science experiment of matter

States of Matter Science Experiments

Are you using states of matter science experiments? Matter has three states; solid, liquid, and gas. Most students know and can identify the three states of matter in isolation. Still, to test their knowledge, they should experience hands on activities that allow them to see how the three states of matter interact with one another. If you do not include science experiments in your states of matter unit , your students miss this critical part of the scientific process. Including hands on activities does not have to be complicated. Read about five easy activities that you can incorporate into your states of matter unit.

Five Hands on Activities to Teach States of Matter

States of matter experiment #1 raisins dance :.

How much fun is it to dance? While it might be difficult to throw an upper elementary science dance party, making your science experiment dance doesn’t have to be as hard. 

This activity requires three materials: 

• Clear soda, such as Sprite

This simple states of matter experiment will allow students to see how solid, liquid, and gas substances react. 

To perform the activity, fill the glass 3/4 full of the clear soda. Then, add the raisins. Watch what happens. 

The science behind this experiment : Students will see the raisins “dancing” in the soda. The raisins will fall to the bottom of the glass and then float back up to the top. They will then fall again. What is happening in the carbonation gas from the soda adheres to the raisin. This causes the raisins to float to the top. Once the bubble pops at the surface, the raisin then falls to the bottom again.

States of Matter Experiment #2 Shaving Cream: 

Shaving cream is a peculiar substance as it can be difficult to distinguish whether it is a solid or a liquid. This activity is also reasonably easy; however, it will take several days for students to fully process their observations and inferences . 

Materials needed for this activity are: 

• Shaving cream
• Paper towel

For this activity, you will put a blob of shaving cream on each student’s paper towel. Allow students to observe the shaving cream up close. If you have magnifying glasses, you may want students to use them to try to get as close a look as possible. 

After students have had time to observe, allow them to hypothesize which state of matter they think shaving cream falls into. 

The science behind the experiment : Shaving cream is a unique substance because its characteristics do not neatly fall into a solid, liquid, or gas category. When in a can, the shaving cream is a mixture of soap and water compressed as a gas. When the can is sprayed, the shaving cream is released as a solid, which eventually condenses to a liquid. 

This activity is fun because it shows students how substances can change their state of matter over time. Even though the materials are simple, students love this activity.  

States of Matter Experiment #3 Ice Cream in a Bag : 

Who doesn’t love ice cream? No matter what time of year, this is a fun activity to show your students how temperature can affect the state of matter. 

Materials needed : 

• Vanilla extract
• Half and half
• Kosher or rock salt
• Ziploc bags
• Thermometer

Before the states of matter experiment, have a discussion with students about the characteristics of each substance and which state of matter it falls into. Combine the vanilla extract and half and half. Pour the mixture into a small Ziploc bag. Place the smaller bag into a larger one filled with ice and the Kosher or rock salt. Then SHAKE! Students can take turns shaking as this experiment can take up to ten minutes of shaking. After that time, the liquid should turn into a solid for a delicious treat. 

The science behind this experiment : The salt lowers the temperature of the ice, which allows the half and half and vanilla to freeze. Be sure to use enough rock salt and ice, or the mixture will not freeze.  

Grab the Ice Cream in a Bag activity for FREE by clicking the button below. 

States of Matter Experiment #4 Air Balloons: 

It can be challenging for students to understand that gases have mass and are spread out to fill their containers. This states of matter experiment will allow students to visualize this concept as the balloon fills up with carbon dioxide.

• One liter soda bottle
• Triple beam balance

Your science students will enjoy this simple states of matter experiment. All that needs to be done is to open the soda bottle cap and then place the balloon around its opening. Now, you will have to wait. 

While you are waiting, indulge in a classroom conversation about the characteristics of states of matter. 

The science behind this experiment : After about ten minutes, you should be able to observe the carbon dioxide gas fill the balloon. 

To show students that the gas in the balloon has mass, place it on the triple beam balance to measure its mass. Compare this mass to an empty balloon to signify the difference.

States of Matter Experiment #5 Soapy States : 

Teach students that states of matter are all around us. Pointing out real-life examples of a solid, liquid, or gas will help students make deeper connections to the content. 

One everyday object that we can use to illustrate this point is soap. While it is super easy to distinguish that soap is solid, what happens when you put soap in the microwave? 

• Two other brands of soap
• Bin of water

For this activity, students will observe differences between the different brands of soap. Placing the soaps into the water bin will allow students to see what the Ivory brand will float while the other brands sink. 

The science behind this experiment : It is imperative to use Ivory soap as this is the only soap brand on the market that has air whipped into it. The air created little pockets of gas which allow this brand of soap to float in water.

It also allows this brand to expand when it is put into the microwave. When placed in the microwave for 30 seconds, gas pockets will expand, which creates an incredible visual for the students. 

Your students will love these science activities to enhance your states of matter unit. Want these activities ready to go? Check them out here . 

Need more ideas to teach your states of matter unit? Click the button below to learn how I teach this unit to my students. 

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Science Projects for Kids: States of Matter

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Trying to comprehend the science of matter may seem complicated, but Science Projects for Kids: States of Matter makes understanding it easy and interesting. Explore transitions between solid and liquid by making ice pops and rock candy.

See what happens to soda pop gas in a balloon, and make a cloud in a bottle. Learn about the concept of surface tension by blowing soap bubbles, stretching the surface of water, and cutting and connecting water drops.

You'll be surprised at how much you can learn about states of matter with these simple experiments. Gather a few materials from around the house, round up the kids, and have some science fun.

Follow the links below to get started with science projects for kids that explain the states of matter:

Solid to Liquid to Solid

One of the easiest ways to understand how states of matter change is to make yummy ice pops.

Sugar Crystals on a String

Enjoy the sweet rewards of this evaporation test.

Homemade Water Purifier

Create a very simple water purification system.

Soda Pop in a Balloon

Before drinking that soda, see what happens when the gas leaves the bottle.

Cloud in a Bottle

Create your very own piece of the sky with this project.

Soap Bubble Shapes

Have fun blowing bubbles while learning about surface tension.

Water Surface Stretch

See how far you can stretch the surface of water.

Cut and Connect Water Drops

Try your luck at splicing and reconnecting water.

Go to the next page to explore changes in states of matter -- and make something good to eat.

For more fun science projects for kids, check out:

• Science Projects for Kids: The Incredible Universe
• Science Projects for Kids: Density and Volume
• Science Projects for Kids: Current Electricity

Stretch the Surface of Water

Watch the transition from solid to liquid to solid in this science project for kids on states of matter -- and make something good to eat. Solids can change into liquids, and liquids can change into solids. Make ice pops with orange juice, and you can see both transformations.

What You'll Need:

• Can of frozen orange juice
• Large spoon
• Wooden craft sticks

Step 1: Open a can of frozen orange juice, and spoon it into a large pitcher. Touch the frozen juice to feel that it is both solid and cold.

Step 2: Add water according to the package directions to make orange juice.

Step 3: Fill several paper cups about 2/3 of the way with orange juice.

Step 4: Put a craft stick into the liquid in each paper cup.

Step 5: Being careful not to spill, put the cups of juice into the freezer.

Step 6: Check them after two hours. Can you gently pull out the craft stick, or has the liquid orange juice frozen solid around the stick?

Step 7: Once the orange juice has frozen, peel off the paper cups. You and your friends can enjoy a frozen treat!

See the next page to learn how to conduct a science experiment that always has sweet results.

Sugar crystals on a string can be fun to watch grow and delicious to eat. When liquids evaporate into gases, they can leave material behind. That material can be very tasty, as shown by this science project for kids on states of matter. But note that this project requires adult supervision!

• Measuring spoon

Step 1: Bring a small pan of water to a boil on the stove, and turn off the heat.

Step 2: Add one tablespoon of sugar, and stir until it dissolves.

Step 3: Continue adding sugar, one tablespoon at a time, letting each tablespoonful dissolve completely before adding the next. When no more sugar will dissolve in the water, allow the saturated solution to cool.

Step 4: Tie a string to the middle of a pencil, and set the pencil across the rim of a glass. Cut the string so that it just touches the bottom of the glass. Tie a button onto the bottom of the string.

Step 5: Pour the cooled sugar water into the glass. Rest the pencil across the rim of the glass so that the string and button are in the solution.

Step 6: Allow the glass to sit in a warm place without being disturbed for several days so that the water evaporates. As the water evaporates, it will leave sugar crystals on the string. You've just made rock candy.

Go to the next page to learn how you can make a simple water purification system.

Try this homemade water purifier to see how suspended matter can be filtered from water. You may be surprised by how this science project for kids on states of matter works.

• Eight-inch-tall cardboard box

Step 1: Set an eight-inch-tall cardboard box on a table. Set a bowl of clean water on top of the box.

Step 2: Gently drop a small handful of dirt into the water. Much of the dirt will remain suspended in the water, and the water in the bowl will be discolored.

Step 3: Set an empty bowl on the table right next to the cardboard box.

Step 4: Twist together several one-foot strands of wool yarn to make a rope.

Step 5: Put one end of this rope, or wick, into the bottom of the bowl of dirty water. Place the other end of the wick in the empty bowl. After a while, drops of clear water will drip off of the free end of the wick into the empty bowl.

What Happened?

The material in your rope absorbs water and draws it from the bowl. It leaves the dirt behind, however, so the water that drips into the second bowl is clean.

What happens when the gas in soda pop escapes into a balloon? See the next page to find out.

Gases can dissolve in a liquid, as this example of soda pop in a balloon shows. But they won't stay there if you release the pressure that holds them. Try this science project for kids on states of matter, and see what happens.

• Bottle of soda pop

Step 1: Open a bottle of soda pop, and set it on a table.

Step 2: Immediately slip the end of a balloon over the neck of the bottle. Pull the balloon's end well down over the bottle so that it fits tightly.

Step 3: Check on the balloon about every 10 minutes for any changes.

Soda pop is carbonated. This means that carbon dioxide gas has been dissolved in the liquid under high pressure.

Opening the bottle releases the pressure, and the carbon dioxide gas begins to escape from the liquid. The balloon trapped the carbon dioxide gas as it left the bottle, and then the gas inflated the balloon.

Tired of the weather outside? Go to the next page, and learn how you can make a little weather of your own.

Make a little weather of your own with a cloud in a bottle. Clouds form when warm, particle-rich air meets cool, moist air. This science project for kids on states of matter can help you understand just how the process works.

• Clear glass two-liter bottle

Step 1: On a cool day with little or no wind, head for your backyard and find a table.

Step 2: Have a child light a candle, with help from an adult.

Step 3: Turn the two-liter glass bottle upside down, and hold the candle inside the mouth of the jar for about 10 seconds. Don't use a plastic jar. The mouth of a plastic jug could melt.

Step 4: Once the bottle's mouth has cooled a little, form a seal around the bottle with your mouth and blow. Once you pull your mouth away, you should see a cloud form inside the bottle -- just like in the skies above your home.

Learn about surface tension on the next page, and have fun blowing bubbles of different shapes and sizes.

Who knew something as fun and as simple as blowing soap bubble shapes could also be an easy science project for kids on states of matter? See what shapes and sizes of bubbles your kids can blow while they learn about surface tension.

• Dish-washing liquid
• Measuring cup and spoon
• Large container
• Pipe cleaners
• Plastic soda pop ring
• Wooden sticks

Step 1: Add 1/2 cup of dish-washing liquid and two teaspoons of glycerin to 1/2 gallon of water in a large container.

Step 2: Mix the materials together, and let them sit overnight.

Step 3: The next day, pour the mixture into a plastic dishpan outdoors.

Step 4: Shape pipe cleaners into circles of different sizes.

Step 5: Cut a circle of plastic from a soda pop ring, and staple it to a wooden stick.

Step 6: Dip these devices into the bubble solution, and gently blow through the circles to make bubbles. Circles of different sizes will make bubbles of different sizes.

Can you stretch the surface of water? Go to the next page for instructions, and give it a try!

It may be hard to believe, but you can stretch the surface of water. See just how far you can stretch it in this science project for kids on states of matter.

• Small plastic cup

Step 1: Fill a small plastic cup all the way to the top with water.

Step 2: Hold an eyedropper filled with water close to the surface of the water in the plastic cup, and gently release the water drop by drop.

How many drops can you add to the plastic cup after it is "full"? Can you see that the water level actually rises above the top of the cup? Water molecules attract one another strongly so that the water holds together.

Water drops are more elastic than you think. Go to the next page to find out how you can splice and reconnect them.

Try to cut and connect water drops in this science project for kids on states of matter. You can split a water drop into smaller drops, and you can put small water drops together. Give it a try, and you'll learn more about the surface tension of liquids.

• Waxed paper
• Drinking straw

Step 1: Put a drop of food color into a glass of water; stir until all of the water is evenly colored.

Step 2: Using an eyedropper, gently put several drops of the colored water onto a sheet of waxed paper. Look at the circular shape of the drops.

Step 3: With a toothpick, try to cut a water drop in half. Can you do it?

Step 4: With a drinking straw, blow gently to try to put two water drops together. Can you do it?

The surface tension of water pulls the water molecules in a drop toward each other. The molecules in the outer layer are drawn in toward the center of the drop, giving the drop its round shape. The surface tension that holds the water in that shape affected how the water acted when you exerted force on it with the toothpick and the straw.

ABOUT THE DESIGNERS

Cloud in a Bottle by Maria Birmingham, Karen E. Bledsoe, and Kelly Milner Halls

States of Matter FAQ

What are the different states of matter, what is an easy state of matter experiment for fifth grade students, what phase change takes the most energy.

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States of Matter Experiments

What is matter? Matter is all around us, and here are some fun and easy science experiments to explore the three states of matter. From chemical reactions to examples of reversible change to ice melt activities, there are states of matter project ideas for kids of all ages.

States of Matter For Kids

What is matter? In science, matter refers to any substance that has mass and takes up space. Matter consists of tiny particles called atoms , and it takes different forms depending on how the atoms are arranged. These are what we call states of matter .

What are the three states of matter?

The three states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. Although a fourth state of matter exists, plasma, it’s not shown in any demonstrations.

Solid: A solid has tightly packed particles in a specific pattern, which cannot move about. You will notice a solid keeps its shape. Ice or frozen water is an example of a solid.

Liquid: In a liquid, the particles have some space between them with no pattern. Therefore, they are not in a fixed position. A liquid has no distinct shape but will take the shape of a container it is put into. Water is an example of a liquid.

Gas: In a gas, the particles move freely from one another. You can also say they vibrate! Gas particles spread out to take the shape of the container they are put in. Steam or water vapor is an example of a gas.

WATCH THE STATES OF MATTER VIDEO!

Changing States of Matter

When matter changes from one state to another, it’s called a phase change. Phase changes are examples of physical changes. Learn more about physical changes here .

Some examples of phase changes are melting (changing from a solid to a liquid), freezing (changing from a liquid to a solid), evaporation (from a liquid to a gas), and condensation (from a gas to a liquid).

Does one phase take more energy than another? The change to gas takes the most energy because the bonds between the particles have to separate to change completely.

The bonds in a solid only have to loosen up a bit to change phase, such as a solid ice cube changing to liquid water.

💡Check out our solid, liquid, gas experiment for an easy way to demonstrate phase change for kids.

States of Matter Worksheet

Start with this free states of matter worksheet pack and free science experiment.

States of Matter Science Experiments

Next, try a fun state of matter experiment. Below, you will find lots of great examples of states of matter. Some of these experiments involve a chemical change, such as adding a liquid and a solid together to produce a gas. Other experiments demonstrate a physical change . Look for helpful teaching tips below.

Combine Baking Soda and Vinegar

Hands down, baking soda and vinegar are our favorite chemical reactions for kids! Check out states of matter in action. All that fizzing fun is a gas!

💡 Explore a variety of Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Experiments for Kids.

Blow Up A Balloon Experiment

Blow up a balloon with an easy chemical reaction. This experiment is perfect for demonstrating how a gas spreads out and fills the space.

Make Butter In A Jar

Science you can eat! Turn a liquid into a solid with a bit of shaking!

Explore A Cloud In A Jar

Cloud formation involves the change of water from a gas to a liquid. Check out this simple science demonstration.

Try Crushing A Soda Can

Who would have thought the condensation of water (gas to liquid) could crush a soda can!

Set Up a Freezing Water Experiment

Will it freeze? What happens to the freezing point of water when you add salt.

Make Frost On A Can

It’s a fun winter experiment for any time of the year. Turn water vapor into ice when it touches the surface of your cold metal can.

Grow Crystals

Make a supersaturated solution with borax powder and water. Observe how you can grow solid crystals as the water evaporates (changes from liquid to gas) over a few days.

Also, try growing salt crystals and sugar crystals .

Freezing Bubbles

This is a fun state of matter experiment to try in the winter. Can you turn liquid bubble mixture into a solid?

Churn Ice Cream In A Bag

Turn milk and sugar into a yummy frozen treat with our easy ice cream in a bag recipe.

Play with Ice Melt Activities

Here you will find over 20 fun theme ice melt activities which make for playful science for preschoolers. Turn solid ice into liquid water!

Investigate What Melts

Compare how fast different everyday items melt in the sun. A fun states of matter experiment to do in the summer!

Microwave Ivory Soap

What happens to ivory soap when you heat it? It’s all because water changes from a liquid to a gas.

Make Your Own Soap

Making soap from a simple glycerin base involves several states of matter. Even better, you end up with a fun surprise at the end!

Recycle with Melting Crayons

With our easy instructions, you can recycle your old crayons into new crayons. Melting crayons is also a great example of a reversible phase change from solid to liquid to solid.

Edible States with Melting Chocolate

A super simple science activity that you get to eat at the end!

Investigate Evaporation of Water

Dive into the process of evaporation, a liquid changing to a gas, and investigate what factors affect the rate of water evaporation.

Get Messy with Oobleck

There is always an exception to the rule! Is it a liquid or a solid? Just two ingredients, this is a fun activity to set up and discuss how oobleck can fit the description of both a liquid and a solid.

Try the Soda Balloon Experiment

Salt in soda is a great example of a change of states of matter, the carbon dioxide dissolved in the liquid soda moves to a gaseous state.

Put Together a Water Cycle In A Bag

Not only is the water cycle important for all life on earth, it is also a great example of phase changes of water, including evaporation and condensation.

Make a DIY Water Filtration

Separate a liquid from solids with this water filtration lab you can build yourself.

What Makes Ice Melt Faster

Start with a solid, ice and explore different ways to change it to a liquid. Fun ice melting experiment!

Tips and Tricks for Explaining States of Matter

Teaching states of matter to kids can be a fun and engaging experience, especially with hands-on activities and interactive lessons.

Helpful Science Resources To Get You Started

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

• Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
• Science Vocabulary
• 8 Science Books for Kids
• All About Scientists
• Free Science Worksheets
• Science Supplies List
• Science Tools for Kids
• Scientific Method for Kids
• Easy Science Fair Projects
• Citizen Science Guide
• Join us in the Club

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics

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Experiments on States of Matter for Kids

Easy & Simple Science Projects on Matter for Kids

Everything in the world is comprised of matter. The three main states of matter are solids, liquids and gases. Chemistry can seem challenging to some children but by using hands-on experiments geared for younger students you can help your child grasp the properties of each state of matter.

Solid to Liquid to Solid

You can alter states of matter using external variables like temperature. Make your child a tasty treat while teaching him a basic chemistry lesson with this experiment. Using frozen juice, make homemade fruit juice pops and explain the different states of matter during each phase of the experiment. Allow your child to touch and feel as you progress through the steps to learn some of the properties of a solid and liquid. The initial frozen can of juice represents the solid. Once the content of the can mixes with water to make juice the solid turns into a liquid. After placing the juice in cups with sticks and freezing, the liquid has returned back to a solid. The freezing, thawing and re-freezing of the juice represents variations in temperatures which affects the state of matter.

Properties of States of Matter

Teach your child some of the various properties of each state of matter. Place an example of each state of matter in a plastic baggie. Fill the bags with water for liquid, your breath for gas and a pencil or other handy school supply for solid. Allow the children to investigate each bag including the shape, weight and form of the contents. Open the bag of water and pour it into a cup. Identify and describe the physical properties of each state of matter. Point out the invisibility of gases, the changing shape of liquid and the invariability of solids.

Gelatin: Three States of Matter

During the process of making gelatin all three states of matter are revealed. Turn a simple recipe into a tasty science experiment. Begin by pouring water into the kettle to boil. The water represents a liquid. Once the water starts to boil, the heat causes a change in matter to form steam. The steam represents a gas. Finally, mix the prepackaged crystals, representing a solid, with the boiling water to form another liquid. Place the mixture into the fridge until it sets. The change in temperature forms a solid once again.

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• Beacon Learning Center: Freeze Pops
• Illinois Institute of Technology: States of Matter

About the Author

Crystal Lee began her freelance writing career in 2008. She has published multiple articles in "The Student Magazine" and for various online publications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in women's studies and sociology from the University of Windsor.

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31 Captivating States of Matter Activities

October 25, 2023 //  by  Lori Goldberg

Everything around us is made up of matter. Pretty cool right? Your kiddos are sure to find this fact super cool as you introduce them to the science behind states of matter. It’s a vital component of every little scientist’s learning journey and we’ve compiled the perfect list of captivating activities and experiments to aid you in developing their scientific knowledge. You’ll engage them in mesmerizing experiments or fine-tune their skills with colorful worksheets. Whatever activity you pick, they’re sure to be amazed as you invite them to dive into the science of matter!  

1. You’re in Hot Water

Using a heat-resistant beaker and a hot plate, you’ll introduce your kids to this mystifying reaction as they observe how water changes when heat is applied. Place a lid over the container of water while it’s heating and encourage them to make predictions as to what they think will happen.

Learn More: Science World

2. Phases of Matter: Interactive Lesson

In this interactive lesson, you’ll have your students observe the effects of thermal energy – AKA heat! To do this, encourage them to observe scoops of ice cream that’ve been freshly removed from a freezer. They’ll begin to notice how this sweet treat begins to melt as it comes into contact with thermal energy.

Learn More: PBS Learning Media

3. Matter – Reading Passages

This fifth-grade reading passage activity provides an in-depth overview of matter. Task your learners with reading through these passages and then answering the comprehension questions to see how much information they’ve retained. 

Learn More: Read Works

4. Making Pancakes from Liquid to Solid

Invite your kiddos to do some classroom cooking with a scientific twist! Guide them in mixing pancake batter to form a liquid, and then assist them in pouring their batter into a hot pan as they observe how the heat transforms their liquid dessert into a solid. 

Learn More: PNC

5. Introduction to Glassy Solids

This informative video is perfect for your more advanced pupils. Simply invite them to engage with its interesting content as they learn how glass is a special solid and is not organized in a definite lattice pattern like other solids.

Learn More: YouTube

6. Mystery Balloons Experiment

Treat your little scientists to this captivating experiment! Have them pour vinegar in a plastic bottle and baking soda in a balloon. Then, prompt them to place the balloon over the bottle opening as they observe how a gas is created that’ll blow up their balloon.

7. Balloon Science-Solid, Liquid, Gas

This simple experiment is perfect for introducing your little ones to the science of matter. You’ll guide them in blowing up a balloon to represent gas, filling one with water to represent liquid, and freezing a water-filled balloon to represent a solid. Encourage them to observe how each state of matter behaves in each stage by having them bounce their balloons around. 

Learn More: Fit Kids Club

8. Non-Newtonian Fluid Cornstarch Science Activity

Mesmerize your kids with this non-Newtonian fluid! Simply task them with mixing cornstarch and water together to create this tactile goop. Then, encourage them to feel and touch the fluid as they notice how it behaves a little differently compared to a normal fluid.

Learn More: Little Bins for Little Hands

9. Let’s Grow Some Crystals

Your pupils are in for a shimmering day of learning with this hands-on activity! Start by dissolving Borax in hot liquid before having them place colorful pipe cleaners in the liquid. Over time, they’ll observe how crystals start to form on their pipe cleaners as the solution transforms into a solid. 

10. Epsom Salt Crystal Painting

Engage your young minds in some scientific art with this creative project. You’ll begin by mixing Epsom salt with boiling water and then leave the mixture to cool. Once cooled, invite your learners to brush the mixture onto black construction paper to form super cool salt crystal patterns!

Learn More: Ingrid Science

11. Is it a Solid, Liquid, or Gas?

Work on your kiddos’ classifying skills with this adorable states of matter worksheet. Challenge them to complete this vibrant activity where they’ll classify different items as either solid, liquid, or gas.

Learn More: Kindergarten Worksheets and games

12. How to Make Plasma in a Microwave

Did your students know that there’s a fourth stage of matter? It’s called Plasma! Engage your learners in this mesmerizing video as you have them observe how this fourth stage can be created. Although it’s a bit dangerous for a classroom experiment, they’ll still watch in amazement as they see states of matter transform into plasma.

13. Balloon Rockets

In this thrilling activity, your little scientists will race balloons around your classroom! Start by having them attach a straw to a blown-up balloon and then tightly tie some string to two solid surfaces. You’ll then prompt them to thread their balloon onto the string before letting go to release the gas, sending their balloon on a speedy trip. 

Learn More: Science Friday

14. Changing Water

This stunning video is perfect for introducing your tots to the states of matter. Encourage them to observe this captivating explanation of how water can be changed from a gas to a solid and back again.

15. Catch Water from the Air

Ever wondered how fog condenses to form water? We’ve got just the right activity! Task your pupils with putting together this contraption using pantyhose, wire, and tape. Then, allow them to spray the fabric with water and observe how the mist behaves with each spray. 

Learn More: Scientific American

16. Sugar Crystals on a String

Here’s another crystal-making activity for your kiddos that makes for a super sweet experiment! Begin by gradually mixing sugar into boiling water until the sugar stops dissolving. Once the saturated solution has cooled, invite your learners to place string into cups of the solution and then leave it to soak for a couple of days. Over time they’ll notice that the liquid begins to dissolve, forming shiny crystals on the string. 

Learn More: How Stuff Works

17. Bag Full of States of Matter

This step-by-step journey through the states of matter is sure to keep your young minds occupied for hours! Start by providing them with Ziploc bags filled with ice and then challenge them to see who can turn it into liquid the fastest. Once melted, have them place Alka Seltzer tablets in their bags before prompting them to observe how the liquid begins to fizz, expanding their bags with gas.

Learn More: To The Square Inch

18. States of Matter Clip Card Sort

This free and printable card sorting activity is perfect for your little ones who are just starting to learn about states of matter. Simply cut out these colorful pictures before challenging them to sort each picture into the correct state of matter category.

Learn More: Gift of Curiosity

19. States of Matter Interactive Flipbook

Make the most of your kids’ science lessons with this interactive resource! It’s filled with facts, activities, and worksheets that are focused on states of matter. Invite them to complete this flip book over several days or use it as a study tool to fine-tune their knowledge of solids, liquids, and gasses. 

Learn More: Southern Fried Teachin

20. Butter in a Jar: Simple Dr. Seuss Science for Kids

Have your littles’ make butter with the iconic Dr. Seuss! Simply provide them with sealed jars that’ve been filled with whipping cream. You’ll then task them with turning their liquid into a solid by having them shake their jars, and observing how the cream slowly transforms into butter. 

Learn More: Little Bins For Little Hands

21. Ice Cream in a Bag

Get your students excited for this sweet science adventure! Engage them in placing cream and sugar in a plastic bag before filling it with ice. They’ll then add in some salt and shake their bags to turn the cream from a liquid to a solid in the form of ice cream. 

Learn More: Around the Kampfire

22. Liquid Rainbow in a Jar

Invite your pupils to explore different liquid densities in this colorful experiment. Simply prompt them to fill jars with liquids such as oil, honey, and dish soap that’ve been colored with food coloring. Encourage them to observe how each liquid floats to the top or sinks to the bottom as a result of their varying densities.

Learn More: Mom

23. Dancing Rice Experiment

With just a little baking soda and vinegar, your kiddos will make grains of rice bob and weave! Invite them to fill jars with these ingredients before pouring in the rice. Then, have them shake their jar before taking a closer look to see how their grains begin to dance. This exciting experiment is sure to set off their scientific curiosity as they learn how gas bubbles can cause objects to move.

Learn More: CS Mott Children’s Hospital

24. Candle Wax Transformation

This illuminating activity will provide your learners with the spark they need to understand physical transformations! Assist them in lighting a candle and then allow them to let the candle wax drip as it turns from a solid to a liquid. As the wax drips onto foil, they’ll also notice how this liquid cools to then form a solid again.

25. Water Cycle in a Bag

Bring the water cycle to life with this creative project! Start by challenging your little ones to draw a water cycle diagram on Ziploc bags. You’ll then allow them to fill their bags with a bit of water and use sticky tape to hang them on a bright window. Encourage them to watch closely as the sun causes their liquid to evaporate before their eyes and turn back into liquid, just as displayed in their water cycle. 

Learn More: Ziploc

26. Magnetic Slime

Make lessons on science stick with this tactile craft! Engage your kids in mixing liquid starch and glue before adding in some iron filings. You’ll then have them use a magnet to manipulate their ooze and explore how this liquid moves like a solid around the magnets.

Learn More: Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls

27. Bending Water with Static Electricity

Treat your students to this electrifying experiment that emphasizes the interplay between different forms of matter. Prompt them to rub different materials on their hair to create static electricity. They’ll then place their items near a running stream of water and observe how the liquid bends toward their object.

Learn More: ThoughtCo

28. Soap Clouds in a Microwave

Have your kiddos transform soap into clouds in this captivating science experience! Simply have them place Ivory soap in a microwave for a few minutes and encourage them to observe the reaction as their soap turns into fluffy clouds. It’s a great way to teach them how air bubbles can expand to change the texture of solids.

29. Bubble Science

Turn your classroom into a lab of curiosity! In this hands-on experiment, you’ll task your pupils with forming a cube out of plastic straws. Once constructed, have them dip their cube in bubble solution as you lead them in a discussion on the interactivity of solids and liquids.

Learn More: Babble Dabble Do

30. Growing Gummy Bears

Your littles are in for a tasty science lesson that’s all about osmosis! Engage them in soaking gummy bears in different liquids as they observe how each liquid causes their bears to shrink or grow. They’ll soon realize that liquid has the ability to move through semi-permeable membranes to cause a reaction in a solid.

Learn More: STEM Little Explorers

31. Shaving Cream Rain Clouds

Invite your kids to explore weather patterns through the science of matter! Allow them to fill a glass with water and then have them add shaving cream to the liquid’s surface. Afterward, prompt them to drop colored water into their shaving cream to create a reaction that will showcase how liquids are able to move through different states of matter.

Learn More: HiMama

Experiments Kids can do with States of Matter

Are you looking for some fun and educational activities to do with your kids? Look no further! In this article, we will explore some exciting experiments kids can do to learn about the states of matter. From making homemade ice cream to creating a cloud in a bottle, these experiments will not only be enjoyable for kids, but they will also help them learn about the properties of different states of matter and how they can change under different conditions. Grab your lab coat and let’s explore!

Jump to your favorite activity: Phases of Water Create a Cloud in a Jar Make Homemade Ice Cream Growing Crystals

 States of Matter Explained

There are three main states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas.

Observe the Phases of Water

We’re most familiar with the liquid form of water, so we’ll start there.

Liquid to Solid

As the temperature decreases, the molecules in the water slow down and start to stick together.  As they clump together, the molecules form a solid structure.  We can see this in action simply by putting a cup of water in the freezer and waiting. 

Liquid to Gas

This happens because the molecules in the liquid are moving faster as the water temperature increases. This causes the molecules to break away from each other and expand.  When the temperature reaches the boiling point of 212°F (100°C), the water changes state from liquid to gas, which we see as steam.

Gas to Liquid

Simply cover your boiling pot with a lid, and remove it from the heat.  The steam will hit the lid and begin to cool, forming condensation on the inside of the lid.  You’ll see this in the form of water droplets like the phot above.

Solid to Liquid

By freezing water, we’ve turned it into ice.  By simply putting the ice at a temperature above freezing, the ice will melt and turn back into a liquid.  We see changing states of matter happen all the time, but probably don’t realize it; when we put ice cubes into our drinks, the ice melts (and also dilutes our drink a bit if it’s something other than water.)

Create a Cloud in a Jar

Here are the steps for the experiment:

The hot water is letting off steam, which rises to the top of the jar.  The ice will quickly cool the water vapor as it rises.  As the steam cools, the air inside the jar will become cooler and more humid. This will create a cloud of water vapor inside the bottle.

This is an easy science activity that demonstrates how changes in temperature can cause a change in the state of matter, and can be done with a simple container of water. 

Make Homemade Ice Cream

You can check out how we mad e ice cream using empty cans for step by step instructions, or get started here using some zip lock plastic bags:

Combine milk, sugar, and flavorings in a plastic bag and seal it tightly. Place this bag inside a larger bag filled with ice and salt. Shake the bags for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.  Be prepared – the bags will get very cold!

Growing Crystals

Growing crystals is a cool experiment for kids that demonstrates how the state of matter can change from liquid to solid. Crystals are solid materials that are made up of a repeating pattern of atoms, ions, or molecules. They can form through a process called crystallization, which occurs when a substance changes from a liquid to a solid.

This experiment demonstrates how the state of matter can change from a liquid to a solid through the process of crystallization. It also allows kids to learn about the properties of crystals and how they form. It encourages observation skills and critical thinking. 

We made rock candy crystals in our post on kitchen science experiments if you want an experiment you can eat!

Non-Newtonian Fluids and States of Matter

Wrap up – science experiments for kids on states of matter.

Teaching kids about states of matter can be a fun and interactive experience through hands-on science experiments.  These experiments can help kids learn about the properties of different states of matter and how they can change under different conditions.

These experiments can be done at home, in a classroom, or in a lab and can be adapted to suit different age groups, making them an excellent tool for teaching kids about changing states of matter.

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Science in School

States of matter & phase transitions teach article.

This article was originally published as a CERN teaching module .

Explore phase transitions between different states of matter through a series of engaging hands-on experiments.

Matter occurs in different states: solid, liquid, gaseous and plasma. When external conditions (such as temperature or pressure) change, the state of matter might change as well. For example, a liquid such as water starts becoming a gas when it is heated to its boiling point or starts to freeze when it is cooled to its freezing point. A state of matter with very high energy is plasma. Here, some of the orbital electrons are not bound to atoms or molecules anymore. Hence, plasma is a gas of free electrons and ions.

Phase transitions often occur in nature, but they are also used in many technologies. In particular, several particle detectors rely on phase transitions. Furthermore, high-energy physics research can create an even more energetic state of matter, the so-called quark-gluon-plasma.

Therefore, high-energy physics provides a fruitful and exciting context to discuss states of matter and phase transitions with your students. Moreover, there are several fun experiments that allow students to study phenomena on their own. Below, we highlight some of our favourite experiments and explain how to link them to CERN physics and technologies. When using these experiments with students, make sure to let them predict the outcome of the experiment first, before conducting the experiment and observing the result.

Vaporization – liquid to gas

When you heat water up to its boiling point, bubbles of water vapour start to form as water changes from a liquid to a gaseous state. Similarly, when opening a bottle of sparkling water, bubbles start to form. Here, the decrease in pressure caused by opening the lid starts the vaporization process.

An interesting effect can be observed at surfaces that provide tiny impurities, for example, cellulose fibres inside a glass. These impurities provide starting points for bubbles to form, so-called nucleation sites. When pouring sparkling water into a glass, small amounts of gas get trapped inside or around small dust particles such as cellulose fibres.

A very similar principle forms the basis of the bubble chamber particle detection technique. Bubble chambers are filled with a superheated liquid that basically really wants to turn into a gas. Therefore, any small disturbance or impurity will start the bubble formation process inside a bubble chamber. Indeed, when ionizing particles fly through this superheated liquid, they will ionize the molecules on their way. These ions will then act as nucleating sites and bubbles will form around them. In this way, the track of an ionizing particle leaving a trail of ions can be visualized when taking photographs of the bubble trails at the right moment. (Find out more about bubble chambers  here .)

Today, bubble chambers are no longer used for research at CERN. However, they have recently found a new role in dark matter research, for example, in the  PICO project in Canada .

Hands-on experimentation with vaporisation: dancing raisins in sparkling water

One of our favourite experiments is the ‘dancing raisins experiment’ that allows students to study the role of nucleation sites in sparkling water.

• Sparkling water (or any other sparkling and transparent drink)
• A few raisins
• Fill a glass with a sparkling liquid.
• Add a few raisins.
• Observe the raisins, in particular, their movement.

Modifications

• You can also study other types of potential ‘dancers’ or other types of sparling liquids for example, different types of noodles, frozen blueberries, lentils, corn etc. Try to find the best combination.
• Add the raisins directly to a bottle of sparkling water and compare their movement with the lid on and off.

Explanation

The raisins will soon start moving up and down in the sparkling water. What happens? The surface of the raisins is not as flat at the surface of the glass. Instead, the surface of raisins includes many tiny fibres that act as nucleation sites. Hence, tiny bubbles of carbon dioxide gas form at the surface of the raisins. When enough gas bubbles are attached to the surface of a raisin, it will start to rise to the surface (buoyancy, Archimedes’ Principle). Once the raisins reach the top, the bubbles pop because they are exposed to the air. Without their ‘floating devices’ the raisins will sink again.

Melting – solid to liquid

When the internal energy of a substance increases, e.g. by applying heat or pressure, a solid will eventually become a liquid. For example, ice cubes or a wax candle start melting when applying heat, whereby the pressure remains constant. However, solids such as ice or wax differ in their melting points. Whereas ice melts at a temperature of about 0°C, wax melts at about 40°C. When a substance reaches its melting point, the temperature of the substance does not increase further even if constant heat is applied, as long as there is some solid left to melt. Thus, the applied heat for melting a solid is also referred to as latent heat. Only when all the solid has turned into a liquid state does the temperature begin to rise again.

Hands-on experimentation with melting: cooling bath

Among all the experiments in which students can study the melting process, making a cooling bath may be the coolest. All joking aside, it’s indeed really cool! In addition, cooling is essential for running the LHC. Check out CERN’s  cryogenics webpage  for more information.

The minimum temperature of a regular ice-water mixture is the melting point of ice at 0°C. You could use such a mixture as a cooling bath, e.g., for cooling a bottle of lemonade. However, there is one trick to make your cooling bath even cooler, i.e. to cool your lemonade more efficiently. The melting point of a substance such as ice can be depressed by adding a salt such as sodium chloride. Hence, an ice-water-salt mixture ends up at a lower temperature than an ice-water mixture.

• Water, cold
• Crushed ice (alternatively: ice cubes, plastic bag, and hammer), the ratio salt : ice must be 1 : 3
• Thermometer (alternatively: multimeter with a temperature sensor, up to -20°C)
• Beaker glass, 600 ml
• Beaker glass, 400 ml

Safety Note

• Use a cold-resistant glass.
• Supervise younger students when working with cooling baths.
• Put the 400 ml beaker glass in the 600 ml beaker glass to create an insulating container.
• Add crushed ice to the internal beaker glass.
• Add enough cold water to cover the ice.
• Measure the temperature of the water-ice-mixture (should be about 0°C).
• Add salt (remember, the ratio salt : ice must be 1 : 3).
• Stir the mix until the ice melts.
• Measure the temperature of the water-ice-salt-mixture (should be up to -20°C).

Hands-on experimentation with melting: buoyancy of ice

Another really cool experiment is to study how melting icebergs affect sea level or how melting ice cubes affect the level of your sugary summer drink.

Since salt (or sugar) water is denser than water, the buoyant force exerted on ice is bigger. Thus, ice cubes don’t sink as much in salt (or sugar) water as they would in water. Therefore, the level of the salt (or sugar) water rises, when the ice cubes melt, whereas it remains the same for water. This effect occurs, for example, when the ice cubes in your sugary summer drink melt. Unfortunately, it also reinforces the negative effects of climate change: Icebergs are large chunks of ice that break off from glaciers (e.g. in Greenland). They are made of water, not salt water. Thus, sea level rises not only when icebergs drift into the sea, but also when they melt. However, the additional effect of the melting ice is comparatively small. [1] 

• water, cold
• Salt (or sugar)
• 6 ice cubes
• 2 Beaker glasses, 50ml
• Fill the 2 beaker glasses half full with water.
• Add 3-4 tea spoons of salt (or sugar) in one beaker glass and stir.
• Put 3 ice cubes in each beaker glass.
• Add water to the salt (or sugar) water until the liquid level is the same in both beaker glasses and stir.
• Mark the liquid level on both beaker glasses.
• Wait until the ice cubes have melted.

Additional information

One can also observe that the ice cubes melt slower in salt (or sugar) water than in water. This is another consequence of the higher density of salt (or sugar) water in comparison to water.

Did you know that CERN is engaged with the  Sustainable Development Goals ? Find out more about how CERN contributes to a better planet on the  CERN knowledge transfer website .

Condensation – gas to liquid

The cloud chamber was one of the first particle detectors. Here, the most important aspect is a supercooled supersaturated alcohol vapour, which is essentially a very cold and very wet gas, that really wants to become a liquid. Indeed, any disturbance of this vapour might start the condensation process. When high-energy ionising particles fly through this vapour layer, they leave a trail of ions behind. These ions then trigger the condensation process acting as condensation nuclei. Therefore, the trail of ions turns into a trail of small drops that can be observed with your eyes or a camera under the right lighting conditions. This relatively easy principle allowed particle physicists to record particle tracks already 100 years ago.

Today, the CLOUD experiment at CERN investigates cloud formation to find out more about climate change. Interested?  Watch a TEDEd lesson by Kirby, Richer, & Comes (2016): Cloudy climate change: How clouds affect Earth’s temperature.

Hands-on experimentation with condensation: cloud in a bottle

There are several experiments in which your students can study condensation. The cloud in a bottle experiment shows in an impressive way, how a rapid decrease in pressure can trigger the phase transition condensation. There are several videos and instructions on how to make a cloud a bottle online. Depending on the effort and equipment, the effect will be impressive to observe even as a demonstration or easy to do in a safe way as a hands-on experiment. Thus, we highlight our favourite two methods below. If you have access to dry ice, you can also let your students  build their own cloud chamber using dry ice and isopropanol alcohol .

1. Impressive demonstration

• 30 ml of disinfectant (about 70% alcohol, or purer alcohol)
• A bottle of spray duster
• A 1 l transparent PET bottle
• Water and flour

Safety note

• Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes against splashes of alcohol and unforeseen expansions of your PET bottle.
• You should also wear gloves to protect your skin from alcohol, especially, if you use very pure alcohol.
• Make a small hole into the lid of the bottle to squeeze in the tube of the spray duster.
• Use a flour-water mixture to seal the opening (alternatives: blue tack, playdoh, glue …).
• Add 30 ml of disinfectant (or relatively pure alcohol) into the PET bottle and turn the bottle to make sure the inner surface is covered with alcohol.
• Put on the lip carefully, all connections need to be airtight.
• Add about 20 pumps of spray duster into the sealed bottle.
• Carefully open the lids (attention, pressure build-up!).
• Now you should see a very dense cloud consisting of drops of alcohol in your bottle.
• You can also use a ball or bike pump to increase the pressure inside the bottle – however, you might need to add some additional condensation nuclei in this case.
• Additional condensation nuclei: open the lid, squeeze the bottle gently and blow out a match in front of the lid, release the pressure of the bottle to soak in some of the smoke particles (the smoke will provide additional condensation nuclei).
• It also works with water instead of alcohol, but it’s not that impressive.

2. Easy hands-on experiment

• 10 ml of disinfectant (about 70% alcohol, or purer alcohol)
• A 0.5 l transparent PET bottle
• Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes against splashes of alcohol.
• Wear safety gloves to protect your skin from alcohol, especially, if you use very pure alcohol.
• Make sure to monitor students during this activity.
• If the students are young, only the tutor or teachers uses the matches to make sure no student accidentally sets the alcohol inside the bottle on fire.
• Add the disinfectant (or pure alcohol) into the PET bottle.
• Close the bottle with the lid.
• Turn the bottle to make sure the inner surface is covered with alcohol.
• Now, open the lid, squeeze the bottle gently and blow out a match in front of the lid.
• Release the pressure of the bottle to soak in some of the smoke particles (the smoke will provide additional condensation nuclei).
• Close the lid.
• Squeeze the bottle as much as you can and release the pressure of your hands suddenly.
• Now, you should see a cloud appearing inside the bottle.

The melting of ice floating on the sea introduces a volume of water about 2.6% greater than that of the originally displaced sea water: Noerdlinger PD, Brower KR (2007)  The melting of floating ice raises the ocean level . Geophysical Journal International , 170: 145-150. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-246X.2007.03472.x

• Watch a video of the raisins experiment on  Twitter  or  Facebook .
• You can download the video of the raisins experiment from  CERN CDS Videos .
• States of matter and supercooling: an  overview .
• More experiments on  phase transitions and states of matter .

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Exploring States of Matter: 4 Must-Try Activities for Kids

Aug. 14, 2019

School is starting up once again, and as a parent, you might be wondering how to get your kids back into a more structured learning routine. While kids are learning new routines at school, take this opportunity to explore exciting science projects at home to set the right tone for the academic year. With children always on the search for something fun to do after school, jumping into some science fun is the perfect way activate growing minds. One endlessly fascinating topic to explore is the three states of matter. 

Younger kids should learn about the basic three types of matter, while older students should study how matter can change, and the conditions under which those changes occur. Using common household supplies and materials, experiments can be set up in no time, with cleanup oftentimes meaning eating or drinking the end result! 

Below, we’ll discuss what children need to learn about this intriguing topic before getting started; keep reading to find four fantastic ideas for at-home experiments that can easily be adapted for the classroom!  

Examples of States of Matter for Kids

How can one even describe the term matter? Simply put, matter is any substance that takes up space and has mass. Look around you and think about how everything you see (and even things you can’t- like air) is made up of some form of matter! Not everything is made up of matter, like types of energy. This includes sound and light. But it can be used to generate energy, which is important for fueling our modern world. 

Kids learn a variety of early physical science facts starting from preschool, but most kids start studying the states of matter by kindergarten or 1st grade. Chances are, if you have a child around ages 6-7, he or she has already learned about it, but might not have done much experimenting in school. The first thing little learners should master is the three basic types: solids, liquids, and gasses. 

It’s easy to review the three types of matter with young kids because there are so many examples that are easily accessible in your very own home! The following are household examples of matter to point out to your early learners: 

• Anything that emits a odor- and the smell itself! 
• Play Dough 

Help your child notice that some of substances on the list could change from one type of matter to another. For example, when ice cubes are frozen, they are solids, but can easily melt into liquids if left outside of the freezer. Likewise, if that ice cube is in a cup that stands on the counter for a number of days or weeks, your child will notice that the water evaporates because it turned into a gas that entered the air! 

Stir up your child's interest in new learning routines with exciting science acitvities - interactive science worksheets, teacher-led videos and immersive games - available in Kids Academy Summer Camp! Subscribe today to secure a sizzling deal for a new school year.  

Chemistry for older elementary students.

Older children are better able to understand more about concepts that involve a change of state of matter. It’s easy to see ice cubes melt into water, but it takes much more patience to wait for it to evaporate to observe the change. It’s also simple enough to heat a pan of boiling water to see the steam rise from the pot, but older kids should know that matter can change under a variety of conditions depending on the substance involved. 

Some concepts to explore with your older child include the following: 

• Condensation 
• Plasma- another type of matter
• Sublimation
• Vaporization
• Boiling Points
• Deposition or Desublimation

A perfect complement to your student-centered classroom, the Talented and Gifted app reinforces projects and concepts as kids work at their own pace. Download today and try it free for 30 days!  

States of matter activities.

Regardless if you have a beginner or older child at home, the activities below won’t disappoint! Easily adaptable to the classroom, the following experiments are great for exploring the different states of matter and how they change for a summer filled with science fun! 

Chocolate Chip Experiment

This simple experiment is great for a hot sunny day and easily demonstrates how a solid can be converted to a liquid, and then back to a solid using a bit of energy. 

Supplies Needed:

• 1 quart-sized Ziploc bag per child or group of kids
• ½ cup of chocolate chips for each bag
• A heat source

What to Do:

Help kids take the chocolate chips and add them to the bag. Be sure to zip the bag securely and ask your child to brainstorm of ways to make the chocolate melt. Explain that heat will make the chips melt into its liquid form, but a source of heat is needed to make this happen. 

One popular solution is to pop that bag into the microwave, and while this can be done, it could easily make the chips burn. Using a stovetop would require the child to remove the chips from the bag, and if this is done in a classroom, a kitchen is most likely inaccessible. Instead, guide children to think of natural heat sources and it won’t be long before kids realize that the sun generates a lot of warmth! 

Head outside on a sunny day and place the bag of chocolate chips in the sun, laying it on pavement for the best exposure to heat. Go back inside and set a time, and check it again in about 5 minutes, noting any observations. Keep checking every 5 minutes until the bag of chips are melted into liquid and record further notes and talk about what happened as the chips melted and why. 

Bring the bag of liquid chocolate back inside. Put the bag in the fridge, or in a cool location nearby. What does your child think will happen over time to the chocolate? Write down any predictions and wait for the chocolate to reform into a solid mass! After the experiment is over, record final observations, discuss, and eat! 

Play & Learn Science

Make a Self-Inflated Balloon

Blowing up a balloon can be hard work! Let a chemical reaction do it for you using this cool project that produces a gas to blow up your balloon! 

Supplies Needed:  

• Baking Soda
• Empty plastic water bottle

To start, pour 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the balloon carefully using the funnel. Next, pour 1 cup of vinegar into the empty plastic bottle. Attach the lip of the balloon to the top of the bottle, leaving the bulk of the balloon along with the baking soda hanging down. 

When ready, pick up the balloon so that the baking soda falls into the bottle of vinegar and watch as the balloon fills up with the gas created from the reaction! Talk to your children about what caused the balloon to fill, and feel free to do it again! In short, when the vinegar mixes with baking soda, it creates a carbon dioxide gas, which fills the balloon because it has nowhere else to go. Discuss this reaction before trying it again. When repeating the experiment, be sure to have fresh supplies on hand, as the balloon will need fresh vinegar to produce the same reaction.  

Make Art Sculptures or Pictures from Slime 

If your kids are like most, they love to make and play with slime! Transform old slime into a work of art with this experiment that changes a liquid to a solid! 

• Slime- use one or more colors of slime 
• Non-porous surface space, like a glass table or granite countertop 

For this easy experiment, take the slime and spread it onto the surface space in a thin layer. If you use multiple colors, press them together as they will blend later on in the process. Next, be patient! Depending on the humidity level in your home, it might take as long as 2-4 days to dry out. Use a fan to speed up the process and to make slight waves in the artwork. The objective is to dry out the slime so that the water contents evaporate and make the liquid slime into a solid piece. 

When slime starts to dry around the edges, carefully pull the sides up to increase airflow to the rest of the slime. When fully dry, the dried-out product can look like plastic or glass structures! Experiment with making pictures using the slime to create unique decorations! 

Make a Refreshing Root Beer Float

Experiment with creating a gaseous foam from root beer and ice cream in this simple, yet tasty experiment! 

• Vanilla Ice Cream 
• Clear plastic cup
• Observation sheet or log 

First, pour about a cup of root beer into the clear plastic cup. Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, drop a dollop of vanilla ice cream into the soda. Next, watch the reaction! Help your little learner write down any observations onto a printable observation worksheet or a log that you are using as notes. What are the bubbles that form near the top of the cup? Your child will notice that the bubbles are filled with gas. 

Explain to kids that the root beer is a liquid, while the ice cream is a solid. When adding the ice cream to the soda, it makes the carbonation inside the liquid fizz to create a gas. After talking about the science behind the reaction, start eating this refreshing summer treat! 

If you’re out of ideas for making the last days of summer worthwhile for your children, look no further than the above experiments! Exploring the changing states of matter is not only educational, but it’s a fun-filled way to enjoy a tasty treat on before a new school year starts! 

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Science Experiment - States of Matter

Updated:  28 Apr 2023

A science experiment that investigates how a substance's state of matter can be changed.

Non-Editable:  PDF

Pages:  5 Pages

• Curriculum Curriculum:  TEKS

Grades:  3 - 5

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Science 3.2(B)

Collect and record data by observing and measuring using the metric system and recognize differences between observed and measured data;

Science 3.2(C)

Construct maps, graphic organizers, simple tables, charts, and bar graphs using tools and current technology to organize, examine, and evaluate measured data;

Science 3.2(D)

Analyze and interpret patterns in data to construct reasonable explanations based on evidence from investigations;

Science 3.2(F)

Communicate valid conclusions supported by data in writing, by drawing pictures, and through verbal discussion.

Science 3.5(A)

Measure, test, and record physical properties of matter, including temperature, mass, magnetism, and the ability to sink or float;

Science 3.5(C)

Predict, observe, and record changes in the state of matter caused by heating or cooling such as ice becoming liquid water, condensation forming on the outside of a glass of ice water, or liquid water being heated to the point of becoming wa...

Science 4.2(B)

Collect and record data by observing and measuring, using the metric system, and using descriptive words and numerals such as labeled drawings, writing, and concept maps;

Science 4.2(C)

Construct simple tables, charts, bar graphs, and maps using tools and current technology to organize, examine, and evaluate data;

Science 4.2(D)

Analyze data and interpret patterns to construct reasonable explanations from data that can be observed and measured;

Science 4.2(F)

Communicate valid oral and written results supported by data.

Science 4.5(A)

Measure, compare, and contrast physical properties of matter, including mass, volume, states (solid, liquid, gas), temperature, magnetism, and the ability to sink or float; and

Science 5.2(C)

Collect and record information using detailed observations and accurate measuring;

Science 5.2(D)

Analyze and interpret information to construct reasonable explanations from direct (observable) and indirect (inferred) evidence;

Science 5.2(F)

Communicate valid conclusions in both written and verbal forms; and

Science 5.2(G)

Construct appropriate simple graphs, tables, maps, and charts using technology, including computers, to organize, examine, and evaluate information.

Science 5.5(A)

Classify matter based on measurable, testable, and observable physical properties, including mass, magnetism, physical state (solid, liquid, and gas), relative density (sinking and floating using water as a reference point), solubility in wa...

Matter makes up all substances in the physical universe. Substances can exist in three states of matter: solid, liquid, or gas. The state of a substance can be changed by changing its temperature. Turning a liquid into a solid is called freezing . So, if a liquid is put in a freezer, will that always make it a solid? Let’s investigate!

This Matter and Energy  experiment allows students to investigate changing states of matter.

Students follow the scientific method to conduct the experiment , then complete the worksheets provided.

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Time to Teach: 7 FUN Ideas for Physical Properties of Matter

Let’s teach 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students about physical properties of matter. 

What are physical properties of matter?

Physical properties of matter are characteristics that describe appearance of a substance without considering its chemical composition. Physical properties can be used to identify and distinguish one substance from another.

Examples of physical properties include:

• Attraction to a magnet
• Reflectivity
• Electrical conductivity
• Thermal conductivity
• Relative density
• Solubility in water
• Physical state

Now let’s look at 7 of my favorite lessons for teaching 3rd grade, 4th grade and 5th grade about physical properties of matter.

1. Explore with Hands-on Observation Stations

Observations Stations are activities that allow students hands-on experiences through  centers all focusing on a very specific concept. Your students will gain hands on experience with relative density, solubility, conductivity, magnetism and more using common household items with great scientific value!

  See it on TPT: Physical Science Observation Stations

2. Engage with the Properties of Fruit

Observing fruit in water is a great experience for kids of all ages.

Whether a fruit sinks or floats in water is all a matter of its density and how close or far apart its molecules are.

Fruits like apples, bananas and oranges will float in water while more dense fruits like avocados and mangos will sink. You and your students can explore this more with this Property of Matter Labs in a Snap resource!

Looking for a little more guidance and some recording worksheets?

See it on TPT: Physical Properties Labs in a Snap

3. Dive Deep with Mystery Matter Phenomenon-Based Science Unit

Explore how the physical properties of matter can help us identify mystery matter like powders and metals.

Follow the 5E Model, incorporating CER, hands-on activities, reading, science notebooks, investigation worksheets, vocabulary, a quiz, and an open-response prompt.

Example photos, teacher directions, and answer keys are provided.

See it on TPT: 5th Grade TEKS Mystery Matter

4. Sort Terms Related to Physical Properties

It’s time to sort! There are endless ways you can use this set of 27 sorting cards for the physical properties of matter.  Work in teams, play a game, or use in a center.

“Great resource. One of my go-to creators to help with enhancing my curriculum. Easy to use and aligned, kept my student really engaged!” -Jennifer C.

See it on TPT: Properties of Matter Sort

5. Extend with Properties of Matter Digital Choice Menu

Do your students like to choose how they learn? If so, they will love the Matter Digital Choice Menu Board. This activity focuses on physical states of matter (including solid, liquid, gas, and plasma), weight vs. mass, and conductivity.

“My students loved working on this choice board. I have a hard time differentiating and giving students who finish work early or high achievers meaningful work. This is a great resource.” -Briony H.

See it on TPT: Matter Digital Choice Menu

6. Assess and Review with Physical Properties of Matter Task Cards

Check for understanding with rigorous Test Prep Task Cards.

Print for review games or use in Google Forms for a quick assessment.

See it on TPT: Matter Test Prep Task Cards

7. Test Prep with Boom Cards

Let’s review physical properties of matter, mixtures, solutions, and changing states of matter in a new way! There are 20 questions using different question types.

To be sure they are prepared for the new version of STAAR, The Science Penguin is offering a set of Boom Cards for each of the 4 reporting categories. Use throughout the year during each unit to be sure students are exposed to the new question types.

See it on TpT: Matter & Energy Boom Cards

Top Teacher Tools

Try out these teacher-created, teacher-tested, and teacher-approved resources for physical properties of matter!

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• Read more about: 5th Grade , Physical Science

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5 thoughts on “time to teach: 7 fun ideas for physical properties of matter”.

Ari, You must have been reading my mind. I changed grades for next year but I soooo loved your centers I used in grade six, that I had already been searching for centers for properties of matter for next year. You have so many awesome activities. I will be buying ALL of your suggested resources before I go back to school. Do you have anything similar for human body, energy, structures and mechanisms? Sidney Teachingisagift

Is all that is shown here in your big bundle of science stations?

I loved the domino and used some of yours and added some more definitions and concepts to review the unit. Very useful, entertaining and challenging (your definitions are not the same as the ones in my studentys’ books so they have to think and make connections).

Thanks a lot! D.

I can’t find your candy labs on Tpt

[email protected]

It’s back up. 🙂

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Hi, I'm Ari!

As a new teacher, I struggled to plan engaging, rigorous science lessons. Throughout my time teaching upper elementary and in my graduate studies, I discovered what worked well and developed science curriculum for busy teachers.  Now, teachers across the country use Science Penguin activities every single day in their classrooms!

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Last updated by Linda Kamp on December 9, 2022 • Leave a Comment

Properties of Matter Science Experiments for Second Grade

This post is a roundup of hands-on and fun properties of matter science experiments and STEAM activities that address second grade science standards. All of the materials used are easy to find and available at the dollar store.

Properties of Matter Science Experiments

It is essential when teaching science that our students learn to ask questions, make observations, and be able to communicate what they observe. We want our students to learn how to plan and carry out investigations and be able to interpret their results.

As you encourage your students to ask questions, guide them to see how their questions can be investigated. In the primary grades, we may need to provide the questions as a starting point.

The following are questions for students to investigate while learning about the structure and properties of matter. These investigations address:

• describing matter
• properties of objects
• the effects of temperature on matter
• combining matter
• solid, liquid, gas STEAM project

How can I describe matter?

Matter has observable, physical properties that are different shapes, colors, textures, materials, and sizes. 

This highly engaging lab calls students’ attention to small details so that they can describe the properties of a variety of crackers. Click the link to read more: Properties of Matter Cracker Lab

What materials make an object flexible?

As students learn that the structure and properties of matter can be observed, give them experience in planning and conducting simple investigations. 

Hardness, magnetism, and flexibility are properties that are easily tested. Gather a variety of objects so that students can test their flexibility. Click the link to read how we explored flexibility: Exploring Flexibility Lab

How does temperature change matter? 

Did you know that ice cream is a solid, a liquid, and a gas all at once? This ice cream in a bag lab is a favorite science activity that is easily done in the classroom. 

Students observe the effect of temperature on matter as a liquid mixture turns to a solid. Click the link to read the science behind t ice cream and see how it’s done:  Ice Cream in a Bag Lab

What solids and liquids will create a gas?

This carbonation exploration uses Pop Rocks candy to investigate how combining a solid and a liquid can form a gas. 

Learn how carbonation is made and how to do the lab: Pop Rocks Experiment

How can I design a toy using a solid, liquid and gas?

In this fun STEAM challenge students use a variety of materials to design a toy. Students plan the materials for their toy so that they use at least one solid, one liquid, and one gas. 

 Design a Toy lab source

The creative possibilities are endless! This lab is part of a second grade Properties of Matter science unit available HERE.

All of these labs are part of a complete Properties of Matter science unit for second grade. 

These properties of matter science experiments are hands-on, fun and easy to do in the classroom.

For more second grade science activities visit these posts:

Properties of Matter Activities for Second Grade 

18 Awesome States of Matter Books for Kids

Landforms & Earth Changes Activities

Activities to Teach the Engineering Design Process

Happy teaching!

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I’m Linda Kamp, a 20 year primary grade teacher with a passion for creating educational materials that excite students and make learning fun! I'm so glad you're here!

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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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35 Easy Science Experiments You Can Do Today!

Looking for easy science experiments to do at home or in the classroom? You’re in luck because we’ve got over 35 easy science activities for kids that will help you make science fun for all ages. 

Most of these simple science experiments for kids are easy to prepare, quick to perform, and use household items or inexpensive materials you can find almost anywhere. To connect the fun to the “why it works” you’ll find an easy to teach explanation with every experiment!

Musical Jars Science Experiment 

This super easy experiment is simple as it is fun! Kids make their own musical instruments with clear jars and water then investigate sound waves, pitch, and more.

When the experiment is complete, use the colorful new “instrument” for a fun music lesson. Kids can play and take turns to “name that tune”!

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial ->  Musical Jars Science Experiment

Viscosity of Liquids Science Experiment

Viscosity may be a confusing term for kids at first, but this super easy experiment can help them see viscosity in action!

With marbles, clear jars, and a few household materials, kids will make predictions, record data, and compare the results while they test high and low density liquids.

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial ->   Viscosity Science Experiment

Floating Egg Science Experiment

Can a solid egg float? Kids can find the answer and understand why with this quick science experiment. 

Discover just how easy it can be to make a raw egg float while testing the laws of density. We’ve included additional ideas to try so kids can make predictions and test the concept further.

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial ->   Floating Egg Science Experiment

Paper Towel Dry Under Water Experiment

Is it possible to keep a paper towel dry even when submerging it under water? The answer is a surprising “yes,” if you use science to help!

Start with the properties of your materials, make a prediction, then explore matter, density, volume, and more.

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial ->   Paper Towel Dry Under Water Experiment

Mixing Oil & Water Science Experiment

This simple experiment for kids helps them better understand density and the changes that happen when adding an emulsifier to the mix. 

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial ->   Mixing Oil & Water Experiment

Will it Float or Sink Science Experiment

Will it sink or will it float? This fun experiment challenges what students think they know about household items!

Students record their hypothesis for each item then test it to compare what they think will happen against their observations.

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Float or Sink Science Experiment

Water Temperature Science Experiment

What does thermal energy look like? In this easy science experiment, kids are able to see thermal energy as they explore the concept in action.

With clear jars and food coloring, students can quickly see how molecules move differently through hot and cold water.

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Water Temperature Science Experiment

Balloon Blow-up Science Experiment

Kids will discover how matter reacts when heated and cooled as they watch with surprise as baking soda and vinegar blow the balloon up before their eyes.

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Balloon Blow-up Science Experiment

Floating Ping Pong Ball Science Experiment

Kids will giggle with joy with this super easy experiment. With only a ping pong ball and a hair dryer, students will have a great time while exploring Bernoulli’s Principle in action. 

We’ve included additional ideas to further explore the concept with different objects and observe the change in results.

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Floating Ping Pong Ball Science Experiment

Hair Stand on End Science Experiment

It’s especially fun for those who’ve never seen static electricity in action before!

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Hair Stand on End Science Experiment

Oil Bubbles in Water Science Experiment

Kids explore density and experience some chemistry when creating oil bubbles in water with everyday household items.

This experiment is particularly fun when kids see that they’ve made what looks like a lava lamp!

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial ->  Oil Bubbles in Water Science Experiment

Color Changing Water Science Experiment

Kids will be surprised as they watch a new color being “created” without mixing! Using only a clear bowl and glass, some food coloring, and water, this super easy science experiment is quick and easy with a huge wow factor. 

Try it with yellow and blue to follow along with our demonstration video then try different primary color combinations and explore the results.

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial ->  Color Changing Water Science Experiment

Magnetic Paper Clip Chain Science Experiment

It may seem a bit like magic but it’s actually science! It’s not hard to capture your kids’ attention with this quick and easy science experiment as they watch paper clips “stick” together and form a chain!

Perfect for younger children, the experiment only takes a few minutes and is a fun way to explore the concept of magnetic transference.

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial ->  Magnetic Paper Clip Chain Science Experiment

Is it Magnetic Science Experiment

With only a magnet and a few household items, kids will make and record their predictions, test and observe, then compare what they think is magnetic against the results.

Simple and quick, but some of the results may surprise your students!

Cloud in a Jar Experiment

This simple experiment only requires a few materials but really holds student attention as a cloud forms before their eyes!

Kids will learn new weather vocabulary as they explore how physical changes and reactions happen as clouds begin to take form. We’ve also included a helpful chart on the types of clouds.

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial ->  Cloud in a Jar Science Experiment

Magic Milk Science Experiment

Create a dancing rainbow of colors with this easy science experiment for kids!

Using only a few ordinary kitchen items, your students can create a color explosion in ordinary milk when they add our special ingredient. (Hint: The special ingredient (soap!) includes hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules that make the magic happen!)

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial ->  Magic Milk Science Experiment

Walking Water Science Experiment

Water can’t really walk upwards against gravity, but this cool science experiment makes it seem like it can! 

Kids are able to see the capillary action process and learn how attraction and adhesive forces in action allow water to move out of one glass into another. 

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Walking Water Science Experiment

Light Refraction Science Experiment

The results of this easy science experiment are so amazing, it makes kids (and adults) think it must be magic!

Young scientists watch in surprise while they see an arrow change directions instantly. Investigating refraction couldn’t be more fun!

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Light Refraction Science Experiment

Dancing Raisins Experiment

Learn about the reactions of buoyancy and density in this simple science activity for kids. 

They may not need dancing shoes, but give them a glass of soda pop and the raisins in this fun experiment love to dance!

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Dancing Raisins Science Experiment

See Sound Experiment

Kids love this experiment because they are encouraged to drum loudly so they can “see” sound waves in action!

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> See Sound Science Experiment

Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment

Grab some giant brushes and get ready to make elephant toothpaste! Although you might not be able to get an elephant excited by this super easy experiment, kids love it!

The impressive and quick results created by the chemical reaction and the heat released in the process makes an abundant amount of fun and colorful foam!

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment

Upside Down Glass of Water Science Experiment

We all know what happens when we turn a glass of water upside down, but what if I told you you can do it without the water spilling out?

The experiment only requires a few common items and you’ll be amazed by the results of air pressure in action!

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Upside Down Glass of Water Science Experiment

Pick up Ball with a Jar Science Experiment

It almost seems like magic but with the help of science, you can pick up a ball with an open jar!

Instead of magic, this easy science activity uses centripetal force and practice to do what seems like the impossible. 

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Pick up Ball with a Jar Experiment

Will It Melt Science Experiment

Can you guess which items will melt? This easy outside experiment challenges what students think they know about the effects of the sun.

Pepper Move Science Experiment

Can you make pepper move and zoom away with just a light touch of your finger? With science you can!

This experiment only takes a few quick minutes from beginning to end, but the reaction caused by surface tension makes kids want to do it over and over. 

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial ->  Pepper Move Science Experiment

Crush a Plastic Bottle Science Experiment

Go for it, crush that bottle, but don’t touch it! Although it usually can’t be seen or touched, air pressure is pushing against all surfaces at all times.

With this easy science activity kids can see air pressure at work when they watch a bottle crushes itself!

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Crush a Plastic Bottle Science Experiment

Egg in Vinegar Science Experiment

This vinegar science experiment will have your eggs and kids bouncing (with excitement!) before you know it!

Kids can watch and explore the results of chemical reactions as the egg changes from something that seems solid into what feels like something bouncy!

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Egg in Vinegar Science Experiment

Straw Through a Potato Science Experiment

Can you make a normal plastic straw go into a raw, solid potato? It seems like something impossible, but science can easily make it possible!

Pick your potatoes then let kids try their strength as they explore air pressure with this super easy experiment.

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Straw Through a Potato Science Experiment

Rainbow in a Jar Science Experiment

With only a few household items, they’ll explore mass, volume, and density with every color layer!

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Rainbow in a Jar Experiment

Tornado in a Bottle Science Experiment

Kids can have fun while learning more about centripetal force with this fun experiment.

With a little muscle and science, kids watch with amazement as they create their own glitter cyclone in a bottle as the centripetal force vortex appears.

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Tornado in a Bottle Science Experiment

Why Doesn’t the Water Leak Science Experiment

Can you poke holes in a plastic bag full of water without the water leaking out? With this super easy science activity you can!

Kids are stunned as they learn about polymers and how they can do what seems to be impossible.

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Why Doesn’t the Water Leak Science Experiment

Use a Bottle to Blow-up a Balloon Experiment

Is it possible to blow up a balloon with only water and science? 

In this super easy experiment, kids learn more about how matter behaves as they watch a balloon inflate and deflate as a result of matter being heated and cooled.

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Use a Bottle to Blow-up a Balloon Experiment

Orange Float Science Experiment

Kids explore buoyancy as they learn about and test density in this sink or float science activity.

While it only takes a few minutes, this super easy experiment invites kids to predict what they think will happen then discuss why the heavier orange floats!

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Orange Float Science Experiment

Pick up Ice with String Science Experiment

With only a few household items, kids learn about freezing temperatures and the results they create in saltwater versus freshwater.

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Pick Up Ice with String Science Experiment

Color Changing Walking Water Experiment

Using the concepts explored in our popular Walking Water Science Experiment, kids will see color walk from one glass to another and change colors as it goes!

The quick experiment seems to defy gravity like magic, but don’t worry, kids can find out how science makes it work!

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Color Changing Walking Water Experiment

5th Grade Science Fair Projects

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Fifth grade science fair projects provide students the chance to explore scientific topics that intrigue them, with help from expert mentors guiding the experimentation process as students discover, analyze, and report back their results.

Kids love this messy experiment that teaches them about surface tension and gas molecules! For best results, use an open space.

Archimedes’ Screw

Archimedes’ screw is a positive displacement pump designed by Greek mathematician Archimedes that used positive displacement to move liquid or particles between locations. Primarily used for transporting water, or dewatering mines.

Workstation works by placing the open end of a helix-shaped tubing in a body of water and rotating it, with every revolution scooping up water from below and lifting it thread by thread until reaching the top. You can adjust its tilt angle to control how much rises.

Newspaper Engineering

5th grade science fairs provide meaningful opportunities for students to engage with the scientific process. While students perform experiments and analyze data, encourage them to critically consider their findings and consider why their original hypothesis did not pan out. Even “failed” experiments may still offer invaluable learning experiences by reflecting upon why their original hypothesis did not materialize as intended.

Develop teamwork and communication skills through this engineering challenge involving newspaper. Teams must use 10 sheets of paper and 18 inches of tape to erect a tower that holds their textbook.

Bridge Design

This STEM challenge provides children with an excellent way to demonstrate how geometry affects strength. Teams work in cooperation to construct different kinds of bridges before testing how much weight each can hold before collapsing under its own weight.

Provide each engineering team with a box of flat toothpicks, wood glue or Elmer’s glue, cardboard and waxed paper as well as small bucket of rock material (gravel, pebbles or sand) in which to build bridges from. Make an experiment area where each team can test their designs. Ask each team to estimate how much weight will bring down their bridge and record their predictions in their test log.

Density Demonstration

Students will explore how an object’s weight relates to its size with this fun science experiment. They’ll measure density samples from metal, plastic and wood cubes in order to understand that various materials have various densities.

Students will explore how objects float on liquids with lower densities while sinking through those with higher densities with this exciting and straightforward experiment. They will also witness first-hand how salt affects the density of water.

Static Electricity

Many children have encountered static electricity while rubbing their hair or walking on carpet while wearing socks. This occurs when an electrical charge collects extra electrons and becomes negatively charged, while water or tissue has positive charges; they attract each other!

Remind students that electrons can also conduct in dirt by creating an electroscope with aluminum foil and neodymium magnets. For safety’s sake, this experiment should only be attempted under adult supervision since these strong magnets pose serious threat. This provides a wonderful lesson about energy and electricity!

Think back to the 1960s and you may recall bell bottom pants and flowers, as well as popular home decor items like lava lamps! Created by Edward Craven Walker, these lamps were known for their vibrantly hued wax globs whirling freely inside a clear liquid base.

Lava lamps utilize an amalgam of two irreconcilable liquids – water and paraffin wax (the same kind used to produce candles). When heated, the wax becomes less dense than water, rising to the top before cooling and dissolving back into it again.

Gummy Bear Experiment

Kids love this simple gummy bear experiment to demonstrate the principle of osmosis! While it requires them to wait overnight, the results can be truly fascinating!

This demonstration’s science may be more complex, but it’s easily taught in 3rd, 4th or 5th grade classrooms. First, potassium chlorate is melted using an endothermic process before decomposing to release carbon dioxide and water, repeating itself over and over – every cycle affects gummy bears!

Insect Attraction

Old explanations for why moths are attracted to lights haven’t stood up well under scrutiny, so students review what is known and devise an experiment designed to determine whether it’s heat or light that attracts moths and other insects.

Experience the lifecycle of a praying mantis insect through this insect experiment or watch its lifecycle in real time with bug watching! Kids also get to learn tactile communication through projects that explore honeybee dance language – great way to teach biology, physics and chemistry!

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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!

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LZ Experiment Sets New Record in Search for Dark Matter

New results leave fewer places for elusive dark matter particles to hide.

• by Lauren Biron
• August 26, 2024

Figuring out the nature of dark matter, the invisible substance that makes up most of the mass in our universe, is one of the greatest puzzles in physics. New results from the world’s most sensitive dark matter detector,  LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ), have narrowed down possibilities for one of the leading dark matter candidates: weakly interacting massive particles, or WIMPs.

LZ, led by the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), hunts for  dark matter from a cavern nearly one mile underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota. Mani Tripathi, Distinguished Professor in the UC Davis Department of Physics and Astronomy, is a member of the LZ project team. 

The experiment’s new results explore weaker dark matter interactions than ever searched before and further limit what WIMPs could be.

“These are new world-leading constraints by a sizable margin on dark matter and WIMPs,” said Chamkaur Ghag, spokesperson for LZ and a professor at University College London (UCL). He noted that the detector and analysis techniques are performing even better than the collaboration expected. “If WIMPs had been within the region we searched, we’d have been able to robustly say something about them. We know we have the sensitivity and tools to see whether they’re there as we search lower energies and accrue the bulk of this experiment’s lifetime.”

Fewer places for WIMPs to hide

The collaboration found no evidence of WIMPs above a mass of 9 gigaelectronvolts/c 2 (GeV/c 2 ). (For comparison, the mass of a proton is slightly less than 1 GeV/c 2 .) The experiment's sensitivity to faint interactions helps researchers reject potential WIMP dark matter models that don't fit the data, leaving significantly fewer places for WIMPs to hide. The new results were presented at two physics conferences on August 26: TeV Particle Astrophysics 2024 in Chicago, Illinois, and LIDINE 2024 in São Paulo, Brazil. A scientific paper will be published in the coming weeks.

The results analyze 280 days’ worth of data: a new set of 220 days (collected between March 2023 and April 2024) combined with 60 earlier days from LZ’s first run. The experiment plans to collect 1,000 days’ worth of data before it ends in 2028. 

“If you think of the search for dark matter like looking for buried treasure, we’ve dug almost five times deeper than anyone else has in the past,” said Scott Kravitz, LZ’s deputy physics coordinator and a professor at the University of Texas at Austin. “That’s something you don’t do with a million shovels – you do it by inventing a new tool.”

LZ’s sensitivity comes from the myriad ways the detector can reduce backgrounds, the false signals that can impersonate or hide a dark matter interaction. Deep underground, the detector is shielded from cosmic rays coming from space. To reduce natural radiation from everyday objects, LZ was built from thousands of ultraclean, low-radiation parts. The detector is built like an onion, with each layer either blocking outside radiation or tracking particle interactions to rule out dark matter mimics. And sophisticated new analysis techniques help rule out background interactions, particularly those from the most common culprit: radon.

This result is also the first time that LZ has applied “salting”– a technique that adds fake WIMP signals during data collection. By camouflaging the real data until “unsalting” at the very end, researchers can avoid unconscious bias and keep from overly interpreting or changing their analysis.

“We’re pushing the boundary into a regime where people have not looked for dark matter before,” said Scott Haselschwardt, the LZ physics coordinator and a recent Chamberlain Fellow at Berkeley Lab who is now an assistant professor at the University of Michigan. “There’s a human tendency to want to see patterns in data, so it’s really important when you enter this new regime that no bias wanders in. If you make a discovery, you want to get it right.”

The invisible 85 percent

Dark matter, so named because it does not emit, reflect, or absorb light, is estimated to make up 85% of the mass in the universe but has never been directly detected, though it has left its fingerprints on multiple astronomical observations. We wouldn’t exist without this mysterious yet fundamental piece of the universe; dark matter’s mass contributes to the gravitational attraction that helps galaxies form and stay together.

LZ uses 10 tonnes of liquid xenon to provide a dense, transparent material for dark matter particles to potentially bump into. The hope is for a WIMP to knock into a xenon nucleus, causing it to move, much like a hit from a cue ball in a game of pool. By collecting the light and electrons emitted during interactions, LZ captures potential WIMP signals alongside other data. 

“We’ve demonstrated how strong we are as a WIMP search machine, and we’re going to keep running and getting even better – but there’s lots of other things we can do with this detector,” said Amy Cottle, lead on the WIMP search effort and an assistant professor at UCL. “The next stage is using these data to look at other interesting and rare physics processes, like rare decays of xenon atoms, neutrinoless double beta decay, boron-8 neutrinos from the sun, and other beyond-the-Standard-Model physics. And this is in addition to probing some of the most interesting and previously inaccessible dark matter models from the last 20 years.”

LZ is a collaboration of roughly 250 scientists from 38 institutions in the United States, United Kingdom, Portugal, Switzerland, South Korea, and Australia; much of the work building, operating, and analyzing the record-setting experiment is done by early career researchers. The collaboration is already looking forward to analyzing the next data set and using new analysis tricks to look for even lower-mass dark matter. Scientists are also thinking through potential upgrades to further improve LZ, and planning for a next-generation dark matter detector called XLZD.

“Our ability to search for dark matter is improving at a rate faster than Moore’s Law,” Kravitz said. “If you look at an exponential curve, everything before now is nothing. Just wait until you see what comes next.”

LZ is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of High Energy Physics and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, a DOE Office of Science user facility. LZ is also supported by the Science & Technology Facilities Council of the United Kingdom; the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology; the Swiss National Science Foundation, and the Institute for Basic Science, Korea. Over 38 institutions of higher education and advanced research provided support to LZ. The LZ collaboration acknowledges the assistance of the Sanford Underground Research Facility.

Media Resources

News release from Lawrence Berkeley Lab

LUX-ZEPLIN Dark Matter Detector Starts Up (2022)

Media Contacts

• Mani Tripathi, Physics and Astronomy, [email protected]
• Andy Fell, UC Davis News and Media Relations, 530-304-8888, [email protected]

Lauren Biron is a science writer at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. 

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