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• Grades 6-12
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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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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.

Science Fun

Science Experiments for Kids:

Science experiments you can do at home!  Explore an ever growing list of hundreds of fun and easy science experiments. Have fun trying these experiments at home or use them for science fair project ideas. Explore experiments by category, newest experiments, most popular experiments, easy at home experiments, or simply scroll down this page for tons of awesome experiment ideas!

Making A Volcano:

Acids and Bases Can Erupt in Your Faces

Orange Fizz:

Awesome Experiments:

New Experiments:

Check Out Our Newest Experiments

Top Experiments:

Easy Experiments:

Storm In A Glass:

Home Made Play Dough:

Snow Fluff:

Snow Globe:

Squishy Turkeys:

Rainbow in a Glass:

Sizzlin’ Snowballs:

Jello Lenses:

Ice Fishing:

Super Cool Soda:

Jack-O-Cano:

Dancing Hearts:

Marbled Gift Wrap:

Massive Expanding Soap:

Surface Tension Art:

Fizzy Fruit:

Rotting Pumpkin:

Explode A Bag:

Invisible Extinguisher:

Paper Hovercrafts:

Fun Fossil Stamps:

Cool Crystals:

Balloon Pop! Not!

Solar Eclipse Kit:

Moldy Apples:

Cool Off Volcanoes:

Vinegar Pops:

Make It Rain:

Black Light Blue Beverage:

Changing of the Leaves:

Snowflakes:

Water Fireworks:

Mind of a Student:

Balloon Speakers:

Polar Bear Blubber:

Gorgeous Gooey Gobstoppers:

Olympic Medals:

Dyed Flowers:

Rain, Rain, Don’t Go Away Gauge:

Blossoming Beans:

Butter Fingers:

Polishing Pennies:

Dancing Liquid:

Floating Egg:

Bendy Bones:

Pot Of Gold:

Layers of Liquids:

Crystal Candy:

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20 Awesome Science Experiments You Can Do Right Now At Home

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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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35+ Easy Science Experiments for Kids to Try at Home

Engaging children in a fun and educational science experiments at home is a fantastic way to foster their natural curiosity and ignite a passion for learning. These hands-on activities provide a gateway to the wonders of the scientific world, enabling kids to explore and understand various scientific concepts in an interactive and enjoyable manner. Whether it’s concocting color-changing invisible ink, building sturdy paper bridges, witnessing the magic of crystals, or exploring the power of magnets, these science experiments for kids promise to spark excitement and mental development.

Science experiments for kids at home offer more than just entertainment; they provide valuable learning experiences that cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. As children explore these experiments, they gain a better understanding of fundamental scientific principles, such as the properties of matter, the laws of motion, chemical reactions, and the interaction of forces. With each experiment, they embark on exciting journeys of discovery, allowing them to make observations, form hypotheses, and draw conclusions – all essential skills for budding scientists.

Now, do not hesitate to go with us on this piece of article in order to explore the best fun and educational science experiments for kids to try at home.

Easy and Fun Science Experiments for Kids That Help Them Mentally Develop

With these fun and educational science experiments for kids, you can nurture your children’s scientific curiosity and help them mentally develop as they explore the wonders of the natural world. Let the young scientists in your life embark on exciting journeys of discovery and learning, all while having a blast with hands-on experiments!

• 1. Floating Fish

In this delightful experiment, kids get to explore the fascinating world of buoyancy and density. With just a few simple materials like a clear container filled with water, crafting foam, and a pair of googly eyes, children can create their very own “floating fish.” As they cut and mold the foam to resemble a fish, they’ll learn about the principles of buoyancy and how objects can stay afloat due to their density compared to the surrounding liquid. The joy of seeing their fish gently floating in the water will spark their curiosity and encourage them to delve deeper into the science of objects’ behavior in liquids.

• 2. Brush, Brush!

Teaching kids about dental hygiene has never been more enjoyable than this interactive and educational experiment. By using a special disclosing solution that highlights plaque and bacteria, kids can visually see the impact of not brushing their teeth properly. As they brush their teeth and then apply the solution, they’ll witness the areas they missed turning bright, indicating where they need to brush more effectively. This engaging activity not only emphasizes the importance of brushing regularly but also educates them about dental health and the significance of maintaining a healthy smile.

• 3. Grow an Avocado Tree

Nurture your child’s love for nature and botany with this hands-on experiment of growing an avocado tree. It all starts with a single avocado seed suspended in water using toothpicks. Over time, kids will observe the seed germinate and sprout into a tiny avocado tree with green leaves. This experiment fosters patience and understanding as they witness the stages of plant growth, helping them grasp the concept of seed germination and photosynthesis. Plus, as they nurture their little avocado tree, they’ll develop a sense of responsibility for caring for living things.

Check out the tutorial here

• 4. Milk Bottle Xylophone

Introduce the enchanting world of music and sound waves to your kids with this delightful milk bottle xylophone experiment. By filling empty milk bottles with varying amounts of water, kids can create a set of musical notes. When they tap the bottles with a spoon, they’ll observe the differences in pitch and sound. This experiment teaches them about the physics of sound waves and how the amount of water affects the pitch of the musical notes produced. Your budding musicians will be delighted to compose their own “water-based” melodies and may even develop a newfound passion for music.

• 5. “Elephant Toothpaste”

Prepare for an explosive and visually stunning chemistry demonstration that will leave kids in awe. The “elephant toothpaste” experiment showcases a rapid chemical reaction that produces a frothy eruption resembling toothpaste for an imaginary elephant! As they mix hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and yeast, they’ll witness the release of oxygen gas and the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. This experiment is a fantastic introduction to catalysts and the concept of exothermic reactions.

Check out the tutorial at babbledabbledo

• 6. DIY Compass

In this captivating experiment, children get the chance to become little navigators as they delve into the fascinating world of magnetism and the Earth’s magnetic field. With just a few simple materials like a magnet, a needle, and a bowl of water, kids can construct their very own functional compass. As they carefully magnetize the needle and suspend it in the water, they’ll observe the needle aligning itself with the Earth’s magnetic field, pointing north.

Check out the tutorial at steampoweredfamily

• 7. Glitter Germ Hands

Encourage your child’s passion for science exploration with glitter hand, a treasure trove of science experiment ideas specially curated for kids. From captivating chemical reactions that seem like magic to exhilarating physics demonstrations, this resource offers a wide range of engaging and educational experiments that cater to various interests and age groups. With step-by-step instructions and clear explanations, kids can embark on exciting scientific journeys from the comfort of their homes or classrooms.

Check out the tutorial at thesoccermomblog

• 8. Craft Stick Chain Reaction

Prepare to be amazed as your kids witness the sheer magic of chain reactions with the craft stick chain reaction experiment. This captivating activity involves arranging craft sticks in a specific pattern, creating a chain of potential energy. When the first stick is released, it triggers a mesmerizing cascade as the potential energy is transferred into kinetic energy, causing each stick to topple over one after the other in a mesmerizing display of movement.

Check out the tutorial at science-spark

• 9. Sink or Float?

Discover a wealth of science experiment ideas at RESEARCH PARENT, a comprehensive resource designed to cater to the inquisitive minds of young scientists. From simple and beginner-friendly experiments to more complex and challenging ones, RESEARCH PARENT offers a diverse range of hands-on activities that cover various scientific concepts. With detailed instructions and explanations, kids can explore the wonders of chemistry, physics, biology, and more.

Check out the tutorial at funwithmama

• 10. Color-Changing Invisible Ink

Using household items like baking soda and grape juice, kids can create their own invisible ink. As they write hidden messages on paper, they’ll be thrilled to find that the messages reveal their true colors when exposed to heat or acidic substances. This chemistry experiment introduces young learners to the concept of acids and bases, as well as the science of chemical reactions. It sparks their curiosity and creativity as they play the role of secret agents, deciphering hidden codes and exploring the magic of chemistry.

Check out the tutorial at researchparent

• 11. Paper Bridge

Inspire the budding engineers in your kids with the paper bridge experiment. Armed with just paper and tape, they embark on an exciting journey to construct a sturdy bridge that can support small objects. This hands-on activity introduces them to the principles of stability and structure in engineering. They’ll learn to plan, design, and test their paper bridges, developing problem-solving skills and critical thinking. This experiment encourages creativity and teamwork as they work together to build the most efficient bridge possible.

Check out the tutorial at kidsactivitiesblog

• 12. Sticky Ice

Cool down with the mesmerizing sticky ice experiment that explores the science of freezing and melting points. Kids will be fascinated as they observe the effects of salt on ice, causing it to melt more rapidly and create a sticky surface. This interactive activity helps children grasp the concept of phase changes in matter and the role of external factors in altering physical properties. They’ll understand why salt is commonly used to melt ice on roads during winter. This experiment also provides an opportunity to discuss environmental impacts and solutions related to de-icing practices.

Check out the tutorial at playdoughtoplato

• 13. Marshmallow Catapult

Merge physics and engineering in a thrilling marshmallow catapult experiment. Kids will have a blast constructing their catapults using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and a spoon. They’ll learn about force, motion, and angles as they launch marshmallows through the air. This hands-on activity encourages exploration and problem-solving, as they adjust their catapult designs to optimize distance and accuracy. It’s an entertaining way to introduce children to the principles of physics and the fun of building and testing their own inventions.

Check out the tutorial at hellowonderful

• 14. Leaf Breathing

Immerse kids in the wonders of plant biology with the enchanting leaf-breathing experiment. By placing a leafy plant in a sealed clear plastic bag, they’ll observe tiny droplets forming on the inside over time. This phenomenon is a result of transpiration, the process by which plants absorb water through their roots and release water vapor through small openings called stomata on their leaves. This experiment offers a captivating insight into how plants interact with their environment. It introduces children to the essential process of transpiration and its role in nutrient transport and water uptake in plants.

Check out the tutorial at kcedventures

• 15. Hoop-and-Straw Airplane

Elevate kids’ imaginations and introduce them to aerodynamics with the hoop-and-straw airplane experiment. They’ll construct paper airplanes using straws and hoops and then launch their creations into the air. As they watch the airplanes soar, they’ll explore the principles of lift and drag, understanding how the shape and design of an airplane impact its flight.

Check out the tutorial at mombrite

• 16. Film Canister Rocket

Kids can create their mini rockets using film canisters, water, and effervescent tablets. As they mix the ingredients and quickly snap the lid shut, the pressure inside the canister builds up until the lid pops off, launching the canister into the air with a satisfying “pop!” This experiment showcases the power of chemical reactions and the rapid release of gas that generates pressure. Children will be fascinated by the principles of propulsion and combustion in a safe and exciting manner.

Check out the tutorial at raisinglifelonglearners

• 17. Coin Inertia

Explore the intriguing world of inertia with the coin inertia experiment. Kids will observe the concept of inertia in action as they experiment with the movement of coins on different surfaces. They’ll notice that a coin at rest tends to stay at rest, and a coin in motion tends to stay in motion, demonstrating the fundamental property of matter. This experiment fosters an understanding of Newton’s first law of motion and offers a fun and engaging way to learn about inertia and its effects on everyday objects.

Check out the tutorial at engineeringemily

• 18. Apple Oxidation

Discover the science behind browning apples with the engaging apple oxidation experiment. Kids will observe the process of oxidation as they expose apple slices to air. They’ll understand the role of oxygen in chemical reactions and how it causes the apples to turn brown. This experiment provides an excellent opportunity to discuss the significance of antioxidants and preservation methods to prevent oxidation in fruits and vegetables.

Check out the tutorial at jenniferfindley

• 19. Coffee Ground Fossils

Take a thrilling journey back in time with the coffee ground fossils experiment. Children will learn about fossils and the process of fossilization as they create their own “fossils” using coffee grounds and common household materials. This paleontology-inspired activity encourages creativity and introduces them to the concept of fossil formation. They’ll understand the significance of fossils in understanding the history of life on Earth.

Check out the tutorial at craftsbyamanda

• 20. Chromatography Flowers

Unleash a burst of color with the mesmerizing chromatography flowers experiment. Kids will learn about the separation of pigments as they create beautiful chromatography flowers using simple household items. This hands-on activity introduces them to the concept of chromatography and the science behind the vibrant colors seen in nature. It’s an excellent opportunity to foster artistic expression while exploring the principles of chemistry.

• 21. Water Walking

Defy gravity with the captivating water walking experiment. Kids will explore the concept of surface tension and how it enables small insects to seemingly walk on water. This interactive activity introduces them to the unique properties of water molecules and showcases the wonders of nature. They’ll be amazed by the science behind water tension and its impact on certain organisms.

Check out the tutorial at funlearningforkids

• 22. Sunscreen Test

Discover the importance of sun protection with the informative sunscreen test experiment. Children will learn about the significance of sunscreen in shielding against harmful UV rays. Using UV-sensitive beads, they can observe the effectiveness of sunscreen in blocking UV light. This experiment reinforces the importance of sun protection and encourages them to practice safe sun habits.

Check out the tutorial at tonyastaab

• 23. Magic Milk

Witness a mesmerizing display of colors with the enchanting magic milk experiment. Kids will learn about the properties of molecules and surface tension as they create vibrant patterns on the surface of milk using simple household ingredients. This visually stunning experiment offers a playful introduction to chemical reactions and their impact on the world around us.

Check out the tutorial at livinglifeandlearning

• 24. Grow Crystals

Spark an interest in geology and chemistry with the captivating grow crystals experiment. Kids will be amazed as they watch beautiful crystals form before their eyes. This activity introduces them to the process of crystallization and the unique structures of different crystals. Through this experiment, children will discover the beauty and wonder of minerals and the science behind crystal growth.

Check out the tutorial at onelittleproject

• 25. Solar Oven

Harness the power of the sun to cook food with the eco-friendly solar oven experiment. Kids will learn about renewable energy and its practical applications. As they build their solar oven using simple materials, they’ll discover the potential of harnessing solar energy for cooking and other purposes. This experiment promotes sustainability and inspires them to think about innovative.

Check out the tutorial at thecrafttrain

• 26. Gravity-Defying Magnets

Let your kids discover the mesmerizing world of magnets with the gravity-defying magnets experiment. Using simple materials like magnets and paper clips, children will explore the mysterious force of magnetism and its ability to defy gravity. By suspending paper clips in mid-air using magnetic force, they’ll witness the invisible power that attracts and repels objects.

Check out the tutorial at buggyandbuddy

• 27. Pencils Through a Bag of Water

Prepare for a mind-bending optical illusion with the fascinating pencils through a bag of water experiment. Using a plastic bag filled with water, kids will witness the intriguing phenomenon of light refraction. When they insert pencils into the bag, the pencils appear to bend and change direction due to the bending of light as it passes through different mediums.

Best Science Toys for Kids and Curious Minds Alike

These best science toys for kids are more than just playthings; they are valuable tools for nurturing scientific curiosity, promoting hands-on learning, and inspiring young minds to explore the wonders of the natural world. From solar-powered gadgets to microscopic investigations, robotics, and astronomy, these toys offer a diverse range of educational experiences that spark a lifelong love for science and learning. Whether your child dreams of becoming an engineer, biologist, or astronomer, these toys are sure to cultivate their passion for discovery and creativity.

• 1. Solar Power Kit

Ignite your child’s fascination with renewable energy through the Solar Power Kit. This engaging science toy allows kids to build their own solar-powered gadgets and experiment with harnessing the power of the sun. With step-by-step instructions, they can construct solar cars, boats, and fans, learning about solar energy and its practical applications. This kit not only promotes an understanding of green energy but also encourages problem-solving and critical thinking skills as they explore the science behind solar panels and electricity generation.

• 2. DIY Engineering Kit

Encourage your little engineers to unleash their creativity with the DIY Engineering Kit. Packed with various building materials like nuts, bolts, and connectors, this toy empowers kids to construct their own imaginative structures and machines. From simple bridges and towers to more complex structures, this kit fosters a love for engineering and hands-on learning. As children experiment with different designs and troubleshoot construction challenges, they develop problem-solving skills and an appreciation for the principles of physics and mechanics.

• 3. Microscope For Kids

Open up a world of microscopic wonders with the Microscope For Kids. This user-friendly microscope allows young scientists to explore tiny organisms, plant cells, and everyday objects up close. With adjustable magnification and easy-to-use controls, kids can embark on their own scientific investigations and discover the hidden beauty of the microscopic world. This toy sparks curiosity and cultivates a love for biology and scientific inquiry as kids observe and analyze the intricate details of various specimens.

• 4. Premium Microscope

Take scientific exploration to the next level with the Premium Microscope. Ideal for older kids and advanced young scientists, this microscope offers higher magnification and superior optics for more in-depth observations. With features like LED illumination and interchangeable lenses, kids can delve into the realm of cellular biology, bacteria studies, and even mineralogy. The Premium Microscope is a fantastic tool for aspiring biologists, chemists, and researchers, providing a gateway to advanced science experiments for kids.

• 5. Binocular For Kids

Encourage outdoor exploration and birdwatching with the Binocular For Kids. Designed specifically for young hands and eyes, these binoculars offer clear and easy-to-use optics. Kids can embark on nature walks, observe wildlife, and engage in birdwatching adventures with these lightweight and durable binoculars. This toy promotes an appreciation for nature and the environment while stimulating a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them.

CHECK OUT:   Science Gifts

• Bottom Line

In conclusion, fun and educational science experiments for kids at home are an excellent way to stimulate young minds and instill a love for science from an early age. These hands-on activities provide opportunities for children to explore, question, and discover, all while having a blast with interactive experiments. They can choose experiments that align with their interests, allowing them to pursue topics they are genuinely curious about. This autonomy and agency in their learning process promote a sense of ownership and enthusiasm for education that can have long-lasting positive effects on their academic performance and overall confidence in learning new concepts.

By engaging in science experiments at home, kids develop essential skills, curiosity, and a sense of wonder that will serve them well throughout their lives. So, grab your lab coats and safety goggles, and let the young scientists in your home embark on an exciting journey of exploration and learning through these captivating science experiments.

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8 Simple Chemistry Experiments That Your Kids Can Do at Home

Chemistry is a fascinating subject. And what better way to learn than through science experiments?

Here are 8 hands-on science experiments for kids over the school holiday. These experiments are great for older children, or with assistance from mum or dad. They can be done at home with ingredients you already have on hand.

So pick an experiment, and grab your lab coats to get started!

1. Cabbage chemistry

2. lolly fountain, 3. bath bombs, 5. rubber egg, 6. crystals, 8. snot slime, cabbage chemistry.

Follow these instructions to learn about acids and bases using red cabbage.

Safety: This activity requires the use of a knife, poisonous chemicals and hot water. Ask an adult to assist you. Always follow the safety advice on the products you are using.

You will need

• fresh red cabbage
• sharp knife
• cutting board
• hot tap water
• 7 clear plastic disposable cups
• 7 plastic spoons
• large plastic bottle
• strongly acidic, e.g. powdered toilet cleaner
• acidic, e.g. vinegar, lemon juice, white wine, lemonade or citric acid
• weakly acidic, e.g. cream of tartar
• neutral, e.g. pure water, shampoo or baby shampoo
• slightly basic, e.g. bicarbonate soda
• basic, e.g. milk of magnesia, washing soda or floor cleaner
• strongly basic, e.g. dishwasher liquid or powder
• Using a sharp knife and cutting board, finely slice three or four red cabbage leaves.
• Place the cabbage leaves in the plastic bottle, half fill the bottle with hot water and screw the lid on tightly.
• Shake the bottle for a few minutes until the water becomes a deep purple colour. Leave the solution to cool.
• Strain the solution and add sufficient water to the solution to make about 1 L.
• In each of the cups, place a small amount of one of the above household substances in the following order: strongly acidic; acidic; slightly acidic; neutral; slightly basic; basic and strongly basic.
• Now half fill each cup with the red cabbage water and stir the solution. If arranged in order, the jars should display a spectrum of colours from cherry red (strongly acidic), pink-red (acidic), lilac (slightly acidic), purple (neutral), blue (slightly basic), green (basic) and yellow (strongly basic).

What’s happening

The things we eat and drink are all acidic, and the things we use for cleaning are basic. This is because basic substances taste unpleasant, but a cleaning agent usually needs to be basic to remove dirt and grease.

Substances that are acidic or basic make the eyes sting, so baby shampoo is made neutral.

Acids are a very common group of chemical compounds, many of which occur naturally. Acids can be strong or weak.

Citric acid, which occurs naturally in lemons, is a weak acid. Hydrochloric acid (used for soldering) and sulfuric acid (battery acid) are very strong acids.

Bases (often called alkalis) are another group of chemical compounds that have different chemical properties from acids. When bases and acids are added together, they will neutralise each other’s properties.

We describe whether things are acidic, basic or neutral by using a scale called the pH scale. The pH scale ranges from zero to 14. A substance with a pH of:

• 0 is a very strong acid
• 3 – 5 is a weak acid
• 7 is neutral
• 8 – 9 is a weak base
• 13 – 14 is a very strong base.

Pure water has a pH of seven and is regarded as neutral.

Acids and bases can be detected by a group of chemical compounds called acid-base indicators. One of the first known naturally occurring indicators was a type of lichen called litmus. (Lichens are plant-like growths that are often found on rocks and tree bark.) Litmus turns red in the presence of an acid or blue with a base.

Most indicators used today to detect acids and bases are man-made. However, many plant pigments, such as the red cabbage you used, contain chemicals that act as acid-base indicators.

Looking for more science resources?

There are over 120 science e-books in the reading eggs library to read and explore., lolly/candy fountain.

Learn more about gases by creating a soft drink fountain using lollies/sweets. What a sweet way to find out more about chemistry!

• Roll of lollies/sweets (mint lollies/sweets work well)
• 2 L bottle of soft drink
• Piece of paper or a tube for the lollies/sweets
• Outdoor area

Do this activity in an outdoor area.

• Open the bottle of soft drink and place the bottle on the ground so it will not tip over.
• Roll up the paper into a cylinder that’s just wide enough for the lollies to slide through.
• Put your finger over the bottom of the roll and ask your friend to put the lollies into the paper tube.
• Hold the tube of lollies just above the bottle and remove your finger so all the lollies drop straight in. You need to drop all the lollies into the bottle at the same time.
• As soon as you have done that, move away from the bottle as quickly as possible.
• Diet soft drink works just as well and is less sticky to clean up as it contains no sugar.
• Orange soft drink doesn’t always work. Neither does Solo as it is light on fizz.
• Experiment with different types of lollies – Kool Mints were used in this activity. Try Mentos or other sugar coated lollies.
• Experiment with the soft drink at room temperature or from the fridge.

What’s happening?

Soft drink is bubbly because carbon dioxide gas has been forced into the bottle under pressure.

Until you open the bottle, the gas mostly stays dissolved in the liquid and cannot expand to form bubbles, which the gas will do when not under pressure.

If you shake the bottle and then open it, the gas escapes with a whoosh, taking some of the soft drink along with it. Adding anything to a soft drink enables more bubbles to form and escape.

Try stirring soft drink with a spoon – it gets less fizzy.

The lollies provide lots of surface area very quickly, which means the bubbles of gas form very rapidly in huge numbers.

You need non-smooth surfaces to enable the gas to form.

Both sand and sugar have the same effect when dropped in soft drink.

When you look at a glass of soft drink, there are normally just a few streams of bubbles coming off specific points on the glass where the surface is uneven.

Sometimes you see a stream of bubbles coming from the middle and if you look carefully you can often see a piece of dust with bubbles coming off its end.

The place where the bubbles start to form is called the centre of nucleation.

As the lolly dissolves, it forms hundreds of nucleation points which are tiny pits on the surface of the lolly where more carbon dioxide bubbles can form.

When all this gas is released, it thrusts the entire contents of the bottle skyward, in an incredible soft drink blast.

Make your own bath bombs

Follow these instructions to make your own bath bombs and learn about science while having fun in the bath!

• food colouring/coloring
• flower petals or body glitter
• sweet almond oil
• scented oil such as lavender oil
• 10 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda
• 3 tablespoons of citric acid
• 2 large mixing bowls
• 1 large muffin tray
• 1 small glass jar
• rubber gloves
• Grease the sides and bases of a large muffin tray with a small amount of almond oil.
• Place the citric acid and bicarbonate of soda into a large bowl. Mix the ingredients together well, to form the base mixture.
• Scoop out about half a cup of this mixture and put it in into another bowl. This will make about one or two bath bombs (depending on the size of the holes in your muffin tray). You could also use old plastic containers or anything that will hold a shape.
• Add the flower petals or body glitter to the base mixture.
• In the small glass jar, mix together 6 drops of your scented oil, 5 teaspoons of sweet almond oil and about 10 drops of food colouring.
• Gradually pour the oil mixture into the half cup of the base mixture. While wearing rubber gloves, quickly mix it all together. The mixture is ready when it stays together in your hands without crumbling too much.
• Spoon the mixture into the muffin tray. Press it down firmly.
• You can use the rest of the mixture with other types of scented oil or food colouring to make more bath bombs.
• Leave the bombs in the tray to set for a few days.
• Carefully up-end your bath bombs to remove them from the moulds.
• Run a bath, hop in and drop a bomb. Watch it fizzzzzz!

What’s happening?

When the bath bomb dissolves in water, there is a chemical reaction between the citric acid and the sodium bicarbonate. The result is called sodium citrate. During the reaction, carbon dioxide is released. This causes the ‘fizzing’ that you see, similar to that in carbonated water.

The sweet almond oil is released during this reaction. It will form a thin layer on your skin which can help to moisturise/moisturize it. The lavender oil is for fragrance.

Wait, there’s more science experiment books in the Reading Eggs Library!

How to make sherbet.

Follow these instructions to create an acid-base reaction in your mouth!

• icing sugar
• citric acid
• bicarbonate soda
• flavored/flavoured jelly crystals
• dessert spoon
• small mixing bowl
• small snap lock bag.

To make sherbet you will need to:

• add 1 level teaspoon of citric acid crystals to the bowl
• add 1 level teaspoon of bicarbonate soda to the bowl
• now add 3 heaped dessert spoons of icing sugar
• add at least 2 level dessert spoons of jelly crystals (or more to taste)
• place a small amount, about half a teaspoon on your tongue
• after tasting you may need to vary the ingredients. If it is too bitter add more sugar, if there isn’t enough fizz you may need to add either bicarbonate soda or citric acid. Make sure you add only in small amounts, remember you can always add more but it is very hard to remove some.

You have just created an acid-base reaction in your mouth. When you combine an acid (in this activity the citric acid) and an alkaline (the bicarbonate soda) with saliva they mix together to create a gas in the form of lots of tiny bubbles.

This is called an acid-based reaction and it’s what gives sherbet its fizz. You are actually feeling the sensation of carbon dioxide bubbles on your tongue. These are the same bubbles that are in fizzy drinks.

The icing sugar is needed to add sweetness as the citric acid and bicarbonate soda are quite sour. Citric acid is one of the acids found in lemons, oranges and limes. That is why they are called ‘citric fruit’.

The other acid in lemons and other citric fruit is called ascorbic acid. This is commonly known as vitamin C. The jelly crystals simply add flavour.

Follow these instructions to make an egg bounce while learning about chemical reactions.

• hard-boiled egg, with shell on
• glass of vinegar.

To make your eggs bounce you will need to:

• Put the egg into the vinegar – you should see bubbles start to form on the egg.
• Leave the egg undisturbed for at least a day. You should see some wonderful scum form.
• Take the egg out of the vinegar and rinse it with water. The shell will rub off.
• Give the egg a poke with your finger and squeeze it gently.

Vinegar, or dilute acetic acid, ‘eats up’ the calcium carbonate in the egg shell, just leaving the inner membrane, or skin, of the egg behind. As the calcium carbonate is responsible for making the shell hard, the vinegar soaked egg feels soft and rubbery.

When calcium carbonate (the egg shell) and acetic acid (the vinegar) combine, a chemical reaction takes place and carbon dioxide gas is released. That’s why you see the bubbles.

The chemical reaction keeps happening for about a day until all of the calcium carbonate in the egg is used up. Calcium carbonate is in eggshells, seashells, limestone, and many other materials.

Let’s have a closer look at the chemical reaction. Calcium carbonate’s formula is CaCO 3 and acetic acid is CH 2 COOH.

So the reaction is: CaCO 3 + CH 2 COOH -> Ca 2+ (in the form of a salt) + H 2 O + 2CO 2 .

The calcium ions (Ca 2+ ) float free in the solution. Ions are atoms or molecules that have an electric charge due to the loss or gain of electrons.

Applications

Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is largely made of calcium carbonate. It is ordinarily white, but may be coloured by impurities; iron oxide making it brown, yellow, or red and carbon making it blue, black, or grey. The texture varies from coarse to fine.

Most limestones are formed over thousands of years from the skeletons of marine invertebrates. Among the important varieties of limestone are marl, chalk, oolite, travertine, dolomite, and marble.

Acid rain causes reactions like the ones in this activity. One kind of acid rain can come from air pollution caused by burning fuels that have sulfur atoms, which when burnt produce sulphur dioxide gas.

When the sulfur dioxide mixes in with rain, it turns to weak sulfuric acid. When the acid rain hits the limestone it slowly makes it fall apart, like the egg shell did. People use limestone in buildings and statues.

This is why over time, buildings and statues are being damaged by acid rain.

If you collect small rock samples and drop them in vinegar, you may see bubbles appear, like they did on the egg. The presence of bubbles indicates that calcium carbonate may be present in the sample.

Calcium carbonate reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas, which we observe as bubbles. This is called the ‘acid test’. The ‘acid test’ is one of many tests that geologists use to determine the identity of a rock sample.

Creating Crystals

• Bicarbonate soda
• 3 eye-droppers
• 3 plastic containers or bowls
• Measuring cup
• 3 small plastic cups
• Label the containers ‘sugar’, ‘salt’ and ‘bi-carb’.
• Pour half a cup of warm water into the container labelled ‘sugar’.
• Add a spoonful of sugar to the water and stir until dissolved. Keep adding sugar until no more will dissolve.
• Repeat Steps 2 and 3, but with the salt instead of sugar.
• Again repeat Steps 2 and 3, but this time with bi-carb soda instead of sugar or salt.
• Label the small plastic cups ‘sugar’, ‘salt’ and ‘bi-carb’.
• Use separate eye-droppers to put a few drops of each container’s solution into the matching cup.
• Place the cups in a warm, sunny place and leave them until the liquid has evaporated. What do you see?

You can try this activity with other crystalline substances as well.

When a solid (or ‘solute’) is dissolved in the water until no more dissolves, the solution is ‘saturated’. The amount of substance that dissolves in water increases with temperature. As the solution cools back down to room temperature, there is now more solute in the water than would normally be the case – the solution is ‘supersaturated’.

As the water evaporates, the solute precipitates out of solution in the form of crystals. This is an example of crystallisation. You will notice that each precipitate forms slightly different crystals: they might be different in size and shape. The size and shape of a crystal depend on a number of factors including chemical formula, temperature and pressure. In general, crystals that form slowly tend to be larger than crystals that form quickly.

• Food colouring
• Small mixing bowl
• Plastic spoon
• Pour some cornflour into a mixing bowl.
• Stir in small amounts of water until the cornflour has become a very thick paste.
• To make the slime the colour of your choice, thoroughly stir about five drops of food colouring into the mixture.
• Stir your slime REALLY slowly. This shouldn’t be hard to do.
• Stir your slime REALLY fast. This should be almost impossible.
• Now punch your slime REALLY hard and fast. It should feel like you’re punching a solid.

You can keep your cornflour and water mixture covered in a fridge for several days. If the cornflour settles, you need to stir it to make it work well again.

Anything that flows is called a fluid. This means that both gases and liquids are fluids.

Fluids like water which flow easily are said to have low viscosity, whereas fluids like cold honey which do not flow so easily are said to have a high viscosity.

Cornflour slime is a special type of fluid that doesn’t follow the usual rules of fluid behaviour. When a pressure is applied to slime, its viscosity increases and the cornflour slime becomes thicker.

At a certain point, slime actually seems to lose its flow and behave like a solid. Cornflour slime is an example of a shear-thickening fluid.

The opposite happens in shear-thinning fluids; they get runnier when you stir them or shake them up. For example, when toothpaste is sitting on a toothbrush it is pretty thick, so you can turn the toothbrush upside down and the toothpaste doesn’t fall off.

But if it was that thick when you tried to squeeze it out of the tube, there is no way you could manage it. Fortunately, toothpaste gets runnier when you are squeezing it out of the tube. Other shear-thinning fluids include:

• ballpoint pen ink
• nail polish

Although there are lots of shear-thinning and shear-thickening fluids, nobody has a really good idea why they behave the way they do.

The interactions between atoms in the fluids are so complicated that even the world’s most powerful supercomputers can not model what is happening. This can be a real problem for people who design machinery that involves shear-thinning fluids, because it makes it hard to be sure if they will work.

• 1 tablespoon of unflavoured gelatine (from supermarkets)
• ½ cup golden syrup or glucose
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• Heat-proof bowl
• Place the gelatine and salt in your bowl.
• Add ½ cup of syrup.
• Add ½ cup of hot water. Now is the time to add food colouring if you want icky green or yellow coloured snot.
• Mix every thing together and cool in a fridge for 30 minutes.
• Run a fork through the snotty mixture to see what it looks like. Your mucus will get thicker and thicker as it cools, if it is too thick, you can add more water.

You have just made a realistic model of your very own snot. Mucus is composed of water, epithelial (surface) cells, dead leukocytes (white blood cells), mucins (large proteins), and inorganic salts. Your home made mucus contains water, salt and proteins (gelatine is animal protein, usually made from beef or pig skin and hooves), almost like real mucus.

The gelatine dissolves in hot water making a thick solution, but is insoluble (won’t dissolve) in cold water. When cooled, the particles swell to make jelly-like goo.

Mucus has an important role to play in your body. In your nose it traps dust and anything else unwanted in the air. Mucus dries around particles which harden and this means it can take a quick exit out of your body when you blow your nose.

It’s your mucous membrane that makes snot, and this lines the inside of your nose and respiratory system. The outermost cells of this membrane produce the thick mucus fluid.

You may think that mucus is only found in your nose, but did you know that you also find it in your mouth, lungs, stomach and intestines!

When you get a common cold, an infection in your upper respiratory tract, your body produces loads more mucus than normal to carry away waste material. When sick, your mucus can change colour/color to yellow or green because of trapped bacteria, virus particles and white blood cells – the causalities of your body fighting the viral or bacterial infection.

Reference: These experiments are from our partners at CSIRO.

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Bible Activities and Sermons » Activity Type » Kids' sermon/message

10 Science Experiments for Children’s Ministry

Published: January 3, 2013

Here are 10 wonder-filled, hands-on science experiments for kids — to illuminate God’s powerful presence in kids’ lives.

Faith and science have a lot in common. Both can be messy, explosive, and mysterious. Kids question both, test both, and ponder the wonder of things that, at first glance, might not make much sense. In the process of learning about science, kids are quickly captivated, embarking on their own discoveries. So goes faith: Once kids get a taste of our intriguing, real-deal God, they just can’t get enough.

Science is God-inspired, and it’s a lot of fun. So why not tap into your kids’ natural curiosity to help them discover fascinating scientific facts — while at the same time growing their understanding of biblical truths? Come on — grab your lab coat! We’ve got 10 experiments for kids to help them discover how their faith connects with the wonders of God’s amazing universe.

Science Experiment #1: Calm in the Storm

Build a tornado tube to remind kids they can rely on God in any situation.

Bible Connect: Luke 8:22-25 Best for: Ages 8 to 12 Stuff Per Group: Two 2-liter plastic soft drink bottles, water, one 1-inch metal washer, duct tape, food coloring, and glitter.

The Experiment

Say: Let’s recreate a terrifying force in nature to see how it works.

Fill one bottle two-thirds full with water. Add food coloring and glitter to the water. Put the metal washer on the bottle mouth, then place the second bottle upside down on the first bottle so the mouths are connected by the washer. Tightly wrap several layers of duct tape around the bottle mouths to secure them, creating a tornado tube. Test the tube to ensure no water leaks. Turn the bottle over, start the tornado by swirling the top bottle, and watch the water simulate a tornado as it swirls down.

Scientific Facts

Water swirling in the tube is similar to the vortex of a tornado. The water spirals down, moving the glitter with it — just like a tornado moves objects in its path. The largest tornado recorded to date: May 22, 2004, in Wilber, Nebraska at 2.5 miles wide!

Talk About It

Have kids talk about how they’d feel if they were in a tornado and then describe a situation when they were afraid. Ask:

• What made that situation scary?
• What did you do?

Read the Scripture. Ask:

• Have you ever felt like the disciples did?
• How easy or difficult is it to trust God when you’re afraid? Why?
• What’s a good way to remember we can trust God the next time we feel afraid?

Science Experiment #2: Dancing Raisins

Remind kids how fun it is to praise God.

Bible Connect: Psalm 149:3-4 Best for: Ages 6 to 12 Stuff Per Group: Raisins, clear plastic cups, and carbonated water.

• Can raisins dance?

Fill a cup with carbonated water and drop in several raisins. Ask kids to hypothesize about what’ll happen. Watch for a few minutes to see what the raisins do. Then enjoy a raisin snack.

Carbonated beverages are pressurized by carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide bubbles attach to the wrinkled raisins and cause them to float and bounce. They’ll continue to “dance” up and down until they get soggy or the carbonated water goes flat.

• Was your guess correct?
• Why did the raisins dance?
• Are the bubbles like or unlike how God wants us to praise him?
• How can we praise God with enthusiasm every day?

Science Experiment #3: Wonder Clouds

This experiment reminds kids that Jesus will return to earth.

Bible Connect: Revelation 1:7-8 Best for: Ages 6 to 12 Stuff Per Group: One wide-mouth glass jar with a metal lid, water, ice cubes, flashlight.

• Do you think it’s possible to create a cloud right in this room? Let’s find out.

Pour 3 inches of hot water into the jar and quickly put on the lid. Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, then place several ice cubes on top of the lid. Turn off the light and ask kids to hypothesize about what they’ll see. Shine a flashlight behind the jar to reveal the cloud.

Clouds form when warm air rises and begins to cool. As air cools, it can’t hold as much water, so it forms tiny water droplets that become a cloud. Fair weather clouds (cirrus clouds) move with the jet stream, sometimes faster than 100 miles per hour!

• What surprised you about this experiment?
• What surprises you about what the Bible says about Jesus in the clouds?
• Do you think Jesus will return in your lifetime? Why or why not?
• If Jesus came back today, what would you do?

Science Experiment #4: Impossible Possibility

Help kids remember that God is always with us, even if we can’t see him.

Bible Connect: 1 Timothy 1:15-17 Best for: Ages 6 to 12 Stuff Per Group: A balloon, yeast, sugar, water, a glass jar, a funnel, and an empty glass drink bottle.

Say: Can something invisible have visible results?

Mix 1 tablespoon of yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 cup warm (not hot) water in the glass jar. Use a funnel to pour the mixture into the bottle. Ask kids to hypothesize about what’ll happen to the balloon when you stretch it over the bottleneck. Then watch as the balloon inflates.

The yeast converts the solid sugars and liquid water into carbon dioxide gas. Since the gas takes up more space than the solid and the liquid, the pressure in the bottle increases and the balloon expands.

• Is it easy or difficult to understand something you can’t see, such as the carbon dioxide? Explain.
• How would you explain how carbon dioxide works?
• How would you explain our invisible God to someone?
• Is it easy or difficult to have faith in a God you can’t see? Why or why not?
• How can you explain your faith in God so others understand?

Science Experiment #5: Shine

Kids create a starry sky while discovering that they can be a light in the world.

Bible Connect: Philippians 2:14-16 Best for: Ages 6 to 12 Stuff for Each Child: A cardboard oatmeal container, a nail, a hammer, scrap wood, and a flashlight.

Say: Let’s see if we can recreate God’s fantastic nighttime sky right here.

Place oatmeal containers on scrap wood to protect floors. Have adults help kids use a hammer and nail to gently punch holes in the bottoms of the oatmeal containers. Turn out the lights. Kids can put their flashlights inside their containers and enjoy the planetarium they’ve created on the ceiling or wall.

Stars are large balls of gas that produce color, heat, and light. A star changes over time, but it takes millions — even billions — of years for it to live out its life span. The eye can typically see 2,000 stars on a clear night.

• What would night be like without stars?
• Why do you think God wants us to be lights on earth?
• How would our world be without God’s faithful people?
• How can you be a light for God?

Science Experiment #6: What Lies Beneath

Remind kids that God looks at the heart.

Bible Connect: 1 Samuel 16:7 Best for: Ages 6 to 12 Stuff Per Child: A large coffee filter, scissors, a black nonpermanent marker, and water.

• Can you find a rainbow in a black marker?

Cut out the center bottom of a coffee filter and color a coin-size black dot in the center. Have kids hypothesize about what’ll happen when they add water to the dot. Drop 10 drops of water onto the black dot and watch as a rainbow of colors spreads.

Black marker ink is made of colored pigments and water. When water’s added, the pigments dissolve and spread through the filter, revealing the colors that mix to create black.

• What happened when you added water?
• Were you surprised by what you saw?
• How is this experiment like or unlike you?
• Do you have qualities others don’t see? Explain.
• Do you think God sees those qualities? Explain.
• How does it feel to know God looks at your heart rather than outward appearance?

Science Experiment #7: Sticky Friends

This sticky activity helps kids appreciate the gift of friends.

Bible Connect: Proverbs 18:24 Best for: Ages 6 to 12 Stuff for Each Child: A balloon and small scraps of paper or threads.

• Can an invisible bond make everyday objects stick together?

Inflate a balloon and tie it. Rub it on your clothing, and stick it to a wall. Rub the balloon more, and hold it over small pieces of paper or thread. The objects will stick to the balloon.

The balloons stick to objects because when two objects are rubbed together, one becomes positively charged and the other becomes negatively charged, forming static electricity. The balloon is positively charged and will attract objects that are negatively charged.

• Why did some things stick and others didn’t?
• How was this experiment like or unlike our friendships?
• What qualities do you look for in a friend?
• Have you experienced friendships that didn’t stick? Explain.
• What qualities form lasting friendships?
• What makes Jesus our forever friend?
• How can you be a friend who, like Jesus, sticks with someone no matter what?

Science Experiment #8: Stay Afloat

Explore why objects float — and how faith makes the impossible possible.

Bible Connect: Matthew 17:14-20 Best for: Ages 6 to 12 Stuff Per Group: Two glass pint jars, an egg, a spoon, 4 ounces of salt, small objects, and water.

• Do you think a single ingredient, such as salt, can totally change a situation?

Fill one jar with water and carefully place an egg in the water. What happens? Fill a second jar with water and mix in 4 ounces of salt to simulate the salt concentration in the Dead Sea. Ask kids to hypothesize about whether the egg will float in the second jar. Remove the egg from the first jar and place it in the saltwater. Then experiment with other objects, placing some in tap water and some in saltwater to see what floats in each. Carefully retrieve the eggs so they’re not wasted.

Salt water weighs more than tap water because it’s denser. An egg floats in saltwater because the water weighs more than the egg. The Dead Sea is almost 10 times as salty as the world’s oceans, with salt content at 26 to 35 percent.

• What differences did you observe when you placed the objects in the saltwater and tap water?
• Before this experiment, did you think it was possible for an egg to float in water? Why or why not?
• How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus said faith could move a mountain?
• When have you had to have faith in something that seemed impossible?

Science Experiment #9: Oil and Water

Explore the importance of relationships.

Bible Connect: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Best for: Ages 6 to 12 Stuff Per Group: A clear jar with a lid, vegetable oil, food coloring, and water.

• Do you think liquids always mix? Let’s find out.

Fill the jar halfway with water. Put in two drops of food coloring. Ask kids to guess what’ll happen when oil is added. Add oil and screw on the lid tightly. Shake the jar, turn it upside down, and observe how the oil and water react.

Oil and water won’t mix because their molecules have different charges or polarity. The two stay separate with a very clear boundary because they’re “polar opposites.” They’ll never mix. That’s why it’s impossible to put out a grease fire with water.

• What did you observe about the oil and the water when you tried to mix them?
• Do you think there’s ever a situation when water and oil will mix? Explain.
• How is this experiment like or unlike what happens when we hang out with people who don’t believe in Jesus?
• Do you think it’s okay to hang out with people who have different beliefs than you? Why or why not?
• What do you think God would tell us about being friends with people who have different beliefs?

Science Experiment #10: Explosive Power

Help kids understand God’s power. This activity is messy, so do it outdoors.

Bible Connect: Romans 1:20 Best for: Ages 6 to 12 Stuff Per Group: Red modeling clay , one 15×15-inch piece of cardboard, aluminum foil, one 20-ounce plastic bottle, baking soda, dishwashing liquid, water, red food coloring, bowls, a funnel, and white vinegar.

Say: Let’s find out what kind of power is possible with this experiment! Cover one side of the cardboard with aluminum foil. Place the plastic bottle in the center of the cardboard, then form a volcano with clay around the bottle.

In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 cup of water, 5 drops of dishwashing liquid, and 3 drops of red food coloring. Use a funnel to pour the mixture into the bottle. Have kids develop a hypothesis about what will happen in this experiment. Then pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the bottle, and stand back!

The red “lava” that spews from your volcano is the chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar. Mixing the two ingredients produces carbon dioxide, the same gas that bubbles in a real volcano.

Have kids describe what they know about volcanoes. Read the Scripture, then ask:

• How are those powerful forces like or unlike God?
• How do you think nature’s power compares with God’s power?
• In what ways do you experience God’s power in your life?
• When has God’s power surprised you?

Sue Kahawaii is children’s executive pastor at the Champions Centre in Tacoma, Washington.

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16 thoughts on “ 10 Science Experiments for Children’s Ministry ”

Setting aside the fact that the bible is complete nonsense, carbon dioxide is not lighter than the other gases in the air, it is considerably heavier. It does not rise into the balloon to inflate it. The yeast converts the solid sugars and liquid water into carbon dioxide has. Since the gas takes up more space than the solid and the liquid, the pressure in the bottle increases and the balloon expands. If you’re going to hijack science to promote your fairytales, at least get the science right.

Zepher, thanks for this information! We appreciate you helping us understand the science of this better. We’ll check this out and make appropriate changes.

Zepher, I’m confused as to why you’re on a Children’s Ministries site seeing as you believe the Bible is complete nonsense.

Complete nonsense? Who hurt you in the past to make you feel this way?

Just curious, but have you read the Bible? I challenge you to read the book of Mark (easily done in one setting, especially for someone of your obvious intelligence).

But beware … The Scripture has an efficacy all of its’ own …

I love these experiments!! I really look forward to using them in my classroom! God bless you for providing this awesome tool to show children the amazing world God created for us 💕😁🙌

these experiments really help my students to understand the lessons more clearly. thank you and may the Lord continue to bless and keep you.

We’re so glad these experiments have been a blessing for you church! Thank you for all that you do.

My Sunday school boys love science experiments. This has their attention immediately and makes the lesson easy to teach.

That’s great, Nancy! Thank you for sharing!

Thanks so much for these experiments. They’re so helpful in explaining faith to kids at my church. This material is a blessing.

You’re very welcome, Joy!

Good morning! I tried the cloud one today, but never really got a cloud look. Are there any trouble shooting ideas to make it work? Thanks!

Wonderful Site. I do ‘Pastor Roger’s Neighborhood’ every Sunday before I preach for the children. I do many science experiments with a Christian message for them and they love it. They come up and we do the experiment with them and the congregation learns also. Don’t be ever discouraged that anti-christian’s will post here which means you are causing some problems for satan (I will never capitalize his name). Continue what you are doing and keep up the great work of Christ.

Thanks Roger, God bless!

Thanks for what you do!!!

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The 10 Best YouTube Channels for Wacky Science Experiments

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We're sure most people have put a packet of Mentos in Diet Coke and enjoyed the ensuing carnage by this point. But in terms of science experiments you can do at home, that's just the tip of the iceberg.

If you like watching weird and wacky science experiments, YouTube is a treasure trove of content. With that in mind, here are the best YouTube channels full of people doing madcap science experiments.

1. Doctor Mad Science

Have you ever wondered what happens if you put a grape in the microwave? Or what happens if you combine milk and soap? Doctor Mad Science has the answers.

A 15-year-old autistic boy called Jordan hosts the channel. Impressively, in addition to hosting, Jordan also records and edits all of the content.

His channel is filled with science experiments that use household products, meaning anyone can try them in their own home. Just make sure you take appropriate safety measures before starting!

2. Brusspup

The Brusspup channel goes in a different direction. It explores the boundaries between science and amazing optical illusions .

If you subscribe, you can look forward to finding out what happens when UV light hits sand or how to control magnets using static electricity.

One of the channel's most popular videos (with almost 30 million views) is "10 Amazing Paper Tricks". It's impressive stuff, so make sure you check it out.

3. Whizz Kid Science

Whizz Kid Science is another channel that's hosted by a child. The presenter is 13, but he often ropes in his younger brother and sister in be part of whatever experiment he is conducting.

Some of the channel's most-watched videos include "Five Amazing Egg Experiments" and "Top Seven Colorful Experiments".

The Whizz Kid Science channel also features a handful of how-to videos that straddle the divide between science and children's activities. Examples include "How to Make Chocolate Slime" and "Glow Stick Hacks for Kids".

Note: The same child is also responsible for the excellent Whizz Kid Math and Whizz Kid Play channels.

4. Incredible Science

Kids love a fad. It doesn't matter how old you are; you'll definitely be able to recall something from your childhood that everyone badly wanted then quickly got bored with (Tamagotchi, anyone?).

The Incredible Science channel aims to put those fad products to good use by extrapolating science lessons from them. We had no idea that a fidget spinner could be such a great learning tool.

There are also plenty of other experiments that don't use toys. The most viewed video investigates the weird science behind polymer balls. At the time of writing it has been viewed more than 70 million times.

5. MC Experiments

If you have kids, the kitchen is a fantastic place to do science. There are so many things that you can combine to learn more about the world.

The MC Experiments channel takes the kitchen idea and runs with it. All the experiments on the channel are kid-friendly and can be performed using items that most families will have lying around.

Bouncing eggs, lava in a cup, and fun with food coloring---the channel has it all.

6. The Quirkles

The Quirkles is a 26-book science series for kids. Each book featured a different imaginary scientist who takes the reader on a journey through the subject matter. The YouTube channel is a spinoff from the book series.

It differs from the other channels on this list thanks to its focus on seasonal science. You'll see experiments geared towards the time of year, but also towards events such as Halloween and Valentine's Day.

7. Sick Science

Sick Science is the brainchild of Steve Spangler. Steve is an American TV personality, science teacher, toy designer, and author, meaning he's well-placed to perform some entertaining weird and wacky science experiments.

Some of his most fun videos include "Liquid Light", "Exploding Egg", and "Make Your Own Lightsaber".

Unfortunately, Spangler is slow to release new videos, so you can expect just a couple per year. Nonetheless, the back catalog is impressive enough.

8. The Spangler Effect

The clue is in the name. The Spangler Effect is Steve Spangler's second YouTube channel. Thankfully, this one receives new content far more frequently---you'll get at least eight new videos every month.

The content is broadly similar to Sick Science. If you want to see fire tornadoes, fizzy reaction contests, colorful convection currents, and magnetic slime, this is the channel for you.

The most viewed video on the channel is an experiment that shows you how it's possible to unlock a car using nothing more than water. It has racked up 4.2 million views and counting.

9. The Backyard Scientist

It's fair to say that The Backyard Scientist channel should come with a giant "Do Not Try This at Home" warning.

But, while the channel's videos might be somewhat dangerous, they're also packed with incredible science and wild experiments.

Honestly, we'd never given a thought to what happens when you pour molten aluminum into a watermelon before, but now we're glad we know.

Other examples of what to expect include putting molten salt into water, what happens if you microwave a microwave, and whether someone can escape a human-sized glue trap.

10. Applied Science

Our final recommendation is Applied Science. It's slightly less wacky than some of the other channels on this list, but the experiments are still fun and will teach you a lot.

If you subscribe, you'll be able to learn what happens if you blow mold over plastic bottles or dissolve lithium in anhydrous ammonia. The channel's most popular video looks at how to make a refrigerator work using rubber bands.

There are even some videos for foodies (which you can watch when you run out of Netflix documentaries for foodies ). You can find out how a potato chip reacts if you fry it in Fluorinert FC-40 or how to make chocolate whip using high-pressure nitrous oxide.

Improve Your Scientific Knowledge Further

These channels will hopefully inspire you to get more involved with science. And they're a reminder that science doesn't have to be dry and boring. There's even awesome science documentaries that are fun .

That's not all you can learn on YouTube. Check out these YouTube channels to learn a new skill .

If you'd like to further your scientific knowledge, the internet is a fantastic resource. To learn more, check out our articles listing apps that explain complex science topics and sites to keep abreast of the latest science news .

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