To put it simply, science and the scientific method are ways of communicating what is happening in the world. As a result, you don’t necessarily need to go out and buy anything specific to continue STEM learning at home, even though a youngster who is interested in the subject may prefer STEM toys and science kits. Most of the materials needed to conduct these engaging scientific activities for kids are probably already in your cabinets and drawers. Use one of these ideas the next time you’re looking for a rainy-day indoor activity to keep youngsters occupied or a DIY project. Encourage your participants to begin creating hypotheses.
These kid-friendly experiments explore a variety of topics, including magnetism, surface tension, astronomy, chemistry, and magnetism, in ways that help kids understand how the forces that surround us operate. As always, safety comes first. Make sure the kids are always supervised when performing them, and use goggles, coats, or aprons if necessary (occasionally, kids enjoy how scientific the protective gear makes them look). If you have a younger child, 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. These are mostly created for preschoolers through elementary school children.
10 Simple Science Experiments
1. Learn Air Compression (Cloud in a Bottle)
You only need an empty water bottle for this. The air is compressed, and all the molecules are pushed together when you twist the water bottle. When you open it, the pressure is released, and the molecules expand, forming a cloud.
2. Learn Air Compression (Imploding Can)
All you’ll need for this is some empty cans, a basin of ice water, tongs, and, of course, a stove because you’ll be heating the can on it. To begin, fill the cans with water but do not submerge them, then heat them on the stove. Once they are hot enough, turn them over into the icy water and they will implode on themselves.
3. Learn About Membranes (Bouncy Egg)
You’ll need vinegar, a raw egg, and a cup for this. Then gently place the egg in the cup and fill it with vinegar to completely cover it. After that, you let it sit for 24 hours. After the 24-hour period has gone, you may take your egg out and note how the shell has started to rub off. Run it underwater and you’ll have a bouncing egg.
So, what exactly is it now? Is it the egg’s membrane? It is, in fact, the egg’s membrane. You can also use it to create interesting effects by shining a light on it.
4. Learn About Invisible Ink
You’ll need grape juice, baking soda, paper (cards), a bowl, and Q-tips to learn acids and bases. To begin, combine 1/3 cup baking soda with 1/3 cup water in a mixing bowl. Then we wrote our secret messages on our cards, which you may then have your pals disclose by painting with grape juice.
Because the juice is acidic and the baking soda is a base, this happens.
5. DIY hovercraft
A hot glue gun, a cap with a hole drilled in it, an old CD, and a balloon are all you’ll need to construct this DIY hovercraft. So hot glue your CD cap with the hole drilled in it to your CD, then inflate up and twist your balloon so the air doesn’t just fall out. Then attach it to your hovercraft and you’re done.
Because the city’s friction on the table is considerably reduced by the air, you can build a pretty enjoyable game out of it.
6. Learn Static Electricity (Water Bending)
You’ll need a PVC pipe for this, although a balloon will suffice. You start by rubbing your pipe or balloon in your hair or on your shirt to charge it up. After then, place it near the water.
7. Learn Air Power (Balloon Racers)
You’ll need a straw, a balloon, and some Christmas ribbon to make balloon raisers, and then all you have to do is feed your ribbon through the straw. Fill your balloon with air and attach it to the straw. Tie your rope to your door and the bottom of a chair. Then just inflate it and let go.
8. Learn Element 31 (Exploring Gallium)
You must first acquire Gallium, after which you just simply place the gallium in a basin of boiling water. It will melt faster, and you may wear gloves if you want to protect your hands from the mess, but it is not required. It is non-toxic in every way. Gallium is one of the most fascinating elements. It dissolves in your palm since its melting point is just 29 degrees Celsius (85 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s as though it’s made of liquid metal. Another fascinating feature is that it expands as it cools, much like water, and forms crystals as it cools, which is why it can’t be stored in glass jars.
9. Chemical Reaction (Exploding Bag)
It is a simple experiment that requires only baking soda, vinegar, and a sandwich bag. To begin, combine the baking soda and vinegar in a sandwich bag and wait for it to burst.
10. Learn Chemical Reaction (Balloon Inflator)
Baking soda, vinegar, an empty bottle, and a balloon are all you’ll need. First, enlist the assistance of a friend to help you fill your balloon with baking soda. One person may kind of hold it open while the other spoons baking soda in. Fill your empty bottle with vinegar and stretch your balloon over the top of it. When you’re ready, combine the baking soda and vinegar, which will cause a chemical reaction that will inflate the balloon. You can even do it while wearing a glove, which is a lot of fun. One thing to keep in mind regarding the glove: it doesn’t always come out the way it’s meant to.