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25 Cool & Exciting Electricity Experiments For Kids

May 17, 2021 //  by  Sean Kivi

Electricity. It's something that is so vital, so essential to our lives that we rarely give it a second thought. It works because it just...does. You might find it difficult to explain to your stunts about the electrical process and how exactly electrons create power. If so, try some of these electricity experiments for kids below. They are sure to make things electrifying for your students!

1. Waterbending Static Electricity Experiment

This experiment is relatively simple and requires only a few household items to set up. You can use this fun science experiment to teach your kids about static electricity and electric charge.

Learn more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys

2. Make a Magic Wand

The most magical part of this battery science project is that you can use it to make science fun. Your kids will love using a coin battery to make a wizard wand. Take care, though, as this isn’t an experiment for kids that are very young.

Learn more: Babble Dabble Do

3. Index Card Flashlight

Use this simple circuit activity to teach your kids about building circuits and batteries. You can even try developing it for your more advanced students by discussing things like electrical charges.

Find out more: Mystery Science

4. Potato Clock

This awesome electricity science experiment would make a fun science fair project, too. It's a good tool for learning about batteries and the functions of electrical power in a way that is creative and engaging.

See it here: Kidz World

5. Bubble Balloons

Using this static electricity activity, your kids will move balloons with a balloon. A fun science project that requires very little set-up, so it's perfect for the classroom and at home!

Learn more: Create Play Travel

6. Soda Can Electroscope

You'll only need a few household materials for this fun science idea. It will keep your kids engaged and interesting by helping them learn all about the positive charge and negative charge.

Learn more: Fizzics Education

7. Create a Motor

This activity is an excellent way to combine engineering and science. Your students will make a simple motor in this experiment. It’s also a fantastic tool for learning about how magnets work.

8. Build a Power Pack

Explore the power of electricity and batteries with this hands-on activity students will be sure to enjoy. You can use this experiment to power some of the other experiments on this list.

Find out more: Energizer

9. Bottle Radio

This wonderful activity involves creating a crystal radio with just a glass bottle and a few other items. You can even use it once it’s completed, so it's great for learning basic concepts on the topic of electricity!

Check it out: Make Zine

10. Making a Dimmer Switch

Using a light circuit, your kids will create their own dimmer switch. Perfect for teaching about light bulbs, sources of power, and electrical currents in a hands-on way. Definitely not one of the activities for babies, though!

Watch it here: Science Buddies

11. Separate Salt & Pepper

Another static electricity project requires no more than some household materials. Younger grade level students will think it’s magic, but you can teach them about types of electricity instead

Find out more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys

12. Butterfly Experiment 

This balloon science experiment is great for combining art with science fun for preschool-aged children to elementary-age children. They'll simply love seeing the butterfly's wings move, and you can use it to teach the basics of electricity.

See it here: I Heart Crafty Things

13. Homopolar Motor

This simple motor experiment is simple to create and an excellent resource to learn about electric power using copper wire. You can also expand it to make a cool optical illusion.

Check it out: Frugal Fun 4 Boys

14. Build an Electromagnetic Train

This fun activity is not as difficult as it sounds! Electrical energy and neodymium magnets power this train, which you can use to learn about electrical currents and electrical charge.

15. Electric Cornstarch

A slightly different take on the usual static electricity experiment, this hands-on science experiment involves learning about positive and negative charges. You can also help students to learn about key concepts of electricity.

Check it out: Steve Spangler Science

16. Water & Electricity 

Have your students ever wondered why you shouldn’t touch a switch with wet hands? Use this experiment to teach them why with the conductor attributes of regular water molecules, from atom to atom.

Read more: Rookie Parenting

17. Steady Hand Game

Playing an educational and fun game is always a fantastic way to learn and this is certainly no different. Your students will learn about the concept of electricity and current electricity flow. It’s also useful for getting your kids involved in STEAM!

See it here: Left Brain Craft Brain

18. Tiny Dancers Homopolar Motor

This activity is an expanded version of classic electricity experiments like number 13. Your students will simply adore seeing the dancers move by neodymium magnet in this cool battery experiment!

Check it out: Babble Dabble Do

19. Simple Lemon Battery

This edible science experiment is an innovative take on teaching complete circuits. Try using different fruits and vegetables and compare their output. Make sure you assist in following directions with children that are younger.

20. Rising Ghosts Experiment

This is an excellent treat for Halloween! This can be used to learn about static charges and electrons with simple materials. You can make it an even more in-depth lesson by looking at concepts like the conduction of electricity.

Read more: Fizzics Education

21. Play Dough Circuits

Get some playdough and let your students craft it into whatever shape they please, then help to show them how it works to conduct electricity. They'll simply love creating this ingenious closed circuit!

See it here: Science Sparks

22. Copper Plate Coins

All you need for one of these exciting electricity experiments is a few household materials and a battery. Your students will be fascinated with the process of electrolysis and using a coin cell battery.

Check it out: Kiwi Co

23. Dirt Battery Experiment

Yes, you got that right - a battery-powered by dirt! This won't fulfill all of your students' electricity needs, but it sure is a fascinating way to teach them about how dirt can function as a conductor.

Learn more: Teach Beside Me

24. Rainbow Salt Circuit

You should be able to find everything at home already for this experiment. Your students will simply love seeing the array of colors of salt, using food coloring, and making a beautiful circuit.

Read more: Steam Powered Family

25. Homemade Wigglebot

Take a trip to the future by helping your kids create their very first "robot". It won't be able to complete any urgent tasks for you, but it will teach them about power and how electricity can be conducted through batteries.

Check it out: Research Parent

Each of these experiments provides an excellent way to get your students excited about and interested in electricity. They will be sure to enjoy using them to learn whilst having a wealth of fun, too.

19 Engaging Electricity Science Experiments for Kids: Igniting Curiosity, Innovation, and a Love for STEM

These experiments, tailored for children, transform complex scientific concepts into accessible and enjoyable activities, fostering a deep and lasting interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Beyond mere academic learning, these activities equip children with critical thinking skills, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset—abilities essential for navigating the challenges of the 21st century. As kids light up LEDs, power clocks with fruits, or create simple motors, they’re not just performing tasks; they’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, understanding the science that shapes our world.

Looking for some fun, educational activities to try with the kids? This article shares some great science experiments that teach children all about electricity. https://t.co/wRk6qoemUi pic.twitter.com/WaZGNRTeT2 — AnstandigElectric (@AnstandigE) April 25, 2022

Moreover, it underscores the importance of experiential learning. By engaging directly with scientific phenomena, children move beyond passive absorption of information to active creation of knowledge. This article, therefore, is more than just a collection of experiments; it’s a blueprint for inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. It demonstrates that with a bit of curiosity and creativity, the mysteries of electricity can illuminate young minds, sparking a lifelong passion for learning and exploration.

1. Bending Water with Static Electricity

What it teaches, conceptual background, 2. make a magic wand.

The experiment showcases the ability of static electricity to attract objects, effectively turning a simple rod into a ‘magic wand’. This visually engaging activity helps to demystify the concept of static electricity and demonstrates its practical effects.

3. Bubble Balloons

Difficulty Level: Low

4. Soda Can Electroscope

5. separate salt & pepper, 6. butterfly experiment, 7. homopolar motor, 8. electric cornstarch, 9. simple lemon battery, 10. index card flashlight, 11. potato clock, 12. water & electricity, 13. create a motor, 14. build a power pack, 15. making a dimmer switch, 16. paper circuits, 17. play-dough circuits.

To discover how to bring electrical concepts to life with Play-Dough Circuits, including setting up your own conductive and insulating paths, watching this instructional video is highly recommended.

Participants will explore the basics of circuitry, including the concepts of electrical conductors and insulators. The experiment makes it easy to visualize the path of electrical current and introduces the idea of creating simple circuits with everyday materials. It encourages experimentation with different circuit configurations and provides a foundation for learning about electrical engineering principles.

18. Build an Electromagnetic Train

Through building an electromagnetic train, learners gain insights into the workings of electromagnetic propulsion and the basic principles underlying modern electric trains. The experiment encourages exploration of how electricity and magnetism interact to create motion, offering a practical understanding of electromagnetism.

19. Bottle Radio

The value of electricity science experiments for kids.

Electricity science experiments for kids offer a treasure trove of educational benefits that extend far beyond the classroom, making them an invaluable addition to any science curriculum or at-home learning experience. These hands-on activities provide a unique opportunity to engage young minds in the exploration of fundamental scientific principles, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them.

In conclusion, the benefits of integrating electricity science experiments for kids into education are vast and varied. By offering hands-on, engaging, and intellectually stimulating activities, these experiments help cultivate curious, critical-thinking, and creative young minds ready to explore the electrifying world of science.

Questions For Further Exploration

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Final thoughts, leave a comment cancel reply.

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Easy Electricity Projects for Kids

May 19, 2021 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

Electricity and circuits are great fun for children ( and teachers and parents ) to learn about. This collection of electricity science projects and experiments are all easy to try and very satisfying. Watching a bulb or an LED light up because a circuit works always seems very rewarding, and the bonus is you can be as creative as you like! Make houses, torches, robots, and so much more. The creative opportunities with this kind of STEM project are endless!!

These electricity experiments use only a battery so they are safe if supervised by an adult. Remember, mains electricity is very dangerous.

Please supervise children with these activities at all times.

Quick electricity and circuit refresher

Electric current is the flow of charge around a circuit , it can only flow if the circuit is complete.

A battery acts like a pump, pushing the electric charge around the circuit. We call this force voltage. The higher the voltage the more current flows.

You can increase voltage by using multiple batteries or higher voltage batteries.

Which materials conduct electricity?

Metals conduct electricity as they allow electrons to pass through them. Electrical charge is a flow of electrons ( negatively charged particles ).

The opposite of a conductor is an insulator. Insulators don’t allow electric charge to pass through them. Plastic, wood and glass are examples of insulators.

What conducts electricity other than metals?

Sea water or a homemade salt solution. Teach Engineering has instructions for a great salt water battery .

Graphite – see our graphite circuit below.

Do you have any more electricity project ideas for us to try?

Last Updated on January 11, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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Electricity Experiments with Kids: Super Easy Science Experiments

Activities » Science » Electricity Experiments with Kids: Super Easy Science Experiments

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Ready to bring science-filled fun into your home with some electricity experiments for kids? It’s likely that you already have most of the materials necessary within arm’s reach, and you’ll be able to get started right away.

By involving children in conducting basic electrical experiments at a young age, you can help cultivate their interest in science and introduce intriguing concepts such as magnetic fields, circuits, and currents – all without having to leave the comfort of your own home!

Get ready to explore these super easy science experiments !

Electricity  experiments are the perfect ones for budding scientists , which is pretty much every child, so curious about the world and how “things” work. You know we’re a bit science obsessed as seen with our Friction experiment and Balloon Rocket .

The activity is ideally suited for kindergarten and up but can be adjusted to work with a slightly younger child and certainly an older child. My 3.5-year-old is definitely intrigued but my 5-year-old “got it”.

Here is a wonderful activity to add to your arsenal of electricity experiments with kids.

Electricity Experiments with Kids

Scroll Down Below for a Free Printable to Use with this Activity

What is electricity.

Well, let’s start with an electric charge. Think about it like this: all matter is made up of atoms. Atoms are either positively charged protons, negatively charged electrons, or neutrons, which carry no charge at all.

If an object is charged, it either attracts or repels (pulls or pushes) other charged objects. Like charged objects repel and oppositely charged objects attract.

The behavior of an object that has been charged is dependent upon whether the object is made of a conductive or a nonconductive material.

On the other hand, insulators a re materials that prevent the free flow of electrons from atom to atom and molecule to molecule. If the charge is transferred to an insulator at a given location, the excess charge will remain at the initial location of charging.

Related Post:   Easy Science Activity for Kids: Make an Awesome Pulley with Kids!

Helpful FREE Resource for this Activity

Battery Electricity Experiment

The purpose of this activity is to test materials to understand what materials conduct or resist or “insulate” electric current.

Electricity Experiment Materials

• Aluminum Foil (folded lengthwise and “rolled” up)
• Tray or table for workspace
• Objects to test such as a key, an eraser, a coin, a nail, a piece of chalk, a piece of wood, and a candle. Older children can test materials such as aluminum, copper, nickel, and tin.
• Paper and Pencil to record results
• Conductor and Insulator Sorting Worksheet

Electricity Experiment Approach

• Gather battery and bulb (I used an old flashlight bulb and battery)
• Seek out materials and objects to test (I found many useful testers around my home)
• Play on tray or workspace
• Present to your child
• Explain the activity in detail and words appropriate to the child’s developmental stage
• Point to the battery, the bulb, and the foil
• Ask the child to roll the foil
• Point to the bowl of objects (for younger students)/materials (for older students) and talk about conductivity and insulation
• Test objects by placing the object between the battery and the bulb, then touching the foil to the base of the bulb. The bulb should light up (or not).
• Encourage children to take notes about the objects/materials and their observation

Further Science Learning

• In preschool or kindergarten, sort the objects/materials into conductors or insulators
• For elementary, make a graph of weakest to strongest conductors (since conductivity is a matter of degree )
• Ask questions about the materials that insulated best, or did not insulate well
• Brainstorm a list of objects or materials that might conduct (or insulate).
• Roll the foil for the great fine motor work
• Hold the object or material as you test with the foil (or vice versa)
• Ask the child ahead of time what objects he believes may conduct electricity, and why
• Assess the child’s learning by testing a clothespin (or another object with both insulator and conductor attributes). Is it a conductor or an insulator? Which parts of the clothespin will light the bulb?

Pin for later!

Check out these other science experiments:

• Fruit Electricity with a Lemon Clock
• Ridiculously Easy Friction Science Experiment Your Kids Will Love
• Exploring the Science of Sound
• Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment with Balloons

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Six Fun Static Electricity Experiments for Science Students

Krystal DeVille

December 18, 2023

Electricity is a large part of our daily lives. Without it, we would be able to engage in any activities.

We often don’t know exactly how precious it is until we experience a power outage. Electricity doesn’t just involve currents- it also allows individuals to move, think and feel. We explore several different static electricity experiments that illustrate what this natural phenomenon can do.

Table of Contents

Experiments Using Static Electricity

Experiments using static are fun. When most people consider experiments using static electricity, then envision the one involving hair and a balloon. However, many additional experiments will amaze children of any age and can effectively also illustrate how physics and chemistry are used in creating illusions.

*Warning: These experiments may debunk some well-known magic tricks!

Before we get into all the static electricity experiments, be sure to grab my free eBook with over 25 STEM experiments for kids. For all my free downloads, check out this page here.

1. Static Electricity Butterfly

• Age: Elementary school
• Time: 15 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy

This experiment demonstrates how static electricity can move the wings on a tissue paper butterfly. 

• Googly eyes
• Cardstock paper
• Tissue paper

Instructions:

• Begin by cutting a square piece of cardboard into a 7″x 7″ square.
• Draw butterfly wings on a piece of tissue with a pencil. Make sure that it is smaller than your square. Cut the butterfly out and place them on the cardboard piece without gluing it.
• Cut the body of the butterfly using cardstock. Once finished, glue it to the middle of the butterfly. Make sure it overlaps the cardboard to prevent the wings from flying off. The wings need to be loose to demonstrate the effects of static electricity.
• Glue googly eyes on the butterfly. You can use pipe cleaners for antennae if you would like.
• Blow up the balloon.
• Rub the balloon on your hair to provide a static (electrical charge). Hold the balloon to the top of the butterfly. It should be close to it but shouldn’t touch the butterfly. You should see the wings lower and raise as the balloon is moved closer and further in distance. 

The Science Behind the Experiment

When a balloon is rubbed on hair, electrons form. Electrons go from the hair and are given to the balloon generating static. When a negatively charged balloon comes into close contact with positively charged tissue, they generate an attraction. The pull of the charged attraction enables the paper to move towards the balloon.

Static electricity experiments are fun to do. It incorporates both the principles of physics and chemistry into something very simple. It is the perfect way to engage any child in STEM education while teaching them that learning can indeed be fun.

2. Flying Bag Experiment

• Age: Any age
• Time: A few minutes

No, this isn’t done by using an updraft of air but with static electricity. This is what levitates the bag into the air.

• Light plastic bag
• Piece of material
• Plastic Rod
• Use the piece of cloth to run the plastic rod’s surface for 40 seconds.
• Flatten a plastic bag. Then rub the piece of fabric against the bag’s surface for 40 seconds.
• Release the bag and watch while it levitates in the air while the rod is waved below.

The fabric and rod become negatively charged after rubbing them together. Like charges are known to repel each other, so the bag appears to repel when the wand is waved.

My kids loved all the microscope activities we did hands-on in this article. It’s a great way of opening the world to what they can’t see!

3. Hovering Plates

• Age: Elementary School

Using magnets is not the only way that items can repel each other. Hovering plates illustrates this concept very well.

• 2 Styrofoam plates
• Piece of fabric, or your shirt
• Using the piece of fabric, rub the base of one plate.
• Put the plate (base up) on any flat surface.
• Attempt to place the other plate (base down) on top of the other plate. The two plates will repel each other.

This experiment works based on the principle of static electricity. This occurs when two things are rubbed together. The one plate receives electrons directly from the fabric and then becomes negatively charged. In turn, the electrons generated repel the other plate.

4. Bending Water Using Static Electricity

In nature, water can bend due to the moon exerting tidal forces. The same phenomenon can be accomplished by using static electricity.

• Running water
• Piece of cloth
• Plastic Rod or thick straw. My son used a smoothie straw like this because it’s thicker and works a little better.
• Use the fabric to rub the surface of the rod for 40 seconds.
• Create a stream of water by turning the tap on.
• Place the rod close to the water and watch with amazement as the stream bends.

This experiment can also be done using a comb. It would be best if you rubbed the comb against your hair for it to work. Then, you can use it to bend water.

Rubbing the material on the rod generates negatively charged ions. This repels the electrons found in the water. The water closest to the positioning of the rod receives positive charges from it. The attraction between positive and negative charges creates a force on the water, allowing it to appear as if it were bending.

5. Separating Pepper and Salt

Have you accidentally spilled both the salt and pepper? Here is a convenient way to separate them and sort through this lovely mess!

• Fabric or your shirt
• Thick straw
• Mix one teaspoon of pepper and salt thoroughly. 
• Rub the straw on the fabric for 40 seconds.
• Place the straw over the mixture. The pepper should jump and adhere to the straw (if it’s held over the correct places).

The granules of pepper and salt are positively charged. As a result of gaining electrons directly from rubbing the cloth, the straw attracts these positive charges located in the mix. Since pepper is lighter, it will jump with greater ease to the straw.

6. Bubble Moving Balloon

This trick is fun and easy. It will delight young children and amaze older ones. 

• Smooth sheet plastic, glass, or a kitchen plate like we used
• Dishwashing soap or bubble solution
• Charged balloon
• Spread the bubble solution on a sheet of glass or plastic. Blow larger bubbles on the sheet with the straw. 
• Charge an object like a balloon.
• Place the object near the bubble and watch as they follow the charged object. 
• Watch it move around the glass/plastic top.

Soapy water is drawn (attracted) to any object that is charged. When there is a large bubble, you can watch it move around.

Wrapping Up

I love static electricity experiments because they can be done with stuff you have lying around your house, not especially tools required. Our favorite experiment was the butterfly one. My three-year-old pretty much thought it was magic.

Another easy item to pick up is pop rocks. My kids had a great time with all the science experiments involving the cracking, popping treat in this article. Please check out our article, Fun Pop Rock Experiments Exploring Viscosity .

5 thoughts on “Six Fun Static Electricity Experiments for Science Students”

Great ideas here with materials that are readily available.

Thank you for ideas and a wonderful resource.

Kind Regards, Jan (Grandmother – Australia)

The salt and pepper experiment mentions a spoon in the directions, but it seems like it should be a straw according to the rest if the directions.

You’re right Kathryn, and thank you for pointing that out to me! The article has been updated 🙂

In the fourth one about bending water, one of the materials say ‘piece of clot’ not cloth. Just a minor error.

Thank you, good catch! I updated it.

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Easy Static Electricity Science Experiment with a Comb

Categories STEM Activities

Continuing our super-easy creative STEM activities try this static electricity science experiment.  This experiment is so simple that I thought Monkey wouldn’t be interested at all, and almost didn’t try it, but she loved it!

Keep reading to learn how to do this super easy static electricity comb and paper experiment.

How to Do the Static Electricity Science Experiment

This experiment shows children the power of static electricity first-hand.

Comb and Paper Experiment Science

When you rub the comb in your hair it creates a static charge by collecting electrons on the comb, which have a negative charge.

When you bring the comb near the toilet paper, it sucks the toilet paper to the comb because the negatively charged electrons are trying to become positive again.

Static Electricity Science Project Hypothesis

A science site I visited pointed out that this is a science demonstration, not an experiment, if you don’t ask questions and try to come up with a hypothesis. We made our experiment more scientific by asking a few of the following questions:

• How small do the paper particles have to be before they will jump to the comb?
• Do other particles become attracted to the comb?
• Does the material of the comb matter?
• How long will the static charge hold?
• What happens to the paper when the charge is gone?

Here is a fun printable you can use to save in a science notebook.

Static Electricity Science Experiment Variation

You can also do this experiment with water. Repeat the same steps, but instead of using paper particles, turn the sink on to a slow trickle. Then hold the charged comb right next to the water.

The stream should move to try and touch the comb.

It’s pretty cool that static electricity can affect both water and paper in the same way!

You can also use the same charging process to pull in light objects to the comb like dirt, fuzz, or sequins.

What You Need for this Static Electricity Experiment

You’ll need these things before you can do this electricity experiment.

• Toilet paper
• Other tiny objects (like dirt or tiny sequins)
• Smooth surface
• Water (optional)

Directions for the Static Electricity Science Project

First, tear the toilet paper into tiny pieces. The smaller the better! Next, lay them on a smooth surface, like a table.

Rub the comb in your hair to create a static charge. We found it worked best when we “teased” the comb through the hair.

Or, if you are used to making static electricity with a balloon, use the same motion that you use to rub the balloon on your head.

Monkey loved this part of the experiment.

When the comb is charged, bring it close to the pieces of paper. They will magically jump on the comb.

After we were done doing the official experiment, Monkey continued to test out the process on her own. I consider that a successful project!

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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