elementary school science experiment ideas

Discover the Joy of Science: 16 Experiments Perfect for Elementary Students

WOW! The 5th graders at Northridge Elementary School participated in our lesson NEWTON’S 2nd LAW OF MOTION. Their experiments helped them understand force, mass, and acceleration. https://t.co/IRMc0iv6RJ pic.twitter.com/a93gleNPnL — WPAFB EO Office (@wpafbeo) March 2, 2022

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45 Science Activities For Elementary Students: Challenges And Experiments For Every Season

November 5, 2023 //  by  Christina Cunningham

Each season brings along new themes to explore in our elementary classrooms. In schools around the country, fall brings on studies of pumpkins and leaves, and winter sparks interest in snow and ice. Spring weather invites explorations of puddles and mud, and summer’s heat naturally causes students to ask, “How can we cool off?” Our elementary science experiments can help students explore their natural curiosities. Check out this list of science activities for ideas that span the entire school year!

1. Growing Pumpkin Seeds in a Pumpkin

This experiment begins with the sensory-rich experience of cutting and scooping out goopy pumpkin “guts.” Take this classic experiment a step further by replanting the seeds right inside the pumpkin! Students can track their growth in journals to practice the basic science skills of recording and representing data.

Learn More: Pre-K Pages

2. Pumpkin Decomposition

Opposite to the last experiment, this activity teaches about the end of a pumpkin’s life cycle: decomposition. Make sure you keep the lid on this one-it could get smelly! Pair this experiment with a book like Pumpkin Jack to integrate literacy as well!

Learn More: Kelly’s Classroom Online

3. Frozen Fizzy Spiders

Your students will explore basic chemical reactions with this frozen baking soda and vinegar activity. Hatchling spiders will emerge from their egg sacks in this fizzy science experiment! It is perfect for a theme about creepy critters around Halloween. The best part is that it only takes these few basic household supplies!

4. Dissecting Owl Pellets

A dissection experiment that you can do outside of a science lab! Owl pellets can be purchased on Amazon, and older learners can focus on fine motor skills as they search for clues to an owl’s diet hidden inside their pellets! This activity works great during a nocturnal animal theme.

Learn More: Gift of Curiosity

5. Leaf Chromatography for Kids

As leaves first begin their autumnal changes and fall to the ground, children are captivated by their colors! This chromatography (or color separation) experiment helps students isolate the specific hues in the leaves they gather. You just need a few basic supplies: paper towels, rubbing alcohol, and some kitchen items.

Learn More: A Little Pinch of Perfect

6. Escaping Animals

This fun sensory experiment doubles as an exploration of the states of matter! Your students can test their hypotheses of what will cause ice to melt, all while saving polar animals from their icy trap! Try this one several times with different add-ins, like salt, watercolor paints, and “ice picks.”

Learn More: Views from a Stepstool

7. Colorful Ice Melt

You’ll have to gather some food coloring for the kitchen for this colorful experiment! Take the traditional salt-and-ice experiment a step further by adding in art concepts! The bright colors will highlight the exact ways that the ice is melting-leaving rivulets, holes, etc. in its wake.

Learn More: Artful Parent

8. “Ice” Crystal Names

Merge science and literacy with this crystal experiment! Challenge your class’s ability to follow directions as they make the borax solution from simple ingredients. Then, your students will be mesmerized as they watch crystals grow around their pipe cleaner letters! Display your results as part of your winter classroom decorations!

Learn More: Playdough to Plato

9. Snowball Catapults

Early physical science and engineering skills emerge from this STEM activity ! Challenge kids to use their problem-solving skills to develop a popsicle stick and rubber band catapult, then test them out with a friendly snowball fight!

Learn More: Mombrite

10. Melting Snowman Experiment

During your ice and snow-themed weeks, encourage children to make predictions and represent data as they watch a snowman melt! This is a perfect opportunity to complete some science journaling as you track changes over time and have students draw what they see at certain intervals.

Learn More: Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas

11. Growing Grass Heads

12. disappearing egg shell.

As you begin a study of oviparous (egg-laying) animals in the springtime, students can learn all about the protective shells that keep baby animals safe! As students watch an eggshell dissolve over the course of several days, you can encourage them to make observations, develop theories, and ask further questions.

Learn More: Premeditated Leftovers

13. Dissect a Flower

All teachers of little ones know that children love the process of deconstructing objects! They will have ample opportunity to do so in this “flower dissection,” where they will get to closely observe the parts of a plant. This activity prompts students to sort and classify.

Learn More: Science Sparks

14. Pollination

During a spring insect study, students can participate in this experiment to learn more about the ways that pollinators’ physical traits help plants grow! This is another experiment that encourages students to use the steps of the scientific method as they use loose parts to create the most effective pollinator.

Learn More: The First Grade Round Up

15. Wind Strength

During studies on the weather, students often participate in experiments that help them “see” the wind. Allow students to take this one step further by testing the force of the “wind” required to move differently weighing objects. A perfect experiment for developing and testing hypotheses, as well as using comparative language!

Learn More: Preschool Toolkit

16. Moon Craters

As summertime’s meteor showers begin, many schools take the opportunity to study outer space! Curiosity about our nearest planetary body, the moon, leads to inquiries about its appearance. Teach students about how the moon got its craters with simple materials: a cake pan, flour, and marbles!

17. What Melts in the Sun?

This is a simple science experiment for those long summer days spent outside! It’s also easy to set up with anything you might have on hand. Let students test their theories, experiment with the lengths of time they leave objects in the sun, and follow up with a delicious popsicle treat!

Learn More: Frugal Fun for Boys

18. Sunscreen Paintings

Teach students the importance of SPF by painting dark paper with sunscreen! After leaving their paintings sitting out in the sun, students will notice the difference between the paper protected by lotion and the parts left untouched. Try it again on a cloudy day and compare the two paintings!

Learn More: Kaplan Company

19. Solar Oven S’mores

Work together to harness solar power in a DIY solar oven made from recycled materials! Bring in math skills by encouraging students to measure the temperature inside the oven and experiment with cook times to make the perfect s’more! Celebrate students’ hard work by enjoying these sweet treats afterward!

Learn More: NASA-Climate Kids

20. Oil and Water

Explore the concept of density during water play by adding oil and food coloring! Challenge students to record what they observe, experiment with the basics of color mixing, or find a way to mix the two substances. This experiment is a perfect outdoor activity for preschoolers!

Learn More: STEAM-Powered Family

21. Air Compression Cloud

This is a very simple experiment that only requires one disposable plastic water bottle. Make sure it’s clean, empty, and dry. Close the cap and twist the bottle very tightly- forcing the air molecules together. As the cap is opened there will be a pressure release. The expansion of the compressed molecules will create a cloud.

Learn More:  Raising Da Vinci

22. Balloon Magic

Take a clean and dry bottle. Add some baking soda and vinegar to it. Immediately cover the mouth with a balloon. When the two liquids react, a harmless gas will be formed. This gas will not be able to escape the bottle because of the balloon and will inflate it instead.

Learn More:  Simple Play Ideas

23. Bending Water

Blow a balloon. Now add some static charge to it by rubbing it over your hair or your shirt. Place the charged balloon close to the running water. The stream of water will bend because of the electric charge, leading to a fun activity.

Learn More:  STEM Newcastle

24. Bouncing Ball Experiment

Take equal parts of warm water and borax and mix well. In another cup, take equal parts of glue and cornstarch and add a little food color to it. Combine both mixtures and knead them into a ball. Now watch the mixture bounce before your eyes!

Learn More:  The STEM Laboratory

25. Bouncy Egg

Take an egg and cover it in vinegar. Let it sit for 24 hours. After 24 hours have passed, remove the egg and rub off the shell. That’s it! Now you have a bouncy egg. You can add cool effects by shining a light under it to make it appear even more mesmerizing.

Learn More:  Cool Science Experiments

26. Color-Changing Flowers

Take 2-3 cups of water and add a different color dye into each. Place one white carnation flower with the stem in each cup. Observe the change in color as the plants “drink” the water. Explain that this is how they absorb vital nutrients and food from the soil.

Learn More:  Mott Children

27. Dancing Raisins

Pour any clear carbonated beverage into a glass and add raisins to it. The escaping gas will make the raisins move up and down in the liquid, making them “dance.” Kids will learn about gas evaporation in this fun science activity.

Learn More:  Buggy And Buddy

28. Elephant Toothpaste

Take ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide in a bottle and add 10 drops of food color to it. Now add 1 tablespoon of dish soap and mix the solution thoroughly. Set aside. Combine water and yeast in another glass and let it sit for 30 seconds. Now transfer the solution from the glass into the bottle and watch it explode.

29. Exploding Pumpkin

This is one of the easiest STEM activities you can do with your kids. Carve the inside of a small pumpkin and draw a horror face on the outside with a permanent marker. Take ¼ cup vinegar and add two drops of coloring agent to it. Mix and pour the liquid inside the pumpkin. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda, stand back, and watch colored foam spray out of the pumpkin head.

Learn More: Our Family Code

30. Fire Snake

Looking for a STEM activity that your kids will remember for a long time? Try the fire snake! Mix baking soda and sugar in 1:4 proportion. In another container, take some sand and add some type of fuel to it. Place the baking soda and sugar mixture on it and light the fuel. Now have fun observing the black snake this concoction makes.

Learn More: Wonder How To

31. Green Money

Place a kitchen towel on a plate and place pennies on top of it. Pour vinegar over the coins and observe the color change for the next few hours and days. The coins will turn green as they are made of copper. On exposure to oxygen, this copper will turn into copper oxide.

Learn More:  WLTX

32. Invisible Ink

Mix equal parts of baking soda and water. Use this solution as ink and write on paper. Paint the paper with grape juice to reveal the message. It is one of the more fun activities for kids where they learn and play at the same time. Leave them a secret message using this technique.

Learn More:  Children’s Museum

33. Surface Tension Challenge

Take a coin and place it on any flat surface, like a table. Now gradually add drops of water to it using a syringe or dropper. You will soon notice a dome of water forming on top of the coin. This happens because of the surface tension of the water molecules.

Learn More:  Scientific American

34. Jelly Bean

This Jelly Bean science experiment is one of those STEM activities that most kids love. Just arrange the jelly beans in a circle on a plate. Now add warm water slowly so that you do not disturb the arrangement of the beans. As the water comes into contact with the beans it will dissolve the dyed sugar coat on the jelly beans- forming a beautiful rainbow.

Learn More:  Super Teacher Worksheets

35. Lava Lamp

Take a glass of water and add any dye to it. Now take a jar and add a cup of oil to it. Pour the colored water into the jar and add a fizzing tablet. The tablet will create carbon dioxide and form supercool bubbles which will move up and down in the jar.

Learn More: TheDadLab

36. Melting Ice And Salt

Take a glass of water and add ice cubes to it. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of salt and lay a string over the ice cubes. The salt will melt the water on the ice and as the water refreezes, the string will get trapped in the ice. So, when you pull out the string, the ice cubes will appear like a necklace on it.

Learn More:  Little Passports

37. Magic Milk

Pour some milk into a flat dish. Add a few drops of different dyes or colors to it. Now take a cotton swab covered in soap and dip it in the middle of the colors. The reaction between the fat and protein in the mixture will make the colors “dance”.

Learn More: Steve Spangler Science

38. Rainbow Paper

Add a drop of clear nail polish to a bowl of water and dip black construction paper into it. Let it dry. Now take it out and tilt it at an angle under light to observe the rainbow patterns.

Learn More: Curiodyssey

39. Spiral Paper

Take a sheet of paper and cut it into a spiral. Attach the paper to a string and hang it. Place a lamp below the spiral and watch the spiral go round and round. This happens because the air around the lamp gets heated. As hot air is less dense than cold air, it moves upwards, pushing the spiral and making it dance.

Learn More: Fizzics Education

40. Tea Bag Ghost

You can make ghosts out of a tea bag. This cool experiment involves drawing a cute ghost on your tea bag, balancing it upright, and lighting the top; that’s it. Now watch the “ghost” fly away!

Learn More:  Netflix Jr.

41. Magic Jumping Coin

Lower the temperature of a coin and glass bottle by placing them in cold water. Place the coin on top of the bottle and wrap your hands around it. The heat in your hand will warm up the glass bottle. It will then warm up the air molecules inside the bottle. This will cause the coin to jump up.

Learn More: What Do We Do All Day

42. Unpoppable Balloon

One of the most fascinating and simple science activities is the unpoppable balloon experiment. All you need is an inflated balloon, a skewer, and dish soap. Dip the skewer into the dish soap and pierce the balloon carefully with it. The skewer will not pop the balloon.

Learn More: Sick Science!

43. Walking Water

Take 7 empty jars and add different colored water in all the odd-numbered ones. Keep the even-numbered jars empty. Roll a sheet of paper towel and bend it in the middle. Place one end in a water-filled glass and another in an empty one. Stare at the experimental setup and observe water “walking” from the water-filled cups to the empty ones. The mixing of the colors will also develop new hues in the even glasses.

Learn More:  The Best Ideas For Kids

44. Watch the Water Rise

Fix a lit candle on a plate. Pour water onto the plate. Add color to the water with a dye to improve visibility. Lower an upside-down glass over the candle to completely cover it. As the flame burns out, the water will rise in the glass.

Learn More:  Frugal Fun 4 Boys

45. Why Do Leaves Change Color?

In this simple experiment, kids will learn that there are many pigments present in leaves, but since chlorophyll is the most dominant, it imparts a green color. Take a leaf and break it into pieces. Place it in a jar containing alcohol. This will transfer all the pigments to the solution. Dip one edge of a coffee filter into the solution and observe the separation of colors as the liquid rises on the strip.

Learn More: How Wee Learn

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Elementary School Science Project Ideas

Elementary school science projects are fun and educational, but coming up with a great idea can be challenging. If the project is for a science fair, there’s competition to win. But, the focus of the project should be on engaging a child in science and raising interest in how the world works.

Elementary Science Project Basics

At the elementary or grade school level, parents and teachers provide guidance, but children should perform the actual project. The first step is finding an idea. Hold a brainstorming session to explore ideas. It’s tempting to have a child do a demonstration or make a poster or model. These projects are fine if they provide an opportunity to introduce the scientific method. If possible, do a project that asks and answers a question or solves a problem. If you are doing a demo or making a model, explain that part of science is using a procedure that yields reproducible results. If you’re following a video or written tutorial, have the student predict the outcome (describe the goal of the project) and then evaluate whether the result met expectations. Discuss the importance of following directions, making notes, and following safety precautions.

Documentation is important, too. Discuss the meaning of data and the forms it can take. Take pictures, draw diagrams, record progress, and so on.

How Much Time?

Time is an important factor for science projects at all educational levels. It’s particularly critical at the grade school level because adult assistance is needed. Also, there a risk a child might lose interest in a long project. Determine how much time you have and plan accordingly. It’s better to have a good short project than a poorly executed long project!

Hour and Weekend Projects

Here are ideas for projects that take an hour to a weekend. Before starting the project, make sure the student asks a question to answer or describes the goal of the project. When the project is complete, have the child decide whether the question was answered or the goal was met. Gather all materials before starting work. Document steps and record conclusions. Most of all, have fun!

• Test a recipe to see if it is accurate and reproducible. For example, bake a boxed cake mix according to the directions. Did the cake turn out as planned? Was the recommended time correct? Have the child describe factors that might affect whether or not a recipe works.
• Make colored bubbles . Predict whether or not you can color bubbles using food coloring. Can your child propose possible explanations for the results? What are the differences between regular bubbles and colored bubbles?
• Predict which objects glow under a black light and then test them.
• Test methods to prevent crying when cutting an onion. Does cutting it under water or chilling it help? (There’s a knife here, so adults get to do the cutting.)
• Make a baking soda and vinegar volcano . Is there a best ratio between baking soda and vinegar to get the reaction? Does the type of detergent you use affect how much lava is produced? What happens if you leave out the detergent?
• Are insects attracted to light or heat? Which insects avoid light? Does the color of light make a difference? Why might some insects benefit from approaching or avoiding light or heat?
• Does the color of a candle influence how long it burns?
• Does the shape of an ice cube affect how quickly it melts?
• Do different brands of popcorn leave different amounts of unpopped kernels?
• Does laundry detergent still work if you use less than the recommended amount? How much less can you use?
• Do a research project. Which apps do students use the most to help them learn science? How many hours a day do students spend online? What is the range of times students get up in the morning to get to school? See if you can draw any conclusions from your findings.
• How do differences in surfaces affect the adhesion of tape? How do different brands of tape compare to each other? Does temperature matter? What are ways to test tape?
• Can you use a household water filter to remove flavor or color from other liquids?
• Do all brands of paper towels pick up the same amount of liquid? Compare single sheet of different brands. Be sure to use a teaspoon to measure incremental additions of liquid and record the number accurately. Continue to add liquid until the sheet until it is saturated, let any excess liquid drip off, and then squeeze the liquid from the wet paper towel into a measuring cup.
• Does the power of a microwave affect how well it makes popcorn?
• Do all brands of diapers absorb the same amount of liquid? Does it matter what the liquid is (water as opposed to juice or milk)?
• Are permanent markers really permanent? What solvents (e.g., water, alcohol, vinegar, detergent solution) will remove the ink? Do different brands/types of markers produce the same results?

Week-Long Projects

Sometimes you can’t expect results immediately or overnight. If you select a week-long project, make sure your child has enough time to complete it and draw conclusions. It’s better to over-estimate the time a project takes than to run out of time. A good rule of thumb is to set aside at least twice the expected time. If something goes wrong, there’s time to start again or even pursue a different idea. Here are ideas for elementary school science projects that take about a week:

• Does light affect how quickly food spoils?
• What conditions affect food ripening? (Tip: You can examine the effect of temperature, light, or closeness to other pieces of fruit. Apples and bananas contain ethylene, which is a plant hormone that speeds ripening. Other fruits and vegetables may be affected by it, especially sealed in a bag together.)
• Do all types of bread grow the same mold.
• How much household trash is recycled? How much more could be recycled? Compare amounts by placing each type of garbage in bags. Either count the number of bags or else weigh them to get numbers.
• Does temperature affect how quickly crystals grow , how large they get, or their shape? Compare crystal growth a room temperature, in the refrigerator, and in a hot water or ice bath. Good crystals to test include borax crystals and Epsom salt crystals.

Longer Projects

Some science projects are quick, but others take more time. Projects involving plants or animals often take longer than a week to complete. Here are some ideas:

• Do before/after tests. Try something for one week and something else for the second week and compare the results. Consider the effect of getting up 15 minutes earlier or changing some part of the family’s routine. What effect did the change have?
• Does the size of seed affect how quickly it germinates, how large the plant is, or germination rate? This project can be achieved using internet research, if getting and growing seeds isn’t possible.
• What affect do pollutants in water have on plant growth or health? You could compare plants watered normally with those watered from street run-off, dishwashing water, or bath water.
• Does magnetism affect plants?
• What type of reward works best for training a pet? Why do you think that is?

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40+ Easy Science Experiments For Students: Lots Of Great Ideas

Categories Activities & Ideas

Science is one of the most intriguing subjects to learn in school. It’s so varied and it can be a lot of fun for kids – especially when it comes to conducting science experiments. However, science experiments do not always have to be about beakers and bunsen burners. There are several ways that students can conduct easy science experiments, and it does not require a lot of resources or money to do so.

But what exactly are the options?

Well, if you are a teacher or a parent looking for easy science experiments for students, then we’ve got you covered. Our comprehensive list below shows you plenty of options that they can take part in.

So, if you’re ready to find out a lot more – then read on for lots of ideas!

Easy Science Experiments For Students! 

Without any further delays, let’s dive right into this list of some easy science experiments for students. We’re sure that your young minds will love some of these!

1. Dancing Pepper

Perhaps one of the most intriguing and fun experiments is the dancing pepper experiment. It shows kids how substances behave differently when placed on water in an effort to show how molecular behavior can differ with surface tension.

This can result in some things appearing to dance, so it’s a pretty fun experiment to observe! 

2. Colored Celery 

This is a pretty basic experiment but it can help to show kids how plants absorb water. You just need either celery or a white flower and some colored water. Once the celery is placed in the colored water, it can help kids to visualize how plants sustain themselves.

3. Dissolve Or Not?

This experiment can help teach kids about different solutions, but it’s more about showing kids the way to create their own hypotheses. For example, having six different substances and six different solutions, questioning whether it will dissolve and why they think so. 

4. Volcano (Baking Soda)

Every kid will have fond memories of this experiment. It’s a super fun and easy science experiment that shows how bases and acids react when they are in contact with one another, and it results in a miniature volcano! 

5. The Skittles Experiment 

This is a cool way to learn about diffusion. You simply need a packet of Skittles and observe what happens when each different color coating is exposed to shallow, cold or hot water. 

6. Burn The Bill 

Don’t panic, you won’t be burning any money with this experiment . It’s an easy way to teach kids about combustion, so you can use any paper item. 

7. Dr. Seuss’ Butter Experiment

Any fans of Dr. Seuss may recognize this experiment. You simply need to put heavy whipping cream into a tight jar and observe how the fat molecules clump together and form a butter product!

8. Liquids And Layers 

Using items that you can find in your pantry, this experiment can help to show kids how liquids have different densities and how they might operate.

9. Egg Crystal Geode 

Merging Springtime and Geology together, this is a fun experiment whereby kids can make their own geodes and learn about super-saturated solutions.

10. Make Rain In A Jar 

This quick and simple experiment can help to show students how rain occurs. As we know, rain is the result of warm, humid air converging with cold air in the upper atmosphere. 

So, using a jar and a plate, you can place ice and water into a jar and show kids how rain works by making your own in a jar! 

11. The Unpoppable Balloon 

Students will be intrigued by how you can put a sharp stick through a balloon and it won’t pop! It’s a quick and simple experiment that demonstrates polymers.

12. Float Or Sink?

This experiment is pretty basic but it’s quite important to learn. It can be conducted anywhere too, but it’s best during hot weather using a lake or river. 

Create a hypothesis with multiple items and question whether or not you believe certain items will sink or float. 

13. Make Your Own Sand 

Any kid will get a kick out of making their own sand ! The experiment doesn’t need too many resources or items, but it’s something you need to ensure before you start.

14. Make Your Own Barometer 

This experiment can help show kids how air pressure has an effect on the weather. The best way to do this is to build your own barometer! 

15. Create A Solar Oven

This is a quick and easy way to show students how radiant heat works. By harnessing its power, there are many things you can do! You just have to be careful.

16. The Sticky Ice Experiment 

It’s really fun to show students how salt has an effect on water and its freezing point. You need water, salt, and some string to carry this one out!

17. An Egg In A Bottle

Using a small bottle, some matches, and an egg, you can show your students how objects may react to adaptations in air pressure.

18. Make A CD Garden 

You’re certain to have some old CD cases around. If so, you can get kids involved in making their own CD case garden and observe the ways that plants grow!

19. The Gummy Worm Dance 

When an acidic liquid is mixed with a neutral solution, it’s possible for some things to react in hilarious ways that kids will love. Place a gummy worm in a jar and mix the solutions to watch your students laugh at the results.

20. Make A Green Penny 

If you have an old penny lying around, then why not test out this experiment , which takes about three days? It’s a cool way to learn about metal and chemical reactions , though! 

21. Soap Popcorn 

This experiment needs supervision from an adult, but it’s awesome to watch. Using Charles’ law, simply place a bar of soap in a microwave and watch how it expands as it heats up. 

22. The Cabbage PH Indicator 

Students can test out the PH levels of different liquids simply by using cabbage. It’s pretty simple to perform and it’s cool to watch.

23. Can Ice Grow?

This experiment needs to be followed step by step, but it’s really interesting to observe. With some basic steps, you can get your students to observe how ice might grow and form towers.

24. Paper Cup – The Strength In Numbers 

Using several paper cups and some cardboard sheets, this is an outdoor experiment that can help to demonstrate weight distribution and how paper cups can hold body weight when in numbers.

25. Separate Pepper And Salt 

Draw from the power of static electricity via a plastic spoon and show students how easy it is for matter to divide and separate – which can be shown with salt and pepper.

26. Fireworks In A Jar

At the right time of year, you can theme this experiment using oil, water, food coloring, and a jar. It’s a super fun project to help kids understand density – and the results are pretty! 

27. Water And Oil Discovery Bottles 

Most of us will be familiar with making water and oil discovery bottles from when we were kids, and it continues to be a super fun experiment for students today. All the bright colors are an awesome sensory experience for kids.

28. Color Mixing With Coffee Filters

This experiment is more for younger students, but it’s simple and effective. Using coffee filters, you can add liquids to watch how the filters absorb them and change colors, making mixes which make new colors.

29. Create Fizzy Lemonade 

A tasty experiment for the summer, this can help teach kids how mixing base liquids with acid creates a chemical reaction – but it results in something that you can enjoy at the end! 

30. Magic Milk 

This simple experiment needs a few items; milk, dish soap, and food coloring. This is a super colorful and fun thing to do and can help show kids how molecular behavior might work, how surface tension works, and a little bit about an object’s density.

31. Walking On Eggs 

Another experiment that can show the power of weight distribution is walking on eggs. Show your students how something so fragile can withstand body weight when in large numbers.

32. Create A Hydraulic Elevator 

This experiment sounds more complex than it actually is. You just need to use some sticks and large medicine droppers. It’s a classic experiment that many STEM teachers have used in the classroom before.

33. Demonstrate Inertia 

Newton’s first law of motion can be demonstrated pretty easily, and it’s never too early or too late to show students how it works! 

34. Grow Your Gummy Bears

When it comes to students and science, what better way to teach them than using candy ? Using all areas of the major sciences, you can turn little gummy bears into big gummy bears! 

35. The Disappearing Egg Shell

Students of all ages enjoy watching this experiment , and it’s helpful to show them the ways that chemical reactions operate.

36. Coca-Cola Tooth Experiment 

This is a classic experiment that can help show students the effects of sugary drinks on their teeth. When your students are young and losing their baby teeth, ask them to bring in a tooth and show them the horrible effects in a jar! 

37. Small Tornado In A Bottle

Most of us performed this experiment when we were students, and it’s super fun to keep it going with your own students. Demonstrating centripetal force by creating a water vortex in a bottle is awesome! 

38. Make A Bag Leak-Proof

Another experiment that demonstrates polymers, you need a plastic bag, some water, a sharp pencil, and some patience – and you can show kids the seemingly impossible!

39. Make A Non-Newtonian Fluid 

There are substances out there that get firmer when pressure is applied to them, and these are known as non-Newtonian fluids. It’s really intriguing to see how fluids can behave in such ways, so your students are bound to get a kick out of this.

40. Demonstrate Capillaries

You can show kids how our capillaries function using items you can find pretty much everywhere. It’s super cool and colorful and you’re bound to excite everyone with this in the classroom.

41. Make Candy Rock 

Students, candy, and rocks – they go hand in hand! Your students will love to create their own candy rock and watch as the rock crystals grow.

42. Make The Super Bubble

You can show students how to make a better version of bubble mixture to create much larger bubbles, called superbubbles! 

43. Frozen Vegetable Oil Paintings

Here’s another classic experiment that most kids have conducted when they were in the classroom. It’s a fun way to show kids how some liquids behave when they are frozen, and as vegetable oil behaves differently – you can make awesome paintings! 

44. Make An Ice Magnifying Glass 

This experiment is pretty simple, but we like to add something more fun to it. Once you have made your ice magnifying glass, show your students how glass behaves underwater by designing a real magnifying glass (do not allow them to do this though).

Glass under water can be cut and sliced in much different ways than above the surface, so you can easily create your own glass designs to show your students in a safe way.

45. Can Eggs Float?

Finally, on our list, we have the experiment that has shown students for years how eggs can float on water if salt is added to the liquid. It’s a simple way to explain density, and it’s always a good idea to bring in the Dead Sea example.

The Dead Sea is so salty that people can simply float on its surface, but it’s also deadly because if you turn around – it’s difficult to get your head out of the salty water! 

Things To Remember

There are always things you should remember when it comes to these sorts of experiments. Some are much more obvious than others, but it’s always important to ensure we’re on the same wavelength. These include the following.

Safety 

Conduct a health and safety risk assessment before you carry out any experiment, and always be aware of any safety equipment you and your students may need to wear. Be sure to take reasonable care with all of your experiments (and best to do a trial run first!).

Reinforce Learning 

It’s all fine and good demonstrating the experiments, but you must ensure that you reinforce the student’s learning by asking questions at the end of the lesson. It’s also wise to set some theoretical homework based on their practical experiment. 

Do Your Research 

It’s of course critical that you know exactly what you are doing before you show your students, but it’s also as important to know your students. For example, if an experiment is more tailored for younger students, do not try it for older kids.  You may also like: 1st grade science project ideas .

The Bottom Line 

And that’s our comprehensive list of the easiest science experiments that you can show students in the classroom, at home, or out in the field! We hope you have enjoyed our guide and you’ve found some amazing new experiments for your students! Good luck.

Top tip: Teach your students about the most famous inventors while they work on their own science experiments.

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30+ Science Fair Projects That Will Wow The Crowd

February 20, 2022 by Ana Dziengel Leave a Comment

Are your children signing up for the science fair this year? Have you begun the arduous task of looking for  science fair projects  that might pique your child’s interest? Or do you have a child who already has ten ideas they have been dying to try?

The science fair is a great school tradition and a memorable experience for many children (I still remember the life size plaster penguin I made in 5th grade), and if your school doesn’t conduct one, consider starting it!

This year if you are on the lookout for science fair projects I challenge you to think beyond the vinegar volcano (we have “Volcano Alley” at our school because there are so many volcano projects every year). I know, vinegar volcanoes are like a rite of childhood passage, but there are so many other amazing science ideas out there! I have compiled a list of 30+ science fair projects for kids based on their grade level below. Before we get started I wanted to share some tips for getting the most out of the science fair.

This post contains affiliate links.

Science Fair Tips

• Don’t do the project for your child! This is my number one tip. Many parents have a tendency to jump in and make children’s work “more presentable” or to assist their child so much in the project that it’s hard to know who actually did it. Listen I get it, science is fun and you want your child to have a wonderful presentation…but that’s not really what the science fair is about. It’s about your child learning how to do scientific research and present their findings in their own way. Think of yourself as a helpful guide NOT an assistant, and definitely not the boss.
• Choose something age  appropriate  When your child is choosing the science fair idea they want to try, make sure it’s age appropriate. Sure we’d all love to make a working robot but there’s nothing more frustrating than trying a project that may be too advanced for the skills of your child. And that’s when a lot of parents resort to doing the project instead. Not a good solution. So make sure your child is capable of completing the steps them self.
• Make a list of three ideas Have your child select three science fair project ideas and then go over the choices with them. Make sure they understand the steps involved in each project and wether or not they feel comfortable in executing those steps on their own with your guidance.
• Follow your child’s interests Encourage your children to explore some ideas based on interests they already have. Here’s a list of science books with projects based on things your child already loves!
• STEAM it up! STEAM projects rock the science fair!!! A great way to get kids to become more familiar with STEAM concepts it to pick science projects that crossover into art, math, engineering and more!  Two STEAM books to consider are  STEAM Kids Play and Learn (my book!) and   STEAM Kids ebook.  Both books will get you started with some great ideas!
• Read our Science Fair Mini Guide I created this mini guide to walk kids  through all the steps for completing their science fair project. You can check out the full guide here: 

Speak like a scientist! Science Vocabulary to use in your presentation

We’re almost ready to get to the projects! Before we begin, let’s review some science terms. In fact, using these terms in your science fair presentation will be sure to impress your friends and adults!

• When you watch, see, or notice something you are making an observation
• When you ask who, what, when, where, why, or how, you are forming a question  
• When you read a book or an article about your observation, you are doing research
• When you make a guess based on your observation, question, and research, you are forming a hypothesis
• When you test your hypothesis, you are conducting an experiment
• When you change one factor in your experiment at a time while keeping everything else the same, you are changing a variable
• When you take notes in your journal and write down what you see happening in your experiment, you are logging data  
• When you examine, or look at, your data, you are analyzing it
• When you are able answer your question, you are coming to a conclusion

30+ Science Fair Projects for Kids 

Now let’s get on with the science fair projects! I have organized the projects by age/grade level. Click the titles to be taken to the project instructions, unless the instructions follow below.

If you’d rather have the science fair projects list organized by subject you can download our hyperlinked PDF by subscribing to our email list here .

Kindergarten-1st Grade Science Fair Projects

1.  lemon volcano.

Skip the vinegar volcano and try lemon juice! Kids will learn about the chemical reaction between citric acid and baking soda.

2. DIY Bouncy Balls

Learn about polymers while making a DIY toy!  This variation on slime uses a few simple ingredients. <span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span>

3. Shiny Pennies

A classic experiment that kids love is Shiny Pennies . Collect dirty tarnished pennies and have kids soak them for a minimum of 5 minutes in different acidic liquids. We used vinegar, salsa, lime juice, and lemon juice.  After soaking, remove them from the solution and rinse in soapy water then compare which ones are shiniest. Take notes on which acid worked best to shine the pennies. Variation: Don’t rinse all the pennies after removing them from the different liquids. Can you see a difference in the rinsed vs. non-rinsed pennies? Leave them overnight and see if any of the copper oxidizes (turns green) on the non-rinsed pennies.

pictured above: Regrowing vegetable scraps, DIY Stethoscope, Simple Circuit

4.  Regrow Vegetable Scraps

Did you know you can start an entire garden from vegetable scraps? It works indoors too!

5.  DIY Stethoscope

Make your own stethoscope from a few hardware store parts.

6.  Simple Circuit

For all tech centered kids: Learn how to make a very simple circuit from easy to find items.

pictured above: Chromatography Butterflies, Rainbow Rubber Eggs, Exploring Density with Salt

7. Chromatography 3 Ways

Chromatography is the process of separating mixtures, in this case we will be separating ink into different colors.

• How to do the Classic Chromatography Project The simplest kids chromatography project using paper towels
• Chromatography Art Turn chromatography strips into a woven paper art project!
• Chromatography Butterflies Learn how to separate colors and create a sweet science based craft!

8. Exploring Density with Salt

Why don’t oil and water mix? Find out with this density experiment inspired by Lava Lamps!

9. Rainbow Rubber Eggs

Rubber eggs are another classic science project that kids love. And it’s so easy! I mean does dropping an egg in vinegar and coming back in a few days sound do-able?

2nd-4th grade Science Fair Projects

10. magic rollback can.

You just can’t get rid of this physics project! This project explores the difference between potential and kinetic energy. <span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span>

pictured above: Bleeding Blossoms, Teleidoscopes, Density Tower

11. Absorption 2 Ways

• Bleeding Blossoms Explore capillary action and absorption in this science meets art project.
• Magical Water Blossoms Make beautiful blossoming paper flowers with the help of absorption. This project has a simple wow moment that everyone enjoys watching.

12.  Teleidoscopes

A teleidoscope is a kaliedoscpe without an end. This means you can use it to view anything and everything. Look through one of these and you will be amazed!

13. Density Towers 2 Ways:

Yes, you can layer liquids on top of each other without them mixing! This is a classic project and kids can customize the liquids they choose to layer.

• Simple Layered Liquids Learn how to make a simple density tower out of kitchen ingredients and then turn it into a lava lamp!
• Glowing Density Tower This density tower has a bonus science surprise: it glows under UV light!

14.  Magnet Magic

Make a simple hanging magnet structure and explore the magic of magnetism.

pictured above: Chromatography Art, Dry Erase Figure, Overnight Crystals

15. Make a Lemon Battery and a Lime Light

Did you know that a chemical reaction can generate electricity?

16.  Electric Playdough

AKA Squishy Circuits, this project will demonstrate that salt and water conduct electricity!

17. Simple Sound Science

Explore the science of sound with these 4 experiments, then use your knowledge to make your own DIY instrument!

pictured above: Magnetic Sensory Bottle, Magical Plastic Bag, Cartesian Divers

18.  Magnetic Field Sensory Bottle

This will surely be a hit at the Science Fair! Watch metal particles dance and move under the influence of powerful magnets!

19.  Magical Plastic Bag Experiment

It’s not magic, it’s polymers! This easy science fair project uses a minimum of materials but demonstrates how everyday polymers work.

20.  Cartesian Divers

A classic science experiment exploring buoyancy. Make “diver” swim up and down in a bottle using science.

21. Water Drop Microscope

Did you know you can make simple microscope from a plastic bottle and water? This project teaches kids to turn trash into a science tool!

22. Spinning Tops

Learn about centrifugal force and friction with one of these three spinning tops ideas!

• Spin Art Tops
• Spin-finite Tops
• Perler Bead Tops

23. Kinetic Sculpture

Make you own moving sculpture while learning about cams and gears!

<span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span>

Science Fair Projects for 5th Grade and up

pictured above: Crystal landscapes, Tiny Dancers, Coffee Can Camera Obscura

24. Crystals 3 Ways:

• Overnight Crystals Grow Epsom salt crystals overnight in your refrigerator.
• Crystal Wind Catchers Borax crystals are SUPER easy to grow! Turn them into a lovely dangling wind catcher.
• Crystal Landscapes A more advanced crystal growing experiment using bluing and salt but WOW, these are gorgeous!

25.  Tiny Dancers

These are actually a very simple motor! Kids will learn about electromagnetism by building this motor that can “dance.”

26.  Coffee Can Camera Obscura

Make a simple camera obscura out of an old coffee can.

pictured above: Heat Sensitive Slime, Levitating Pen

27. Heat Sensitive Slime

Click your slime chemistry up a notch by adding in thermochromic paint!

28.  Levitating Pen

Make a pen appear to levitate using a magnet!

29.  Newton’s Cradle

Featured on Dude Perfect! I made one of these for the science fair back in the 1980’s…This science “toy” is mesmerizing for kids and adults alike!

pictured above: Electromagnetic Train, Fake Lung, Articulated Hand

30.  Electromagnetic Train

Incredible display of electricity and magnetism!

31.  Fake Lung

For kids interested in life science and biology, make a model of how our lungs work for the science fair.

32.  Articulated Hand

Another one for biology oriented kids, explore how our joints move by creating an articulated hand.

33. Salty Circuits

In this simple circuit project, kids will create an electrical circuit using salt to conduct electricity and power a light emitting diode (LED).

Are you ready for the science fair?

Whether your child has never participated in the science fair or is an old pro, I hope the science fair projects here will inspire them to have fun, explore science, and get creative the same time.

And if you still need MORE ideas I also have a giant list of chemistry projects for kids that would make amazing science fair starter projects!

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Making Science Fun, Easy to Teach and Exciting to Learn!

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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Copyright © 2024 · Cool Science Experiments HQ

100+ Easy & FUN Science Fair Project Ideas

This post may contain affiliate links.

Looking for FUN   science projects for kids ? Science is one of our favorite subjects around here. I have a huge list of over 100 easy science experiments for kids. You can use these classic science fair ideas when helping your child create their next science fair project. Kids will love these fun projects and experiments!

See my Scientific Method Worksheets and Posters to help teach the process of the scientific method including these 6 steps:

• Ask a question
• Make a hypothesis
• Record Data

These science fair project ideas can be used for may grade levels including elementary school aged kids, middle school aged kids and some would even work for high school. Many of these science activities are quick and easy to put together and will not break the bank either.

I divided the science fair project ideas out the best I could by topic and category for you. That way if there is a certain interest, you can find just what you are looking for. You will find science fair experiment ideas in biology, physics, chemistry, electricity, magnetism, earth science, and more!

All of these simple experiment ideas can be used in some way to create an awesome science fair project. Most are from my site, but many are from some other great bloggers! Click the links to get instructions and demonstrations on how these projects work.

Want more ideas? See also my post with 200 + Elementary STEM Projects .

Easy Energy and Physics Science Fair Projects

Kinetic Energy with Rubber Band Boats – this science project is a blast to create with kids!

Kinetic Energy- Shooting Star Spinner – This is a fun one on kinetic and potential energy

Kinetic Energy Gravity Spinner  – Do this experiment to show gravity!

Perpetual Motion Candle See Saw – This is a cool way to learn about motion!

How Does a String Telephone Work?  ~Raising Life Long Learners

Which Cup Will Keep Water Cold the Longest?  ~ Really, Are you Serious?

Light Refraction Science Experiment  ~ Look We’re Learning

Heat Conduction Experiment  ~ Look We’re Learning

Color Changing Sensory Bottle  ~ The Science Kiddo

Exploring Magnetic Fields

Magnet Pendulum

Levitating Magnets

Train Chain Reactions

Static Electricity Slime

What are Electrolytes?

Color and Light Reflection and Refraction Experiments

Simple Machines- Gears

Light Box Magic  ~ True Aim Education

Balloon Air Pressure Experiment  ~ Darcy and Brian

Make A Giant Catapult

Technology & Mechanical Science Projects for Kids

Is it Conductive? – test different objects to see if they conduct electricity.

How to Make a Coin Battery  – use coins to power a light!

How to Make a Lemon Battery – the power of lemon juice is pretty amazing.

What to Make a Dirt Battery – a battery out of dirt?  yup!

How do you Make a Potato Battery? ~from STEAM Powered Family

How to Make a Hydraulic Elevator ~ Make a water powered elevator

How to Make a Bubble Blower Machine

Paper Circuits – learn about circuits and electricity with this simple project.

Solar Powered Lego Car – harness the power of the sun!

Make an EASY Water Pump Sprinkler

Chemistry Science Projects for Kids With Chemical Reactions

Cabbage Juice pH Experiment – test different chemicals and substances to see their pH levels.

How too Make an Erupting Volcano (with salt dough)

How Do you Clean Pennies?

Why Do Baking Soda and Vinegar React?

How to Make Dry Ice Bubbles

Does it Dissolve?

How Do you Grow Crystals? (borax crystals)

Elephant Toothpaste with Two Types of Peroxide

What is Non-Newtonian Fluid?  (Oobleck Experiments)

Does it Rust? Oxidation Experiment

Rainbow Absorption

Film Canister Rockets

Blooming Paper Flowers

Dancing Acorns  ~ Hands-on Teaching Ideas

States of Matter Experiments – solids, liquids and gases

Rubber Bouncing Egg Experiment

Color Changing Flowers Experiment  ~ Messy Little Monster

Paper Burning Experiment  ~ Preschool Powol Packets

How to Make a Paper Mache Erupting Volcano  ~ Red Ted Art

Mentos and Soda Geysers

Anatomy Science Fair Projects

How Do Ears Work?

Play Dough Anatomy

Animal Digestion Experiment  ~ Schooling a Monkey

Why We Need Muscles & Bones  ~ I Can Teach My Child

How Do Lungs Work?   ~ Sciene Sparks

DNA Experiment

Earth Science and Nature Science Fair Projects

How do Earthquakes Happen ?

Can You Build a House to Resist an Earthquake?

Make your Own Crystal Rock Candy Geodes

What are Convection Currents?

Study surface tension with Water Strider Insects

How are Rainbows made?

How to Clean Dirty Water

Geology Experiment: Stalactites and Stalagmites Formation

What’s In My Water? 

What are Shells Made of?

How Can We Stay Dry During the Rain  ~ Pink Stripey Socks

What Surfaces in my House are the Dirtiest? Mold Science

Density Experiment with different liquids, also tests buoyancy!

Why Do Leaves Change Colors? Leaf Chromatography Experiment

Rising Tide Experiment

Soda Bottle Compost  ~ Busy Mommy Media

Build a Sun Shelter  ~ Buggy and Buddy

Hurricane Model Experiment  ~Preschool Powol Packets

Easy Condensation Experiment  – Look We’re Learning

Salt Water Density Experiment  ~ The Science Kiddo

Plant Science- Observing Bulb Growth  ~Buggy and Buddy

How to Make a Compass  ~ Parenting Chaos

Why do Pinecones Open & Close?  ~ Parenting Chaos

Leaf Transpiration Experiment – how leaves breathe, use a plastic bag to collect the moisture from a tree.

Pumpkin Petri Dishes  ~ Hands-on Teaching Ideas

Rainy Day Science – learn about filtering rain water

Making a Solar Still – harness the power of the sun with this cool science experiment!

Make Your Own Human Sun Dial

How are Sedimentary Rocks & Fossils Made? 

How Do Sharks Float?  ~ Preschool Powol Packets

How to Make Square Bubbles

What Soil is Best for Growing Seeds?  ~ Schooling a Monkey

Simple Food Science Fair Project Ideas

Want a food-based science fair project?  These ideas are fun and edible, too!  Who doesn’t love learning with food?

Food Science: Make a Loaf of Bread in a Bag

Why Does Gelatin Not Set with Certain Fruits ?

What Foods will Grow the most Mold?

Cake Chemistry Experiment

Popcorn and Salt Science Experiment  ~ Awe Filled Homemaker

What Prevents Apples from Browning?

How to Make Plastic with Gelatin  ~ STEAM Powered Family

Melting Ice Science Experiment  ~ The Chaos and the Clutter

Pie Crust Experiment

Food Chemistry~ Turn Juice into Noodles !

Green Eggs Food Chemistry (no food coloring required!)

How Strong are Eggs?  ~ Hands-On Teaching Ideas

Make Solar S’mores

Hot Chocolate Science Experiment  ~ Creative Family Fun

Bread Mold Science Project  ~ Schooling a Monkey

Other Fun & Easy Science Project Ideas

Toilet Paper Comparisons   ~ Pink Stripey Socks

Egg Drop Challenge 

Press n’ Seal vs. Saran Wrap

Hockey Science Experiment  ~ Creative Family Fun

I hope you found an idea that will work for your little scientists next science fair project. I’d love to hear what you did and see pictures of the finished project!

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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45 Cool Chemistry Experiments, Demos, and Science Fair Projects

Don’t forget your safety equipment!

Bunsen burners, colorful chemicals, and the possibility of a (controlled) explosion or two? Everybody loves chemistry experiments! We’ve rounded up the best activities, demos, and chemistry science fair projects for kids and teens. Try them in the classroom or at home.

Easy Chemistry Experiments and Activities for All Ages

Chemistry science fair projects.

These chemistry experiments and activities are all easy to do using simple supplies you probably already have. Families can try them at home, or teachers and students can do them together in the classroom.

Mix up some magic milk

Kids love this colorful experiment, which explores the concept of surface tension. This is one of our favorite chemistry experiments to try at home, since the supplies are so basic and the results are so cool!

Taste the Rainbow

Teach your students about diffusion while creating a beautiful and tasty rainbow. You’ll definitely want to have extra Skittles on hand so your class can enjoy a few as well!

Learn more: Skittles Diffusion

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

Make elephant-sized toothpaste

This fun project uses yeast and a hydrogen peroxide solution to create overflowing “elephant toothpaste.” You can also add an extra fun layer by having kids create toothpaste wrappers for their plastic bottles.

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

Demonstrate the “magic” leakproof bag

So simple and so amazing! All you need is a zip-top plastic bag, sharp pencils, and some 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

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! Finally, have them record their observations.

Learn more: Apple Oxidation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Blow up a balloon (without blowing)

Chances are good you probably did easy science experiments like this when you were in school yourself. This well-known activity demonstrates the reactions between acids and bases. Fill a bottle with vinegar and a balloon with baking soda. Fit the balloon over the top, shake the baking soda down into the vinegar, and watch the balloon inflate.

Learn more: Balloon Experiments

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Set popcorn dancing

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.

Learn more: Dancing Popcorn Experiment

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: Mentos and Coke Experiment

All of these chemistry experiments are perfect for using the scientific method. Form a hypothesis, alter the variables, and then observe the results! You can simplify these projects for younger kids, or add more complexity for older students.

Break apart covalent bonds

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Break the covalent bond of H 2 O into H and O with this simple experiment. You only need simple supplies for this one. Turn it into a science fair project by changing up the variables—does the temperature of the water matter? What happens if you try this with other liquids?

Learn more: Breaking Covalent Bonds

Measure the calories in various foods

Are the calorie counts on your favorite snacks accurate? Build your own calorimeter and find out! This kit from Home Science Tools has all the supplies you’ll need.

Detect latent fingerprints

Forensic science is engrossing and can lead to important career opportunities too. Explore the chemistry needed to detect latent (invisible) fingerprints, just like they do for crime scenes!

Learn more: Fingerprints Project

Use Alka-Seltzer to explore reaction rate

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Easy

Tweak this basic concept to create a variety of high school chemistry science fair projects. Change the temperature, surface area, pressure, and more to see how reaction rates change.

Determine whether sports drinks really have more electrolytes than other beverages

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Advanced

Are those pricey sports drinks really worth it? Try this experiment to find out. You’ll need some special equipment for this one; buy a complete kit at Home Science Tools .

Turn flames into a rainbow

You’ll need to get your hands on a few different chemicals for this experiment, but the wow factor will make it worth the effort. Make it a science project by seeing if different materials, air temperature, or other factors change the results.

Discover the size of a mole

The mole is a key concept in chemistry, so it’s important to ensure students really understand it. This experiment uses simple materials like salt and chalk to make an abstract concept more concrete. Make it a project by applying the same procedure to a variety of substances, or determining whether outside variables have an effect on the results.

Learn more: How Big Is a Mole?

Cook up candy to learn mole and molecule calculations

This edible experiment lets students make their own peppermint hard candy while they calculate mass, moles, molecules, and formula weights. Tweak the formulas to create different types of candy and make this into a sweet science fair project!

Learn more: Candy Chemistry

Make soap to understand saponification

Take a closer look at an everyday item: soap! Use oils and other ingredients to make your own soap, learning about esters and saponification. Tinker with the formula to find one that fits a particular set of parameters.

Learn more: Saponification

Uncover the secrets of evaporation

Explore the factors that affect evaporation, then come up with ways to slow them down or speed them up for a simple science fair project.

Learn more: Evaporation

More Chemistry Experiment Science Fair Ideas

These questions and prompts can spark ideas for unique chemistry experiments:

• Compare the properties of sugar and artificial sweeteners.
• Explore the impact of temperature, concentration, and seeding on crystal growth.
• Test various antacids on the market to find the most effective product.
• What is the optimum temperature for yeast production when baking bread from scratch?
• Compare the vitamin C content of various fruits and vegetables.
• How does temperature affect enzyme-catalyzed reactions?
• Investigate the effects of pH on an acid-base chemical reaction.
• Devise a new natural way to test pH levels (such as cabbage leaves).
• What’s the best way to slow down metal oxidation (the form of rust)?
• How do changes in ingredients and method affect the results of a baking recipe?

Like these chemistry experiments? Don’t miss STEM Activities for Kids of All Ages and Interests .

Plus, get all the latest teaching news and ideas when you sign up for our free newsletters.

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Science Experiments for Kids:

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

Making A Volcano:

Acids and Bases Can Erupt in Your Faces

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Jello Lenses:

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Super Cool Soda:

Jack-O-Cano:

Dancing Hearts:

Marbled Gift Wrap:

Massive Expanding Soap:

Surface Tension Art:

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Rotting Pumpkin:

Explode A Bag:

Invisible Extinguisher:

Paper Hovercrafts:

Fun Fossil Stamps:

Cool Crystals:

Balloon Pop! Not!

Solar Eclipse Kit:

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Cool Off Volcanoes:

Vinegar Pops:

Make It Rain:

Black Light Blue Beverage:

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Olympic Medals:

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Crystal Candy:

10 Super Simple Science Experiments for Elementary Students

by Sara Ipatenco

Science is one of the core subjects necessary in every elementary school classroom. Experiments are a critical part of any science curriculum, because they allow your students to get up close and personal with learning concepts. Science experiments don’t have to be expensive, hard, or time-consuming. With a few inexpensive materials, a science lab, and a class period or two, you can bring science alive for your students. Here are 10 experiments to get your students started.

Just so you know, we may get a small share of the sales made through affiliate links on this page.

1. Dancing popcorn

Materials needed:.

• 1-quart jar
• 1 tablespoon popcorn kernels
• 2-4 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 cup white vinegar

Directions:

• Fill the 1-quart jar about three-quarters with water.

2. Add the baking soda to the water and stir until it’s dissolved.

3. Gently pour the popcorn kernels into the jar.

4. Slowly pour in the vinegar. Go slowly or you’ll get a volcano overflowing over the top of the jar.

5. Watch the popcorn kernels dance! The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar causes bubbles to form in the liquid. As the bubbles move, they knock into the popcorn kernels, causing them to look like they are dancing.

2. Lemon volcano

• Food coloring
• Baking soda
• Cut the lemon in half. Slice a tiny sliver off the bottom of one lemon half so it sits flat on a plate. Cut a few slits in the flesh of the lemon.

2. Place a few drops of food coloring on the lemon half sitting flat on the plate. Use two or three colors for a more colorful reaction.

3. Squeeze a bit of dish soap on the lemon half right on top of the food coloring.

4. Sprinkle a spoonful of baking soda on top of the dish soap. Use the back of the spoon to press the baking soda into the flesh of the lemon.

5. Squeeze the other half of the lemon on top of the baking soda. You should start to see a colorful reaction right away!

6. Keep squeezing until you’ve gotten all the juice out of the second lemon half. As the lemon juice reacts to the baking soda it will fizz. The dish soap will also bubble, mixing with the food coloring to make the experiment colorful and easy to see. It works because of the reaction of the acidic lemon juice with the baking soda and dish soap.

3. Turning pennies green

• Paper towels
• White vinegar
• Pennies dated 1981 or older – younger pennies don’t have enough copper to get the proper reaction necessary to make this experiment work
• Place a folded paper towel into the bottom of a bowl.

2. Place the pennies on top of the paper towel. Put some of the pennies heads up and some of the pennies tails up so your students can see the green in a couple different ways.

3. Pour enough white vinegar over the pennies to saturate the paper towel. Save the rest of the vinegar to refresh the paper towel as it dries.

4. Observe the pennies after an hour or two. The green will just be starting to appear on the pennies.

5. Leave the pennies overnight. Observe them again the next day. There will plenty of green appearing on the pennies. The green, which is called malachite, continues to appear because of the chemical reaction between the copper, the vinegar, and the oxygen in the air. This is why the Statue of Liberty is green!

4. Glitter Germs

• White plate
• Fill the plate with water. Sprinkle glitter over the surface of the water. The more glitter you sprinkle, the more dramatic the reaction will be.

2. Have your students dip one finger in dish soap.

3. Students will gently dip their soap-covered finger into the center of the plate.

4. Observe what the glitter does! It will immediately scatter away from the soap. This happens because the soap lowers the surface tension of the water, which causes the molecules to scatter – the glitter just makes it so your students can see that happen. This is a great science experiment to teach the importance of washing hands – the soap will literally make the germs scatter!

5. Exploding baggies

• Plastic zip-top bag
• One square of toilet paper
• Pour half a cup of vinegar into a plastic zip-top bag.

2. Place a spoonful of baking soda into a square of toilet paper.

3. Fold the toilet paper square up to make a small packet.

4. Head outside because the next part will get messy! Once outside, quickly place the toilet paper packet in the bag, squeeze the air out, zip the bag closed, and set on the sidewalk. It’s important to do this part quickly!

5. Back up and watch. The bag will start to puff up.

6. Keep watching!

7. Watch some more. It’s almost there!

8. Bang! The bag will explode! This experiment works because the vinegar and baking soda create carbon dioxide gas in the bag. As more carbon dioxide is made, it builds up in the bag until the bag can’t hold any more. That’s when the bag pops.

6. Walking water

• 6 small glass jars
• Red, yellow, and blue food coloring
• Place the 6 glass jars in a circle so the jars are touching each other. Fill every other jar about three-quarters full of water.

2. Place a few drops of red food coloring in one jar, skip the empty jar, add yellow food coloring to the next jar, skip the empty jar, and then add blue food coloring to the next jar.

3. Fold six paper towels into fourths the long way.

4. Place the end of one paper towel in the red jar and the other end in the empty jar. Then place the end of another paper towel into the same empty jar and the other end in the yellow jar. Take the third paper towel and place one end in the yellow jar and the other end in the next empty jar. The fourth paper towel will have one end in the empty jar and the other end in the blue jar. The fifth will have one end in the blue jar and the other end in the following empty jar. The last paper towel will have one end in the empty jar and one end in the red jar.

5. Watch the paper towels begin to absorb the colored water.

6. After a few minutes, the paper towels will be saturated with the primary colors.

7. Keep watching and the colors will begin to transfer from the jars you filled to the empty jars. The experiment works because the primary colors will mix in the empty jars making the secondary colors. The paper towels will then begin to absorb the secondary colors, making it look like the water is walking from jar to jar.

• 4 cups white vinegar
• 4 tablespoons baking soda
• Large cooking pot
• Glass measuring cup
• Pour 4 cups of white vinegar into your cooking pot.

2. Add baking soda, one tablespoon at a time, to the white vinegar.

3. Stir the mixture well after each tablespoon. This will prevent the pot from overflowing.

4. Boil the white vinegar and baking soda mixture on medium-low heat for about an hour. You want to boil it long enough that that much of the liquid is boiled out. You want about three-quarters of a cup of liquid.

5. Scrape a small amount of the dried powder from the side of the pot and place it in the middle of a colored plate. A colored plate isn’t required, but it will make it easier to see the hot ice grow.

6. Pour the liquid into a glass measuring cup. It will be quite hot, so this is a job for the teacher! The liquid might also have a yellow tinge to it. This is normal and will not change the outcome of the project. Begin slowly pouring the liquid onto the powder on the plate. Patience is the key from here on out. Your students will need to pour the liquid very slowly or it will just spread all over the plate rather than growing.

7. Keep pouring, a drop or so at a time, and watch the ice begin to grow.

8. Keep pouring until you’ve used up all the liquid. The “ice” will continue to be hot to the touch, so make sure your students aren’t touching the ice as it grows. It works because the powder “seed,” called sodium acetate, crystalizes and releases heat energy, which is why it will be hot to the touch. It’s the same process used to make hand warmers.

8. Floating ink

    materials needed:.

•     White glass plate
•     Dry erase markers

    Directions:

• Draw simple pictures on a white glass plate using the dry erase markers.

2. Use another color to draw a few more images on the plate.

3. Place a small amount of water into a glass jar. Carefully pour the water onto the edge of the plate.

4. Watch the dry erase images begin to lift off the plate and float on top of the water. It works because the ink in dry erase markers is insoluble, which means it won’t dissolve in liquid. Instead, when the ink in a dry erase marker meets water, it floats to the top. Have your students experiment with different colors of dry erase markers and different temperatures of water to see if that changes the how quickly and easily the images float.

9. Snowstorm in a jar

• A glass jar
• White paint
• Blue food coloring
• Alka-seltzer tablet
• Fill a jar about three-quarters full of baby oil.

2. In the small bowl, mix white craft paint with water until the paint is completely stirred into the water.

3. Add several squirts of blue food coloring and a generous amount of glitter to the baby oil. Slowly pour in the white paint and water mixture.

5. Carefully drop an Alka-seltzer tab in the jar.

6. The snowstorm will immediately start in the jar! Your students will begin to see the glitter, blue oil, and white paint start to swirl slowly in the jar.

7. Keep watching because the snowstorm will get crazier! It works because water is denser than oil so the white paint water will sink to the bottom of the jar. The Alka-seltzer causes a chemical reaction with the water, forcing the water up toward the top of the jar. At the same time, the oil will be blocking the water, forcing it back down toward the bottom of the jar. These opposite forces of pressure make it look like there’s a blizzard!

10. Crushing cans

• Empty aluminum can
• Small cooking pot
• Fill the empty aluminum can with just enough water to cover the bottom and place it in a small cooking pot and over medium heat.

2. While you are waiting for the water in the can to boil, fill a bowl with plenty of ice and water.

3. Keep an eye on the can. Peek in the top to see if the water has started to boil.

4. Once the water is boiling, the teacher will use the tongs to remove the can from the pot.

5. Immediately turn the can upside down into the bowl of ice water. The can will crush instantly. It works because the steam from the boiling water in the can pushes all the air out the opening at the top. When the can is placed in the ice water, the steam cools and water takes it place. Since water takes up less space than steam, the blocked opening of the can makes it impossible for air to fill up the space the steam previously took up. The result is instant crushing.

With a few simple ingredients and class period or two, your students will learn a ton about scientific concepts while also observing just how much fun science can be.

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WHY NOT TRY A FUN SCIENCE EXPERIMENT RIGHT NOW?

Here’s list of great science experiments with instructions that you can do right at home or at school. In order for your science experiment to be safe and successful, be sure to:

• Get your parent’s or teacher’s permission, and their help
• Follow the directions as written

Building a Hovercraft – Video

The egg drop challenge, make ice cream in a plastic bag, build a hovercraft you can ride, eggshell geode crystals, build a soap powered model boat, a density experiment you can drink, make your own rock candy, build a fizz inflator, make a levitating orb, blobs in a bottle, fantastic foamy fountain, build a film canister rocket, the exploding lunch bag, make your own volcano, bend water with static electricity, a color symphony, make a paperclip float, blow up a balloon with yeast, how to make slime – method 1, see some optical illusions, make an electromagnet, try some lava in a cup, make a balloon rocket.

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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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Simple But Fun Elementary Science Experiments to Try in Your Classroom

Written by Holly (Teach Starter)

Looking for some fun elementary science experiments you can do in the classroom that will wow your students? Getting hands-on with science and creating projects that are doable in a classroom setting but also have an element of “cool” are the Teach Starter team’s favorite way to get our students hooked on science.

So we put together some of our very favorite simple science experiments for kids to try out in your classroom! From making an eggshell disappear for a chemistry lesson to showing off the capillary action of flowers for biology, these science experiment ideas will be a sure hit in your classroom!

Simple Elementary Science Experiments

We have developed a series of simple elementary science experiments that are perfect for the busy teacher! Bonus: All of these fun experiments are simple to do and use everyday items.

Science Experiment: Make an Eggshell Disappear

This fun classroom science experiment falls under seriously simple — all you need is some white vinegar, a raw egg, and a glass jar for a chemistry lesson! Your students will learn all about the chemical reaction that occurs when you put an egg into vinegar and leave it overnight. This chemical reaction makes the egg shell disappear but will leave the rubbery membrane, keeping the egg intact.

For a simple description of the chemistry involved, the equipment required, the method and further questioning for your students, download our  Make an Eggshell Disappear – Science Experiment Booklet.

Science Experiment: Make a Rainbow with Water

Everyone loves a rainbow! Students learn all about density in this physics science experiment. They will use different measurements of sugar to create a variety of densities of colored water. Eventually, they will be able to layer water on top of the water, creating a rainbow tower. Sounds like fun, hey?

Again this experiment only requires water, food coloring, sugar, and some different glass jars! To read all about it, download our  Rainbow Water Density Tower – Science Experiment Booklet .

Science Experiment: Capillary Action of Water in Flowers (Biology)

This is always a class favorite! Students learn about how water gets from the bottom of a flower stem all the way to the petals by putting them into colored water!

Download our  Capillary Action of Water in Flowers – Science Experiment Booklet . In our ‘Take it Further’ section of the science booklet, get students to research early botanists.

Science Experiment: Rainbow Bubble Snake

Create a fun, colorful serpent with some simple ingredients for a science experiment that will leave kids giggling!

All you need is:

• Empty plastic bottle
• Dishwashing liquid
• Rubber band
• Food coloring
• A dish of water

• Make the bubble solution by adding water into a shallow dish and adding a few squirts of dishwashing liquid.
• Make the snake by carefully cutting the bottom of the bottle (adults will need to help). Then, place the sock over the end of the bottle and place a rubber band over it to secure it in place
• Wet the sock end with some of the bubble solution, then add a few drops of food coloring on to the end – the more colors, the more colorful!
• Finally, dip the sock end in the bubble solution one more time, and blow through the other end of the bottle. Your rainbow serpent will start to grow…

The hydrogen atoms in one water molecule are attracted to the oxygen atoms in the other water molecules, making the bubbles attach to each other when they come out of the sock fabric. The bubbles are forming because of the air being blown into the soap solution. The air is getting trapped under the surface of the flexible soap skin, stretching it into a sphere shape.

Make it a fair tes t by changing one variable, such as the material or perhaps a different-sized bottle.

Science Experiment: Create a Lava Lamp Science Activity

This simple science experiment for elementary students is an oldie but a goodie!

• Two glasses
• Vegetable oil
• Alka-Seltzer tablets

• First, mix half a cup of water with some drops of food coloring. You can make two different batches with different colors if you wish to make more than one lava lamp.
• Then, fill a glass 3/4 full with vegetable oil. Pour some of the colored mixture into the oil, being careful not to fill the glass too much.
• Add one Alka-seltzer tablet and watch the chemical reaction…

The Alka-seltzer tablets react with the water to produce carbon dioxide gas bubbles! These stick to the water droplets. The water and gas combo is less dense than the oil, so they rise to the top of the glass!

Make this a fair test by changing the amount of Alka-seltzer added. One glass you can add one tablet, another can have two tablets and another can have three. What happens?

Science Experiment: Refraction of Light Science Activity

File this science experiment for kids under SUPER simple. And seriously, we mean super!

• Glass of water

Draw something on a piece of paper. An arrow is a great visual to start this science activity, as it is obvious what happens when you put the glass of water in front of the drawn arrow. But, you don’t have to limit it to arrows. Get creative and draw anything you would like to see through the glass.

When the light is passing through the glass of water, it refracts or bends. The glass of water acts as a cylindrical convex lens and produces an inverted image.

Create a fair test by changing one variable. What happens if you change the size of the glass. Or what if you change the liquid variable? Does it change the result?

Check out our collection of science resources for more science experiments and science teaching resources.

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30+ Classic Science Fair Projects for Elementary School

Categories STEM Activities

These classic science fair projects are perfect for kids in elementary school! Find everything from moldy bread to a potato battery and more!

There is something exciting about seeing your kids try classic science experiments for kids and STEM activities.

You know what will happen, but seeing your kids experience the results for the first time is a whole lot of fun! You don’t have to re-invent the wheel for your kids’ science fair projects.

These science fair project ideas are classics for a reason and would be welcomed at most elementary-level science fairs.

Classic Science Fair Projects Every Kid Should Try!

Try these super fun and simple classic science fair projects at the school science fair this year!

Expand on your science experiments with the free printable science experiment worksheet. It’s the perfect way to help children go through the scientific process with every science experiment they try.

Why are Science Fair Projects Important?

If your school has a science fair, it just might be optional. If it is, why should you help your kids do a science fair project? What’s the point? When families are so busy, why add the extra burden of science experiments?

Science fairs provide an amazing experience for kids to really dive into science and celebrate it, as well as learning something new about the world. In addition to the creative side of science, a science fair project is a fun way for kids to bond with other family members as they do their presentations.

As children get older, it’s more and more important for them to be able to work through a long process like a science fair project, and these science presentations are one of the first opportunities children have to bring learning to life in such a vivid way.

What Can Kids Learn with a Science Projects?

When kids are involved in science fair projects, their confidence soars. Kids who do science projects report greater confidence and understanding of all scientific concepts, both in what they explored and the scientific process in general.

Learning to analyze and explore data in this way also helps children approach other tasks in a logical, straightforward process which helps improve study skills and communication skills for other subjects as well.

One of the most surprising values that science fair projects bring is the ability to identify problems and work toward a solution. That is an invaluable skill that kids can use throughout life.

Kids learn a lot when completing a science fair project.

Of course, kids learn the basics of whatever scientific concept they are learning, plus the scientific method:

• Analyzing and Recording Data

But more than that, kids can lean additional valuable skills when completing science fair projects, including:

• Presenting an idea
• Creating a presentation
• Organizing data
• Analyzing data
• Patience and orderliness
• Working with others
• Precision and care
• Adapting to changes
• Communication skills

These skills are important far beyond the classroom!

What You Need for a Science Fair

You’ll want to have these supplies on hand before doing your science fair project. Shop the included Amazon storefronts to make things easier and don’t forget to download the free science fair planning checklist before getting started!

Science Fair Project Planning

When you’re planning your project, you want to keep everything organized. Click the image below to get my free science fair project checklist so you can start organizing your project from the start.

You may also want to check out this list of science fair project research supplies.

Supplies for a Science Fair Project

There are so many supplies for science fair projects that are individual to each project, but if you want a general list of possible supplies and inspiration for your project, check out my selection of science fair experiment supplies on Amazon.

Supplies for a Science Fair Presentation

Your science fair presentation is important! It should look presentable and eye-catching. Check out this list of my favorite science fair presentation supplies.

Classic Science Fair Projects that are Super Fun for Kids!

You cannot go wrong trying these classic science fair projects! Your kids will love them, and they are so easy, too! You really can’t beat that.

These ideas can all be adapted to work for kids as young as in second grade all the way up to middle school. At the higher levels, fit in additional variables, make sure there is a control group, and try to solve a real problem with each experiment.

Young kids will enjoy just trying the science fair projects out for the first time.

Science Fair Projects for Preschoolers

Even preschoolers can try the classic bread mold experiment .

Because little ones love sensory experiences, they will really love doing this cornstarch quicksand science experiment .

The hand washing science experiment is the perfect way to convince preschoolers they have to wash their hands.

Preschoolers can learn how to turn a penny green in this classic science experiment.

The concept of density is hard for little kids to grasp, but this liquid density experiment makes it a lot easier.

Elementary Science Fair Project Ideas

You can find the complete list of elementary school science fair project ideas here, but these experiments are also fun in elementary!

Elementary kids will love the gross element of the cow digestive system project .

Every kid should try the borax crystals science project at least once.

The Ivory soap science experiment is a classic for a reason but kids still love it.

An elementary kid cannot get through fifth grade without trying a volcano science experiment at least once.

Learn how to make frost and find variables to test!

In this making butter science experiment elementary kids can try a variety of ways to make butter better.

This slightly gross osmosis experiment for kids using an egg will delight all elementary school kids.

Middle School Science Fair Projects

Middle school children will love learning how to make hot ice !

This seed sprouting science experiment is a classic for middle schoolers to try.

Middle school children will be impressed they can remove salt from water in this desalination science project .

Because it involves heat, the soap making science project is best for the middle school age group.

For a tasty science experiment, do the rock candy experiment for kids .

And for a practical experiment that could help the environment, middle school kids can try this energy efficient window science fair project .

50 Fun Kids Science Experiments

Science doesn’t need to be complicated. These easy science experiments below are awesome for kids! They are visually stimulating, hands-on, and sensory-rich, making them fun to do and perfect for teaching simple science concepts at home or in the classroom.

Top 10 Science Experiments

Click on the titles below for the full supplies list and easy step-by-step instructions. Have fun trying these experiments at home or in the classroom, or even use them for your next science fair project!

Baking Soda Balloon Experiment

Can you make a balloon inflate on its own? Grab a few basic kitchen ingredients and test them out! Try amazing chemistry for kids at your fingertips.

Rainbow In A Jar

Enjoy learning about the basics of color mixing up to the density of liquids with this simple water density experiment . There are even more ways to explore rainbows here with walking water, prisms, and more.

This color-changing magic milk experiment will explode your dish with color. Add dish soap and food coloring to milk for cool chemistry!

Seed Germination Experiment

Not all kids’ science experiments involve chemical reactions. Watch how a seed grows , which provides a window into the amazing field of biology .

Egg Vinegar Experiment

One of our favorite science experiments is a naked egg or rubber egg experiment . Can you make your egg bounce? What happened to the shell?

Dancing Corn

Find out how to make corn dance with this easy experiment. Also, check out our dancing raisins and dancing cranberries.

Grow Crystals

Growing borax crystals is easy and a great way to learn about solutions. You could also grow sugar crystals , eggshell geodes , or salt crystals .

Lava Lamp Experiment

It is great for learning about what happens when you mix oil and water. a homemade lava lamp is a cool science experiment kids will want to do repeatedly!

Skittles Experiment

Who doesn’t like doing science with candy? Try this classic Skittles science experiment and explore why the colors don’t mix when added to water.

Lemon Volcano

Watch your kids’ faces light up, and their eyes widen when you test out cool chemistry with a lemon volcano using common household items, baking soda, and vinegar.

Bonus! Popsicle Stick Catapult

Kid tested, STEM approved! Making a popsicle stick catapult is a fantastic way to dive into hands-on physics and engineering.

Grab the handy Top 10 Science Experiments list here!

Free Science Ideas Guide

Grab this free science experiments challenge calendar and have fun with science right away. Use the clickable links to see how to set up each science project.

Get Started With A Science Fair Project

💡Want to turn one of these fun and easy science experiments into a science fair project? Then, you will want to check out these helpful resources.

• Easy Science Fair Projects
• Science Project Tips From A Teacher
• Science Fair Board Ideas

Easy Science Experiments For Kids

Science Experiments By Topic

Are you looking for a specific topic? Check out these additional resources below. Each topic includes easy-to-understand information, everyday examples, and additional hands-on activities and experiments.

• Chemistry Experiments
• Physics Experiments
• Chemical Reaction Experiments
• Candy Experiments
• Plant Experiments
• Kitchen Science
• Water Experiments
• Baking Soda Experiments
• States Of Matter Experiments
• Physical Change Experiments
• Chemical Change Experiments
• Surface Tension Experiments
• Capillary Action Experiments
• Weather Science Projects
• Geology Science Projects
• Space Activities
• Simple Machines
• Static Electricity
• Potential and Kinetic Energy
• Gravity Experiments
• Magnet Activities
• Light Experiments

Science Experiments By Season

• Spring Science
• Summer Science Experiments
• Fall Science Experiments
• Winter Science Experiments

Science Experiments by Age Group

While many experiments can be performed by various age groups, the best science experiments for specific age groups are listed below.

• Science for Toddlers
• Science for Preschoolers
• Science for Kindergarten
• Elementary Science by Season
• Science for 1st Grade
• Science for 2nd Grade
• Science for 3rd Grade
• Science for 4th Grade
• S cience for 5th Grade
• Science for 6th Grade
• Science for Middle School

How To Teach Science

Kids are curious and always looking to explore, discover, check out, and experiment to discover why things do what they do, move as they move, or change as they change! My son is now 13, and we started with simple science activities around three years of age with simple baking soda science.

Here are great tips for making science experiments enjoyable at home or in the classroom.

Safety first: Always prioritize safety. Use kid-friendly materials, supervise the experiments, and handle potentially hazardous substances yourself.

Start with simple experiments: Begin with basic experiments (find tons below) that require minimal setup and materials, gradually increasing complexity as kids gain confidence.

Use everyday items: Utilize common household items like vinegar and baking soda , food coloring, or balloons to make the experiments accessible and cost-effective.

Hands-on approach: Encourage kids to actively participate in the experiments rather than just observing. Let them touch, mix, and check out reactions up close.

Make predictions: Ask kids to predict the outcome before starting an experiment. This stimulates critical thinking and introduces the concept of hypothesis and the scientific method.

Record observations: Have a science journal or notebook where kids can record their observations, draw pictures, and write down their thoughts. Learn more about observing in science. We also have many printable science worksheets .

Theme-based experiments: Organize experiments around a theme, such as water , air , magnets , or plants . Even holidays and seasons make fun themes!

Kitchen science : Perform experiments in the kitchen, such as making ice cream using salt and ice or learning about density by layering different liquids.

Create a science lab: Set up a dedicated space for science experiments, and let kids decorate it with science-themed posters and drawings.

Outdoor experiments: Take some experiments outside to explore nature, study bugs, or learn about plants and soil.

DIY science kits: Prepare science experiment kits with labeled containers and ingredients, making it easy for kids to conduct experiments independently. Check out our DIY science list and STEM kits.

Make it a group effort: Group experiments can be more fun, allowing kids to learn together and share their excitement. Most of our science activities are classroom friendly!

Science shows or documentaries: Watch age-appropriate science shows or documentaries to introduce kids to scientific concepts entertainingly. Hello Bill Nye and the Magic Schoolbus! You can also check out National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, and NASA!

Ask open-ended questions: Encourage critical thinking by asking open-ended questions that prompt kids to think deeper about what they are experiencing.

Celebrate successes: Praise kids for their efforts and discoveries, no matter how small, to foster a positive attitude towards science and learning.

What is the Scientific Method for Kids?

The scientific method is a way scientists figure out how things work. First, they ask a question about something they want to know. Then, they research to learn what’s already known about it. After that, they make a prediction called a hypothesis.

Next comes the fun part – they test their hypothesis by doing experiments. They carefully observe what happens during the experiments and write down all the details. Learn more about variables in experiments here.

Once they finish their experiments, they look at the results and decide if their hypothesis is right or wrong. If it’s wrong, they devise a new hypothesis and try again. If it’s right, they share their findings with others. That’s how scientists learn new things and make our world better!

Go ahead and introduce the scientific method and get kids started recording their observations and making conclusions. Read more about the scientific method for kids .

Engineering and STEM Projects For Kids

STEM activities include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In addition to our kids’ science experiments, we have lots of fun STEM activities for you to try. Check out these STEM ideas below.

• Building Activities
• Self-Propelling Car Projects
• Engineering Projects For Kids
• What Is Engineering For Kids?
• Lego STEM Ideas
• LEGO Engineering Activities
• STEM Activities For Toddlers
• STEM Worksheets
• Easy STEM Activities For Elementary
• Quick STEM Challenges
• Easy STEM Activities With Paper  

Printable Science Projects For Kids

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

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

Subscribe to receive a free 5-Day STEM Challenge Guide

~ projects to try now ~.

45 Easy Science Experiments for Kids

Hello, STEM! These simple DIY activities can be done at home or in school.

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Imagine blowing the biggest bubbles imaginable — or even making bubbles within bubbles. Or sending vessels — rockets, tea bags, airplanes — soaring through the sky for impossible distances. Now imagine making things explode, or change colors, or reveal hidden messages with just a few simple mixtures.

None of this is magic. It's all science that you can do at home, most likely with ingredients you already have in your house. So, next time you need a boredom-busting indoor activity on a rainy day or a DIY project to get their minds humming, try one of these best at-home science experiments for kids , which cover topics like cover magnetism, surface tension, astronomy, chemistry, physics and more.

First off, it's good to start them off with the scientific method. Give them a journal to record their observations, questions, hypotheses, experiments, results and conclusions. As always, safety counts: wear goggles and coats or aprons if need be (sometimes kids get a kick out of how scientific the protective gear makes them look), and always make sure that the kids are supervised when doing them. (Warning: Some of these are messy!)

These experiments are mostly designed for preschoolers through elementary schoolers — with a couple that are either demonstrations or better for older kids — but if you have a younger one, you can check out these 1-year-old learning activities , toddler learning activities and preschool/kindergarten learning activities , some of which also cover STEM subjects.

Floating Fish

Here's another one that deals with solubility and density.

• Draw the outline of a fish on the bottom of a glass plate or tray in dry-erase marker. Retrace your drawing to make sure all the lines are connected. Let dry for a minute or two.
• Fill the measuring cup with tap water. Place the pour spout just inside the corner of the dish and add water very slowly until it just covers the bottom. Be careful not to pour water directly onto your drawing or make splashes near it. The water will move toward your drawing, eventually surrounding it. Observe what happens. If the water splashes or it doesn’t work on your first try, empty the dish, erase the drawing with a paper towel, dry off the dish, and try again.
• Tilt the dish slightly from side to side. What happens? Jot it down.

The ink in dry erase markers is engineered to be slippery. It’s made with a chemical that causes it to easily release from surfaces. (Permanent markers are made with a chemical that makes the ink stick to surfaces, so be sure not to use these in your experiment!)

The easy-release ink lets go from a surface, but why does it float? There are two reasons. First, dry erase ink isn’t soluble, which means it won’t dissolve in water. Second, dry erase ink is less dense than the water, so it becomes buoyant, meaning it can float. When you tilt the dish, the fish moves around on the water’s surface.

From Good Housekeeping Amazing Science: 83 Hands-on S.T.E.A.M Experiments for Curious Kids! See more in the book »

Brush, Brush!

This one will really get them into brushing their teeth once they scientifically prove all the good things that toothpaste can do.

• Write on sticky notes: Soda 1, Soda 2, Juice 1, and Juice 2. Place them in a row on a counter.
• Fill two glasses halfway with brown soda and place behind the Soda 1 and Soda 2 sticky notes. Fill two glasses halfway with lemon juice and place behind the Juice 1 and Juice 2 sticky notes.
• Carefully place one egg in the bowl. Squeeze a big dollop — about one tablespoon — of toothpaste on top of the egg and gently rub the toothpaste all around with your hands until the egg is completely covered in a thick layer of toothpaste. Repeat with a second egg.
• Gently submerge the toothpaste-covered eggs into the liquids: one egg in the glass labeled Soda 1 and the other egg in the glass labeled Juice 1. Wash and dry your hands.
• Gently submerge the remaining eggs, without toothpaste on them, in the remaining glasses: one in the glass labeled Soda 2 and the other in the glass of juice labeled Juice 2. Wash and dry your hands. Leave the eggs in the glasses for 12 hours.
• After 12 hours, remove the eggs from the glasses of soda one at a time. Rinse them in cool water and pat them dry with the towel. Place each egg by the sticky note of the glass it was in. Are the eggs the same or different colors?
• Remove the eggs from the glasses of juice one at a time. Rinse them under the faucet and pat them dry. Place each egg by the sticky note of the glass it was in. Feel the eggs gently. Does one feel stronger or weaker than the other?
• Write down your observations in your science notebook.

The eggshells in this experiment represent the enamel (outer coating) on your teeth. Toothpaste cleans your teeth and prevents stains: it removes food and drink particles that are stuck on your teeth. Teeth can be stained easily by dark-colored liquids like cola, coffee or tea. The egg without toothpaste will be brown and discolored. The egg covered in toothpaste was protected from turning brown.

Toothpaste also protects your pearly whites from decay (breaking down). The egg without toothpaste left in the lemon juice was worn down and soft to the touch, while the egg that was protected with toothpaste is stronger. The lemon juice is acidic, and those acids broke down the shell just as acidic drinks can wear away your tooth enamel. When a tooth is worn down, a cavity can form more easily. But the fluoride in toothpaste mixes with your saliva to create a protective coating around your tooth enamel. It helps keep your teeth strong and cavity-free.

Grow an Avocado Tree

For an easy lesson in Earth Science, your family can grow an avocado tree from a pit. You can buy an AvoSeedo kit , or just peel the seed and suspend it over water with toothpicks.

Get the tutorial »

Milk Bottle Xylophone

No for an experiment in sound!

• Arrange six glass jars or bottles, all the same size with no lids, in a line. What will each jar sound like when you tap it with a spoon? Make a prediction, then tap each jar. Record your observations.
• Next, put water in each of the jars. Pour 1⁄4 cup (60 ml) of water into the first jar. Add 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of water to the second jar. Continue in 1⁄4-cup increments, adding 3⁄4 cup (180 ml) of water to the third jar, 1 cup (240 ml) of water to the fourth jar, 11⁄4 cups (300 ml) of water to the fifth jar, and 11⁄2 cups (360 ml) to the sixth jar. Add a couple of drops of food coloring to each jar.
• What will each jar sound like? Will they sound the same or different than when the container was empty? Will they sound the same or different from one another? Record your predictions.
• Tap each jar with a metal spoon. Write down your observations about each jar’s pitch (how high or low a sound is) in your notebook.

Sound waves are created by vibrations, which are back-and-forth movements that are repeated again and again. Pitch depends on the frequency of the waves — how many are created each second. A high pitch is created by high-frequency sound waves, and can sound squeaky. A low pitch is created by low-frequency sound waves, and sounds deep and booming.

When you tapped the jar, it vibrated. The vibrations traveled from the jar to the water to the air and eventually to your ears. The jars with more water had a low pitch. The sound waves vibrated more slowly because they had more water to travel through. The jars with less water had higher pitches. The sound waves vibrated faster because they had less water to travel through. A jar with no water in it makes the highest pitch because it has the least substance to travel through.

"Elephant Toothpaste"

Okay, elephants don't really brush with this stuff, which is made from a chemical reaction between hydrogen peroxide, yeast, dish soap and a few other simple ingredients. But this experiment has a big "wow" factor since, when the substances are mixed, the "toothpaste" foams out of the bottle. You can use it to teach kids about catalysts and exothermic reactions.

Get the tutorial at Babble Dabble Do »

DIY Compass

Explore the way magnetism works, and how it affects everyday objects, by magnetizing a needle and making a DIY compass. You can even spin the compass in the water, and it'll end up pointing the right way again.

Get the tutorial at STEAM Powered Family »

Craft Stick Chain Reaction

Kids can learn about the differences between potential and kinetic energy with this chain reaction. It makes a big impact: Once the tension is released, the pom poms go flying through the air!

Get the the tutorial at Science Sparks »

Color-Changing Invisible Ink

Kids will feel like super-spies when they use this heatless method to reveal pictures or colors written with "invisible ink." You can try different acid/base combinations to see which one makes the most dramatic result.

Get the tutorial at Research Parent »

Paper Bridge

Get the engineering back into STEM with this activity, which challenges kids to create a paper bridge that's strong enough to hold as many pennies as possible. How can they manipulate the paper to make it sturdier? (Hint: Fold it!)

See the paper bridge tutorial at KidsActivities.com »

Challenge your little scientist to lift up an ice cube with just a piece of string. It's possible ... with a little salt to help. Salt melts the ice and lowers the freezing point of the ice cube, which absorbs the heat from the water around it, making the water cold enough to re-freeze around the string.

Get the tutorial at Playdough to Plato »

Marshmallow Catapult

Another lesson in potential and kinetic energy, kids will love sending mini marshmallows flying in the name of science. Change some of the variables and see how that affects the marshmallow's trajectory.

Get the tutorial at Hello, Wonderful »

Leaf Breathing

It's hard for kids to picture how plants and trees "breathe" through their leaves — until they see the bubbles appear on a leaf that's submerged in water. You can also teach them about photosynthesis by putting different leaves in different spots with varying levels of sunlight.

Get the tutorial at KC EDventures »

Hoop-and-Straw Airplane

We all remember how to fold those classic, triangular paper airplanes, but these hoop-and-straw airplanes fly way better (and straighter). Experiment by changing the length of the straw and the size of the hoops and see how it affects the flight.

Get the tutorial at Mombrite »

Film Canister Rocket

Blast off! You don't need jet fuel to make these rockets go, just Alka-Seltzer tablets and baking soda, but they'll be amazed when they achieve lift-off! (Note: If you can't find old film canisters, tubes of Airborne work, too.)

Get the tutorial at Raising Lifelong Learners »

Coin Inertia

Stack up about five or so coins on a piece of cardboard and place it over a glass of water. Then, flick the cardboard out from on top of the glass. Do the coins drop into the water, or ride with the cardboard? Due to inertia, they drop into the water — a very visual (and fun!) demonstration of Newton's First Law of Motion.

Get the tutorial at Engineering Emily »

Apple Oxidation

What works best for keeping an apple from turning brown? Test to find out! Slice up an apple, and let each slice soak in a different liquid. Then take them out, lay them on a tray, and check the brownness after three minutes, six minutes and so on. Not only does this test the properties of different liquids, it also helps students practice the scientific method if they create hypotheses about which liquids would be most effective.

Get the tutorial at Jennifer Findley »

RELATED: 50 Fun Activities for Kids Will Keep Them Entertained for Hours

Coffee Ground Fossils

By making a salt dough with coffee grounds and pressing various shapes into it (toy dinosaur feet, seashells), kids can get a better understanding of how fossils are made. If you poke a hole in the top before it dries, the kids can hang their "fossils" up in their rooms.

Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »

Chromatography Flowers

Chromatography is the process of separating a solution into different parts — like the pigments in the ink used in markers. If you draw stripes around a coffee filter, then fold it up and dip the tip in water, the water will travel up the filter and separate the marker ink into its different pigments (in cool patterns that you can display as a craft project). This family made the end-result even brighter by adding an LED circuit to the center.

Get the tutorial at Steam Powered Family »

Water Walking

You'll need six containers of water for this one: three with clear water, one with red food coloring, one with blue coloring, and one with yellow coloring. Arrange them in a circle, alternating colored and clear containers, and make bridges between the containers with folded paper towels. Your kids will be amazed to see the colored water "walk" over the bridges and into the clear containers, mixing colors, and giving them a first-hand look at the magic of capillarity.

Get the tutorial at Fun Learning for Kids »

Sunscreen Test

This experiment puts the A (art) in STEAM: Paint different designs on construction paper with different sunscreens, leave the papers out in the sun and compare the results. Then, hang your "conclusions" on your fridge.

Get the tutorial at Tonya Staab »

Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

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