5 Science Experiments Kids Can Do at Home
Creative activities are a great way to have some fun and break up the day — especially when they’re also educational. Whether your kids are virtual-learning, homeschooled, or looking for a weekend project, doing these science experiments at home will be just what they need to break the routine. Break out the beakers, goggles, and lab coats and enjoy these five simple science experiments at home!
Oobleck
Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid, meaning it acts like a liquid when poured and like a solid when met with force. Its nature seemingly defies physics, making it an awesome substance. It’s also incredibly simple to make. All you need is:
- 1 cup of water
- 1-2 cups of cornstarch
- A few drops of food coloring
Gradually add the cornstarch to the water and mix with your hands until the mixture becomes gooey. Add food coloring for some extra fun and start squeezing!
Rain Jar
Have your kids ever asked where rain comes from? This weather jar lets you show them firsthand. All you need to create your own raincloud is:
- A glass Mason jar
- A ceramic plate
- Hot water
- 4-5 large ice cubes
Begin by pouring 2 inches of hot water into the jar. Cover it with the plate and let sit for 3 minutes. Then place the ice cubes on top of the plate and watch it rain!
Diet Coke-Mentos Geysers
The ultimate science experiment, this messy endeavor should probably be done on a nice day outdoors. Be warned: This is a very explosive experiment! You will need:
- 2-liter bottle of Diet Coke
- Two rolls of Mentos
- A piece of construction paper
- Tape
Roll the paper into a cylinder with a diameter just a bit larger than a Mento. Tape the edges to hold it in place. Hold your hand over the bottom of the paper tube and pour both packages of Mentos into it. Hold the tube over the open Diet Coke bottle. Let the mints drop in the bottle and get ready to run!
Dry-Erase Doodles in Motion
Although we’re practicing science, this experiment will have you thinking magic is real. All you need for this science experiment at home is:
- A glass bowl
- A dry-erase marker
- Water
Draw a small, simple doodle on the glass bowl with the dry-erase marker, like a stick figure or a smiley face. Wait a moment for the marker to dry, then slowly add water to the bowl, which will “magically” lift the picture off the bowl and make it float.
Epsom Salts Crystals
Growing Epsom salts crystals is a hands-on way for your kids to fall in love with science. For this experiment you’ll need:
- 1/4 cup Epsom salts
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- A bowl
- A sponge
Boil the water and pour in the Epsom salts, stirring until it has dissolved. Place the sponge in your bowl and pour the salt solution over it. Place the bowl and sponge in a warm, sunny location for one to three days and watch as your crystals grow. For smaller, more delicate crystals, you can also refrigerate the bowl for 30 minutes.
Looking for more ideas to have fun at home? Try these outdoor games and indoor activities, or host your own DIY movie night.
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