science experiment water ideas

37 Water Science Experiments: Fun & Easy

We’ve curated a diverse selection of water related science experiments suitable for all ages, covering topics such as density, surface tension, water purification, and much more.

These hands-on, educational activities will not only deepen your understanding of water’s remarkable properties but also ignite a passion for scientific inquiry.

So, grab your lab coat and let’s dive into the fascinating world of water-based science experiments!

Water Science Experiments

1. walking water science experiment.

This experiment is a simple yet fascinating science experiment that involves observing the capillary action of water. Children can learn a lot from this experiment about the characteristics of water and the capillary action phenomenon. It is also a great approach to promote scientific curiosity and enthusiasm.

Learn more: Walking Water Science Experiment

2. Water Filtration Experiment

A water filtering experiment explains how to purify contaminated water using economical supplies. The experiment’s goal is to educate people about the procedure of water filtration, which is crucial in clearing water of impurities and contaminants so that it is safe to drink.

Learn more: Water Filtration Experiment

3. Water Cycle in a Bag

The water cycle in a bag experiment became to be an enjoyable and useful instructional exercise that helps students understand this idea. Participants in the experiment can observe the many water cycle processes by building a model of the water cycle within a Ziplock bag.

4. Cloud in a Jar

The rain cloud in a jar experiment is a popular instructional project that explains the water cycle and precipitation creation. This experiment is best done as a water experiment since it includes monitoring and understanding how water changes state from a gas (water vapor) to a liquid (rain) and back to a gas.

Learn more: Cloud in a Jar

5. The Rising Water

The rising water using a candle experiment is a wonderful way to teach both adults and children the fundamentals of physics while also giving them an exciting look at the properties of gases and how they interact with liquids.

6. Leak Proof Bag Science Experiment

In the experiment, a plastic bag will be filled with water, and after that, pencils will be inserted through the bag without causing it to leak.

The experiments explain how the plastic bag’s polymer chains stretch and form a barrier that keeps water from dripping through the holes the pencils have produced.

Learn more: Leak Proof Bag Science Experiment

7. Keep Paper Dry Under Water Science Experiment

The experiment is an enjoyable way for demonstrating air pressure and surface tension for both adults and children. It’s an entertaining and engaging technique to increase scientific curiosity and learn about scientific fundamentals.

Learn more: Keep Paper Dry Under Water Science Experiment

8. Frozen Water Science Experiment

The Frozen Water Science Experiment is a fun and engaging project that teaches about the qualities of water and how it behaves when frozen.

You can gain a better knowledge of the science behind the freezing process and investigate how different variables can affect the outcome by carrying out this experiment.

9. Make Ice Stalagmites

10. Bending of Light

A fascinating scientific activity that explores visual principles and how light behaves in different surfaces is the “bending of light” water experiment. This experiment has applications in physics, engineering, and technology in addition to being a fun and interesting method to learn about the characteristics of light.

11. Salt on a Stick

This experiment is an excellent way to catch interest, engage in practical learning, and gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics of water and how they relate to other substances. So the “Salt on Stick” water experiment is definitely worth trying if you’re looking for a fun and educational activity to try!

Learn More: Water Cycle Experiment Salt and Stick

12. Separating Mixture by Evaporation

This method has practical applications in fields like water processing and is employed in a wide range of scientific disciplines, from chemistry to environmental science.

You will better understand the principles determining the behavior of mixtures and the scientific procedures used to separate them by performing this experiment at home.

13. Dancing Spaghetti

Have you ever heard of the dancing spaghetti experiment? It’s a fascinating science experiment that combines simple materials to create a mesmerizing visual display.

The dancing spaghetti experiment is not only entertaining, but it also helps you understand the scientific concepts of chemical reactions, gas production, and acidity levels.

14. Magic Color Changing Potion

The magic color-changing potion experiment with water, vinegar, and baking soda must be tried since it’s an easy home-based scientific experiment that’s entertaining and educational.

This experiment is an excellent way to teach kids about chemical reactions and the characteristics of acids and bases while providing them an interesting and satisfying activity.

15. Traveling Water Experiment

In this experiment, you will use simple objects like straws or strings to make a path for water to pass between two or more containers.

Learn more: Rookie Parenting

16. Dry Erase and Water “Floating Ink” Experiment

The dry-erase and water “floating ink” experiment offers an interesting look at the characteristics of liquids and the laws of buoyancy while also being a great method to educate kids and adults to the fundamentals of science.

Learn more: Dry Erase and Water Floating Ink Experiment

17. Underwater Candle

In this experiment, we will investigate a connection between fire and water and learn about the remarkable factors of an underwater candle.

18. Static Electricity and Water

19. Tornado in a Glass

This captivating experiment will demonstrate how the forces of air and water can combine to create a miniature vortex, resembling a tornado.

Learn more: Tornado in a Glass

20. Make Underwater Magic Sand

Be ready to build a captivating underwater world with the magic sand experiment. This experiment will examine the fascinating characteristics of hydrophobic sand, sometimes referred to as magic sand.

21. Candy Science Experiment

Get ready to taste the rainbow and learn about the science behind it with the Skittles and water experiment! In this fun and colorful experiment, we will explore the concept of solubility and observe how it affects the diffusion of color.

Density Experiments

Density experiments are a useful and instructive approach to learn about the characteristics of matter and the fundamentals of science, and they can serve as a starting point for further exploration into the fascinating world of science.

Density experiments may be carried out with simple materials that can be found in most homes.

This experiment can be a great hands-on learning experience for kids and science lovers of all ages.

22. Super Cool Lava Lamp Experiment

The awesome lava lamp experiment is an entertaining and educational activity that illustrates the concepts of density and chemical reactions. With the help of common household items, this experiment involves making a handmade lava lamp.

Learn more: Lava Lamp Science Experiment

23. Denser Than you Think

Welcome to the fascinating world of density science! The amount of matter in a particular space or volume is known as density, and it is a fundamental concept in science that can be seen everywhere around us.

Understanding density can help us figure out why some objects float while others sink in water, or why certain compounds do not mix.

24. Egg Salt and Water

Learn about the characteristics of water, including its density and buoyancy, and how the addition of salt affects these characteristics through performing this experiment.

25. Hot Water and Cold-Water Density

In this experiment, hot and cold water are put into a container to see how they react to one other’s temperatures and how they interact.

Sound and Water Experiments

Have you ever wondered how sound travels through different mediums? Take a look at these interesting sound and water experiments and learn how sounds and water can affect each other.

26. Home Made Water Xylophone

You can do this simple scientific experiment at home using a few inexpensive ingredients to create a handmade water xylophone.

The experiment demonstrates the science of sound and vibration and demonstrates how changing water concentrations can result in a range of tones and pitches.

Learn more: Home Made Water Xylophone

27. Create Water Forms Using Sound!

A remarkable experiment that exhibits the ability of sound waves to influence and impact the physical world around us is the creation of water formations using sound.

In this experiment, sound waves are used to generate patterns and shapes, resulting in amazing, intricate designs that are fascinating to observe.

28. Sound Makes Water Come Alive 

These experiments consist of using sound waves to create water vibrations, which can result in a variety of dynamic and captivating phenomena.

29. Water Whistle

The water whistle experiment includes blowing air through a straw that is submerged in water to produce a whistle.

This experiment is an excellent way to learn about the characteristics of sound waves and how water can affect them.

Water Surface Tension Experiments

You can observe the effects of surface tension on the behavior of liquids by conducting a surface tension experiment.

By trying these experiments, you can gain a better understanding of the properties of liquids and their behavior and how surface tension affects their behavior.

30. Floating Paperclip

In this experiment, you will put a paper clip on the top of the water and observe it float because of the water’s surface tension.

31. Water Glass Surface Tension

Have you ever noticed how, on some surfaces, water drops may form perfect spheres? The surface tension, which is a characteristic of water and the cohesive force that holds a liquid’s molecules together at its surface, is to blame for this.

32. Camphor Powered Boat

The camphor-powered boat experiment is a fun and fascinating way to explore the principles of chemistry, physics, and fluid mechanics. In this experiment, a miniature boat is used to travel across the water’s surface using camphor tablets.

33. Pepper and Soap Experiment

The pepper in a cloud experiment is a simple and interesting activity that explains the concept of surface tension. This experiment includes adding pepper to a bowl of water and then pouring soap to the mixture, causing the pepper to move away from the soap.

Learn more: Pepper and Soap Experiment

Boiling Water Experiments

Experiments with boiling water are an engaging and informative way to learn about physics, chemistry, and water’s characteristics.

These investigations, which include examining how water behaves when it changes temperature and pressure, can shed light on a variety of scientific phenomena.

It’s important to take the proper safety measures when performing experiments with hot water. Boiling water can produce steam and hot particles that are dangerous to inhale in and can result in severe burns if it comes into contact with skin.

34. Make It Rain

This experiment can be accomplished using basic supplies that can be found in most homes, make it an excellent opportunity for hands-on learning for both kids and science lovers.

Learn more: Make it Rain

35. Fire Water Balloons

Learning about the fundamentals of thermodynamics, the behavior of gases, and the effects of heat on objects are all made possible by this experiment.

36. Boil Water with Ice

The Boiling Water with Ice experiment is an engaging and beneficial approach to learn about temperature and the behavior of water. It can also serve as an introduction for further discovery into the wonderful world of science.

37. Boil Water in a Paper Cup

The “boil water in a cup” experiment is an easier but powerful approach to illustrate the idea of heat transmission by conduction. This experiment is often used in science classes to teach students about thermal conductivity and the physics of heat transfer.

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STEM Water Projects and Science Experiments For Kids

50+ STEM Water Science Experiments and STEM Projects for Kids in Elementary – play, educate and grow with nature’s favourite drink

Water is one of the greatest mediums for exploring science. It’s easy to work with, it’s readily available, it’s safe and kids love playing with it. It is impossible not to have fun while learning with water. Are you looking for some great ideas for water projects in your class, homeschool or home? Find inspiration on this list of over 50 fun science experiments and water projects for kids!

The Best Water Science Experiments for Kids

What you will discover in this article!

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To make navigating this resource easier, I have divided all of our water projects and STEM activities into some general categories.

CHEMISTRY WATER EXPERIMENTS

Bath Bombs or Bath Fizzies are the ultimate in bath time fun! They are also an exceptional chemistry experiment. You can simply make a bath bomb and see how water is the magic ingredient to trigger the reaction, or do a science experiment exploring the effect of water temperature on bath bomb reactions .

Water Lab Exploring Safe Drinking Water is a science experiment that turns students into water testers with an eye for safety. Using water sources around your home or school you can easily set up this activity and in the process learn a valuable lesson about how precious safe water is for families everywhere. For more testing ideas you can check out this article .

What’s the difference between baking soda and baking powder? Learn the answer in this experiment. Take water and add sodium bicarbonate or baking powder. Watch the results to see something spectacular!

Super Simple Chemistry is a kid favourite activity that explores how different substances mix with water. Not everything dissolves, start exploring these ideas with this simple activity.

Learn about pH (acidic and basic) properties with this fun fluids experiment that uses items from your kitchen to create a fascinating lab study.

Elephant Toothpaste might not seem like a water science experiment at first, but this activity is actually really cool because one of the by products of the chemical reaction is water!

WATER PROJECTS EXPLORING DENSITY

Skittles Experiments require only two things – Skittles and Water. It may be simple, but this is one water experiment that is stunningly gorgeous and will have kids begging for more science time! With our study we brought in Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night as a way to see fluid dynamics in action.

The classic oil and water experiment is a fascinating way to introduce students the density, and in this experiment the results are beautiful!

Marble Run Density Project is a simple activity that explores the density of different liquids using marbles. It’s fun and accessible for all ages. Everyone loves a good race!

Does It Float – Pop Can edition is a fascinating activity that demonstrates how the density of different canned drinks affects whether they float or not. The results are fun and this makes for a great activity during camp outs.

Teaching The Scientific Process With Water Balloons – This is a fantastic idea for learning how to create scientific proof by exploring the science behind the “does it float pop can edition” experiment.

COLOURFUL WATER PROJECTS

Chromatography Flowers is a super easy activity that even little kids will be able to do with minimal adult help. Watch how water helps colours travel through the coffee filter making pretty designs. For older kids, take the challenge up a level and light up your flowers with a simple circuit building activity.

Walking Rainbow – This was our attempt at the walking rainbow experiment but when things went wrong it became a whole new and exciting water science lesson.

WINTER THEMED WATER PROJECTS FOR KIDS

It’s time to get chilly with this mind bending experiment. In Snow and Ice Simple Science – Melting Magic we ask kids to predict the outcome of a test that will have them saying WOW! when they see the outcome.

Why does salt melt ice? This STEM activity dives into some great winter science as it explores how salt affects ice.

Live somewhere cold? Explore the Mpemba Effect in a spectacular way as you create snow.

Bottle Crush is a project that will have kids asking to go outside on a cold winter day over and over again. Like magic, kids will learn how to crush a plastic bottle without touching it, astounding their friends and family.

Ice Fishing Science Experiment – What is more winter than Ice Fishing? In this fun, hands on science, kids learn how salt and water interact as they go fishing for the big catch! A great challenge for a classroom or summer camp.

SWEET WATER SCIENCE

Slurpee Science Continue exploring the power of salt and water with states of matter changes with this experiment that ends with a tasty treat.

Layered Lollipops is a fascinating study into density. Makes a beautiful experiment that smells amazing!

Lego Gummy Mummies is a project that explores what happens when water is removed, also known as desiccation which is part of the mummification process. It’s also an experiment using candy minifigs, so kids love it!

ENGINEERING WITH WATER PROJECTS

Build A Water Clock and learn a bit about history with this easy STEM project. This project can be scaled for use by kids of all ages.

Ice STEM Projects explore all the amazing things you can do when water enters a solid state, better known as ice! The dinosaur ice sculpture is just too cute and kids will love engineering their own ice creations.

Build a Compass and embrace your inner Einstein! Witness the invisible forces that captured a young Einstein’s imagination and led to a lifetime of incredible discoveries.

Build a Heart Model filled with water (aka blood) and explore how the blood moves around the heart.

Engineer An Ice Lantern , perfect for the holidays.

WATER PROJECTS THAT ARE LIKE MAGIC

Chasing Hearts – This science experiment is like magic as you explore science and physics principles, all while playing a fun game!

Keep it Dry – A slight of hand activity that kids of all ages love to take a turn at. Become a magical scientist!

Why Does Water Rise? is an activity that is like magic! Kids love this STEM Activity that involves a little tech in the investigative process.

Build a Leak Proof Bag that is filled with water and pierced through with tons of pencils? Sounds impossible, but it’s not if you know the science!

ENVIRONMENTAL WATER PROJECTS FOR KIDS

Students get hands on with a major threat to our marine environments in this Oil Spill Cleanup Experiment .

Learn about the Water Cycle in this simple science experiment in a jar. Perfect for students or as a classroom demonstration.

In this experiment, explore how acid rain affects plant life . It is a simple experiment with powerful results.

Next, we explore how water pollution affects plants . This is a simple experiment exploring the effects of water pollution in two different ways. Students learn about osmosis, pH and the scientific method.

The Water Desalinization Project is a interesting activity that explores how to remove the salt from salt water making it safe to drink.

This Fish Diving Activity is a neat way to explore how fish use air to help them move around underwater. A similar activity involves creating a Cartesian Diver .

SENSORY WATER PROJECTS

DIY Play Dough Bubble Bath is not a water project exactly, but it’s an inexpensive way to create some bubble bath play dough. Perfect for doing water projects with kids in the bath tub or at a water table.

Oobleck is a captivating activity to explore the difference in liquids. With the addition of one ingredient to water you create the most bizarre substance. Oobleck projects are an excellent addition to the study of states of matter and the senses. We LOVE playing with Oobleck and have created dozens of fun ways to explore this non-Newtonian Fluid.

DIY Soap Projects , especially Soap Jellies are a fantastic sensory experience that will encourage kids to get clean! They are so much fun, and super easy to make. For an incredible cross study, make our DIY Layers of the Ocean soap and learn about the ocean with this gorgeous and easy soap making project.

More Water Science Experiments

Explore why the Sky Changes Colour in this fascinating and simple science project demonstrating how the skies change colour during sunrise and sunset.

Another great project is the Rainbow Rain Project . Students will create a stunning display of colour in a jar to explore how clouds (made with shaving cream), hold and release moisture, creating rain! This project is GORGEOUS and so simple.

Magic Glitter is a cool experiment that is also a powerful demonstration on how soap works and why it is so important to wash your hands with soap.

Have fun learning with nature’s most valuable liquid – water!

5 Days of Smart STEM Ideas for Kids

Get started in STEM with easy, engaging activities.

50 Science Experiments With Water Your Kids Will Love

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Looking for some fun and easy science activities to do at home? Why not try some science experiments with water? Here are 50 ideas to get you started! These activities are a great way to explore the unique properties of water. From magical science tricks to building a water clock, there is something here for everyone. So fill a container with water and get ready to have some fun!

This is a long post, so use the table of contents below to jump straight to the section that interests you.

• Water Science That Look Like Magic

Earth Science Using Water

• Wintery Water Science
• Engineering Water Science

Exploring The Properties of Water

• Colorful Science Experiments With Water

Easy Science Experiments With Water

Water science that looks like magic.

These science experiments with water will have you looking like a magician! Impress your kids and their friends with these amazing tricks. And the best part? Your kids will learn all kinds of scientific principles without realizing it.

• Poke a pencil through a zip bag filled with water and see the magic unfold when the water does not leak out of the bag. Kids love this trick!
• Watch your kids’ faces as they watch the paper towel stay dry even though it is submerged in water . Air pressure works this magic.
• Watch in awe as your dry-erase drawing comes to life and transforms into a beautiful floating masterpiece!
• This Magic Toothpick Star Experiment is impressive to watch and will definitely wow your kids. Watch as five toothpicks transform into a beautiful star.
• We know that kids love glow-in-the-dark play. Try this non-toxic glowing ice for fun science play for kids. Tonic water is the secret ingredient.
• Who doesn’t love cartesian divers? It’s a classic science activity for kids that never gets old! Now, you can make your own cartesian diver with a pipette and a water bottle. This is hands-on learning at its best!
• Get ready to amaze your kids with a simple magic pencil trick ! This bending pencil experiment is a fun light refraction science experiment that takes less than five minutes to set up! All you need is a pencil and a jar of water.
• This was one of my favorite tricks when I was a kid. Watch the power of air pressure hold water inside an upside-down glass !
• Kids will be amazed when they try this static electricity experiment and seemingly bend the water in front of their eyes ! It looks like magic, but it is just science at work.

Want some more magical science? Try our Harry Potter Science and Magical Experiments . Learn how to turn a pan of baking soda into a vibrant depiction of earth .

The following collection of science experiments with water is a great way to explore water environments, ocean currents, and the water cycle. We also included a selection of experiments that will help children learn more about pollution.

• Kids love visiting the ocean. Show them the effects of ocean pollution and how to care for the beautiful ocean .
• Get ready to learn about pollution in an exciting and engaging way with this acid rain science project ! This project will help kids of any age gain insight into pollution’s impact on our environment.
• This simple experiment exploring pollution’s effects on plants is also the perfect opportunity for children to learn about the scientific method, pH, and osmosis.
• Build a simple model of ocean currents with ice, water, and food coloring. The ocean currents will come to life before your eyes.
• Learn about ocean layers with this liquid density experiment ! All you need are 3 ingredients from your kitchen and a large container!
• Make an indoor water cycle that works . Your kids will be so excited to see saltwater transform into fresh water.
• Access to safe drinking water is essential, and exploring this topic can be informative and engaging! This safe drinking water activity is also an excellent example of how to foster discovery and exploration.

Wintery Water Experiments

We enjoyed collecting these frosty water science experiments. They are a great way to explore the different states of water and how it changes with temperature.

• Are you looking for frosty fun even if you live in warmer climates? This frost experiment is definitely calling your name. No snow is required! All you need are simple materials you can easily find around your kitchen.
• There is nothing quite like a simple science experiment to fascinate kids! You probably have everything you need to set up this ice and salt experiment .
• Bottle Crush is a great experiment that will get kids outside on the coldest days! Without requiring the slightest bit of physical power, they will learn how to crush a bottle without laying a finger on it! Your children will be begging to do this over and over.
• Who doesn’t love a Slurpee? Slurpee science is a great way to explore the states of matter changes. The best part? You end up with a delicious Slurpee treat to enjoy.
• This ice lantern winter STEAM activity is a lot of fun for kids! It is another experiment that explores the state of matter changes in water.
• All you need are a few simple ingredients to create your own blizzard-in-a-bottle . This winter experiment is perfect for days when it’s too cold and miserable to venture outside.
• What kid doesn’t love snow?! This snow science experiment explores two interesting questions. Firstly, how much water do you get when the snow melts? Secondly, and most importantly, is the snow clean? It is the perfect project for snow-loving kids who can’t resist munching on a handful of snow!
• “Watch” water freeze and melt again while making lovely little ornaments for your garden! A fun way to explore the weather and temperatures.
• This penguin science experiment is an engaging way for your kids to explore the mystery of how penguins stay dry in icy water!. Learn about the marvelous adaptations that help penguins survive in the coldest temperatures.

Check out our Winter Stem Activities for more frosty science fun

Engineering Water Experiments

Did you know you can use water to tell time or navigate? We’ve got some great engineering projects in this section. We’ve also got a fun water STEM challenge. Read on to find out more.

• Your kids will be fascinated to discover one of the oldest ways to track time uses water. Build a fun Ancient Greece Water Clock and see how it works.
• Take the challenge and design your very own tin foil boat ! Put the boat to the test and see how many pennies it can hold before sinking. Which design will save the most coins?
• Why not create a water compass ? It’s a great excuse to get outside; children will have fun looking for colorful leaves for the experiment.
• Making a solar still is exciting and educational for kids of all ages! They will be fascinated by how such a simple device can provide safe, clean drinking water. As an added bonus, they will also learn about water’s properties. Gather a few materials and read the instructions. You’ll have your still up and running in no time!
• Learn why and how water wheels work. Use cups and a paper plate to build your own water wheel . Older children may enjoy the challenges in the extension suggestions toward the end of the post.

Water is a unique substance, and its fascinating properties can be explored with the following experiments! Who knew this ordinary liquid could hold such wonder? Step inside the fantastic world of water and try these fun experiments today!

• Use warm and ice-cold water for this mesmerizing science experiment for kids . Learn about the properties of water as children watch how a drop of food coloring behaves right before their eyes.
• Explore t he surface tension of water with this simple science experiment.
• Let your kids discover the surface tension power of water with this simple science experiment! Discover how many drops of water fit on a penny’s surface . You and your children will be amazed by the outcome.
• Learn about pressure and the Ideal Gas Law as you make the water rise like magic !

Colorful Water Science

Children love bright colors. In this section, you will find a variety of colorful science experiments that explore the properties of water. All the experiments are engaging and fun, making them perfect for kids of all ages. So grab a few materials and get started!

• Watch as the primary watercolors combine to create secondary colors for kids in this walking water science experiment .
• Investigate colors, water stratification and more with a  captivating Skittles experiment!  This is always a popular activity.
• You only need water and a few household materials to make these fireworks in a jar ! The excitement and beauty of fireworks, without the noise.
• Kids can watch capillary action before their eyes as they Grow a Rainbow with this fascinating science experiment!
• Use water and food coloring for this color-changing flower experiment !
• Making chromatography flowers is an exciting and easy activity that most children can do with just a bit of adult assistance. Not only will your kids have great fun making pretty flowers, but they’ll gain a basic understanding of chromatography in the process!
• This exciting experiment changes the color of liquid right before your kid’s eyes! It’s an excellent opportunity to explore acids, bases, and pH levels! All you need are some everyday household items.
• These sugar water density experiment trials are fun to try and wonderfully colorful. Read the whole post, as there are helpful tips to ensure your experiments work.
• Are you looking for a fun and easy science experiment you can do with your family? This Alka-Seltzer lava lamp experiment is perfect for kids of all ages to enjoy. With just four household ingredients and some creative thinking, you can create your own lava lamp that’s sure to impress.

Did your kids enjoy these activities. They are going to love our Gloriously Messy and Exploding Experiments !

This final group of experiments is a group of miscellaneous experiments that are easy to set up. Explore the magical world of water science with experiments to delight your kids!

• What happens when you dip a dandelion head in the water ? Find out with this simplest of science experiments.
• How does this dishpan of water teach children the importance of washing their hands ? Your kids will be amazed!
• Look at those beads dance ! Water and bubbles have never been so exciting. Kids can create this easy science experiment with little prep and only a few materials.
• Teaching your children the importance of hydration is easy and fun with the help of this simple potato hydration experiment!
• Water and oil are fun to mix. See how oil and water interact in this fun experiment!
• Do cans full of soda float or sink ? Does it matter what kind of soda is in the can? You’ll never believe what happens! This would be a fun experiment when you go camping.
• Learn how to make a water xylophone . Then learn about different pitches and discover how sound waves travel. You’ll also learn the science behind it all.

Want more simple science activities? We’ve collected 60 Very Simple Science Experiments

You’ve made it through 50 awesome science experiments using plain ordinary water. These experiments are perfect for school fair projects and make great family activities! So what are you waiting for? Gather those supplies and get ready for some cool science projects that everyone can enjoy together! Have fun!

As a mother of three adult children, I understand the demands and joys of parenthood. With a teaching degree focusing on children aged 6-13, I've dedicated over 40 years to designing educational programs for children and tweens. I know what activities work and what kids need from you. My passion lies in supporting busy parents in making the most of their valuable time with their kids.

25 Water Science Experiments and Activities!

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Water is something we can all get our hands on.  Following are 25 wonderful water science experiments and activities you can use in your teaching.  These are great for extra warm days outside in the summer, or inside at any time of year.  There is something about learning with water that gets kind excited!

1. Rising Water Science Experiment

This is a cool experiment that makes the water rise into the glass!  It’ll wow your kids.

2. Water Chemistry Experiment with at Home Water Testing

Test your water with and at-home water testing kit.  It’s fascinating to see what’s in the water near you.

3.   Water Striders: Insect Science

This fun water experiment demonstrates how insects can glide on water.

4. Dry Ice Bubbles

Use dry ice, water & soap to make these amazing dry ice bubbles!  This is the ultimate water science activity!

5. Water Science: Water Pump Sprinkler

This fun water science activity demonstrates how a sprinkler or a water pump work

6. Water Drop Maze

This is just all around fun!

7. Homemade Water Clock: Ancient Science

Did you know they used water clocks to tell time anciently?  This is a cool history and science lesson in one.

8. Rainbow Walking Water Experiment

This is a classic water experiment that everyone loves!

9. Preschool Counting: How Many Drops to Fill the Dot?

Math and science with water? Yes, please!

10. Dissolving Science Experiment- What Dissolves in Water?

Learn what things dissolve in water. This is a great water science activity for your littler ones.

11. Colored Convection Currents Science Experiment

This water science experiment is cool and colorful!  Watch conviction currents at work in colored water.

12. Science Art: Alcohol and Watercolor Painting

You know I love pairing s cience with art !  This project also involves watercolor painting. It’s beautiful & fun!

13. How to Make Oobleck: Water + Cornstarch

Mix water with cornstarch in this awesome sensory science activity.

14. Homemade Thermometer Science Experiment

Did you know you can make your own thermometer? This is a neat weather science activity that will fascinate everyone!

15. Homemade Straw Glasses

Ok so maybe we used juice, but it would work with water, too!  These are so much fun to make with your kids! Learn the science behind how the liquid comes up through the straw, too.

16. Homemade Toy Rubber Band Boats

Wind up boats are the perfect water learning activity.

17. Submarine Science

Make your own mini submarine in this water science activity!

18. Magnet Boats

These simple little boats are a great water learning and play activity for kids.

19. Environmental Science: Oil Spill Clean Up Experiment

Learn about keeping our ocean water clean with this oil spill clean-up activity.

20. Water Filtration Experiment

This is a great activity to learn about how water filters work.

21. Sink or Float Water Science

I don’t have photos of this activity, but it’s a fun and easy one to do anytime. Gather some small objects- coin, rock, plastic toys, screws, beads, sticks, etc…  Fill up the sink, or a large bowl with water.  Before putting the objects into the water, have your child divide the objects out on the paper with the words Float, Sink according to their predictions.    After you test them in the water have your child draw or write them onto the graph.  You could easily make this chart reusable by laminating it.  Click above on the picture to download the chart.

22. Water Xylophone

Make water music!  We love this water learning and play activity.

23. Simple Science: Making a Solar Still

Filter water using the sun!

24. Blooming Paper Flowers

This little experiment is so much fun!  Watch these paper flowers bloom in water!

25. Make Ice Boats & Learn Why Ice Floats !

26. Rain Painting

Former school teacher turned homeschool mom of 4 kids. Loves creating awesome hands-on creative learning ideas to make learning engaging and memorable for all kids!

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Water experiments are one of my favorites to do with little people. Such a fun science topic! Amie-from the HHH

what fun activities! I love the water music idea, I might have to try that one 🙂

That looks like such fun!

Lots of great ideas! I might have to try the water bottle idea. We have done the sink or float experiement here and the other day I found my son in the bathroom with a fork-he said he was playing sink or float. Lol.

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Easy Water Science Experiments for Kids

By: Author Susanne Williams

Posted on Published: May 3, 2022  - Last updated: December 30, 2023

Here is a full list of our 25 Best Science Experiments With Water .

From growing a rainbow through to sink and float experiments, or a water cycle activity. There is a lot to explore and learn at home and in the classroom.

Let’s dive right in and get inspired!

There are affiliate links in this post, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will be compensated if you click through and take action. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Simple water science experiments for kids, best science kits for kids, pin these science projects with water.

Play, explore, and learn. This is the slogan of our list of fun science projects with water. Here you will find simple experiments with water to do at home or in a school setting.

They are all easy to manage and do not need a lot of preparation. Most of these water science experiments are suitable for preschoolers and older children.

Go check out our fun list of the 25 Best Water Science Experiments for kids now:

Are you interested in more kid’s activities, arts & crafts, and science experiments? I have made it easy for you! Simply join our newsletter now and I will send you new fun for kids. Subscribe for free

Best Water Science Experiments for Kids

Go check out our full list of fun STEM water projects for preschoolers and older kids.

The link below brings you directly to the instructions and will explain everything you need to know about the science behind these fun experiments with water.

Let's get started:

Fizzy Ice Cubes Water Experiment for Kids

Playing with water is so much fun. To make it more interesting, make some fizzy ice cubes for your kids.

It will help them stay cool during the hot summer. It is such a fun experiment with water!

Sherbert Water Science Experiment

For this cool water science project, you will need Sherbert.

The article will show you how much oxygen Sherbert can produce and explain the science behind it for you!

DIY Rainbow Cloud

Our rainbow cloud is such a cool science experiment about water. It helps you to learn and understand our water cycle on Earth.

Cool Water Experiment for Kids: Grow a Rainbow

Let's stay at our weather activities and learn how to make grow your own rainbow. I tell you it is super simple but so much fun.

Give it a try!

Water Experiment with Explanation: Dancing Grapes

Dancing Grapes is on the other hand a totally different STEM water project. By letting grapes dance it explains to you how air can move objects.

It is set up in 5 minutes and needs only 2 ingredients. Super simple right?

Skittles Experiment

This skittle STEM water acitivity is a classic! All you need is skittles and water and you are good to go.

You can make different patterns or even just use red and blue once for American holiday activities such as 4th of July or Memorial Day.

Surprise Egg Project

Have fun with the classic sink or float experiment, with a twist. Use surprise eggs to add an extra element of excitement to this activity

Water Cycle Bag Activity

See how water transforms through the water cycle with this simple water cycle bag experiment.

You have everything in your kitchen right now to get started

Simple Water Experiment: Snowstorm in a Jar

Did you know you can make a miniature blizzard right in your own kitchen?

Check out this cool science experiment that lets kids create a snowstorm in a jar!

Sink or Float Science Experiment with Water

This water experiment for preschoolers is so much fun. They can experiment with different toys or materials if they sink and float.

It is super easy but so much fun, you will see.

Magic Water Crystals

Experiment with water and salt by making beautiful crystals! Only three ingredients are needed!

Rainbow Walking Water Science Experiment for Kids

Walking water is such a fun STEM water project. It gives your children the chance to learn about colors and how they are mixed. They will see with their own eyes and remember better.

Bottle Crush

This is such a cool magic trick, isn't it? Learn how to crush a bottle with your own mind and science. Go find out how it works here.

Lava Lamp Water Science Experiment

This is a very simple water science experiment for kids.

Within 5 minutes, they can make their own lava lamp and calm down while watching the oil flow in the water.

Pepper and Soap STEM Project

This pepper and soap STEM activity is a great water science fair project.

You can show your classmates and family members fast how soap reacts with pepper and water and explain the science about it.

Glowing Water Science Experiment

Let's make some glowing water. This fun water STEM activity is especially popular during Halloween but can be used all year round.

Fireworks in a Glass

Did you make your own Firework in a jar yet? It is so much fun and if you use blue and red it makes such a great 4th of July STEM activity for preschoolers or at home. Give it a try!

More Science Experiments with Water

If these water experiments for kids weren't enough go check out the following experiments with water:

• Floating Eggs Water Experiment
• Rippel Effekt Experiment
• Water Experiment with Milk Jug
• DIY Lava Lamp
• Sand Filter Experiment with Water
• Water Pollution Experiment for Kids
• Oil and Water Science Experiment
• Water Balloon STEM Activity
• Traveling Water Experiment for Kids
• Under Water Sound STEM Experiment

You might also enjoy these Edible Glass Science Project , Crystal Snowflake Ornaments – DIY Borax Science Experiment , or check out these cool Water Toys instead.

Are you a visual learner? Then check out this great video with these 25 easy science water experiments for your home:

You do not have all the ingredients at home for our fun science projects with water? Or do you simply like the convenience of a science kit where you have everything in one place?

No problem here is a list of the Best Science Kits for Kids for you:

• National Geographic Sensory Experiment Set
• Primary Science Lab Set Deluxe
• Science Kit for Kids
• Doctor Jupiter My First Science Kit for Kids 4-6-8 Years Old

Why bother with science experiments? Here you can find 8 Benefits of STEM Education and why it is so important for kids.

Now I would like to hear from you! Did you try any of those simple science experiments with water? Which one is your favorite? Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now. I would love to hear from you!

Don’t forget to save these 25 Easy Science Projects with Water on Pinterest for later! Be sure you are following along with Lil Tigers.

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Early Learning. Happy Teaching.

40 Simple Water Science Experiments for Kids

April 16, 2018 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

Sharing is caring!

Warmer weather means lots of water play and, for us, that means plenty of  simple water science experiments to try with the kids!

Since we’ve been homeschooling, I’ve learned that science doesn’t have to be a complicated subject to teach.

Many scientific concepts sound complicated (and really are amazingly intricate), but showing kids how they work doesn’t have to be complex.

Turns out that you can use a few household supplies and demonstrate how scientific principles work in a kid-friendly way!

And that’s why I’ve rounded up 40 easy water science experiments that would be great to share with kids – either indoors or outdoors!

Don’t miss our list of science experiments that you can do in just 15 minutes too!

1. Simple Light In Water Refraction Experiment – Look! We’re Learning!

2. Milk Jug Water Wheel Experiment – J Daniel 4’s Mom

3. Float Vs Sink Experiment – Teach Me Mommy

4. Leak-Proof Bag Science Experiment – Fun Learning for Kids

5. How to Make a Lava Lamp – Coffee Cups and Crayons

6. Measuring Water Beads – Blue Bear Wood

7. Water Balloon Parachute – Fantastic Fun and Learning

8. Food Coloring Fluid Mechanics Experiment – Mama Smiles

9. Measuring Buoyancy Experiment – KC Edventures

10. Color Mixing Experiment – Science Sparks

11. Tide Pool Science Experiment – Buggy and Buddy

12. Floating Peep Boats – Sixth Bloom

13. Traveling Water Experiment – The Wise Owl Factory

14. Simple Water Displacement Experiment – Life with Moore Babies

15. Ripple Water Experiment – J Daniel 4’s Mom

16. Why Does Water Rise STEM Experiment – STEAM Powered Family

17. Make a Rain Cloud In a Jar – Coffee Cups and Crayons

18. Water Xylophone Sound Experiment – Little Bins for Little Hands

19. Growing Mint in Water – Sloely

20. Sticky Ice Experiment – Capri Plus 3

See more of these awesome simple water science experiments on page 2!

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Science Fun

Water Science Experiments

Water science experiments you can do at home! Click on the experiment image or the view experiment link below for each experiment on this page to see the materials needed and procedure. Have fun trying these experiments at home or use them for SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT IDEAS.

Catch An Ice Cube:

Frozen Water Is A Lot Of Fun

Make A Rainbow:

Refract Water And Make A Mini Rainbow

Which Water Leaks Faster?:

See If Hot Or Cold Water Drips Faster

Make A Water Filter:

Can You Make Clean Water With Sand And Pebbles? 

Jumbo Water Bead Balloon:

Make A Strange And Unique Item

DIY Hydrophobic Sand:

Make Sand That Is Scared Of Water

Fabulous Floating Rocks:

Can Rocks Really Float?

Storm in a Glass:

Model of Rainstorm in a Glass

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Hands On As We Grow®

Hands on kids activities for hands on moms. Focusing on kids activities perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

12 Water Experiments for Kids to do This Year that are Easy Peasy & Fun!

Science Preschoolers Experiment Resources Water Activities 15 Comments

Get ready, get set, and get wet with easy water experiments for kids to do this year!

I’m always looking for fun ways to add science experiments to our hands-on learning fun . When we have summer days heating up, my boys are just begging to go outside and get wet.

Get a FREE week of Science Experiments to Download

Easy Peasy & Fun Water Experiments for Kids to do This Summer!

Water experiments are a favorite of my boys. Really, it’s just water generally that they love. But they love most science activities as well, so these two combined are magical in our house.

But learning with water is even better, right? And it’s always fun to experiment with things!

Kids don’t really even know they’re learning anything because it’s just all fun!

Learning with water science experiments!

In the summer, we’re all about water experiments. Cooling off plus learning? Perfect!

But it can also be so challenging to keep coming up with ideas all on your own day after day.

How can you learn the most with simple science experiment for young kids?

Put the scientific method to use.

Give your child a pencil to jot down information, or have them record their voice.

Record their predictions prior to starting the water experiments.

Form a hypothesis.

What do you think you will happen?

During the experiment, you are gathering data about what is happening.

Do more questions arise?

What would happen if we tried ____?

Test our your questions that are coming up.

This is a very simplified way to apply the scientific method when doing science experiments with toddlers and preschoolers.

They may not be able to identify what it is exactly that they’re thinking might happen, so use this as a simple way to explore.

What are things you do with water to experiment & learn?

• What Absorbs Water? A stem activity to see what items from nature will absorb the water into them rather than displacing.
• Sink or Float Water Experiment ! This is a fun science lesson about density to see what items from around the house, their favorite toys, will sink to the bottom of a tub versus stay on top.
• What Dissolves in Water? We did this water experiment with glasses of water or plastic cups, we’ve also done it in mason jars in the past. Gather some pantry items and put a spoonful in the water and give it a stir! What happens?
• Water Cycle Experiment . Have your preschooler give you predictions! What will happen to an ice cube as it gets heated? Explore the full water cycle in this simple stem activity.
• Colorful Water Play. Mixing up different colors to see what color you can make. Check out this variation as well. Water Displacement with Pennies . Kids Activities Blog has explored what coins do with a cup of water!
• Liquid Layering Tutorial . Check out Whiz Kid Science for a full tutorial on how to layer different colors of liquids based on their densities.
• Egg Float Experiment . Nerdy Science has how to make an egg float.
• Reverse Water Pollution . Head over to Along the Way to check out this experiment on reversing water pollution.
• Magic Pepper Water Experiment. All you need for this simple experiment is some water, pepper and a drop of dish soap! It so much fun to watch as the dish soap breaks the surface tension.
• Water Xylophone! Ever wanted to make music with cups of water? It’s not as hard as you think! Check out the tutorial.
• What Holds More? Grab some of your child’s favorite toys that can double as containers (we used wagons) and predict and test what holds more water!
• Walking Water Experiment. Pour water into a couple mason jars and add food coloring to each. Connect the two with a paper towel and see what happens. Get all the details here.

What are your favorite ways to learn with your kids with water? Share your ideas with us!

About jamie reimer.

Jamie learned to be a hands on mom by creating activities, crafts and art projects for her three boys to do. Jamie needed the creative outlet that activities provided to get through the early years of parenting with a smile! Follow Jamie on Pinterest and Instagram !

More Hands on Kids Activities to Try

Reader Interactions

15 comments.

April Joy Bernas says

September 15, 2016 at 1:58 am

I will try these activities, although I don’t have children yet. I will make sure my nieces and nephews will enjoy these things, especially now that they just gonna look at their phones and gadgets all day…lol :-) Wish me luck…and thank you.

Gameiva says

May 27, 2015 at 7:24 am

amazing experiment with water..thanks for sharing ..you can even perform this experiment from an amazing science game ..this is totally amazing

November 9, 2014 at 10:47 am

Found this page really interesting.

George says

October 17, 2014 at 12:10 am

Great list Jamie, thanks! Our kids enjoy experiments like these. We generally pick one from here http://www.schoolofdragons.com/how-to-train-your-dragon/science-experiments

jagadeesh says

August 26, 2014 at 9:18 am

Thankyou.. ….

Jessica says

June 13, 2013 at 7:35 pm

Very fun ideas! I’m pinning the page. Thanks for linking to the Nerdy Science experiment.

Jamie Reimer says

June 16, 2013 at 5:00 pm

Thanks Jessica! :)

Amanda @ notjustcute says

June 5, 2013 at 10:51 am

Thanks for including my post, Jamie! I also love the changing states of water experiment. I did it once in my first grade classroom (with the addition of some salt during the ice stage) because a child had asked why cars had all that white stuff on them in the winter time. (We use salt on the snowy roads here.) Nothing teaches like hands-on doing!

June 5, 2013 at 10:53 am

Our water cycle experiment also included salt for the same reason. I have an inquisitive child as well. Love your absorbing experiment – we did it the other day outside. I’ll be sharing that soon.

Erin- The Usual Mayhem says

June 5, 2013 at 7:13 am

Great collection of ideas, Jamie! Pinned and shared.

June 5, 2013 at 7:38 am

Thank you Erin!

Ann @ My Nearest and Dearest says

June 5, 2013 at 6:27 am

Thanks for including our reflections investigation, Jamie!

You’re welcome :) Thanks for submitting it here!

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Water Science Experiments for Kids

June 23, 2019 By Emma Vanstone 2 Comments

I’ve lost count of the number of water science experiments we’ve done over the years. Water is pretty amazing. Did you know it is the only natural substance to exist in three physical states at temperatures naturally occurring on Earth?

Facts about Water

• Water covers about 70% of the surface of the Earth.
• Water expands when it freezes.
• We need water to survive.
• Water can move upwards!!

Water has lots of properties that make it just brilliant for simple science investigations !

Water Science Experiments and Investigations

Freezing and melting investigations.

Freezing and melting investigations are always fun. For younger children, let them play with ice cubes while they melt. You can freeze small toys inside to make this a bit more exciting.

We had great fun with our LEGO ice excavations recently, but you can also freeze superheroes, bugs or anything else that might spark an extra interest.

Just getting the child to recognise that the ice is cold and how that feels on their fingers is a great sensory experience. Remember to let the ice melt a little first, as ice can be sticky when first removed from a freezer.

Water Cycle Experiments

Make a mini water cycle or a water cycle in a bag. These are great science activities for older children and help explain a tricky concept.

Water and Density

Density is a tough concept to grasp, but hopefully, this density science trick is interesting and simple enough to help it all make sense. Salt increases the density of water, so the coloured salty water doesn’t mix with the less dense water on top!

Density jars are also great fun. Children can try and find different small objects to float on the layers. These can be very simple and just contain water and oil, or children can experiment with layers of washing up liquid (dish soap ), treacle, honey and other non-toxic liquids.

Transport of Water in Plants

Learn about transpiration and make some pretty coloured flowers . I love this activity. If it works well, you can see the path the water takes to reach the edge of the petals.

Sinking and Floating Experiments

How about some simple sinking and floating experiments ? This is great for young children, who love to watch objects sink and float. Older children can make a plasticine boat and discover whether an item that previously sank can float in the boat. Or, try and predict which objects will sink and which will float.

Did you know you can use a bit of clever density science to make an egg float ?

Children can also make a lemon sink if they understand why it floats in the first place!

Oil and Water Experiments

Find out why oil and water don’t mi x . We’ve also demonstrated this using coloured water and pipettes, which was brilliant fun.

Osmosis Experiments

Learn about osmosis ( water passing through a semi-permeable membrane ) using eggs. The term osmosis might sound complicated, but this egg demonstration makes it more understandable, and don’t worry if your children don’t understand straight away or are too young. It’s still fun to watch the eggs expand and then shrink.

Absorbing Water

How about exploring absorption using sugar cubes ? The fact that you can watch the water rise up the cube is brilliant and appeals to children of all ages.

A walking water investigation is another excellent way to learn about how water is absorbed by different materials.

Water Powered Rocket

Learn about air pressure with this very cool water-powered bottle rocket .

Filtering Water

Discover how to clean water with this easy filtering activity using paper towels or using sand and stones .

Another idea is to investigate how to clean up water after an oil spill .

Is it waterproof

Investigate which materials are waterproof by using them as a roof for a LEGO house and investigating whether they keep the floor dry.

Dissolving in Water

Predict and test which substances will dissolve in water .

Do you have any more water science experiment ideas for us?

More Science for Kids

Try my fun science tricks or easy Fairy Tale STEM challenges !

If you enjoyed these experiments, don’t forget to check out the rest of my 100s of other science experiments for kids , too!

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

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

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

Reader Interactions

August 10, 2013 at 1:42 am

I love, love, love the density science experiment. I couldn’t believe so as soon as I finished reading this, I tried it and it worked! Besides being proud of myself cause it was so awesome, it was cheap too, thank God for water glasses!

Thank you so much for sharing this. God bless!

January 24, 2017 at 9:31 am

Oh wow – such a lot of useful ideas for me to take to FS2 next week. Thank you!

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H2-Oh! Engaging Activities and Science Experiments with Water

Water is a fascinating and versatile substance that is essential to life on Earth. It can take on many forms and can be found in oceans, lakes, rivers, and even in the air we breathe. Water is also a great medium for conducting STEM activities, as it is easy to work with and can be found in most households.

In this article, we will explore a variety of fun and educational water-based STEM activities that you can do with your kids. From exploring the properties of water density to conducting experiments on water pressure, these activities will help your kids learn about the world around them and develop their critical thinking skills.

Whether you are looking for indoor or outdoor activities, there is something here for everyone. So grab a bucket, fill it with water, and get ready to have some fun!

Water Displacement

Ever drop ice cubes in a glass and had some of the water spill out?  Or wonder why the water level in the tub goes up when you get in?  That’s water displacement at work. We’re going to do a simple water experiment to demonstrate how this works.  

Water displacement is when an object is placed in water and pushes the water out of the way as it sinks (or floats.) The amount of water that is displaced, or pushed aside, is equal to the volume of the object. Ultimately, the water level rises relative to the mass of the object.

Water displacement helps us understand how much space different objects take up. It can also help us understand why some objects float and some objects sink. If an object has a volume that is smaller than the amount of water it displaces, it will float. If an object has a volume that is larger than the amount of water it displaces, it will sink.

Light Refraction in Water

Light refraction is an interesting scientific phenomenon and can help us understand how light travels through different materials. It can also help us see things in a different way, like when we look at an object through a jar of water and it appears to be in a different place than it really is. Cool, right?

What you’re observing is refraction, meaning the light is bending as it passes through the water. This affects the what we see. The light travels in a straight line through the air. Water is a different material than air, and the light travels more slowly through water. When the light hits the glass, it will bend and change direction as it passes through the water.

The amount of bending or refraction that occurs depends on the angle at which the light hits the surface of the water and the difference in the properties of the air and the water. When the light hits the surface of the water at a shallow angle, it will bend more than it will if it hits the surface at a steep angle. Similarly, the greater the difference in the properties of the air and the water, the more the light will bend as it passes through the water.

Frozen Science

We did this with plastic dinosaurs and made some frozen dinosaur eggs – check out our full post on dinosaur activities for more!

Water freezes because the molecules, or tiny particles, in water slow down when it gets cold. When the molecules in water slow down, they don’t move around as much, and they start to stick together. When the molecules stick together, they form a solid, which is called ice.

Water is a very special substance because it can change from a liquid to a solid (ice) and back again, which leads us to our next simple science experiment:

Melting Ice

What makes ice melt?  If you’ve frozen some object in ice, it’s time to thaw them out. Have kids predict how long it will take for the ice to melt in different conditions (such as room temperature versus outside in the sun or under a hair dryer.) Then, have them measure and record the melting times for condition.

Related Post: For more on the water cycle, check out our post on experiments with states of matter and see how water moves from a liquid to a gas or solid.

Sink or Float Experiment for Kids

Fill a bowl or large container with water and provide a variety of objects, such as balls, rocks, and blocks. Predict which objects will sink and which will float, then test their predictions by placing the objects in the water.

Related Post: Learn about surface tension in our floating paper clip experiment.

Water Density Experiment

To do the water density experiment, you will need the following materials:

Water Glass Xylophone

To create a xylophone using drinking glasses filled with water, you will need a set of glasses of different sizes and a mallet or spoon to strike them with. First, fill the glasses with different amounts of water.

Form more on this (and some other cool experiments) check out our post on science experiments with sound.

Water Pressure Experiment

Fill a small plastic bottle with water and have kids predict what will happen when they squeeze the bottle. Then, have them carefully squeeze the bottle and observe the results.  

Water Absorption

We’ll use some paper towel, a dish cloth, and a sponge to see how much water each material absorbs over a set period of time.  Encourage your kids to come up with their own hypotheses about what factors will affect the water absorption of different materials, and which ones will absorb the fastest and the most water.

What did you find?  For us, the time didn’t matter too much; everything was super saturated after a minute or so.  The dishrag picked up the most (to be fair, it was the largest), followed by the sponge, and lastly the paper towel.

Now, what will you grab the next time you need to clean up a spill?

Self Contained Water Cycle in a Bag

Color mixing with water.

Kids can learn about color science with this simple experiment.

Note: You may also want to have paper towels or a sponge on hand to clean up any spills.

DIY Lava Lamp

We made ours in an empty water bottle, and you can check it out in our post on fun projects using recycled water bottles.

DIY Water Filter

Cut a plastic bottle in half and fill the bottom half with layers of materials such as gravel, sand, and charcoal. Add a few drops of food coloring to a cup of water and pour it through the filter. Observe how the water changes color as it passes through the different layers.

Here are the steps to do the DIY water filter experiment:

Wrap Up – Simple Water Science Experiments for Kids

Howie Miller is as dedicated to fatherhood as he is to life long learning. Musician, Photographer, Educator, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Blogger, and founder of STEMtropolis, where you can share his adventures in STEM and STEAM with his family.

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37 Cool Science Experiments for Kids to Do at Home

General Education

Are you looking for cool science experiments for kids at home or for class? We've got you covered! We've compiled a list of 37 of the best science experiments for kids that cover areas of science ranging from outer space to dinosaurs to chemical reactions. By doing these easy science experiments, kids will make their own blubber and see how polar bears stay warm, make a rain cloud in a jar to observe how weather changes, create a potato battery that'll really power a lightbulb, and more.

Below are 37 of the best science projects for kids to try. For each one we include a description of the experiment, which area(s) of science it teaches kids about, how difficult it is (easy/medium/hard), how messy it is (low/medium/high), and the materials you need to do the project. Note that experiments labelled "hard" are definitely still doable; they just require more materials or time than most of these other science experiments for kids.

#1: Insect Hotels

• Teaches Kids About: Zoology
• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Messiness Level: Medium

Insect hotels can be as simple (just a few sticks wrapped in a bundle) or as elaborate as you'd like, and they're a great way for kids to get creative making the hotel and then get rewarded by seeing who has moved into the home they built. After creating a hotel with hiding places for bugs, place it outside (near a garden is often a good spot), wait a few days, then check it to see who has occupied the "rooms." You can also use a bug ID book or app to try and identify the visitors.

• Materials Needed
• Shadow box or other box with multiple compartments
• Hot glue gun with glue
• Sticks, bark, small rocks, dried leaves, bits of yarn/wool, etc.

#2: DIY Lava Lamp

• Teaches Kids About: Chemical reactions
• Difficulty Level: Easy

In this quick and fun science experiment, kids will mix water, oil, food coloring, and antacid tablets to create their own (temporary) lava lamp . Oil and water don't mix easily, and the antacid tablets will cause the oil to form little globules that are dyed by the food coloring. Just add the ingredients together and you'll end up with a homemade lava lamp!

• Vegetable oil
• Food coloring
• Antacid tablets

#3: Magnetic Slime

• Teaches Kids About: Magnets
• Messiness Level: High (The slime is black and will slightly dye your fingers when you play with it, but it washes off easily.)

A step up from silly putty and Play-Doh, magnetic slime is fun to play with but also teaches kids about magnets and how they attract and repel each other. Some of the ingredients you aren't likely to have around the house, but they can all be purchased online. After mixing the ingredients together, you can use the neodymium magnet (regular magnets won't be strong enough) to make the magnetic slime move without touching it!

• Liquid starch
• Adhesive glue
• Iron oxide powder
• Neodymium (rare earth) magnet

#4: Baking Soda Volcanoes

• Teaches Kids About: Chemical reactions, earth science
• Difficulty Level: Easy-medium
• Messiness Level: High

Baking soda volcanoes are one of the classic science projects for kids, and they're also one of the most popular. It's hard to top the excitement of a volcano erupting inside your home. This experiment can also be as simple or in-depth as you like. For the eruption, all you need is baking soda and vinegar (dishwashing detergent adds some extra power to the eruption), but you can make the "volcano" as elaborate and lifelike as you wish.

• Baking soda
• Dishwashing detergent
• Large mason jar or soda bottle
• Playdough or aluminum foil to make the "volcano"
• Additional items to place around the volcano (optional)
• Food coloring (optional)

#5: Tornado in a Jar

• Teaches Kids About: Weather
• Messiness Level: Low

This is one of the quick and easy and science experiments for kids to teach them about weather. It only takes about five minutes and a few materials to set up, but once you have it ready you and your kids can create your own miniature tornado whose vortex you can see and the strength of which you can change depending on how quickly you swirl the jar.

• Glitter (optional)

#6: Colored Celery Experiment

• Teaches Kids About: Plants

This celery science experiment is another classic science experiment that parents and teachers like because it's easy to do and gives kids a great visual understanding of how transpiration works and how plants get water and nutrients. Just place celery stalks in cups of colored water, wait at least a day, and you'll see the celery leaves take on the color of the water. This happens because celery stalks (like other plants) contain small capillaries that they use to transport water and nutrients throughout the plant.

• Celery stalks (can also use white flowers or pale-colored cabbage)

#7: Rain Cloud in a Jar

This experiment teaches kids about weather and lets them learn how clouds form by making their own rain cloud . This is definitely a science project that requires adult supervision since it uses boiling water as one of the ingredients, but once you pour the water into a glass jar, the experiment is fast and easy, and you'll be rewarded with a little cloud forming in the jar due to condensation.

• Glass jar with a lid
• Boiling water
• Aerosol hairspray

#8: Edible Rock Candy

• Teaches Kids About: Crystal formation

It takes about a week for the crystals of this rock candy experiment to form, but once they have you'll be able to eat the results! After creating a sugar solution, you'll fill jars with it and dangle strings in them that'll slowly become covered with the crystals. This experiment involves heating and pouring boiling water, so adult supervision is necessary, once that step is complete, even very young kids will be excited to watch crystals slowly form.

• Large saucepan
• Clothespins
• String or small skewers
• Candy flavoring (optional)

#9: Water Xylophone

• Teaches Kids About: Sound waves

With just some basic materials you can create your own musical instrument to teach kids about sound waves. In this water xylophone experiment , you'll fill glass jars with varying levels of water. Once they're all lined up, kids can hit the sides with wooden sticks and see how the itch differs depending on how much water is in the jar (more water=lower pitch, less water=higher pitch). This is because sound waves travel differently depending on how full the jars are with water.

• Wooden sticks/skewers

#10: Blood Model in a Jar

• Teaches Kids About: Human biology

This blood model experiment is a great way to get kids to visual what their blood looks like and how complicated it really is. Each ingredient represents a different component of blood (plasma, platelets, red blood cells, etc.), so you just add a certain amount of each to the jar, swirl it around a bit, and you have a model of what your blood looks like.

• Empty jar or bottle
• Red cinnamon candies
• Marshmallows or dry white lima beans
• White sprinkles

#11: Potato Battery

• Teaches Kids About: Electricity
• Difficulty Level: Hard

Did you know that a simple potato can produce enough energy to keep a light bulb lit for over a month? You can create a simple potato battery to show kids. There are kits that provide all the necessary materials and how to set it up, but if you don't purchase one of these it can be a bit trickier to gather everything you need and assemble it correctly. Once it's set though, you'll have your own farm grown battery!

• Fresh potato
• Galvanized nail
• Copper coin

#12: Homemade Pulley

• Teaches Kids About: Simple machines

This science activity requires some materials you may not already have, but once you've gotten them, the homemade pulley takes only a few minutes to set up, and you can leave the pulley up for your kids to play with all year round. This pulley is best set up outside, but can also be done indoors.

• Clothesline
• 2 clothesline pulleys

#13: Light Refraction

• Teaches Kids About: Light

This light refraction experiment takes only a few minutes to set up and uses basic materials, but it's a great way to show kids how light travels. You'll draw two arrows on a sticky note, stick it to the wall, then fill a clear water bottle with water. As you move the water bottle in front of the arrows, the arrows will appear to change the direction they're pointing. This is because of the refraction that occurs when light passes through materials like water and plastic.

• Sticky note
• Transparent water bottle

#14: Nature Journaling

• Teaches Kids About: Ecology, scientific observation

A nature journal is a great way to encourage kids to be creative and really pay attention to what's going on around them. All you need is a blank journal (you can buy one or make your own) along with something to write with. Then just go outside and encourage your children to write or draw what they notice. This could include descriptions of animals they see, tracings of leaves, a drawing of a beautiful flower, etc. Encourage your kids to ask questions about what they observe (Why do birds need to build nests? Why is this flower so brightly colored?) and explain to them that scientists collect research by doing exactly what they're doing now.

• Blank journal or notebook
• Pens/pencils/crayons/markers
• Tape or glue for adding items to the journal

#15: DIY Solar Oven

• Teaches Kids About: Solar energy

This homemade solar oven definitely requires some adult help to set up, but after it's ready you'll have your own mini oven that uses energy from the sun to make s'mores or melt cheese on pizza. While the food is cooking, you can explain to kids how the oven uses the sun's rays to heat the food.

• Aluminum foil
• Knife or box cutter
• Permanent marker
• Plastic cling wrap
• Black construction paper

#16: Animal Blubber Simulation

• Teaches Kids About: Ecology, zoology

If your kids are curious about how animals like polar bears and seals stay warm in polar climates, you can go beyond just explaining it to them; you can actually have them make some of their own blubber and test it out. After you've filled up a large bowl with ice water and let it sit for a few minutes to get really cold, have your kids dip a bare hand in and see how many seconds they can last before their hand gets too cold. Next, coat one of their fingers in shortening and repeat the experiment. Your child will notice that, with the shortening acting like a protective layer of blubber, they don't feel the cold water nearly as much.

• Bowl of ice water

#17: Static Electricity Butterfly

This experiment is a great way for young kids to learn about static electricity, and it's more fun and visual than just having them rub balloons against their heads. First you'll create a butterfly, using thick paper (such as cardstock) for the body and tissue paper for the wings. Then, blow up the balloon, have the kids rub it against their head for a few seconds, then move the balloon to just above the butterfly's wings. The wings will move towards the balloon due to static electricity, and it'll look like the butterfly is flying.

• Tissue paper
• Thick paper
• Glue stick/glue

#18: Edible Double Helix

• Teaches Kids About: Genetics

If your kids are learning about genetics, you can do this edible double helix craft to show them how DNA is formed, what its different parts are, and what it looks like. The licorice will form the sides or backbone of the DNA and each color of marshmallow will represent one of the four chemical bases. Kids will be able to see that only certain chemical bases pair with each other.

• 2 pieces of licorice
• 12 toothpicks
• Small marshmallows in 4 colors (9 of each color)
• 5 paperclips

#19: Leak-Proof Bag

• Teaches Kids About: Molecules, plastics

This is an easy experiment that'll appeal to kids of a variety of ages. Just take a zip-lock bag, fill it about ⅔ of the way with water, and close the top. Next, poke a few sharp objects (like bamboo skewers or sharp pencils) through one end and out the other. At this point you may want to dangle the bag above your child's head, but no need to worry about spills because the bag won't leak? Why not? It's because the plastic used to make zip-lock bags is made of polymers, or long chains of molecules that'll quickly join back together when they're forced apart.

• Zip-lock bags
• Objects with sharp ends (pencils, bamboo skewers, etc.)

#20: How Do Leaves Breathe?

• Teaches Kids About: Plant science

It takes a few hours to see the results of this leaf experiment , but it couldn't be easier to set up, and kids will love to see a leaf actually "breathing." Just get a large-ish leaf, place it in a bowl (glass works best so you can see everything) filled with water, place a small rock on the leaf to weigh it down, and leave it somewhere sunny. Come back in a few hours and you'll see little bubbles in the water created when the leaf releases the oxygen it created during photosynthesis.

• Large bowl (preferably glass)
• Magnifying glass (optional)

#21: Popsicle Stick Catapults

Kids will love shooting pom poms out of these homemade popsicle stick catapults . After assembling the catapults out of popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and plastic spoons, they're ready to launch pom poms or other lightweight objects. To teach kids about simple machines, you can ask them about how they think the catapults work, what they should do to make the pom poms go a farther/shorter distance, and how the catapult could be made more powerful.

• Popsicle sticks
• Rubber bands
• Plastic spoons
• Paint (optional)

#22: Elephant Toothpaste

You won't want to do this experiment near anything that's difficult to clean (outside may be best), but kids will love seeing this " elephant toothpaste " crazily overflowing the bottle and oozing everywhere. Pour the hydrogen peroxide, food coloring, and dishwashing soap into the bottle, and in the cup mix the yeast packet with some warm water for about 30 seconds. Then, add the yeast mixture to the bottle, stand back, and watch the solution become a massive foamy mixture that pours out of the bottle! The "toothpaste" is formed when the yeast removed the oxygen bubbles from the hydrogen peroxide which created foam. This is an exothermic reaction, and it creates heat as well as foam (you can have kids notice that the bottle became warm as the reaction occurred).

• Clean 16-oz soda bottle
• 6% solution of hydrogen peroxide
• 1 packet of dry yeast
• Dishwashing soap

#23: How Do Penguins Stay Dry?

Penguins, and many other birds, have special oil-producing glands that coat their feathers with a protective layer that causes water to slide right off them, keeping them warm and dry. You can demonstrate this to kids with this penguin craft by having them color a picture of a penguin with crayons, then spraying the picture with water. The wax from the crayons will have created a protective layer like the oil actual birds coat themselves with, and the paper won't absorb the water.

• Penguin image (included in link)
• Spray bottle
• Blue food coloring (optional)

#24: Rock Weathering Experiment

• Teaches Kids About: Geology

This mechanical weathering experiment teaches kids why and how rocks break down or erode. Take two pieces of clay, form them into balls, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Then, leave one out while placing the other in the freezer overnight. The next day, unwrap and compare them. You can repeat freezing the one piece of clay every night for several days to see how much more cracked and weathered it gets than the piece of clay that wasn't frozen. It may even begin to crumble. This weathering also happens to rocks when they are subjected to extreme temperatures, and it's one of the causes of erosion.

• Plastic wrap

#25: Saltwater Density

• Teaches Kids About: Water density

For this saltwater density experiment , you'll fill four clear glasses with water, then add salt to one glass, sugar to one glass, and baking soda to one glass, leaving one glass with just water. Then, float small plastic pieces or grapes in each of the glasses and observe whether they float or not. Saltwater is denser than freshwater, which means some objects may float in saltwater that would sink in freshwater. You can use this experiment to teach kids about the ocean and other bodies of saltwater, such as the Dead Sea, which is so salty people can easily float on top of it.

• Four clear glasses
• Lightweight plastic objects or small grapes

#26: Starburst Rock Cycle

With just a package of Starbursts and a few other materials, you can create models of each of the three rock types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Sedimentary "rocks" will be created by pressing thin layers of Starbursts together, metamorphic by heating and pressing Starbursts, and igneous by applying high levels of heat to the Starbursts. Kids will learn how different types of rocks are forms and how the three rock types look different from each other.

• Toaster oven

#27: Inertia Wagon Experiment

• Teaches Kids About: Inertia

This simple experiment teaches kids about inertia (as well as the importance of seatbelts!). Take a small wagon, fill it with a tall stack of books, then have one of your children pull it around then stop abruptly. They won't be able to suddenly stop the wagon without the stack of books falling. You can have the kids predict which direction they think the books will fall and explain that this happens because of inertia, or Newton's first law.

• Stack of books

#28: Dinosaur Tracks

• Teaches Kids About: Paleontology

How are some dinosaur tracks still visible millions of years later? By mixing together several ingredients, you'll get a claylike mixture you can press your hands/feet or dinosaur models into to make dinosaur track imprints . The mixture will harden and the imprints will remain, showing kids how dinosaur (and early human) tracks can stay in rock for such a long period of time.

• Used coffee grounds
• Wooden spoon
• Rolling pin

#29: Sidewalk Constellations

• Teaches Kids About: Astronomy

If you do this sidewalk constellation craft , you'll be able to see the Big Dipper and Orion's Belt in the daylight. On the sidewalk, have kids draw the lines of constellations (using constellation diagrams for guidance) and place stones where the stars are. You can then look at astronomy charts to see where the constellations they drew will be in the sky.

• Sidewalk chalk
• Small stones
• Diagrams of constellations

#30: Lung Model

By building a lung model , you can teach kids about respiration and how their lungs work. After cutting off the bottom of a plastic bottle, you'll stretch a balloon around the opened end and insert another balloon through the mouth of the bottle. You'll then push a straw through the neck of the bottle and secure it with a rubber band and play dough. By blowing into the straw, the balloons will inflate then deflate, similar to how our lungs work.

• Plastic bottle
• Rubber band

#31: Homemade Dinosaur Bones

By mixing just flour, salt, and water, you'll create a basic salt dough that'll harden when baked. You can use this dough to make homemade dinosaur bones and teach kids about paleontology. You can use books or diagrams to learn how different dinosaur bones were shaped, and you can even bury the bones in a sandpit or something similar and then excavate them the way real paleontologists do.

• Images of dinosaur bones

#32: Clay and Toothpick Molecules

There are many variations on homemade molecule science crafts . This one uses clay and toothpicks, although gumdrops or even small pieces of fruit like grapes can be used in place of clay. Roll the clay into balls and use molecule diagrams to attach the clay to toothpicks in the shape of the molecules. Kids can make numerous types of molecules and learn how atoms bond together to form molecules.

• Clay or gumdrops (in four colors)
• Diagrams of molecules

#33: Articulated Hand Model

By creating an articulated hand model , you can teach kids about bones, joints, and how our hands are able to move in many ways and accomplish so many different tasks. After creating a hand out of thin foam, kids will cut straws to represent the different bones in the hand and glue them to the fingers of the hand models. You'll then thread yarn (which represents tendons) through the straws, stabilize the model with a chopstick or other small stick, and end up with a hand model that moves and bends the way actual human hands do.

• Straws (paper work best)
• Twine or yarn

#34: Solar Energy Experiment

• Teaches Kids About: Solar energy, light rays

This solar energy science experiment will teach kids about solar energy and how different colors absorb different amounts of energy. In a sunny spot outside, place six colored pieces of paper next to each other, and place an ice cube in the middle of each paper. Then, observe how quickly each of the ice cubes melt. The ice cube on the black piece of paper will melt fastest since black absorbs the most light (all the light ray colors), while the ice cube on the white paper will melt slowest since white absorbs the least light (it instead reflects light). You can then explain why certain colors look the way they do. (Colors besides black and white absorb all light except for the one ray color they reflect; this is the color they appear to us.)

• 6 squares of differently colored paper/cardstock (must include black paper and white paper)

#35: How to Make Lightning

• Teaches Kids About: Electricity, weather

You don't need a storm to see lightning; you can actually create your own lightning at home . For younger kids this experiment requires adult help and supervision. You'll stick a thumbtack through the bottom of an aluminum tray, then stick the pencil eraser to the pushpin. You'll then rub the piece of wool over the aluminum tray, and then set the tray on the Styrofoam, where it'll create a small spark/tiny bolt of lightning!

• Pencil with eraser
• Aluminum tray or pie tin
• Styrofoam tray

#36: Tie-Dyed Milk

• Teaches Kids About: Surface tension

For this magic milk experiment , partly fill a shallow dish with milk, then add a one drop of each food coloring color to different parts of the milk. The food coloring will mostly stay where you placed it. Next, carefully add one drop of dish soap to the middle of the milk. It'll cause the food coloring to stream through the milk and away from the dish soap. This is because the dish soap breaks up the surface tension of the milk by dissolving the milk's fat molecules.

• Shallow dish
• Milk (high-fat works best)

#37: How Do Stalactites Form?

Have you ever gone into a cave and seen huge stalactites hanging from the top of the cave? Stalactites are formed by dripping water. The water is filled with particles which slowly accumulate and harden over the years, forming stalactites. You can recreate that process with this stalactite experiment . By mixing a baking soda solution, dipping a piece of wool yarn in the jar and running it to another jar, you'll be able to observe baking soda particles forming and hardening along the yarn, similar to how stalactites grow.

• Safety pins
• 2 glass jars

Summary: Cool Science Experiments for Kids

Any one of these simple science experiments for kids can get children learning and excited about science. You can choose a science experiment based on your child's specific interest or what they're currently learning about, or you can do an experiment on an entirely new topic to expand their learning and teach them about a new area of science. From easy science experiments for kids to the more challenging ones, these will all help kids have fun and learn more about science.

What's Next?

Are you also interested in pipe cleaner crafts for kids? We have a guide to some of the best pipe cleaner crafts to try!

Looking for multiple different slime recipes? We tell you how to make slimes without borax and without glue as well as how to craft the ultimate super slime .

Want to learn more about clouds? Learn how to identify every cloud in the sky with our guide to the 10 types of clouds .

Want to know the fastest and easiest ways to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius? We've got you covered! Check out our guide to the best ways to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit (or vice versa) .

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Science Experiments

35 Easy Science Experiments You Can Do Today!

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

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

Musical Jars Science Experiment 

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

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

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial ->  Musical Jars Science Experiment

Viscosity of Liquids Science Experiment

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

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

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial ->   Viscosity Science Experiment

Floating Egg Science Experiment

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

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

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial ->   Floating Egg Science Experiment

Paper Towel Dry Under Water Experiment

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

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

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

Mixing Oil & Water Science Experiment

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

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

Will it Float or Sink Science Experiment

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

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

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

Water Temperature Science Experiment

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

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

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Water Temperature Science Experiment

Balloon Blow-up Science Experiment

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

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

Floating Ping Pong Ball Science Experiment

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

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

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

Hair Stand on End Science Experiment

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

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

Oil Bubbles in Water Science Experiment

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

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

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

Color Changing Water Science Experiment

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

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

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

Magnetic Paper Clip Chain Science Experiment

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

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

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

Is it Magnetic Science Experiment

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

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

Cloud in a Jar Experiment

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

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

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

Magic Milk Science Experiment

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

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

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial ->  Magic Milk Science Experiment

Walking Water Science Experiment

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

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

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Walking Water Science Experiment

Light Refraction Science Experiment

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

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

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Light Refraction Science Experiment

Dancing Raisins Experiment

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

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

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Dancing Raisins Science Experiment

See Sound Experiment

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

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> See Sound Science Experiment

Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment

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

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

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment

Upside Down Glass of Water Science Experiment

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

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

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

Pick up Ball with a Jar Science Experiment

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

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

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

Will It Melt Science Experiment

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

Pepper Move Science Experiment

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

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

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial ->  Pepper Move Science Experiment

Crush a Plastic Bottle Science Experiment

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

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

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

Egg in Vinegar Science Experiment

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

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

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

Straw Through a Potato Science Experiment

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

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

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

Rainbow in a Jar Science Experiment

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

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

Tornado in a Bottle Science Experiment

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

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

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

Why Doesn’t the Water Leak Science Experiment

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

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

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

Use a Bottle to Blow-up a Balloon Experiment

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

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

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

Orange Float Science Experiment

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

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

Detailed Instructions & Video Tutorial -> Orange Float Science Experiment

Pick up Ice with String Science Experiment

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

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

Color Changing Walking Water Experiment

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

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

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

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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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10+ Clever Science Experiments with Water To Try Right Now

Get your kinds interested in science with ten science experiments with water that you can try right now. They are easy to do and kids go crazy for them!

Science experiments with water are perfect for some scientific STEM learning!

Kids love getting wet and water is fascinating to them.

These simple science experiments will hold their attention and give you all something interesting to do on hot summer days.

This post may contain affiliate links which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you , if you make a purchase through a link. All opinions are our own and we share things we think would be of interest to boys.

Science Experiments with Water!

Here are ten awesome, and easy, science experiments for you and your kids to do with water. You can give them all a try as I selected different ideas and ways of learning.

They are engaging and memorable.

Do the experiments but, by all means, let them actually enjoy the experience and play! That is how science learning happens.

One: This easy water science post offers several science experiments with water that are all done with everyday household objects (love that!) Includes: sink and float , see if you can float an egg , bubble of air in a cup etc.

Two: Experimenting with water displacement is a classic. Everyone likes it and you can use all types of things to play around with this concept. Take a look at what they did but be sure to provide a lot of different containers and a lot of items to put into them for even more fun.

Three. Run a trickle of water, take one balloon, create some static electricity and see what happens to the water stream . If you are looking for a simple water experiment, this is the one for you.

Four. You have to do this if you have never done it before!  If you have done it before – do it again.  This is a seriously cool water science experiment that kids never get tired of and it is sooo easy . Be sure to plan on getting wet and by that I mean go ahead and try the experiment and then have a lot of fun with that hole-filled bag.

Five. The walking water experiment is easy to do. Kids really love this one because if it very colorful and visual !

Six. Younger scientists will enjoy making a rain cloud in a jar , try this version for easy directions and a good explanation of what is happening.

Seven. Have you heard of water stratification? This is an experiment you can do with water and skittles . Yummy and fun 🙂

Eight. Be sure to take a close look at their neat water setup . I really like to give kids a place to work so if you can do something similar to this, go for it. Included here are a couple of experiments that they did. One includes combining floating and sinking items to see what happens and another has to do with measuring the amount of water objects will hold.

Nine. Try an experiment that will help you learn how a hydro-electric plant works! Cool, right?! You only need simple supplies so don’t worry. Go here to check it out .

Ten. This physics water experiment with pvc pipe is great. I mean GREAT! It has open-ended elements which is why I like it so much. Take some pvc pipe, connectors, and water. Add in curiosity and you have a wonderful project. Be sure to try this one . It is fun for kids of all ages.

These experiments ought to keep everyone busy learning.  Parents, don’t forget to follow the how to have fun with science experiments “rules” for maximum enjoyment!

Hey! Take a moment and check these out while you’re here:

Backyard Water Play Ideas!

Fabulous Ice Science Projects You Have to Try

LEGO Learning: Awesome LEGO Science Projects!

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Water Evaporation Experiment

Let’s conduct a simple science experiment to demonstrate how evaporation works. This activity is perfect for elementary-aged kids and helps them observe and measure the effects of various conditions on water evaporation .

Evaporation (a liquid changes to a gas) is a fascinating process we experience daily, from puddles drying up after a rainstorm to clothes drying on a line. Understanding how different factors like temperature, airflow, and surface area affect the evaporation rate is a fantastic Earth Science related experiment for kids.

💡 Explore the water cycle [here] .

Watch the Video:

• 5 containers of equal size and shape
• Thermometer
• Measuring tools (ruler, measuring cup)
• Notebook and pen for recording results

💡 Make sure to grab the free printable instructions for this experiment, along with the journal sheets below!

Instructions:

STEP 1: Fill 5 containers with the same amount of water. Once filled, use a ruler to measure the water level in each container and record it in your notebook.

STEP 2: Place the containers in different environments to observe how various factors affect water evaporation:

• Container 1: Place in a warm environment (eg. outside in the sun).
• Container 2: Place in a cool environment (eg. inside a refrigerator).
• Container 3: Place in a controlled room temperature environment.
• Container 4: Place in an area with increased airflow (eg. near a fan).
• Container 5: Increase the surface area of the water by pouring it into a shallow dish.

💡 Younger Grade Levels: Keep it simple by choosing one condition to experiment with, such as in the shade versus in the sun.

STEP 3: Observe the containers over a set period (eg. three days), and record the water level at regular intervals (eg. morning and evening each day). Use a ruler each time to measure the amount of water in each container and record your findings in a chart.

STEP 4: After completing the observations, compare the water levels across different containers. Which container had the most water evaporated? Which had the least?

💡 Discuss how temperature, airflow, and surface area influenced the evaporation rate.

Extension Activities:

• Graphing the Results: Have students create a graph to compare the evaporation rates under different conditions visually.
• Further Investigation: Encourage students to change variables like the type of liquid (e.g., saltwater vs. freshwater) or container size and see how these changes affect evaporation.
• Weather Connections: Discuss how evaporation plays a role in the water cycle and weather patterns, such as how puddles dry up or how sweat cools the body.

💡 Learn how to incorporate the scientific method into these extension activities.

How Does Evaporation Work?

Evaporation is the process by which a liquid changes to a gas. Various factors, such as temperature, airflow, humidity, and surface area, can influence the evaporation rate of water.

Higher temperatures increase the energy for water molecules to escape into the air, leading to faster evaporation.

Increased airflow can also speed up evaporation by moving moist air away from the surface, allowing more water to evaporate. A larger surface area allows more water molecules to escape, increasing the evaporation rate.

Free Printable Water Experiment Instructions [here] .

This experiment is ideal for kids in grades 3-6. It allows them to practice measuring, recording data, and drawing conclusions based on their observations.

More Fun Science Experiments To Try

Explore states of matter , phase changes and the water cycle with these activities below…

• Water Cycle In A Bag
• Separating Mixtures
• What Makes Ice Melt Faster?
• Solid, Liquid, Gas Experiment
• Freezing Water Experiment
• Frost on a Can Experiment (Condensation)
• Water Cycle In A Bottle

Helpful Science Resources

Here are a few resources to 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
• All About Scientists
• Free Science Worksheets
• DIY Science Kits
• Science Tools for Kids
• Scientific Method for Kids
• 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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6 Fun Science Experiments with Water

Doing science experiments with water is a great way to keep the kids learning and engaged in the warm weather . It’s also a safe and inexpensive way to explore the discipline. Introduce your little ones to some popular STEM activities with the list below!

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6 Cool Water Science Experiments for Kids

You don’t need to spend lots of money on science supplies; simply turn on the faucet instead! Water is an easy and available way to explore chemistry, color, tension, and more! Read on below for more information on these six awesome science activities.

1. Rainbow in a Jar

This water density experiment only calls for a few kitchen items. It’s also a great way to introduce the kids to concepts like color mixing and liquid density. You’ll need the following materials to get started: water glasses, a mason jar, a measuring cup, a measuring teaspoon, food coloring, a baster, sugar, and warm water.

Step 1: Put out all six glasses. Pour one cup of water into each.

Step 2: Add a few drops of food coloring into each glass. We suggest using red, yellow, blue and green. Ask the kids to help you mix it in!

Step 3: Use your measuring teaspoon to administer different amounts of sugar to each glass. Record the amount you add to each.

Step 4: Stir until the sugar has dissolved.

Step 5: Use your baster to transfer the different colors of water into a jar. Begin by squeezing the device and putting it into the cup with red water. Release a little of the pressure to suck up some of the liquid. Keeping it pressed, and transfer it to your next cup. Release a little more pressure to suck up some of the liquid. Repeat this step for all remaining glasses. Make sure to leave enough pressure in the baster to get through all six colors.

Step 6: Watch in awe as different colors settle into different areas of the jar. Use this as an opportunity to discuss water density. Explain to the kids that the more sugar each color contains, the higher density of the mixture.

2. Coffee Filter Flowers

Next up on our list of water science activities are coffee filter flowers . This experiment requires just a few household supplies. It’s easy to set up and only takes around 15-30 minutes to complete. You’ll need the following materials to get started: coffee filters, washable markers, a water spray bottle, pipe cleaners, a pair of scissors, and a large plastic bag.

Step 1: Distribute a coffee filter to each of the kids and ask them to flatten it out over a large, flat surface.

Step 2: Have them decorate their coffee filters using washable markers. They can create designs, doodles, or anything else that comes to mind.

Step 3: Place the coffee filters on a bag and spray with water. Watch as the colors blend and swirl!

Step 4: Let the coffee filters dry for a bit. Then, fold them back up and round the corners. Pull them together as you would a bouquet and wrap a pipe cleaner around the center. You can either cut the remaining pipe cleaner or leave it in place for a stem.

3. Do Not Open Bottle

This science experiment is a great way to introduce the kids to the concepts of pressure and force. It requires a few grown-up maneuvers, so make sure there’s a parent around to do the heavy lifting. You’ll need the following materials to get started: plastic bottles, an ice pick, and water from the faucet.

Step 1: Have an adult punch a hole in the side of the bottle using an ice pick.

Step 2: Cover the hole with your finger and fill the bottle using water from the faucet.

Step 3: Screw the cap back on and remove your finger. You might be surprised to see that no water pours out. Though, if you try picking the bottle up, you’ll soon figure out that the water will come gushing through the hole.

Step 4: Leave the bottle untouched on the counter and wait for an unlucky family member to fall for this trick!

The water doesn’t pour out of the bottle when the cap is on because the air pressure in the bottle is equal to the pressure outside. In other words, nothing is forcing the water out of the bottle. Of course, that all changes when someone reaches to pick the bottle up. The force of their hand will cause the water to squirt all over the place!

4. Pepper and Surface Tension

This next water experiment is a fun way to introduce the Marangoni Effect , or when an object in an area of low surface tension moves to a place with higher surface tension. You’ll need the following materials to get started: white pepper, water, detergent, and one paper plate.

Step 1: Pour some water into your paper plate. Remember, it’s shallow, so don’t go too fast.

Step 2: Sprinkle white pepper over the water’s surface.

Step 3: Add a drop of detergent to the center of the plate and watch the pepper spread towards the edge. This happens because detergent molecules reduce the water surface tension in the center of the plate. Meanwhile, the higher tension at the edge of the plate pulls the pepper away from the center. It’s a great example of the Marangoni effect in action!

5. Grow a Rainbow

Next on our list of water science experiments for kids is the opportunity to grow your own rainbow. This is a fun learning experience the kids can enjoy when out of school. You’ll need the following materials to get started: paper towels, scissors, washable markers, and two glasses of water. 

Step 1: Place two glasses of water side by side on a flat surface. 

Step 2: Cut your paper towel so that the edges will fit neatly inside your water glass. Use your washable markers to create a rainbow grid on both ends of the paper towel. 

Step 3: Place each end of the paper towel into your two water glasses. Make sure it stays close to the surface. 

Step 4: Watch as the color leaks into the water! 

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Great Wolf Lodge (@greatwolflodge)

6. DIY Lava Lamp

Step 1: Fill the bottle about a third of the way full with water.

Step 2: Fill the rest of the bottle with oil.

Step 3: Add food coloring. You’ll notice that the color falls right through the oil and mixes with the water. That’s because food coloring is denser than oil.

Step 4: Break up the fizzy water tablet and add it to the top of the bottle. This will release carbon dioxide into your mixture, creating little bubbles that temporarily swirl the colored water throughout the oil, similar to what you see in a lava lamp!

More Science Activities With Water From Great Wolf Lodge

We hope you enjoyed these water science experiments. Be sure to explore the rest of our blog for more fun projects to do at home. We’ve got plenty of science activities to share. We also deliver new crafts, recipes, and trivia each week for our readers to enjoy. Feel free to share these resources with family or friends!

You can also visit us at the lodge. Each stay includes water park passes, lodge entertainment, and at-home comfort. Our indoor water park resorts offer family-friendly fun all across the country. From splashing to relaxing, there are slides and rides for every age and ability.

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