn and play with! (via What Do We Do All Day)
(8) Popsicle sticks, rubber bands and some blocks are all you need to make a Stixplosion – demonstrating chain reactions which you can use to teach about kinetic and potential energy. (via Babble Dabble Do)
(9) Make a Salty Circuit to introduce your kids to electricity and how it moves from a battery through a circuit to power an LED. (via Babble Dabble Do)
(10) Demonstrate work and energy with this super cool Paper Airplane Launcher . (via Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls)
(11) Visually show the concept of gravity with this easy Gravity Activity with Paperclips . (via Buggy and Buddy)
(12) If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you can create your own Light Bulb Experiment to see how electricity travels through a circuit. (via 123 Homeschool for Me)
(13) Discover what things are magnetic and vice versa with this fun Magnet Fishing Game . Great for preschoolers! (via Rhythms of Play)
(14) Baseball fans will enjoy this Frozen Baseball Experiment to observe how temperature affects how a baseball travels. (via Our Family Code)
(15) Learn more about inertia with these easy Inertia Science Experiments with Pennies . (via Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls)
(16) This awesome Rollback Can is a simple physics project that will amaze your kids and demonstrate potential and kinetic energy. (via Babble Dabble Do)
(17) These 4 Magical Magnet Projects will teach your kids about magnetism, and they’ll be mesmerized by its power! (via Babble Dabble Do)
States of Matter Science Experiments for Kids
All matter is either a solid, liquid, or gas, right? Or is it? And what happens to make some matter change states more easily than others? Kids will love these easy States of Matter science activities where they will get to learn the answers to those questions and more!
(1) This Simple Balloon experiment will teach young kids all about the 3 states of matter with a Hands-on Density test. (via 123 Homeschool 4 ME)
(2) Watch as liquid cream becomes a solid by making your own Homemade Butter . Make sure you taste test it too! (via Playdough to Plato)
(3) And because it’s always a good time for ice cream, see how simple ingredients come together and change state when you make this Ice Cream in a Bag . It’s also a great activity to discuss an exothermic reaction, a chemical reaction that releases light or heat. In this instance, heat is released from the shaking, yet it freezes the cream – science sure is amazing! (via House of Nash Eats)
(4) Fill up balloons with different types of liquid in this fun Water Balloon Science Experiment and then try and predict if they will float or sink in water. (via 123 Homeschool 4 ME)
(5) A messy project that is universally loved by kids – Oobleck ! This Non-Newtonian fluid can act like a solid and a liquid. And you can make it at home as long as you’ve got cornstarch in your pantry. (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
(6) Task your kids to create an insulated box for an ice cube using materials from around the house in this Don’t Melt the Ice experiment. (via Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls)
We hope this list of easy science experiments for kids proves that science doesn’t have to be complicated…or boring! With materials you already have at home, you can create a memorable learning experience, and you definitely don’t need a lab coat to watch science come alive!
RELATED: Looking for more fun indoor activities to keep your kids busy? Check out 87 Energy-Busting Indoor Games & Activities for Kids (because cabin fever is no joke!)
What’s your favorite science experiment? Let us know your favorites in the comments below!
Mary Leigh is a stay-at-home mom to 3 fun and active boys. She started her blog, Live Well Play Together , as a creative way to encourage moms to celebrate the simple, everyday moments in motherhood. You can most often find her writing about kids’ activities, thoughts on motherhood, and simple ideas for family fun. Follow her on Pinterest , Instagram , Facebook , and Twitter for fun ideas to bring a little fun to your everyday!
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60 Easy Science Experiments for Kids
May 31, 2024
What makes clouds rain? Why do crayons burn? Why is it easier to float in salt water? Science experiments for kids are fun, but they’re also a hands-on way to learn and discover our world’s many mysteries. Future chemistry majors, engineers, and PhDs need to start somewhere, and at-home experiments are a perfect way for kids to begin applying their natural curiosity to STEAM subjects. Ready to spark your young scientist in the making? We’ve got 60 easy science experiments for kids of all ages. In this article, we’ll cover:
- Easy Science Experiments for Kids—Kindergarten-5th Grade Experiments
- Easy Science Experiments for Kids—6th-8th Grade Experiments
- Science Experiments for Kids—More Resources
60 Easy Science Experiments for Kids—Kindergarten-5th Grade Experiments
1) make a bouncy egg.
If you’ve got an egg and a couple of days, you can make a bouncy egg. Yes, you heard us right: a bouncy egg. A super simple chemistry activity that’s sure to amaze, all you need for this experiment is an uncooked egg, food coloring, and vinegar.
- Learn more: Bouncy Egg
2) Blow Giant Bubbles
A science experiment that gets kids outdoors, a soapy concoction lets you blow bubbles so big you could stand inside them. This experiment requires a few household chemicals, sticks, and string.
- Learn more: Giant Bubbles
3) Grow an Avocado Tree
One of the easiest science experiments for kids, all you need to start your own avocado tree is an avocado pit, a jar, some toothpicks, and water. With a little time and sunlight, your plant will sprout roots.
- Learn more: Avocado Tree
4) Homemade Fly Trap
Put that fly swatter away! This experiment teaches kids about zoology and catches pesky home invaders at the same time. Kids test variables by making fly traps with a variety of different baits (aka honey, maple syrup, etc.) to see which best attracts the flies.
- Learn more: Homemade Fly Trap
5) DIY Puffy Slime
An ooey gooey good time for kids, this experiment uses glue, glitter, and a few other safe chemicals to make puffy slime.
- Learn more: Puffy Slime
Easy Science Experiments for Kids (Continued)
6) skittles rainbow experiment.
To teach kids about diffusion, all you need is a bag of Skittles and warm water. As the Skittles melt into the water, they’ll make a rainbow—a beautiful and tasty visual illustration of this foundational chemistry principle.
- Learn more: Skittle Experiment
7) Make Instant Ice Cream
We all scream for ice cream experiments. If you’re craving a sweet treat, why not make it yourself? This activity uses salt to turn cream and sugar into ice cream in no time.
- Learn more: Instant Ice Cream
8) 7 Layer Density Experiment
One of our favorite visual science experiments for kids, this activity is a simple illustration of the concept of density. All you need is a glass jar, food coloring, and liquids of various densities (honey, dish soap, water, etc.).
- Learn more: Density Experiment
9) Make Rock Candy
With just sugar, boiling water, a couple of sticks, and some string, kids will watch candy grow before their eyes. Rock candy takes about a week to grow, so this easy experiment for kids is a great lesson in science and patience .
- Learn more: Make Rock Candy
10) Concoct Color-Changing Invisible Ink
A science experiment disguised as a magic trick, kids can learn about basic chemistry by using invisible ink to write secret messages. This method doesn’t use heat, so is great for all ages.
- Learn more: Invisible Ink
11) Discover What Materials Block Wi-Fi Signals
Did you know that objects can get in the way of wi-fi signals? This experiment lets kids discover the extent to which common household items like aluminum foil, baking pans, or cardboard block radio waves.
- Learn more: Blocking Wi-Fi Signals
12) Make an Erupting Volcano
Making your own personal volcano is so much easier than you think. Dish soap, white vinegar, and baking are the secret ingredients that create this fantastic chemical reaction.
- Learn more: Erupting Volcano
13) Mummify a Hot Dog
Have you ever wondered about the science behind mummification? This fun experiment lets you preserve a hot dog for as long as you like and watch the changes it undergoes as it desiccates. Pro tip: if you want to eat a hot dog, stick to boiling it.
- Learn more: Mummify a Hot Dog
14) Make a Balloon-Powered Car
One of our favorite easy science experiments for kids, this engineering challenge asks you to design a car powered by air escaping from a balloon. Use household items and see how creative you can get with design!
- Learn more: Balloon-Powered Car
15) Make a Glass Bottle Xylophone
A great way for young scientists to learn about volume and pitch, this experiment shows kids how sound changes depending on how full a bottle is. A great one-day challenge, this experiment requires just a few supplies: bottles, water, and food coloring.
- Learn more: Glass Bottle Xylophone
16) Anti-gravity Ping Pong Experiment
One of the most mesmerizing science experiments for kids, this activity allows anyone to break the law of gravity. All you need is a bottle of water and a ping-pong ball. When you invert them, you’ll see something magical.
- Learn more: Anti-gravity Ping Pong Experiment
17) Apple Slice Oxidation Experiment
Your kids likely already know apple slides turn brown when left out, but this experiment lets fledgling scientists discover how variables impact oxidation. To run this experiment, kids immerse apple slices in a variety of liquids you already have in your pantry.
- Learn more: Apple Slice Oxidation
18) Make a Bubble Snake
A bubble snake maker is not your average bubble wand. An easy chemistry activity with a big payoff, this experiment lets you blow out a long snake-like strand of bubbles. For a fun group competition, see who can make the longest snake!
- Learn more: Bubble Snake
19) Turn Milk into Plastic
It may sound implausible, but you can use regular milk from your refrigerator to make DIY plastic. This experiment uses a few simple chemistry techniques to make plastic that kids can mold into toys and figurines.
- Learn more: Milk Plastic
20) DIY Lava Lamp
Not only is it fun to look at, this DIY lava lamp experiment teaches kids about density and molecule polarity. Although the lava lamp comes together in just a couple minutes, it’s an experiment that you can put on display and enjoy for as long as you like.
- Learn more: Lava Lamp
21) Make Sticky Ice
Ever heard of sticky ice? It’s no trick, with just water and salt, you can lift a chunk of ice with a thin piece of string.
- Learn more: Sticky Ice
22) Build a Popsicle Stick Catapult
With just popsicle sticks and a few other items you likely have on hand, you can send small projectiles soaring across the room. We recommend launching marshmallows into a friend’s mouth.
- Learn more: Popsicle Stick Catapult
23) Make Your Own Sundial
No need to stare at the sun, this experiment offers a fun and easy way to discover how quickly the sun crosses the sky. With little more than a piece of cardboard and a pen, kids will be able to tell time with their own homemade sundial.
- Learn more: Sundial Experiment
24) Paper Chromatography
Curious to know what color dyes are used to make markers and candy? Color chromatography separates chemicals into their individual components so you can see the surprising rainbow of colors that goes into dyes.
- Learn more: Paper Chromatography
25) Make your Tea Bag Fly
Ever wished your tea bag could fly? Us neither, but it turns out flying tea bags are the making of a fun and surprising science experiment that teaches principles of heat energy.
- Learn more: Flying Tea Bag
26) Make Oobleck
Oobleck might sound like a word from an alien language, but it’s actually a mixture of cornstarch and water. When it’s poured, it acts like water. When it’s poked, it acts like a solid. A hands-on way to teach kids about states of matter, this experiment is great for all ages.
- Learn more: Oobleck
27) Test Your Sunscreen Strength
Curious to see how well your sunscreen blocks out the sun? No need to volunteer for a sunburn. With a few pieces of black construction paper and different strength sunscreens, you can test SPF effectiveness.
- Learn more: Sunscreen Experiment
28) Walking Water Experiment
Humans may not be able to walk on water, but young scientists can make water walk through this colorful experiment. This activity shows how water travels from one cup to another through capillary action. As a bonus, this experiment uses food dye to teach kids the basics of color theory.
- Learn more: Walking Water
29) Build a Balloon Rocket
An easy introduction to propulsion, kids of any age can make their own balloon rocket at home. For a fun group activity, have each kid decorate their own balloon and race them across the room.
- Learn more: Balloon Rocket
30) Experiment with Straws
Are two straws better than one? A great activity for little kids, this experiment shows how an enclosed atmosphere responds to pressure. All you need is a few bottles, some straws, and some tape.
- Learn more: Straw Experiment
31) Make a Magnifying Glass from Ice
Trying to read the small print? Ditch your magnifying glass and use ice instead. Using just distilled water and a spherical mold, this experiment teaches kids about refraction and angular magnification.
- Learn more: Ice Magnifying Glass
32) Make Colorful Flowers
One of the most tried and true science experiments for kids, this experiment shows how flowers carry water up to their petals. With a handful of white flowers and some food dye, you can watch a rainbow bloom.
- Learn more: Colorful Flowers
33) Pop a Balloon with an Orange Peel
Everything you thought you knew about popping balloons is wrong! Even though oranges aren’t sharp, a chemical compound called limonene found in orange peels can make a balloon pop in mere seconds.
- Learn more: Pop a Balloon with an Orange Peel
34) Test the Saltiness of the Sea
A creative way to learn about density and buoyancy, this experiment tests how salty water needs to be to make an egg float. Next time you visit the ocean, bring a jar with you and try this experiment at home.
- Learn more: Test the Saltiness of the Sea
35) Make Your Own Rain
For kids curious to know how clouds work, this activity offers a simple introduction to the concepts of evaporation and precipitation. Thanks to the transformative powers of a warm windowsill, kids will get to see the water cycle take place in a plastic bag.
- Learn more: Make Your Own Rain
36) Clean Up a Mini Oil Spill
An interactive way to teach kids about ocean science, this experiment allows kids to make and then clean up an oil spill. With vegetable oil, dish soap, paper towels, and a few other supplies, kids will get to experiment to determine the best way to clean up spills.
- Learn more: Oil Spill Cleanup
37) Keep a Paper Towel Dry Underwater
Ever tried to keep a paper towel dry underwater? Science can help make the impossible possible. One of the quickest science experiments for kids, this project uses an upside-down cup to show kids that even air has volume.
- Learn more: Dry Paper Towel
38) Use a Crayon as a Candle
Did you know you can use a crayon as a candle in a pinch? A crayon burns for about half an hour, just enough time to arrive at your own hypothesis about what makes crayons flammable.
- Learn more: Crayon Candle
39) Make a Lemon Battery
It may sound crazy, but lemons aren’t just sour—they’re also powerful. A few household supplies will let you turn a common lemon into a battery.
- Learn more: Lemon Battery
40) Model Eardrum
Did you know that sound is made of vibrations? This experiment helps kids visualize how our ear drums work. After stretching a piece of plastic wrap over a bowl, kids can place grains of rice on the surface. When they make a loud noise, the rice will jump and showcase soundwaves in action.
- Learn more: Model Eardrum
60 Easy Science Experiments for Kids—6th-12th Grade Experiments
41) design a ball launcher.
With this fun engineering experiment, you’ll use household supplies to design a catapult for a small ball or marble. For an extra challenge, design a receiver to catch the ball without letting it escape.
- Learn more: Ball Launcher and Receiver
42) Use Cabbage to Learn the pH Scale
An inventive way to learn about acids and bases, this experiment uses red cabbage to test the pH level of household foods and chemicals. Kids will see how chemicals of different acidity levels change the color of the cabbage from bright fuchsia to blue.
- Learn more: pH Scale Cabbage Test
43) Tallest Paper Tower Competition
A classic experiment for future civil engineers, you’ll design the tallest tower you can using only paper. The catch is: it needs to be strong enough to hold a heavy weight on top. This easy science experiment for kids is great for a group.
- Learn more: Tallest Paper Tower
44) Design a Paper Ball Run
Using just paper and tape, design and create a ball run that carries a marble from top to bottom. The twist: you need to make your ball run as slowly as possible.
- Learn more: Paper Ball Run
45) Make a Paper Airplane Launcher
Ever feel like your paper airplanes don’t travel very far? Science can step in to help. A great lesson in motors, engineering design, and aerodynamics, this experiment is perfect for future engineers.
- Learn more: Paper Airplane Launcher
46) Rising Water Experiment
One of the most fascinating science experiments for kids, this activity uses a candle, water, and a glass to make water rise like magic. Younger kids will marvel at the trick, older kids will learn foundational concepts of chemistry and physics.
- Learn more: Rising Water
47) Make a Mini Robot Bug
A great introduction to robotics, this mini robot is an engaging project for tweens and teens. With a clothespin, a couple batteries, and a tiny vibrating motor, you can make a robot that moves around your desk.
- Learn more: Mini Robot Bug
48) Dry Ice Bubbles
A hands-on way to learn about sublimation and chemical change, making dry ice bubbles can be your new best party trick. It requires a few pieces of special equipment (a funnel and a tube) but the supplies are affordable and the payoff is huge.
- Learn more: Dry Ice Bubbles
49) Build a Simple Electric Motor
Have you ever wondered how motors work? This simple, battery-powered motor project lets you experiment with design to see how variables affect motor rotation.
- Learn more: Simple Electric Motor
50) Crush a Can with Air Pressure
A hands-off way to manage your recyclables, this experiment uses heating and cooling to magically crush a can.
- Learn more: Air Pressure Can Crush
51) Make a Light Maze for Plants
Do you dare to control Mother Nature? With a cardboard box and a seedling, you can become as powerful as the sun and study how plants grow toward the light.
- Learn more: Light Maze
52) Discover What Makes Ice Melt Quickest
If you live somewhere with snowy winters, you probably know how important it is to make ice melt fast. This experiment lets you discover what material makes it melt the quickest. After you reach your conclusion, feel free to run further tests on icy sidewalks.
- Learn more: Make Ice Melt Quickly
53) Design a Water Bottle Rocket
Got an empty soda bottle lying around? Then you’re ready to make your own water bottle rocket. A perfect experiment for a hot summer day, this experiment offers a hands-on way to learn about physical propulsion.
- Learn more: Water Bottle Rocket
54) Watch Water Split
Did you know water is actually a chemical compound made from two different molecules? This experiment splits one element from the other, proving that water is made not from one element, but two: hydrogen and oxygen (H2O).
- Learn more: Splitting Water
55) Make Your Own Boba
For a science experiment that’s as fun as it is tasty, try making your own boba at home. This experiment studies how acids affect the ability of different foods to transform into boba, a process called spherification.
- Learn more: Make Boba
56) Build a Solar Oven
Just in case you’re ever stranded on a desert island, you’ll want to know how to build a solar oven. This fun culinary experiment lets you roast your own s’mores using a pizza box and aluminum foil.
- Learn more: Solar Oven
57) DIY Lighted Grow Box
Want to keep your outdoor plants happy all year long? Cultivate your green thumb by building an indoor, lighted grow box.
- Learn more: Grow Box
58) Make a Funnel Roll Uphill
This experiment teaches kids about the center of gravity in an illustrative, engaging way. Using two funnels and some wooden boards, this optical illusion gives kids a deeper understanding of an important scientific principle.
- Learn more: Uphill Funnell Roll
59) Create a Graphite Circuit
Did you know that you can use a pencil to create an electric circuit? Simply by doodling on a piece of paper, you can make a battery light up an LED bulb.
- Learn more: Graphite Circuit
60) Make Fruit Ripen Faster
Tired of waiting for fruit to ripen? With this kitchen experiment, test the best method for accelerating this sweet natural process.
- Learn more: Ripen Fruit
60 Easy Science Experiments for Kids—More Resources
Hungry for more science learning? Check out these articles:
- 101 Topics for the Science Fair
- How to Write a Lab Report – with Example/Template
- Best Environmental Science Summer Programs for High School Students
- Computer Science Competitions for High Schoolers
- 10 Easiest and Hardest Science Majors
- 60 Team-Building Activities for Kids and Teens
- 141 Fun, Weird, and Interesting Facts
- Teacher Tools
Christina Wood
Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.
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45 Easy Science Experiments for Kids
Hello, STEM! These simple DIY activities can be done at home or in school.
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Imagine blowing the biggest bubbles imaginable — or even making bubbles within bubbles. Or sending vessels — rockets, tea bags, airplanes — soaring through the sky for impossible distances. Now imagine making things explode, or change colors, or reveal hidden messages with just a few simple mixtures.
None of this is magic. It's all science that you can do at home, most likely with ingredients you already have in your house. So, next time you need a boredom-busting indoor activity on a rainy day or a DIY project to get their minds humming, try one of these best at-home science experiments for kids , which cover topics like cover magnetism, surface tension, astronomy, chemistry, physics and more.
First off, it's good to start them off with the scientific method. Give them a journal to record their observations, questions, hypotheses, experiments, results and conclusions. As always, safety counts: wear goggles and coats or aprons if need be (sometimes kids get a kick out of how scientific the protective gear makes them look), and always make sure that the kids are supervised when doing them. (Warning: Some of these are messy!)
These experiments are mostly designed for preschoolers through elementary schoolers — with a couple that are either demonstrations or better for older kids — but if you have a younger one, you can check out these 1-year-old learning activities , toddler learning activities and preschool/kindergarten learning activities , some of which also cover STEM subjects.
Floating Fish
Here's another one that deals with solubility and density.
- Draw the outline of a fish on the bottom of a glass plate or tray in dry-erase marker. Retrace your drawing to make sure all the lines are connected. Let dry for a minute or two.
- Fill the measuring cup with tap water. Place the pour spout just inside the corner of the dish and add water very slowly until it just covers the bottom. Be careful not to pour water directly onto your drawing or make splashes near it. The water will move toward your drawing, eventually surrounding it. Observe what happens. If the water splashes or it doesn’t work on your first try, empty the dish, erase the drawing with a paper towel, dry off the dish, and try again.
- Tilt the dish slightly from side to side. What happens? Jot it down.
The ink in dry erase markers is engineered to be slippery. It’s made with a chemical that causes it to easily release from surfaces. (Permanent markers are made with a chemical that makes the ink stick to surfaces, so be sure not to use these in your experiment!)
The easy-release ink lets go from a surface, but why does it float? There are two reasons. First, dry erase ink isn’t soluble, which means it won’t dissolve in water. Second, dry erase ink is less dense than the water, so it becomes buoyant, meaning it can float. When you tilt the dish, the fish moves around on the water’s surface.
From Good Housekeeping Amazing Science: 83 Hands-on S.T.E.A.M Experiments for Curious Kids! See more in the book »
Brush, Brush!
This one will really get them into brushing their teeth once they scientifically prove all the good things that toothpaste can do.
- Write on sticky notes: Soda 1, Soda 2, Juice 1, and Juice 2. Place them in a row on a counter.
- Fill two glasses halfway with brown soda and place behind the Soda 1 and Soda 2 sticky notes. Fill two glasses halfway with lemon juice and place behind the Juice 1 and Juice 2 sticky notes.
- Carefully place one egg in the bowl. Squeeze a big dollop — about one tablespoon — of toothpaste on top of the egg and gently rub the toothpaste all around with your hands until the egg is completely covered in a thick layer of toothpaste. Repeat with a second egg.
- Gently submerge the toothpaste-covered eggs into the liquids: one egg in the glass labeled Soda 1 and the other egg in the glass labeled Juice 1. Wash and dry your hands.
- Gently submerge the remaining eggs, without toothpaste on them, in the remaining glasses: one in the glass labeled Soda 2 and the other in the glass of juice labeled Juice 2. Wash and dry your hands. Leave the eggs in the glasses for 12 hours.
- After 12 hours, remove the eggs from the glasses of soda one at a time. Rinse them in cool water and pat them dry with the towel. Place each egg by the sticky note of the glass it was in. Are the eggs the same or different colors?
- Remove the eggs from the glasses of juice one at a time. Rinse them under the faucet and pat them dry. Place each egg by the sticky note of the glass it was in. Feel the eggs gently. Does one feel stronger or weaker than the other?
- Write down your observations in your science notebook.
The eggshells in this experiment represent the enamel (outer coating) on your teeth. Toothpaste cleans your teeth and prevents stains: it removes food and drink particles that are stuck on your teeth. Teeth can be stained easily by dark-colored liquids like cola, coffee or tea. The egg without toothpaste will be brown and discolored. The egg covered in toothpaste was protected from turning brown.
Toothpaste also protects your pearly whites from decay (breaking down). The egg without toothpaste left in the lemon juice was worn down and soft to the touch, while the egg that was protected with toothpaste is stronger. The lemon juice is acidic, and those acids broke down the shell just as acidic drinks can wear away your tooth enamel. When a tooth is worn down, a cavity can form more easily. But the fluoride in toothpaste mixes with your saliva to create a protective coating around your tooth enamel. It helps keep your teeth strong and cavity-free.
Grow an Avocado Tree
For an easy lesson in Earth Science, your family can grow an avocado tree from a pit. You can buy an AvoSeedo kit , or just peel the seed and suspend it over water with toothpicks.
Get the tutorial »
Milk Bottle Xylophone
No for an experiment in sound!
- Arrange six glass jars or bottles, all the same size with no lids, in a line. What will each jar sound like when you tap it with a spoon? Make a prediction, then tap each jar. Record your observations.
- Next, put water in each of the jars. Pour 1⁄4 cup (60 ml) of water into the first jar. Add 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of water to the second jar. Continue in 1⁄4-cup increments, adding 3⁄4 cup (180 ml) of water to the third jar, 1 cup (240 ml) of water to the fourth jar, 11⁄4 cups (300 ml) of water to the fifth jar, and 11⁄2 cups (360 ml) to the sixth jar. Add a couple of drops of food coloring to each jar.
- What will each jar sound like? Will they sound the same or different than when the container was empty? Will they sound the same or different from one another? Record your predictions.
- Tap each jar with a metal spoon. Write down your observations about each jar’s pitch (how high or low a sound is) in your notebook.
Sound waves are created by vibrations, which are back-and-forth movements that are repeated again and again. Pitch depends on the frequency of the waves — how many are created each second. A high pitch is created by high-frequency sound waves, and can sound squeaky. A low pitch is created by low-frequency sound waves, and sounds deep and booming.
When you tapped the jar, it vibrated. The vibrations traveled from the jar to the water to the air and eventually to your ears. The jars with more water had a low pitch. The sound waves vibrated more slowly because they had more water to travel through. The jars with less water had higher pitches. The sound waves vibrated faster because they had less water to travel through. A jar with no water in it makes the highest pitch because it has the least substance to travel through.
"Elephant Toothpaste"
Okay, elephants don't really brush with this stuff, which is made from a chemical reaction between hydrogen peroxide, yeast, dish soap and a few other simple ingredients. But this experiment has a big "wow" factor since, when the substances are mixed, the "toothpaste" foams out of the bottle. You can use it to teach kids about catalysts and exothermic reactions.
Get the tutorial at Babble Dabble Do »
DIY Compass
Explore the way magnetism works, and how it affects everyday objects, by magnetizing a needle and making a DIY compass. You can even spin the compass in the water, and it'll end up pointing the right way again.
Get the tutorial at STEAM Powered Family »
Craft Stick Chain Reaction
Kids can learn about the differences between potential and kinetic energy with this chain reaction. It makes a big impact: Once the tension is released, the pom poms go flying through the air!
Get the the tutorial at Science Sparks »
Color-Changing Invisible Ink
Kids will feel like super-spies when they use this heatless method to reveal pictures or colors written with "invisible ink." You can try different acid/base combinations to see which one makes the most dramatic result.
Get the tutorial at Research Parent »
Paper Bridge
Get the engineering back into STEM with this activity, which challenges kids to create a paper bridge that's strong enough to hold as many pennies as possible. How can they manipulate the paper to make it sturdier? (Hint: Fold it!)
See the paper bridge tutorial at KidsActivities.com »
Challenge your little scientist to lift up an ice cube with just a piece of string. It's possible ... with a little salt to help. Salt melts the ice and lowers the freezing point of the ice cube, which absorbs the heat from the water around it, making the water cold enough to re-freeze around the string.
Get the tutorial at Playdough to Plato »
Marshmallow Catapult
Another lesson in potential and kinetic energy, kids will love sending mini marshmallows flying in the name of science. Change some of the variables and see how that affects the marshmallow's trajectory.
Get the tutorial at Hello, Wonderful »
Leaf Breathing
It's hard for kids to picture how plants and trees "breathe" through their leaves — until they see the bubbles appear on a leaf that's submerged in water. You can also teach them about photosynthesis by putting different leaves in different spots with varying levels of sunlight.
Get the tutorial at KC EDventures »
Hoop-and-Straw Airplane
We all remember how to fold those classic, triangular paper airplanes, but these hoop-and-straw airplanes fly way better (and straighter). Experiment by changing the length of the straw and the size of the hoops and see how it affects the flight.
Get the tutorial at Mombrite »
Film Canister Rocket
Blast off! You don't need jet fuel to make these rockets go, just Alka-Seltzer tablets and baking soda, but they'll be amazed when they achieve lift-off! (Note: If you can't find old film canisters, tubes of Airborne work, too.)
Get the tutorial at Raising Lifelong Learners »
Coin Inertia
Stack up about five or so coins on a piece of cardboard and place it over a glass of water. Then, flick the cardboard out from on top of the glass. Do the coins drop into the water, or ride with the cardboard? Due to inertia, they drop into the water — a very visual (and fun!) demonstration of Newton's First Law of Motion.
Get the tutorial at Engineering Emily »
Apple Oxidation
What works best for keeping an apple from turning brown? Test to find out! Slice up an apple, and let each slice soak in a different liquid. Then take them out, lay them on a tray, and check the brownness after three minutes, six minutes and so on. Not only does this test the properties of different liquids, it also helps students practice the scientific method if they create hypotheses about which liquids would be most effective.
Get the tutorial at Jennifer Findley »
RELATED: 50 Fun Activities for Kids Will Keep Them Entertained for Hours
Coffee Ground Fossils
By making a salt dough with coffee grounds and pressing various shapes into it (toy dinosaur feet, seashells), kids can get a better understanding of how fossils are made. If you poke a hole in the top before it dries, the kids can hang their "fossils" up in their rooms.
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »
Chromatography Flowers
Chromatography is the process of separating a solution into different parts — like the pigments in the ink used in markers. If you draw stripes around a coffee filter, then fold it up and dip the tip in water, the water will travel up the filter and separate the marker ink into its different pigments (in cool patterns that you can display as a craft project). This family made the end-result even brighter by adding an LED circuit to the center.
Get the tutorial at Steam Powered Family »
Water Walking
You'll need six containers of water for this one: three with clear water, one with red food coloring, one with blue coloring, and one with yellow coloring. Arrange them in a circle, alternating colored and clear containers, and make bridges between the containers with folded paper towels. Your kids will be amazed to see the colored water "walk" over the bridges and into the clear containers, mixing colors, and giving them a first-hand look at the magic of capillarity.
Get the tutorial at Fun Learning for Kids »
Sunscreen Test
This experiment puts the A (art) in STEAM: Paint different designs on construction paper with different sunscreens, leave the papers out in the sun and compare the results. Then, hang your "conclusions" on your fridge.
Get the tutorial at Tonya Staab »
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.
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37 Cool Science Experiments for Kids to Do at Home
General Education
Are you looking for cool science experiments for kids at home or for class? We've got you covered! We've compiled a list of 37 of the best science experiments for kids that cover areas of science ranging from outer space to dinosaurs to chemical reactions. By doing these easy science experiments, kids will make their own blubber and see how polar bears stay warm, make a rain cloud in a jar to observe how weather changes, create a potato battery that'll really power a lightbulb, and more.
Below are 37 of the best science projects for kids to try. For each one we include a description of the experiment, which area(s) of science it teaches kids about, how difficult it is (easy/medium/hard), how messy it is (low/medium/high), and the materials you need to do the project. Note that experiments labelled "hard" are definitely still doable; they just require more materials or time than most of these other science experiments for kids.
#1: Insect Hotels
- Teaches Kids About: Zoology
- Difficulty Level: Medium
- Messiness Level: Medium
Insect hotels can be as simple (just a few sticks wrapped in a bundle) or as elaborate as you'd like, and they're a great way for kids to get creative making the hotel and then get rewarded by seeing who has moved into the home they built. After creating a hotel with hiding places for bugs, place it outside (near a garden is often a good spot), wait a few days, then check it to see who has occupied the "rooms." You can also use a bug ID book or app to try and identify the visitors.
- Materials Needed
- Shadow box or other box with multiple compartments
- Hot glue gun with glue
- Sticks, bark, small rocks, dried leaves, bits of yarn/wool, etc.
#2: DIY Lava Lamp
- Teaches Kids About: Chemical reactions
- Difficulty Level: Easy
In this quick and fun science experiment, kids will mix water, oil, food coloring, and antacid tablets to create their own (temporary) lava lamp . Oil and water don't mix easily, and the antacid tablets will cause the oil to form little globules that are dyed by the food coloring. Just add the ingredients together and you'll end up with a homemade lava lamp!
- Vegetable oil
- Food coloring
- Antacid tablets
#3: Magnetic Slime
- Teaches Kids About: Magnets
- Messiness Level: High (The slime is black and will slightly dye your fingers when you play with it, but it washes off easily.)
A step up from silly putty and Play-Doh, magnetic slime is fun to play with but also teaches kids about magnets and how they attract and repel each other. Some of the ingredients you aren't likely to have around the house, but they can all be purchased online. After mixing the ingredients together, you can use the neodymium magnet (regular magnets won't be strong enough) to make the magnetic slime move without touching it!
- Liquid starch
- Adhesive glue
- Iron oxide powder
- Neodymium (rare earth) magnet
#4: Baking Soda Volcanoes
- Teaches Kids About: Chemical reactions, earth science
- Difficulty Level: Easy-medium
- Messiness Level: High
Baking soda volcanoes are one of the classic science projects for kids, and they're also one of the most popular. It's hard to top the excitement of a volcano erupting inside your home. This experiment can also be as simple or in-depth as you like. For the eruption, all you need is baking soda and vinegar (dishwashing detergent adds some extra power to the eruption), but you can make the "volcano" as elaborate and lifelike as you wish.
- Baking soda
- Dishwashing detergent
- Large mason jar or soda bottle
- Playdough or aluminum foil to make the "volcano"
- Additional items to place around the volcano (optional)
- Food coloring (optional)
#5: Tornado in a Jar
- Teaches Kids About: Weather
- Messiness Level: Low
This is one of the quick and easy and science experiments for kids to teach them about weather. It only takes about five minutes and a few materials to set up, but once you have it ready you and your kids can create your own miniature tornado whose vortex you can see and the strength of which you can change depending on how quickly you swirl the jar.
- Glitter (optional)
#6: Colored Celery Experiment
- Teaches Kids About: Plants
This celery science experiment is another classic science experiment that parents and teachers like because it's easy to do and gives kids a great visual understanding of how transpiration works and how plants get water and nutrients. Just place celery stalks in cups of colored water, wait at least a day, and you'll see the celery leaves take on the color of the water. This happens because celery stalks (like other plants) contain small capillaries that they use to transport water and nutrients throughout the plant.
- Celery stalks (can also use white flowers or pale-colored cabbage)
#7: Rain Cloud in a Jar
This experiment teaches kids about weather and lets them learn how clouds form by making their own rain cloud . This is definitely a science project that requires adult supervision since it uses boiling water as one of the ingredients, but once you pour the water into a glass jar, the experiment is fast and easy, and you'll be rewarded with a little cloud forming in the jar due to condensation.
- Glass jar with a lid
- Boiling water
- Aerosol hairspray
#8: Edible Rock Candy
- Teaches Kids About: Crystal formation
It takes about a week for the crystals of this rock candy experiment to form, but once they have you'll be able to eat the results! After creating a sugar solution, you'll fill jars with it and dangle strings in them that'll slowly become covered with the crystals. This experiment involves heating and pouring boiling water, so adult supervision is necessary, once that step is complete, even very young kids will be excited to watch crystals slowly form.
- Large saucepan
- Clothespins
- String or small skewers
- Candy flavoring (optional)
#9: Water Xylophone
- Teaches Kids About: Sound waves
With just some basic materials you can create your own musical instrument to teach kids about sound waves. In this water xylophone experiment , you'll fill glass jars with varying levels of water. Once they're all lined up, kids can hit the sides with wooden sticks and see how the itch differs depending on how much water is in the jar (more water=lower pitch, less water=higher pitch). This is because sound waves travel differently depending on how full the jars are with water.
- Wooden sticks/skewers
#10: Blood Model in a Jar
- Teaches Kids About: Human biology
This blood model experiment is a great way to get kids to visual what their blood looks like and how complicated it really is. Each ingredient represents a different component of blood (plasma, platelets, red blood cells, etc.), so you just add a certain amount of each to the jar, swirl it around a bit, and you have a model of what your blood looks like.
- Empty jar or bottle
- Red cinnamon candies
- Marshmallows or dry white lima beans
- White sprinkles
#11: Potato Battery
- Teaches Kids About: Electricity
- Difficulty Level: Hard
Did you know that a simple potato can produce enough energy to keep a light bulb lit for over a month? You can create a simple potato battery to show kids. There are kits that provide all the necessary materials and how to set it up, but if you don't purchase one of these it can be a bit trickier to gather everything you need and assemble it correctly. Once it's set though, you'll have your own farm grown battery!
- Fresh potato
- Galvanized nail
- Copper coin
#12: Homemade Pulley
- Teaches Kids About: Simple machines
This science activity requires some materials you may not already have, but once you've gotten them, the homemade pulley takes only a few minutes to set up, and you can leave the pulley up for your kids to play with all year round. This pulley is best set up outside, but can also be done indoors.
- Clothesline
- 2 clothesline pulleys
#13: Light Refraction
- Teaches Kids About: Light
This light refraction experiment takes only a few minutes to set up and uses basic materials, but it's a great way to show kids how light travels. You'll draw two arrows on a sticky note, stick it to the wall, then fill a clear water bottle with water. As you move the water bottle in front of the arrows, the arrows will appear to change the direction they're pointing. This is because of the refraction that occurs when light passes through materials like water and plastic.
- Sticky note
- Transparent water bottle
#14: Nature Journaling
- Teaches Kids About: Ecology, scientific observation
A nature journal is a great way to encourage kids to be creative and really pay attention to what's going on around them. All you need is a blank journal (you can buy one or make your own) along with something to write with. Then just go outside and encourage your children to write or draw what they notice. This could include descriptions of animals they see, tracings of leaves, a drawing of a beautiful flower, etc. Encourage your kids to ask questions about what they observe (Why do birds need to build nests? Why is this flower so brightly colored?) and explain to them that scientists collect research by doing exactly what they're doing now.
- Blank journal or notebook
- Pens/pencils/crayons/markers
- Tape or glue for adding items to the journal
#15: DIY Solar Oven
- Teaches Kids About: Solar energy
This homemade solar oven definitely requires some adult help to set up, but after it's ready you'll have your own mini oven that uses energy from the sun to make s'mores or melt cheese on pizza. While the food is cooking, you can explain to kids how the oven uses the sun's rays to heat the food.
- Aluminum foil
- Knife or box cutter
- Permanent marker
- Plastic cling wrap
- Black construction paper
#16: Animal Blubber Simulation
- Teaches Kids About: Ecology, zoology
If your kids are curious about how animals like polar bears and seals stay warm in polar climates, you can go beyond just explaining it to them; you can actually have them make some of their own blubber and test it out. After you've filled up a large bowl with ice water and let it sit for a few minutes to get really cold, have your kids dip a bare hand in and see how many seconds they can last before their hand gets too cold. Next, coat one of their fingers in shortening and repeat the experiment. Your child will notice that, with the shortening acting like a protective layer of blubber, they don't feel the cold water nearly as much.
- Bowl of ice water
#17: Static Electricity Butterfly
This experiment is a great way for young kids to learn about static electricity, and it's more fun and visual than just having them rub balloons against their heads. First you'll create a butterfly, using thick paper (such as cardstock) for the body and tissue paper for the wings. Then, blow up the balloon, have the kids rub it against their head for a few seconds, then move the balloon to just above the butterfly's wings. The wings will move towards the balloon due to static electricity, and it'll look like the butterfly is flying.
- Tissue paper
- Thick paper
- Glue stick/glue
#18: Edible Double Helix
- Teaches Kids About: Genetics
If your kids are learning about genetics, you can do this edible double helix craft to show them how DNA is formed, what its different parts are, and what it looks like. The licorice will form the sides or backbone of the DNA and each color of marshmallow will represent one of the four chemical bases. Kids will be able to see that only certain chemical bases pair with each other.
- 2 pieces of licorice
- 12 toothpicks
- Small marshmallows in 4 colors (9 of each color)
- 5 paperclips
#19: Leak-Proof Bag
- Teaches Kids About: Molecules, plastics
This is an easy experiment that'll appeal to kids of a variety of ages. Just take a zip-lock bag, fill it about ⅔ of the way with water, and close the top. Next, poke a few sharp objects (like bamboo skewers or sharp pencils) through one end and out the other. At this point you may want to dangle the bag above your child's head, but no need to worry about spills because the bag won't leak? Why not? It's because the plastic used to make zip-lock bags is made of polymers, or long chains of molecules that'll quickly join back together when they're forced apart.
- Zip-lock bags
- Objects with sharp ends (pencils, bamboo skewers, etc.)
#20: How Do Leaves Breathe?
- Teaches Kids About: Plant science
It takes a few hours to see the results of this leaf experiment , but it couldn't be easier to set up, and kids will love to see a leaf actually "breathing." Just get a large-ish leaf, place it in a bowl (glass works best so you can see everything) filled with water, place a small rock on the leaf to weigh it down, and leave it somewhere sunny. Come back in a few hours and you'll see little bubbles in the water created when the leaf releases the oxygen it created during photosynthesis.
- Large bowl (preferably glass)
- Magnifying glass (optional)
#21: Popsicle Stick Catapults
Kids will love shooting pom poms out of these homemade popsicle stick catapults . After assembling the catapults out of popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and plastic spoons, they're ready to launch pom poms or other lightweight objects. To teach kids about simple machines, you can ask them about how they think the catapults work, what they should do to make the pom poms go a farther/shorter distance, and how the catapult could be made more powerful.
- Popsicle sticks
- Rubber bands
- Plastic spoons
- Paint (optional)
#22: Elephant Toothpaste
You won't want to do this experiment near anything that's difficult to clean (outside may be best), but kids will love seeing this " elephant toothpaste " crazily overflowing the bottle and oozing everywhere. Pour the hydrogen peroxide, food coloring, and dishwashing soap into the bottle, and in the cup mix the yeast packet with some warm water for about 30 seconds. Then, add the yeast mixture to the bottle, stand back, and watch the solution become a massive foamy mixture that pours out of the bottle! The "toothpaste" is formed when the yeast removed the oxygen bubbles from the hydrogen peroxide which created foam. This is an exothermic reaction, and it creates heat as well as foam (you can have kids notice that the bottle became warm as the reaction occurred).
- Clean 16-oz soda bottle
- 6% solution of hydrogen peroxide
- 1 packet of dry yeast
- Dishwashing soap
#23: How Do Penguins Stay Dry?
Penguins, and many other birds, have special oil-producing glands that coat their feathers with a protective layer that causes water to slide right off them, keeping them warm and dry. You can demonstrate this to kids with this penguin craft by having them color a picture of a penguin with crayons, then spraying the picture with water. The wax from the crayons will have created a protective layer like the oil actual birds coat themselves with, and the paper won't absorb the water.
- Penguin image (included in link)
- Spray bottle
- Blue food coloring (optional)
#24: Rock Weathering Experiment
- Teaches Kids About: Geology
This mechanical weathering experiment teaches kids why and how rocks break down or erode. Take two pieces of clay, form them into balls, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Then, leave one out while placing the other in the freezer overnight. The next day, unwrap and compare them. You can repeat freezing the one piece of clay every night for several days to see how much more cracked and weathered it gets than the piece of clay that wasn't frozen. It may even begin to crumble. This weathering also happens to rocks when they are subjected to extreme temperatures, and it's one of the causes of erosion.
- Plastic wrap
#25: Saltwater Density
- Teaches Kids About: Water density
For this saltwater density experiment , you'll fill four clear glasses with water, then add salt to one glass, sugar to one glass, and baking soda to one glass, leaving one glass with just water. Then, float small plastic pieces or grapes in each of the glasses and observe whether they float or not. Saltwater is denser than freshwater, which means some objects may float in saltwater that would sink in freshwater. You can use this experiment to teach kids about the ocean and other bodies of saltwater, such as the Dead Sea, which is so salty people can easily float on top of it.
- Four clear glasses
- Lightweight plastic objects or small grapes
#26: Starburst Rock Cycle
With just a package of Starbursts and a few other materials, you can create models of each of the three rock types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Sedimentary "rocks" will be created by pressing thin layers of Starbursts together, metamorphic by heating and pressing Starbursts, and igneous by applying high levels of heat to the Starbursts. Kids will learn how different types of rocks are forms and how the three rock types look different from each other.
- Toaster oven
#27: Inertia Wagon Experiment
- Teaches Kids About: Inertia
This simple experiment teaches kids about inertia (as well as the importance of seatbelts!). Take a small wagon, fill it with a tall stack of books, then have one of your children pull it around then stop abruptly. They won't be able to suddenly stop the wagon without the stack of books falling. You can have the kids predict which direction they think the books will fall and explain that this happens because of inertia, or Newton's first law.
- Stack of books
#28: Dinosaur Tracks
- Teaches Kids About: Paleontology
How are some dinosaur tracks still visible millions of years later? By mixing together several ingredients, you'll get a claylike mixture you can press your hands/feet or dinosaur models into to make dinosaur track imprints . The mixture will harden and the imprints will remain, showing kids how dinosaur (and early human) tracks can stay in rock for such a long period of time.
- Used coffee grounds
- Wooden spoon
- Rolling pin
#29: Sidewalk Constellations
- Teaches Kids About: Astronomy
If you do this sidewalk constellation craft , you'll be able to see the Big Dipper and Orion's Belt in the daylight. On the sidewalk, have kids draw the lines of constellations (using constellation diagrams for guidance) and place stones where the stars are. You can then look at astronomy charts to see where the constellations they drew will be in the sky.
- Sidewalk chalk
- Small stones
- Diagrams of constellations
#30: Lung Model
By building a lung model , you can teach kids about respiration and how their lungs work. After cutting off the bottom of a plastic bottle, you'll stretch a balloon around the opened end and insert another balloon through the mouth of the bottle. You'll then push a straw through the neck of the bottle and secure it with a rubber band and play dough. By blowing into the straw, the balloons will inflate then deflate, similar to how our lungs work.
- Plastic bottle
- Rubber band
#31: Homemade Dinosaur Bones
By mixing just flour, salt, and water, you'll create a basic salt dough that'll harden when baked. You can use this dough to make homemade dinosaur bones and teach kids about paleontology. You can use books or diagrams to learn how different dinosaur bones were shaped, and you can even bury the bones in a sandpit or something similar and then excavate them the way real paleontologists do.
- Images of dinosaur bones
#32: Clay and Toothpick Molecules
There are many variations on homemade molecule science crafts . This one uses clay and toothpicks, although gumdrops or even small pieces of fruit like grapes can be used in place of clay. Roll the clay into balls and use molecule diagrams to attach the clay to toothpicks in the shape of the molecules. Kids can make numerous types of molecules and learn how atoms bond together to form molecules.
- Clay or gumdrops (in four colors)
- Diagrams of molecules
#33: Articulated Hand Model
By creating an articulated hand model , you can teach kids about bones, joints, and how our hands are able to move in many ways and accomplish so many different tasks. After creating a hand out of thin foam, kids will cut straws to represent the different bones in the hand and glue them to the fingers of the hand models. You'll then thread yarn (which represents tendons) through the straws, stabilize the model with a chopstick or other small stick, and end up with a hand model that moves and bends the way actual human hands do.
- Straws (paper work best)
- Twine or yarn
#34: Solar Energy Experiment
- Teaches Kids About: Solar energy, light rays
This solar energy science experiment will teach kids about solar energy and how different colors absorb different amounts of energy. In a sunny spot outside, place six colored pieces of paper next to each other, and place an ice cube in the middle of each paper. Then, observe how quickly each of the ice cubes melt. The ice cube on the black piece of paper will melt fastest since black absorbs the most light (all the light ray colors), while the ice cube on the white paper will melt slowest since white absorbs the least light (it instead reflects light). You can then explain why certain colors look the way they do. (Colors besides black and white absorb all light except for the one ray color they reflect; this is the color they appear to us.)
- 6 squares of differently colored paper/cardstock (must include black paper and white paper)
#35: How to Make Lightning
- Teaches Kids About: Electricity, weather
You don't need a storm to see lightning; you can actually create your own lightning at home . For younger kids this experiment requires adult help and supervision. You'll stick a thumbtack through the bottom of an aluminum tray, then stick the pencil eraser to the pushpin. You'll then rub the piece of wool over the aluminum tray, and then set the tray on the Styrofoam, where it'll create a small spark/tiny bolt of lightning!
- Pencil with eraser
- Aluminum tray or pie tin
- Styrofoam tray
#36: Tie-Dyed Milk
- Teaches Kids About: Surface tension
For this magic milk experiment , partly fill a shallow dish with milk, then add a one drop of each food coloring color to different parts of the milk. The food coloring will mostly stay where you placed it. Next, carefully add one drop of dish soap to the middle of the milk. It'll cause the food coloring to stream through the milk and away from the dish soap. This is because the dish soap breaks up the surface tension of the milk by dissolving the milk's fat molecules.
- Shallow dish
- Milk (high-fat works best)
#37: How Do Stalactites Form?
Have you ever gone into a cave and seen huge stalactites hanging from the top of the cave? Stalactites are formed by dripping water. The water is filled with particles which slowly accumulate and harden over the years, forming stalactites. You can recreate that process with this stalactite experiment . By mixing a baking soda solution, dipping a piece of wool yarn in the jar and running it to another jar, you'll be able to observe baking soda particles forming and hardening along the yarn, similar to how stalactites grow.
- Safety pins
- 2 glass jars
Summary: Cool Science Experiments for Kids
Any one of these simple science experiments for kids can get children learning and excited about science. You can choose a science experiment based on your child's specific interest or what they're currently learning about, or you can do an experiment on an entirely new topic to expand their learning and teach them about a new area of science. From easy science experiments for kids to the more challenging ones, these will all help kids have fun and learn more about science.
What's Next?
Are you also interested in pipe cleaner crafts for kids? We have a guide to some of the best pipe cleaner crafts to try!
Looking for multiple different slime recipes? We tell you how to make slimes without borax and without glue as well as how to craft the ultimate super slime .
Want to learn more about clouds? Learn how to identify every cloud in the sky with our guide to the 10 types of clouds .
Want to know the fastest and easiest ways to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius? We've got you covered! Check out our guide to the best ways to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit (or vice versa) .
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9 Easy Science Experiments for Kids with Household Items
9 Easy Science Experiments for Kids with Household Items
In this post you will learn how to do ten different easy science experiments with your kids using items you already have on hand. No need to run to the store, just open the cupboard.
Easy Science Experiments
I am not a huge science geek. I wish I was, but some of this science stuff is over my head. I mean, I love learning about the human body, anatomy, and that part of science, but when it comes to how things work and operate, you better explain it to me like I’m two. Otherwise, it’s going right over my head.
I think if I had to set up an elaborate science experiment, I would screw it up. Ask me to make a craft or paint something? I’m all in. Ask me to show you how electricity works using a potato? You might be waiting a while, haha. I think science is fascinating, and I’ll watch science experiments until the cows come home. It’s just doing the explaining, that’s the hard part.
I wanted to do some science with my kids. Mostly because I LOVE when they get excited about stuff. I love the WOW factor that science brings to their little minds. Everything is still so magical to them (my kids are currently 3 and 6).
I needed to set up something that was easy for me to do and explain. I also wanted to easily get them involved, so I did some research and we had a science day! We did 10 different experiments (I included a bonus one, it was a last minute decision). The kids loved doing and watching all of them. AND they were able to participate. It was a fun filled day.
The best part was I didn’t have to buy a single thing at the store. I had it all at home.
After our science day, I compiled an ebook with all these science experiments plus 3 bonus ones. They are all done with household items, and are so easy to do. Each science experiment has simple how-to instructions for kids (included with pictures) as well as prompt questions. The questions help young scientists to hypothesize and analyze. They are great for having a paper copy of the experiments with questions, or a science workbook for school. You can check that out here.
I recently used this for my daughter, who is in second grade, because she was learning the scientific method, and this helped give her a visual. If you want to try it out, you can get the Skittles Experiment Worksheet for FREE by signing up below:
These are so easy, anyone can do them, (including me). And the there is like a total of 10 supplies. Check out my resources page for supplies you should commonly have on hand for kids crafts. Here’s what we did.
This post contains affiliate links.
9 Easy Science Experiments for Kids
Tornado in a jar.
You’ve probably heard of this one before. It’s the typical at home science experiment: make a tornado in a jar. I will have to say, it was harder than I had anticipated to get that funnel going.
Jar with a lid (if you don’t have a jar you can use anything round container with a lid) Water 1 tbsp. Dish Soap 1 tbsp. Vinegar Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
Fill the jar about 2/3 of water.
Add in the vinegar, dish soap and a few drops of food coloring. I recommend not making it super dark because then it’s hard to see the funnel.
Screw on the lid and spin the jar in a circular motion, like a tornado.
Observe what the water does. (and take note if you want in your Science Experiment eBook) .
Sorry, we did not get a good picture. No matter what light I put it in, you can’t see the funnel on the camera. We also didn’t get as good of a funnel as I wanted. We tried filling the jar up less, or putting in less soap, and trying different colors. We got the same type of funnel every time. If you have any tricks for making a crisp funnel, let me know. It was still a cool experiment, and the kids loved it.
Disappearing Egg Shell
This experiment is really cool. It even gives adults the wow factor. It’s super simple, but it does take some time. So, it’s a good idea to start with this experiment, and then observe it throughout the day while you do all the other experiments. Included in the Science ebook is a section to document the changes in the egg at different time intervals.
A clear cup Egg (not boiled, just a plain ole’ egg) Distilled Vinegar
Place the egg in the clear cup.
Pour the vinegar over it until the egg is completely covered.
Let it sit, and sit and sit and sit.
It will take about 24 hours for the egg shell to completely dissolve off, but you can see the vinegar start to eat it off right away. The bubbles start fizzing and it looks cool.
If you feel the egg after a couple of hours, it’s slimy. My kids liked that part. (If you are documenting the experiment, I would recommend having them touch it and write down how it feels).
The next day it was super slimy and we helped rub it a little bit to get the shell off. It kinda just rubs off. And then you have an egg without the shell. It’s awesome. Keep in mind, it’s not boiled, it’s just the egg without a shell. It’s squishy, and you can squeeze it pretty hard. I can attest to that because when I asked my 3 year old to feel it, he squeezed it as hard as he could. Haha. Luckily, it did not break.
However, it can break because we also did that a few days later. We ended up observing it for 3 days. Not much changed in the last day.
What’s the science behind it?
“The shell of an egg (typically a chicken egg) is made up of primarily calcium carbonate. If you soak this egg shell in vinegar (which is about 4% acetic acid), you start a chemical reaction that dissolves the calcium carbonate shell. The acetic acid reacts with the calcium carbonate in the egg shell and releases carbon dioxide gas that you see as bubbles on the shell.” ( source )
Float and Sink Experiment
One of the most interactive science experiments for the kids was the float and sink. The kids have more control over this experiment. In fact, after I explained to my daughter what we were going to do, she put it together. She made the worksheet, picked the supplies, and she was ready to go. I made her worksheet into a FREE printable , and made another FREE printable based off what I had envisioned in my mind. You can download both of those here. It’s also included in the Science ebook.
There are several different ways to do this experiment. You can use containers with water, your bathtub, your sink, or, in the summer, your pool. It just depends on what you have access to and want to do.
Here’s how we did it.
2 clear containers (preferably tall enough to let something sink) Water Objects to test, i.e. keys, toys, blocks, scissors, pens, legos, small cup, etc… (it’s fun for the kids if you have them go around the house and pick objects they want to test) Optional: Float or Sink Worksheet
Fill both containers with water.
One container will be for guessing if the object will float, and the other for if the object will sink. Label the containers accordingly.
Have your child pick an object and place it in whichever container they think the result will be. For Example: if they think it will float, have them place it in the container labeled float and observe. (If you’re using your pool or tub, you could just have the kids give their vote if it will float or sink before you drop it in. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can write them down and document it.)
They might be surprised by which ones float and which ones sink. This is such an easy experiment, but kids love it. My kids kept looking around the house for other objects to test.
Dancing Pepper Science Experiment
The dancing pepper experiment just has a fun title! Another super easy set up and super cool reaction.
Pepper Water Dish soap Q-tip Shallow pan or container
Place about half an inch of water into the shallow container.
Sprinkle the pepper on top of the water.
Place a little bit of dish soap on the table. (like a few drops)
Dip your Q-tip into the soap. (No need to lather it up)
Place the Q-tip on top of the pepper sitting on the water.
Observe. Watch as the pepper reacts by jumping away from the Q-tip. And you can do it again and again. The kids love it, and who doesn’t have an endless supply of pepper?
What’s the science?
“Well, pepper is hydrophobic , meaning that water is not attracted to it. Because of that, the pepper can’t dissolve in the water. But why do the flakes float on top of the water? Water molecules like to stick together. They line up in a certain way that gives the top of the water surface tension. Because pepper flakes are so light, and hydrophobic, the surface tension keeps them floating on top. The next question to think about is why the pepper shoots to the sides when soap touches the water. Soap is able to break down the surface tension of water—that’s part of what makes soap a good cleaner. As the soap moves into the water, and the surface tension changes, the pepper no longer floats on top. But the water molecules still want to keep the surface tension going, so they pull back away from the soap, and carry the pepper along with them.” ( source )
Milk and Soap
This experiment is a lot like the pepper and water, just with different supplies. It has a slightly different effect because it has color. I think the pepper jumps a little better than the milk, but you can make your own judgments, and let me know what you think.
Milk Food coloring Dish soap Q-tip Shallow container or pan
Fill your shallow container with about half an inch of milk.
Place a couple drops of food coloring on the milk in different areas about 3 inches apart from each other, if you’re using different colors.
Place a few drops of dish soap on the table.
Dip your Q-tip in the dish soap so that just the tip is covered in soap.
Touch your soap dipped Q-tip on the food coloring, or around the food coloring, and watch the colors dance.
You can repeat this again and again, and the kids love it. After a while they just go crazy and started mixing colors. I mean, who cares about the dancing colors, just fill some milk in a bowl with food coloring and let them go town. Haha.
The Skittles Easy Science Experiments
The Skittles experiment is another super fun experiment that is super quick. You could do it again and again and it would just be awesome. Plus it doubles as a treat.
All you need is some skittles, water, and a shallow pan. You line up the Skittles, pour some hot water on them, and watch them “glow”.
The affect of the skittles makes it awesome. You can find the full details to the experiment here: The Skittles Experiment.
And yes, the Skittles are still good after they have no color. I’m taking my kids word for it.
Clouds and Rain Drops
I think this experiment is the best for teaching a concept that kids see all the time. We all witness rain, but understanding how it works is a completely different story. It’s interesting learning the water cycle. If you’re looking for a quick video to explain it all here is a good one: Science Behind Rain.
My kids played with this for at least an hour. They wanted to try all the different colors with different volumes and watch the colors swirl around. It was fun. I’d say this was in their top three.
Make Summer easy with the Ultimate Summer Activity Binder
Walking Water or Walking Rainbow Experiment
I think this one was my favorite. It’s just so cool how science works. And it just looks awesome.
Walking water is done by placing different colored water in different cups with paper towels and watching as the water walks up the paper towels into an adjacent empty cup. The colors are placed so that when they meet in the empty cup, it makes a completely different color. You can find the complete instructions here: Walking Rainbow Experiment.
It is not a quick experiment, but worth it. After about 1.5 hours, it’s finished. It’s fun to watch the process. Definitely another experiment that you can document as you go.
Glitter Lava Easy Science Experiments
Most of us have seen the vinegar and baking soda experiment. That goes way back to my day. Haha. This one is a slight twist on it. (but not by much).
¼ cup Baking Soda ½ cup to 1 cup Vinegar Food Coloring Glitter (optional) A vase, or another type of container A pan (or something to be the catch-all after the explosion)
Prepare the experiment by placing the vase in the pan (or container)
Place in the vase the baking soda, a few drops of food coloring, and about a tsp of glitter. (unless you want more). I recommend you stir them up a little to make sure the vinegar hits it evenly.
TIP: You might need more or less baking soda depending on how big your container is. Just know that it doesn’t take much. I’d say doing an even layer over the bottom of the container should suffice. But since this experiment is so easy, you could experiment with the measurements to find what works the best. We realized that if you put too much baking soda in, some of it won’t even touch the vinegar.
When you’re ready, pour the vinegar into the vase and watch the baking soda explode.
TIP: I just poured the vinegar in slowly until it was done reacting with the baking soda. You don’t technically have to measure it out, but do what feels comfortable to you.
You can do this experiment again and again! Just know that once the baking soda gets wet, it will not react again.
Bonus Easy Science Experiments
Frozen balloons.
We just did this one day on a whim. Another simple experiment that I thought wouldn’t be that cool, but the kids loved it. We kept the balloon ice in a bowl all day and the kids kept going over to play with them.
Balloons (any balloons will do, you do not need water balloons) Water
Fill as many balloons as you want (or as many as can fit in your freezer) with water and tie them closed.
Place balloons in the freezer, just anywhere. It would be cool to put them in different places because they will make different shapes depending on how they freeze.
Take out once frozen, “pop” balloon. It doesn’t really pop, it’s more like take the covering off the ice.
Observe the ice. We had some turn out pretty cool. This is a great activity to ask the kids what they think will happen. They might be surprised.
I think my kids think I’m super smart after doing all these experiments…probably not. But it was really fun. Let me know if you try these out and how they worked out, or let me know some of your easy science experiments.
Don’t forget to get the Easy Science Experiment Workbook which includes all of these experiments plus 3 bonus ones. Also get great questions and prompts to help kids become little scientists.
Related: How to Make Simple Balloon Rockets for Kids
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Omg I love this!! I used to be such a creative person. Becoming a mom seems to have sucked the creativity out of me haha. I love how simple and doable these experiments are. I’m definitely doing them with my elder one. He’s going to love me for them!! Thank you they’re awesome!
Thank you! haha, I totally get that! I know, I LOVE how simple they are!
So creative! These are amazing 😄
Yay! I’m so glad!
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Easy Chemistry Experiments to Do at Home
These 12 projects use materials you probably already have
- Activities for Kids
- Chemical Laws
- Periodic Table
- Projects & Experiments
- Scientific Method
- Biochemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Medical Chemistry
- Chemistry In Everyday Life
- Famous Chemists
- Abbreviations & Acronyms
- Weather & Climate
- Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Looking for fun, educational activities to do at home? This list of easy chemistry experiments and science activities will allow you to perform experiments with materials you likely already have in your kitchen cupboards .
You don't need esoteric chemicals and a lab to have a good time with chemistry. Your average fourth-grader can make slime , and it doesn't get any less fun when you're older, so this is a good at-home experiment for kids and adults alike.
Borax Snowflake
Anne Helmenstine
Making a sparkly borax snowflake is a crystal-growing project that's safe and easy enough for kids. You can make shapes other than snowflakes, and you can color the crystals. If you use these as Christmas decorations and store them, the borax is a natural insecticide and will help keep your long-term storage area pest-free. If they develop a white precipitant, lightly rinse them but don't dissolve too much crystal.
Mentos and Diet Soda Fountain
This is a backyard activity best accompanied by a garden hose . The Mentos fountain is more spectacular than a baking soda volcano . If you make the volcano and find the eruption to be disappointing, substitute these ingredients.
Penny Chemistry
You can clean pennies, coat them with verdigris, and plate them with copper. This project demonstrates several chemical processes , yet the materials are easy to find and the science is safe enough for kids.
Invisible Ink
Invisible inks either react with another chemical to become visible or else weaken the structure of the paper so the message appears if you hold it over a heat source. But we're not talking about fire here; the heat of a normal light bulb is all that's required to darken the lettering. This baking soda recipe is nice because if you don't want to use a light bulb to reveal the message, you can just swab the paper with grape juice instead.
Colored Fire
Fire is fun. Colored fire is even better. These additives are safe. They won't, in general, produce smoke that is any better or worse for you than normal wood smoke. Depending on what you add, the ashes will have a different elemental composition from a normal wood fire, but if you're burning trash or printed material, you have a similar result. This is suitable for a home fire or campfire, plus most chemicals are found around the house (even of non-chemists).
Seven-Layer Density Column
Make a density column with many liquid layers . Heavier liquids sink to the bottom, while lighter (less dense) liquids float on top. This is an easy, fun, colorful science project that illustrates the concepts of density and miscibility.
Homemade Ice Cream in a Plastic Bag
Science experiments can taste good! Whether you're learning about freezing point depression or not, the ice cream is a delicious result either way. This cooking chemistry project potentially uses no dishes, so cleanup can be very easy.
Hot Ice (Sodium Acetate)
Got vinegar and baking soda ? If so, you can make " hot ice ," or sodium acetate , and then cause it to instantly crystallize from a liquid into "ice." The reaction generates heat, so the ice is hot. It happens so quickly that you can form crystal towers as you pour the liquid into a dish.
Burning Money
The " burning money trick " is a magic trick using chemistry . You can set a bill on fire, yet it won't burn. Are you brave enough to try it? All you need is a real bill.
Coffee Filter Chromatography
Exploring separation chemistry with coffee filter chromatography is a snap. A coffee filter works well, though if you don't drink coffee you can substitute a paper towel. You can also devise a project comparing the separation you get using different brands of paper towels. Leaves from outdoors can provide pigments. Frozen spinach is another good choice.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Foam Fight
The foam fight is a natural extension of the baking soda volcano . This easy chemistry experiment is a lot of fun and a little messy, but quick enough to clean up as long as you don't add food coloring to the foam.
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Easy Science Experiments for Kids
Looking for some easy experiments to do with the kids? We’ve got you covered with all of our favourite, easy science experiments for kids. The best part about all of these ideas is that they may be simple, but the lessons are powerful! Plus they can be adapted for a wide variety of ages and learning environments.
100+ Genius Easy Science Experiments for Kids
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Fun Science Experiments
First let’s kick things off with a list of easy science experiments for kids that we have done many times over and are a favourite of STEAM Powered Family readers around the world. Almost all of these projects use common household items and are tested by kids and teachers. We have science experiments for all ages, from preschool to middle school, even adults love to do these. The best part is that you can use these ideas to help students gain comfort and eventually mastery of the Scientific Method . This list is also a fantastic place to find ideas for your science fair projects.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments
It is incredible the number of cool science experiments you can create from this one simple chemical reaction between Baking Soda and Vinegar . This endothermic reaction, is a classic acid and base chemical reaction.
Here is the chemical formula of this reaction
C 2 H 4 O 2 + NaHCO 3 -> NaC 2 H 3 O 2 + H 2 O + CO 2 vinegar + sodium bicarbonate -> sodium acetate + water + carbon dioxide
Some of our favourite baking soda and vinegar science activities of all time include Bottle Rockets , Fireworks Experiment , Baking Soda Oobleck , and Hatching Dinosaur Eggs . No matter which one you pick, you must try at least one vinegar and baking soda experiment when little scientists are first learning about chemistry.
Balloon Races – Physics Science Experiment
This fast paced, exciting science experiment explores the principles of physics and Newton’s Laws of Motion. It is so simple, kids won’t believe how much they are learning while having fun! Balloon Races make a fantastic activity for the classroom, camp, after school program or at home when the kids need to burn off some energy while learning!
Build a Compass – A Magnetism Science Experiment
Did you know it is actually very easy to build a compass ? All you need is a bowl of water, a needle and a cork! Have your children explore the same magnetic forces that inspired Einstein as a child in this fun science experiment.
Lollipop Layers Density Experiment
Density is such a fun phenomenon to explore, and in this version of a density experiment we are using candy! Lollipop layers is so simple, all you need is a bunch of lollipops or hard candies, water, and a patient hand. The result… GORGEOUS!
Greenhouse Effect Science Experiment
Climate change experiments are so important for helping foster a deep understanding in our students. In this Greenhouse Effect Science Experiment we learn how gas are changing the atmosphere and affecting global temperatures.
Volcano Experiment
A classic science project for kids, making a volcano can be as simple or as complex as you want to make it. The goal of the exercise, a big, bubbly reaction that is sure to WOW students. Here are some of our favourite Volcano Experiments we have done.
Have you ever made a Lava Lamp at home? This sensory science experiment is mesmerizing! Watching those bubbles bounce and dance and play is sure to capture students of all ages. Best of all, we have 5 different ways you can make a Lava Lamp (including the old favourite with alka seltzer), so no matter what supplies you have available, we have a Lava Lamp experiment you can do.
Make Milk Plastic
While teaching elementary science I was always on the hunt for cool science experiments that would impress my kids and really stretch their interests and foster their curiosity. One of the biggest hits of all time was a surprisingly simple experiment, that we never really considered as possible… making plastics. Specifically making bioplastics out of milk . With this concept you can create a lesson that is a powerful way to explore polymers with kids. This easy science experiment is a sure fire hit with students and gives them a wonderful keepsake of their studies.
Bouncy Naked Egg in Vinegar Experiment
Have you ever tried to shell a raw egg? Impossible you say? Challenge your hypothesis in this egg in vinegar science experiment ! Not only will you remove the shell from a raw egg, but the result is a bouncy, rubbery, raw egg. An incredibly simple science experiment, it can also be used to teach higher level concepts in osmosis and biology for students learning about the parts of the cell.
Making Water Rise Experiment Magic
When we did this water experiment the kids jaws hit the floor! It is so simple, but the results shock the kids. This is one very easy science experiment that is also incredibly memorable. It teaches the science of creating a vacuum in a very simple approach with just a jar, water and a candle. Learn how to make water rise and wow your students!
Elephant Toothpaste
You have probably seen the Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment done on TV or at the Science Center where they create a massive gusher that goes many feet into the air, but did you know there is a very simple and easy way you can do this experiment yourself with items you already have available? This classic science experiment is one every student should experience.
Frozen Bubbles
If you live where it gets well below freezing, one of our favourite winter science experiments is to freeze bubbles . There are some specific science principles you need to understand to ensure this experiment is a beautiful success!
Growing Crystals
As a crystal lover and passionate family of rock hounds, the idea of growing crystals is something that we love! Over the years we have found all the ways to simplify and perfect the process so you can easily grow gorgeous crystals and learn the science behind crystallization. We have made crystals from borax, alum and sugar. We even have edible crystals called Rock Candy … yum!!
Explore Surface Tension with Glitter (or Pepper) and Soap
Surface tension is the focus of this simple science experiment that provides a powerful demonstration of the effect soap has on surface tension. Do this easy experiment, all you need is a plate, water, glitter or pepper and dish soap. Such an easy science experiment for kids!
Bottle Crush – Simple Heat Transfer Experiment
Got a soda pop bottle, some hot water and a cold winter day (or a bucket of ice)? Then you have all the makings of a cool science experiment! This this Bottle Crush science experiment , kids feel like all powerful magicians as they crush plastic bottles without touching them.
pH Testing Lab
Have you ever done a pH lab ex periment? In this simple version, you can use items from the kitchen to create a science lab that allows students to explore pH and learn more about acids and bases.
Gummy Mummies – Gummy Bear Mummification Experiment
Gummy Bear Science Experiments are always a hit with kids and in this easy science experiment we explore how the mummification process works. Add an extra fun comparison by also placing some of the gummy bears in liquid.
Walking Rainbow
Want a beautiful rainbow science experiment that is soooo easy it all happens without you even needing to do anything? Simply set it up, walk away, and come back to a beautiful rainbow of colours. In the Walking Rainbow Science Experiment kids learn about capillary action and color mixing. All you need is jars, paper towels, water and food coloring.
Rainbow Rain
On a rainy day, why not make Rainbow Rain in this simple science experiment for kids. The results are beautiful and will brighten a dreary day. All you need is water, shaving cream and a few drops of food colouring.
Skittles Experiment
It doesn’t get any easier than the simple Skittles Experiment . All you need is a plate, some Skittles and water. Soon you will have a spectacular science experiment the kids will beg to do again and again.
It’s been all the rage for a few years, and whether you love it or hate it, making slime can actually be a fantastic science experiment for kids.
Ready to do one of the most simple science experiments, but also the most fun? It’s time to make non-Newtonian Fluids! Known as Oobleck , it turns sold under pressure and liquifies when you remove pressure. And it will keep kids learning hands on and exploring for hours! The best part is all the different science experiments you can do with Oobleck.
Now when you think of Moon Dough , you don’t immediately think of easy science experiments for kids, but that’s because you have never made Moon Dough the way we make Moon Dough! In our recipes we learn about emulsifiers, glow in the dark science, chemical reactions, heat transfer, all while having so much fun exploring science and sensory play with kids of all ages.
Making playdough with your kids is a great way to teach them about mixtures, solutions, substances, and chemical changes. It is also teaches about the importance of formulas and the role each ingredient plays in creating one of the all time most popular sensory play items, playdough!
Magic Milk Experiment
Ready for some serious wow factor in a really easy science experiment? Magic Milk is a classic experiment that always mesmerizes kids. Over the years we have used it to learn about surface tension, space, pollution on Earth Day, and so much more. All you need is milk, dish soap and a drop of food colouring… and watch the magic colour explosion happen!
Simple Snow and Ice Experiment
Is it winter where you live? This is a fantastic, very simple and easy experiment to do with young students. All you need is some jars, snow, ice cubes and water… and watch the melting magic !
Heat Transfer Experiment – Slurpee Making
Kids love this simple slurpee science experiment where they get a cold, sweet treat at the end in the form of a homemade slurpee! Using the science of heat transfer, kids will make their very own slurpee out of juice. A great experiment for learning about temperature, heat and heat transfer.
Flying Ghosts Tea Bag Experiment
Obviously this easy science experiment is perfect for Halloween, but don’t let that stop you from doing it at any time during the year. The results of the flying tea bag experiment are always a hit with kids and all you need is fire and a tea bag to set flight to curiosity!
Ice Fishing
Inspire your little ones to learn more about how salt and water react in this fun ice fishing science experiment .
Water and Oil Experiment
Demonstrate how oil and water don’t mix in this colourful oil and water experiment. All you need is a few simple ingredients: water, oil and food colouring. When it comes to easy science experiments for kids, it doesn’t get easier than this!
Magnet Science – Harry Potter Inspired Wingardium Leviosa
Use the magic of science to wow students, or teach students this experiment so they can wow their friends with their new found magical abilities. You can also use this science to make ghosts fly! Who knew magnet science was so cool?
Marshmallow Science
Marshmallows are the secret to easy science experiments that you never knew existed in your pantry! Learn how to teach concepts around heat, molecules, expansion and more in this marshmallow science experiment .
Sky Science
Kids wondering why the sky changes colour during sunrise and sunsets? Or the always famous, why is the sky blue, question? Explore the science of the sky colours in this easy experiment .
Easy STEM Challenges
Why not combine Science with some Technology, Engineering and Math in these easy STEM Projects for kids.
Build a Popsicle Stick Catapult
One of the original STEM projects kids have been building for generations is the simple catapult. There are lots of different ways you can build a catapult, but here we are making the always easy and popular Popsicle Stick Catapult .
Build a Water Clock
This easy STEM project has some significant historical context that your history loving students will go wild over. Plus building a water clock is surprisingly easy but packs a powerful learning punch.
Make a Glow Salt Circuit
Before you start to worry, building a circuit doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, once your students master the basics of electricity and circuits, they will want to start adding circuits to everything. To get started, one of the most simple circuit projects you can make is our Glow Salt Circuit . Don’t worry, we provide all the detailed instructions to ensure your project is a hit.
Build a Battery
Another great way to explore electricity science is to build a simple battery out of food. We have built Lemon Batteries , Pumpkin Batteries and even Potato Batteries . Kids love capturing the energy in our foods and using it to light up!
Build a Bridge
A bridge building challenge is a great way to challenge a class either in school, at camp or in an after school program. Kids get to let their innovation, creativity, and understanding of science and engineering go wild as they build their creations. Then test them out against other designs to see which concepts come out on top.
Rube Goldberg Machine
Building simple machines is an incredible STEM project for all ages. With a Rube Goldberg Machine you are linking simple machines into a chain reaction to achieve an end goal. The best part about a Rube Goldberg Machine project is that it challenges students to work together and apply critical thinking and problem skills as they develop their STEM literacy. Check out the Rube Goldberg Machine we built as a Leprechaun Trap .
Build a Catapult Cannon
Catapults may be fun, but as kids get older, they want bigger challenges, bigger launches and bigger fun with their learning. Enter the Catapult Cannon , a Catapult design that launches harder and farther than your regular catapults, and challenges students to apply more advanced engineering and physics concepts.
Build a Confetti Cannon or Seed Bomb Launcher
For a smaller scale challenge with mini cannons, try making this Confetti Cannon , which includes two different designs, one for little learners and one more complex design for older kids. Plus you can use a similar design concept to make a Seed Bomb Launcher for homemade Seed Bombs.
Tower Construction Challenge
A very easy STEM Project is to challenge kids to build a tower. Now you can do this with blocks or LEGO, but up the challenge by having kids build with candy , marshmallows , paper, pasta or even frozen bubbles . Add a time limit to turn this into a one minute STEM challenge.
Make a Thaumatrope
Optical illusions are always a fun experiment for kids. For a quick and easy optical illusion for kids, try building Thaumatropes . It is so easy, especially with our ideas and templates.
Build a Balloon Car
This is a STEM build that is perfect for a classroom or after school group. Build a Balloon Car that is powered by air. For younger kids, challenge them with the Make It Move STEM Challenge .
Biology Science Building Models
Turn a boring Biology lesson into a fun science class with a STEM project inspired by the human body. Build functioning models of The Lungs , The Heart or The Hand .
Science Projects and STEM Activities for the Holidays
Need something specific to celebrate the seasons or holidays? Check out all of these resources featuring the best in easy science experiments for kids with a special theme!
Spring Activities
Summer Activities
Fall Activities
Winter Activities
End of School Year
Valentine’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day
Halloween Activities
Christmas Activities
5 Days of Smart STEM Ideas for Kids
Get started in STEM with easy, engaging activities.
Repair Your Relationship With Your Child In Less Than 17 Seconds!
15 Very Simple Science Experiments (Using What You Already Have at Home!)
Looking for a very simple science experiment to do at home with your kids ? Maybe you need some ideas for summer or a rainy day. These are the coolest science projects I found that are unique, magical and use only household items.
For me, kids activities need to have a purpose.
I love seeing the look of wonder on my kids’ faces, but as a former teacher, I like to know that they’re also learning something too.
That’s why these cool science experiments to do at home accomplish two things:
- They’re very simple.
- They use ingredients you already have in your own home.
Let’s get started:
15 Very Simple Science Experiments
- Make Your Own Lava Lamp
Remember those lava lamps you had as a kid? With just a little bit of food coloring, vegetable oil, and alka seltzer, your kids will play with this one for a while. Here’s the simple DIY experiment.
2. Milk Fireworks
Ready for some fireworks… in milk? Ya, you read that right. Watch these food coloring burst and stream before your eyes. You need to try this magic milk experiment using just milk, food coloring and dish soap.
3. Light refraction with a water bottle
In this cool science experiment from Look We’re Learning , kids will learn about the principles of light refraction. They see the arrows on the post-it note reverse directions right in front of their eyes!
4. From dull, to shiny to… GREEN!
Sure, you know vinegar turns a penny from dull to shiny.. But how do you turn it green? This simple experiment from Bren Did uses simple household items and even comes with a free, printable lab notebook.
5. Rainbow fizzies
6. Frozen Slime recipe
Let it go! Let it go!! I’ve tried glitter glue slime before and it’s turned into a gloppy mess. Beauty in the Mess shows you how to create an ice colored blob Elsa could be proud of.
7. Write Invisible Messages
Need a fun rainy day activity? Use this project from StepMomming to write secret messages. I would go evil, hide all my kids snacks and then leave blank pieces of paper in its place. (evil laugh, evil laugh)
8. Edible Chocolate play dough
OK, of all the edible dough recipes out there, I think that this one from Little Bins for Little Hands looks the most appetizing. Ya… I would eat it.
9. Inverted balloon in a bottle
This doesn’t look impressive, but trust me, when you attach a balloon to the outside of the bottle and watch it move ON ITS OWN, you’ll be stunned. This simple experiment from A Dab of Glue Will Do uses items you probably already have at home.
10. Hot ice
What the heck is hot ice? Well, it looks like ice but is hot to the touch. Now do I have you intrigued? Find the how to at Play Dough to Plato .
11. Blood Model in a Bottle
Plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets… how do you explain this to kids? This cool model from My Joy Filled Life made of red hots and other household items makes it tangible.
12. What’s inside a penny?
Did you know you could do this with a penny and simple lemon juice? What?!? This project from Playground Parkbench will fascinate your preschoolers and grade schoolers.
13. Harry Potter Potions
Have a muggle who wants to be a wizard? Imagination Soup has a plethora of experiments you can do by renaming the items in your cupboards as magical ingredients.
14. Lemon Volcano
Ya… you’ve seen the typical volcanoes. Now, let’s make one out of a lemon. Babble Dabble Do has a way to make a colorful explosion.
15. Make Your Own Boba
You know the little beads you get at fro-yo? You can make them at home with simple ingredients
Whatever you choose to do, you are bound to have a fun time and kids who crave more science!
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31 Easy Science Experiments and STEM Activities Using Household Stuff
Time off from school doesn’t mean learning and creativity has to stop..
If you are looking for some ways to keep the spark of learning alive at home, these fun, easy science experiments and STEM activities are just the thing. Best of all, these projects use items that you probably have around the house.
Things to Build & Create
- Make your own lava lamp .
- Make homemade paper .
- Use some of that toilet paper you’re hoarding and make a mummy .
- Make a mesmerizing wave machine .
- Create mud bricks .
- Make your own stethoscope .
Food Science
- Make homemade butter (and get a workout) by shaking cream in a jar.
- Try to get an egg into a bottle .
- Learn about osmosis and grow gummy bears .
- Watch pepper scatter and learn about surface tension .
- Make geodes that you can eat .
- Learn about the phases of the moon with Oreos.
- Fool your senses with this taste test .
- Build a solar oven and make sun s’mores .
- Make edible sugar candy glass .
- Experiment with curds and whey to make ricotta cheese .
Science That Flies
- Make a paper toothpick glider that flies far.
- Make a paper bag kite for those windy days.
- Make a hovercraft with a balloon and an old CD.
- Make a parachute for a toy soldier .
- Make a straw glider .
- Build a paper airplane launcher .
Noisy Science
- Create a soothing-sounding rain stick .
- Make music with bottles .
- Jam with a cardboard guitar .
- Make music with a couple of glasses of water .
- Make a straw oboe .
Sticky Science
- Make fluffy dish soap slime .
- Explore non-Newtonian fluids by making oobleck .
- Create edible fake snot slime .
- Make super easy three-ingredient slime .
- Things to do at home
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8 Easy Chemistry Experiments At Home (Get a Great Reaction!)
If you want to have some fun with chemistry at home, there are three main ways to go about it. You can buy a chemistry set, subscribe to a subscription box, or find some instructions and use household items. However you go about it, chemistry is a great way to get kids excited about chemistry and science in general.
Related post: Best STEM Subscription Box for Kids (Ultimate Guide 2024)
Chemistry Sets and Subscription Boxes
Before we dive into easy experiments, you can do with things you’ll probably have at home. I just wanted to talk a little bit about your other options.
Chemistry sets can be an excellent investment. They come with equipment that you can reuse over and over. It’s a lot cheaper than having to replace your drinking glasses and measuring jugs because the kids keep using them for chemistry experiments! They also come with instructions on a range of experiments that you can try. If you’ve done a few of the experiments below and are looking for something more, a chemistry set can be a really good option. There are ones aimed at young kids all the way up to teenagers .
Another great option to consider is subscription boxes. These are great for extending learning and keeping kids entertained and engaged for a more extended period. There are loads of great options to choose from. But, when it comes to chemistry, you really can’t go wrong with MEL Science . They have two subscription levels, so you can get a big box or a small one each month. Because everything is in the box, it really takes all the planning and hunting for ingredients out of the equation.
Experiments Using Household Items
If you don’t have a science kit on hand and are looking for something quick and easy to try at home, then these are the experiments you should try. Most of these use items that you will probably have at home, although a few might require you to get a little creative or grab the odd thing the next time you go to the shops.
Chromatography
Chromatography is a technique used in chemistry. It lets you find out what’s inside chemicals. In this version from Fizzics Education, you’ll see what colors are mixed up inside felt tip pens. It’s a straightforward experiment to carry out. All you need is some paper towels, felt tips, and a glass of water.
This is a simple version of this experiment, but there are some easy ways to make it more interesting or scientific. One way to extend this experiment is to try the same technique but using your favorite sweets’ colorings.
For instance, sweets like M&Ms, Skittles, and Smarties all have food coloring on their outside. You can get a sample of this coloring by sitting the candy in a small amount of water. Then you use the colored water in the same way as the felt tip pens.
To add a bit of rigor and math to the experiment, you need a pencil and a ruler. Instead of drawing a line of felt tip, you draw a line with a pencil. Then put a spot of the felt tip on the pencil line. When you take the paper out, you mark a second pencil line to show how high the water went.
By measuring the distance, each of the colors went and the distance the water went, you can calculate something called the retention factor. The retention factor will be unique for different dyes. To find the retention factor, you take the distance your sample travels and divide it by the length the solvent (water in this case) traveled. You can use this number to see if the same dye is used in different pens.
Pop Rockets
This is one of my favorite chemistry experiments for kids. It does get a little messy, so make sure you have some cloths on hand. Alternatively, you can do it outside to make it a little easier to clean up. Steve Spangler Science has some great instructions to follow.
In their version, they use an old film canister. But these can be a bit hard to get hold of these days since everything is digital. Some good alternatives that work well include empty glue stick containers. It’s also worth keeping your eye out for any food containers with push-on lids, as these can work well. There are always a lot of good options around Halloween, Christmas, and Easter – the snack size containers tend to be pretty good options.
The reason I love this experiment is that it’s a lot of fun. There’s the excitement of the pop and watching the canister fly. But, there are also a lot of opportunities to turn this into a real investigation. You can try changing the volumes of liquid or the type of liquid. You can find the best mix to make the biggest noise, the loudest pop, or the perfect mix to make it pop in precisely 8 seconds.
Make Oobleck Dance!
Oobleck is the name that’s been given to an awesome type of slime that you can make at home. If it sounds like something out of Dr. Suess, that’s because it is. This slime is just a mix of cornstarch and water, so it’s pretty easy to make. These instructions from Housing A Forest are pretty good.
What’s cool about Oobleck is that it’s a Non-Newtonian solid. That means that it behaves a little differently than you might expect. For instance, when you try to stir it quickly, it gets hard and almost solid. If you run your fingers through it slowly, it flows like runny syrup.
Now just playing with this stuff is fun, but if you have a speaker to hand, you can do something even cooler. In the guide from Housing A Forest, they suggest using a subwoofer and a cookie sheet. The speaker’s vibrations make the Oobleck bounce around and switch from a solid to a liquid to the beat of the music.
If you have an old speaker that you don’t mind breaking, you can wrap the speaker in saran wrap and put the Oobleck straight onto that. It works a lot better, but if you don’t cover the speaker correctly, it can break.
Make Rubber Eggs
Eggs are an excellent ingredient for science experiments. This experiment from 3P Learning lets you turn a hardboiled egg into a bouncy rubber one. To do this, all you need to do is soak it in vinegar for a day or so. This will dissolve the calcium carbonate of the eggshell. When it’s done, you’ll be able to rub off the tough outer shell.
Without the shell, you’ll be left with the membrane that lines the shell. This membrane helps hold the egg together. This membrane is strong enough to drop the egg onto a surface from a reasonable height, and it will bounce back without falling apart.
The harder your egg is, the less it will bounce. If you want a mix between bounciness and minimal potential for mess, then you’ll want to aim for a soft boiled egg. But, if you don’t mind the mess, try a raw egg. You remove the shell in the same way. When it comes off, you get a peek inside the raw egg. Because it’s raw, it’s squishy and bounces better. Of course, if you drop it from high enough, it will break. When you do this, you’ll find the stretchy membrane, which is pretty cool to feel.
Lemony Eruption
I’m sure you’ve all done the classic volcano eruption with baking soda and vinegar. This is a twist on that experiment. It takes advantage of the fact that lemons are already full of natural citric acid. Here are some great instructions from Babble Dabble Do. They have some handy tips on how to make the most out of each lemon. The great thing about this version is that your room will smell lovely and lemony for the rest of the day.
If you want to extend this, you try investigating which other fruits this would work with. You could explore a whole citric family of volcanoes.
Concoct Some Invisible Ink
Write Secret Messages With Invisible Ink! by Science Buddies
Making invisible ink is really easy. There is some fun chemistry behind how it works. As a bonus, once your kids get the hang of it, they’ll have loads of fun sending coded messages. It’s a great way to keep them entertained.
This great recipe from Thoughtco can be revealed using two different methods. If you have a safe and controllable heat source, you can hold the paper up to that. Ironing the paper works as well, although that’s best left to adults. Otherwise, you can use purple grape juice to reveal the message. If you paint over the page with grape juice, the message will show up in a different color.
If sending secret messages isn’t appealing to your kids, you could challenge them to create something artistic with this technique. The only limit is their imagination.
If you’ve done any chemistry experiments for kids, then you probably know that an acid + baking soda makes for an awesome fizzy experiment. I’ve seen this used in many different ways, but this version from STEAM powered family is one of the best.
In this experiment/activity, you encase small dinosaur toys in a paste made of baking soda and water. By adding food coloring, you can create multicolored eggs. You can even hide glitter inside for an added surprise. When made, you freeze the eggs for about an hour, so they are set hard.
To hatch the eggs, you give your kids syringes and a cup of vinegar. They can then apply the vinegar wherever they want to discover what’s hiding inside the eggs. Just remember to place the eggs in an easy to wash container with reasonably high sides.
Fireworks Alternative
I love fireworks, but I feel guilty about enjoying them because they are an environmental disaster. So, whenever bonfire night rolls around, I always set this up to have some fun and color in our home without having to damage the environment. It’s not quite as good as fireworks, but it’s pretty cool never-the-less.
All you need is:
- Oil – any sort will do. Cheap vegetable oil is just fine
- Food coloring (The liquid kind, not gel)
- Droppers (medicine syringes work well too)
- A clear, tall jar – a mason jat is perfect
To get the magic going, all you need to do is fill your jar ¾ full with warm water. Then add a good layer of oil on top. About an inch deep is plenty. Then you use your dropper to drip food coloring into the jar.
At first, the food coloring will sit at the interface between the oil and water. Then all of a sudden, it will drop through, leaving a trail of color behind it in the water. It looks impressive if you do lots of drops of different colors and then sit back and watch as they drop through the liquids.
Eventually, your water will turn a muddy, muddle color. But, this is such an easy experiment that you can wash out your jar and try again.
Just a little not to say that if you can’t get hold of a dropper or syringe then you can just drip the food coloring from the bottle. As long as you only put in small amounts at a time it does still work.
If you want to extend the fun, keep the oil and some of the colored water when you pour out the container. You want to have more oil than water this time, so I suggest moving them to a second smaller bottle. Then if you add an Alka-Seltzer tablet, you’ve got a homemade lava lamp. To get the best effect, stand your lava lamp bottle on top of a light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most useful household ingredients for chemistry experiments.
When it comes to chemistry experiments, having the right ingredients makes all the difference. If you like explosions, then you’ll probably want to have a good supply of baking soda and vinegar on hand. Other common ingredients include ice, food coloring, citric acid, cornflour, and borax.
If you’re planning on doing lots of experiments, you might want to have a clear measuring jug and a few clear bowls of glasses that you don’t mind sacrificing.
Is cooking chemistry?
Absolutely! There is loads of chemistry behind making food taste great. If you like a perfectly browned steak, then you’re a fan of the Maillard reaction. If you like sweets and desserts, then you’re benefiting from the careful balance of ingredients and use of temperature needed to create the textures and flavor you love.
There is a whole field of science called food science, which is a specific field of chemistry. A great introduction to this field is to experiment with the ratio of ingredients in a simple recipe. You’ll learn what effect the different ingredients have on the outcome. Alternatively, you could make a sourdough starter.
What is the easiest science project?
All of the experiments on this list are pretty easy to try. The chromatography experiment is probably the one that has the most common equipment and is pretty hard to mess up. The fireworks alternative is also an easy experiment that looks great.
Sandy is an experienced STEM educator, having spent a decade teaching Physics. She also loves to volunteer at local STEM fairs to show kids, especially girls, how awesome it is. She is so passionate about science that one science degree wasn’t enough and she decided to complete a second part-time, while working.
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12 STEM Experiments Kids Can Create with Household Items
March 19, 2020
Most families will be spending extra time inside over the next few weeks. My hubby and I are trying to look at the bright side of this sudden change in our lives by using it to spend more quality time together as a family. Now that families aren’t rushing off to swim class, soccer practice, and school every week there’s suddenly tons of time to do fun things together as a family and science experiments are a personal favorite in my household.
Back in my teaching days, science experiments were one of the few ways to get an entire class of 20 preschoolers to focus, engage, and have fun. Now as a mom, I’m finding my son loves all of the same science experiments that were popular year after year in my classroom. Most kids naturally love getting messy, learning how things work, and exploring new materials. Have fun with these kid-tested, mother/teacher approved science experiments, all of which can be done at home with just a few common household materials.
Pepper and Soap Experiment
Rub-a-dub-dub, there’s pepper in my tub! In this experiment, you’ll use pepper floating on water to demonstrate how soap affects the surface of water. This is a quick experiment can also help your kids understand the importance of hand-washing. Looking for more good clean fun? Test various household items to see what cleans pennies best .
Sparkly Explosion
Kids will love this colorful and exciting child-led learning experiment that only requires baking soda, vinegar, glitter, and food coloring. Who doesn’t love bubbles and sparkles?
Fireworks in a Jar
This visually appealing experiment brings the colorful fun of fireworks into the house without the noise. There are also educational concepts that you can explore with your kids about density and the properties of oil and water.
Fluffy Slime
Have you tried making fluffy slime yet? This one is a must-try! The texture is so fun to play with. Kids will love stretching and squishing this fluffy slime. This is the perfect way to keep kids busy for more than just a few minutes!
Learn about chemistry and make beautiful tie-die design with only a few household ingredients – milk, food coloring, and dishsoap!
Crystal Suncatcher Craft
For a unique suncatcher craft, try making these crystal suncatchers using Epsom salt.
Frozen Ice Challenge
This super easy, super fun activity is completely hands-on and child-led. Pick a few small toys, place in a bowl of water and freeze overnight. The next day, have kids experiment with various “tools” as they try to untrap the toys.
Oooey Gooey Oobleck
Oobleck is another fun, hands-on sensory experience. Oobleck is a classic science experiment that’s perfect for entertaining both kids and adults. If you haven’t seen it in action it’s very fascinating stuff and before too long you’ll have your hands covered with it, happily making a mess that can be washed away with water.
Color Changing Flowers
How do plants drink water? See how flowers do it in this fun experiment that also brings a little natural beauty to your home.
Walking Water Rainbow
Let’s make a walking water rainbow- there’s no better way for little scientists to learn about color mixing than by making water walk (yes walk!) in this colorful science experiment.
Float or Sink?
Set up a sink or float experiment to teach toddlers and preschoolers about density and buoyancy. This play-based learning activity combines a science activity and a water activity, and for some extra fun, we’re adding a colorful twist.
Rainbow Marker Coffee Filter
Use coffee filters and markers to make amazing tie-dye rainbow colors! Markers, coffee filters, and water – that simple! It’s such a fun color rainbow marker experiment with kids. Bonus- you’ll have all sorts of beautiful colored coffee filters to craft with!
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Ashley Porter is a Chicago native who now calls Birmingham home. Ashley and her husband Mike and son Jake love attending local festivals, exploring Detroit’s diverse food scene, and venturing outside of Metro Detroit to enjoy the natural beauty of Michigan. With a background in Early Childhood Education, Ashley loves connecting with and supporting families in her community, which is why she is so excited to be a part of LittleGuide Detroit.
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20 Amazingly Simple Science Experiments Using Household Items in 2023
Science experiments you can do at home! Keep the kids involved with learning at home with these easy DIY science experiments for kids. Here are some really cool experiments to do at home with household items!
Science Projects For Kids At Home
The kids have been stuck at home for awhile now and they are getting bored!
What’s worse, its been like 115 degrees every day this summer here in Arizona. So playing outside isn’t really an option. Instead, we are stuck with finding cool things to do inside the home, with the stuff we already have.
These really simple science experiments for kids are a great way to get your kids engaged and off their tablets. And even better, they all use simple items you probably already own.
Cool Science Experiments with Household Items
The best thing about all these experiments for kids is that you can do them all with items right in your pantry, or cleaning cabinet.
Shaving cream, baking soda, vinegar… you’d be very surprised what these basic household items can do with just a little imagination.
Simple Science Experiments For Kids
If you’re bored in the house and you’re in the house bored… try one of these really cool science projects for kids at home.
These great resources can also help you come up with some ideas for your kids!
- Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work
- Smithsonian 10-Minute Science Experiments: 50+ quick, easy and awesome projects for kids
- Learn & Climb Kids Science Kit – Over 60 Experiments, Fun with Science!
1 – Make Magnetic Slime
You know your kids have slime materials at home! Follow this easy tutorial to make slime that sticks to magnets. Your kids will be amazed!
Curtesy of See Mama Go
2 – Homemade Volcano
Kids love things that make messes and a homemade volcano is a classic. This easy to follow tutorial uses play-doh, baking soda, and vinegar.
Curtesy of Happy Brown House
3 – Oil and Water Lava Lamps
It’s a simple example of oil and water to make this really cool science experiment with items from your house.
Curtesy of Fun Learning For Kids
4 – Making Rain Science Experiment
Grab some shaving cream and food coloring and teach your kids how rain and clouds are made.
Curtesy of Mrs Jones Creation Station
5 – Grow a Rainbow Experiment
Watch a rainbow grow right before your very eyes. Or use any colors you want with this simple experiment that only requires water, paper towels, and markers.
Curtesy of The Best Ideas For Kids
6 – Bouncy Egg Experiment
Even I thought this science experiment was cool! A dissolving shell and a bouncy egg? How does that work!
Curtesy of Mom Brite
7 – DIY Unpoppable Bubbles
Bubbles are always a favorite of little kids. But what if they could make some bubbles that don’t pop?
Curtesy of Learning Resources
8 – Baking Soda Rocket
Did you you can make rockets with everyday household items? Your kids will think you are the coolest mom in the world when you show them this experiment.
Curtesy of Science-Sparks
9 – Pencil in Water Bag
My daughter actually learned this experiment in school and came home and showed it to me. It was so amazing to her, she loved shocking others with this cool experiment.
Curtesy of Hello, Wonderful
10 – Balloon Air Pressure Experiment
You’ll want to supervise this experiment since it involves fire but your kids will light up when they do it (haha… pun intended).
Curtesy of Darcy and Brian
11 – Dancing Raisins
Finally a really cool science experiment you can do at home AND you can eat! Little kids will love making and eating this project.
Curtesy of One Little Project
12 – Crushing Cans Science Experiment
Kids love things that smash and crash. Take some old cans from the recycling bin and give them a fun science experiment that crushes some cans.
Curtesy of Frugal Fun 4 Boys
13 – Exploding Sandwich Bag Science Experiment
Kids will love this science experiment that uses a chemical reaction to explode!
14 – Snowstorm in a Jar Winter Science Experiment
Get ready for the holiday season with this cool science experiment where you make snow in a jar.
15 – Magic Pepper and Soap Science Experiment
This paper and soap experiment is fun for kids because they get to use their own fingers to make it work.
16 – Making Butter Science Experiment
Science you can eat! Use this creative experiment to learn something new and have a tase treat when you are done.
Curtesy of StemSational
17 – Rising Water Science Experiment
With just a few items and a few steps, you can demonstrate to your kids how to rise the water inside the cup or jar without ever touching it.
18 – Arctic Animals Science Experiment
My daughter loves showing off this science experiment when people come over. She thinks sh’e being tricky, but it’s a great way to learn about animal blubber.
Curtesy of Forgetful Momma
19 – Tornado in a Bottle
A fun way to learn about weather is with this DIY tornado in a bottle science experiment.
Curtesy of Gift of Curiosity
20 – DIY Thermometer for Kids
This is a great way to get kids involved in the weather and to get them outside and active.
Curtesy of Lemon Lime Adventures
Simple Science Experiments You Can Do At Home
Whether you are trying to teach school online or your kids are just home and bored during summer vacation, all of these DIY science experiments will keep them entertained and engaged!
You Might Also Be Interested In:
- Middle School Science Fair Project Idea
- How to Help Your Kids Succeed At Online Learning
- How To Make Magnetic Slime
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Go Science Kids. 43. "Flip" a drawing with water. Light refraction causes some really cool effects, and there are multiple easy science experiments you can do with it. This one uses refraction to "flip" a drawing; you can also try the famous "disappearing penny" trick.
Fun Science Experiments Using Household Staples. 11. Marshmallow catapult. Build a marshmallow catapult out of a plastic spoon, rubber bands, and Popsicle sticks. 12. Make a parachute for toys. Use a plastic bag and cup to build a parachute for a light toy. 13. Dye flowers with food coloring.
Plant Themed Simple Science Experiments. Enjoy learning about seeds, plant parts, and how plants grow with these simple science experiments. Learn about how plants soak up water through their stems with a flower experiment for kids from Growing A Jeweled Rose.; Watch seeds sprout as you grow seeds in a jar as seen on Teaching Mama.; Learn about the parts of the seed with a seed coat experiment ...
Colorful and fun, this simple science experiment for kids lets them create their very own "rainbow" in a jar. With only a few household items, they'll explore mass, volume, and density with every color layer! Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Rainbow in a Jar Experiment. Tornado in a Bottle Science Experiment
These simple science experiments use everyday household items and turn them into magical learning experiences that will amaze your little ones and teach them the wonders of the scientific world. From walking rainbows to growing gummy bears, these hands-on activities are perfect for exploring basic scientific concepts in a fun and interactive way.
+50 More Science Experiments We Love: Kids of all ages will love these cool science experiments that you can do together on the weekend or after school. These science activities all use simple household items and take about 30 minutes to complete. 51. Rock Candy Experiment - Grow colorful rock candy in a glass! 51.
2. Growing Gummy Bears. Compare the difference between using plain and salt water to grow gummy bears. You'll need salt and gummy bears. From: Play Dough to Plato. 3. Walking Rainbow. Watch as colours travel through paper towels to mix in the next jar. You'll need food colouring and paper towels.
Age Suitability for these Easy Science Experiments. This activity is good for kids 3 years and up with adult assistance. My kids are 4, 4, and 8 year old. Mess Level for these Easy Science Experiments. This is a mess level is varies. Difficulty to Create these Easy Science Experiments. Easy to medium. Skills Developed in Easy Science Experiments
Start with simple experiments: Begin with basic experiments (find tons below) that require minimal setup and materials, gradually increasing complexity as kids gain confidence. Use everyday items: Utilize common household items like vinegar and baking soda, food coloring, or balloons to make the experiments accessible and cost-effective.
Easy Science Experiments Kids Will Enjoy. From making a cloud in a bottle to homemade bouncy balls, here are 65 easy science projects for kids to try. Plus, most use household items, making this a cheap way to pass the time. 1. Cloud in a Bottle
And you can bring that awesomeness into your very own home with these 20 safe DIY experiments you can do right now with ordinary household items. 1. Make Objects Seemingly Disappear. Refraction is ...
(1) These Oozing Pumpkins are sure to bring lots of laughs from your young scientists as you create overflowing reactions from baking soda and white vinegar. (via Little Bins for Little Hands) (2) Or swap the pumpkin for a lemon to create a miniature volcano right in your kitchen with this Lemon Volcano. (via The Best Ideas for Kids) (3) Go big or go home with this incredible Watermelon ...
Easy Science Experiments for Kids (Continued) 14) Make a Balloon-Powered Car. One of our favorite easy science experiments for kids, this engineering challenge asks you to design a car powered by air escaping from a balloon. Use household items and see how creative you can get with design! Learn more: Balloon-Powered Car; 15) Make a Glass ...
Gently submerge the remaining eggs, without toothpaste on them, in the remaining glasses: one in the glass labeled Soda 2 and the other in the glass of juice labeled Juice 2. Wash and dry your ...
Difficulty Level: Easy. Messiness Level: Medium. In this quick and fun science experiment, kids will mix water, oil, food coloring, and antacid tablets to create their own (temporary) lava lamp. Oil and water don't mix easily, and the antacid tablets will cause the oil to form little globules that are dyed by the food coloring.
They are all done with household items, and are so easy to do. Each science experiment has simple how-to instructions for kids (included with pictures) as well as prompt questions. The questions help young scientists to hypothesize and analyze. They are great for having a paper copy of the experiments with questions, or a science workbook for ...
Easy Chemistry Experiments to Do at Home. These 12 projects use materials you probably already have. By. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the ...
Almost all of these projects use common household items and are tested by kids and teachers. We have science experiments for all ages, from preschool to middle school, even adults love to do these. ... One of the biggest hits of all time was a surprisingly simple experiment, that we never really considered as possible… making plastics. ...
This simple experiment from Bren Did uses simple household items and even comes with a free, printable lab notebook. 5. Rainbow fizzies. Turn your average baking soda and vinegar experiment into a colorful explosion. Happily Ever Mom tells you how this project both enlightens and engages any preschooler. 6. Frozen Slime recipe
Science That Flies. Make a paper toothpick glider that flies far. Make a paper bag kite for those windy days. Make a hovercraft with a balloon and an old CD. Make a parachute for a toy soldier. Make a straw glider. Build a paper airplane launcher. Homemade hovercraft. Photo courtesy of www.scholastic.com.
Experiments Using Household Items. If you don't have a science kit on hand and are looking for something quick and easy to try at home, then these are the experiments you should try. Most of these use items that you will probably have at home, although a few might require you to get a little creative or grab the odd thing the next time you go ...
Oooey Gooey Oobleck. Oobleck is another fun, hands-on sensory experience. Oobleck is a classic science experiment that's perfect for entertaining both kids and adults. If you haven't seen it in action it's very fascinating stuff and before too long you'll have your hands covered with it, happily making a mess that can be washed away ...
12 - Crushing Cans Science Experiment. Kids love things that smash and crash. Take some old cans from the recycling bin and give them a fun science experiment that crushes some cans. Curtesy of Frugal Fun 4 Boys.