Do you want to impress your kids with some easy science experiments that are entertaining and educational? It can be more of a challenge than you think!
Introducing science experiments to kids can be difficult because they often require advanced knowledge and require preparation and setup which can be tedious. But don't worry! We've got you covered! In this comprehensive article, we will discuss five amazing tried and tested science experiments that you can do with your kids at home or in the classroom, using only a few inexpensive materials. Have fun watching your children investigate, predict and report based on evidence as they discover they can do more than they thought. Prepare to be amazed – this article will equip you to effortlessly time after time, unexpected and extraordinary results with confidence.
One of the greatest benefits of doing science experiments with your children or students is the learning opportunities they provide. By conducting experiments together, you can engage in meaningful conversations with them about the scientific process. It provides a chance for them to make predictions, ask questions, and observe the results first-hand. They also learn to think critically and gain an appreciation for the limits and potential of science. By doing experiments, children can also learn the importance of accuracy, precision, and following directions. With each new experience, they gain a better understanding of the world around them and the power of experimentation and discovery.
If you like this then you will love - Cooking with your Kids! Tips & Tricks
So, without further ado, here are my top 5 tried and tested amazing science experiments that your kiddos will absolutely love.
1 - The Skittles Experiment
What you need - A big bag of Skittles
- A plate
- Warm water in a cup/jug
Questions to ask before doing the experiment - What do you think will happen to the skittles when we pour water on them? - What will happen to the colours? Will the results change if we use cold water, not warm? What will happen if we put the skittles in the middle?
How to do it - Put the skittles in a circle on the outer curve of the plate. For best results I recommend following a pattern, but that’s just for a nicer visual effect. It will still work with random colours. Pour the water slowly into the middle of the plate until the Skittles are half covered and wait to see what happens.
The science behind it -Skittles are made with sugar and dyes to give them colour. The warm water dissolves these and the colours move towards a place where there is less dye and sugar, so towards the middle of the plate.This process is called Diffusion.
Diffusion is the movement of particles (in this case, sugar) from a space of higher concentration (the outer curve of the plate) to a place of lower concentration (the middle of the plate).
What my kids say - ‘Wow, how cool? Look at the colours moving but not mixing.’
‘Can we do it again with different colours?’
Changing the variables - Add cold water, not hot. Put the skittles in the middle and see if the colours go to the outside of the plate. Try experimenting with milk.
How to use this in class - Before doing the experiment I explained what we were going to do. On a paper I got students to draw what they thought might happen and after the experiment they had to record their findings and explain if their original theory was correct or not.
Fun rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Ease of experiment: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Messy rating: ⭐ ⭐
2 - The Lava Lamp Experiment
What you need - Tall drinking glasses/beakers
- Water
- Vegetable oil
- Food colouring (I recommend these ones for the amazing vibrancy)
- Alka Seltzer tablets (similar brands work too)
Questions to ask before doing the experiment - Do you think the water and oil are going to mix together? How will the colours affect the water and oil? What will happen when we add the tablet?
How to do it - Fill the glasses ¾ with oil. In a separate glass mix 1/4 water with a few drops of food colouring and stir. Slowly add the water mix to the oil and allow it to settle. Break the Alka Seltzer tablets into small pieces (5/6) and then once the oil and water have separated drop a piece of the tablet into the glass. Then sit back and watch the show! Repeat as many times as you like by dropping in the tablets.
The science behind it - The water and oil do not mix and the oil doesn’t change colour because the food colouring is water soluble. The Alka Seltzer reacts with the water to make bubbles of carbon dioxide. The bubbles attach themselves to the blobs of coloured water and they rise to the top of the glass. When the bubbles pop the blobs of coloured water fall back to the bottom of the glass.
What my kids say - ‘Look at the bubbles! They are so pretty. I love this experiment! Can I have another tablet please? And can we mix the colours?’
Changing the variables - Will it work the same with hot water? What will happen if you add two colours? Will they mix?
Fun rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Ease of experiment: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Messy rating: ⭐ ⭐
3 - The Rising Candle Experiment
What you need - A plate
- A tall glass
- A tealight candle
- Water
- Food colouring
- Matches
Questions to ask before doing the experiment - What do you think will happen to the candle when the glass goes over it? What are we using water for? What is going to happen with it?
How to do it -Mix the food colouring with water and slowly pour it onto the plate. Put the candle in the middle of the plate and carefully light it. Put the glass upside down over the candle and watch as the candle goes out and the water gets sucked up into the glass, making the candle rise.
The science behind it - When you light the candle, the heat warms up the air in the glass. The hot air expands, which leads to higher air pressure. This causes tiny air bubbles to escape under the edge of the glass to equalise the pressure. The candle goes out because it runs out of oxygen to burn in the glass, and the air in the glass starts to cool. The air in the glass drops in pressure because of the reduction in temperature, which causes water to enter the glass to equalise the pressure. If you lift the glass at the end you probably hear a “pop” sound as the seal breaks! The changes in pressure create a vacuum in the glass
My kids reaction - To do it over and over again. They were obsessed with this one!
Changing the variables - Using a different amount or sized candles. Using a bigger or smaller glass. Different liquids to water in the experiment.
Fun rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Ease of experiment: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Messy rating:⭐ ⭐
4 - The Oobleck Experiment
What you need - A large tray or bowl (big area and deep)
- Cornflour/ Cornstarch
- Water
- Food colouring
Questions to ask before doing the experiment - What consistency will these ingredients make when mixed together?
How to do it - Put a good amount of cornflour in the tray/bowl. Add food colouring to the water in a separate jug. Slowly add water and mix together with a spoon. When the Oobleck is solid enough to pick up it is ready to play with. Make sure you try different actions with it. For example fast actions like hitting or moving between hands versus running fingers through it or tipping it from the spoon.
The science behind it - Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid. Oobleck is a suspension, or a substance that can mimic the qualities of a solid or a liquid. These materials are also classified as non-Newtonian fluids. A Newtonian fluid has a constant viscosity, such as water or gasoline. As you might guess, the viscosity of a non-Newtonian liquid changes. Examples include silly putty, ketchup and, yes, Oobleck.
What did my kids think ? I think you can see from the photo! They were obsessed with this for days. The possibilities here are immeasurable. There are so many things you can do with it and although messy it is so cool to experiment with.
Fun rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Ease of experiment: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Messy rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
5 - The soda and vinegar eruptions experiment
What you need - A large tray
.- Pipettes (I recommend these for little hands)
- Bicarbonate soda (a lot)
- White vinegar
- Food colouring
- a small cup or beaker
- Safety glasses if with young kids
Questions to ask before doing the experiment - What will happen when we add the liquid to the Bicarbonate soda?
How to do it - PIle the bicarbonate soda in 3 small piles in the try. Mix some food colouring with the vinegar in a separate cup. Try adding small amounts from the pipette onto the piles of soda to see what happens. Use different colours on the piles. And finally tip the whole cup over the bicarbonate to see a bigger reaction.
The science behind it -The reaction is known as an 'Acid-Base' reaction. Bicarbonate soda is a base, and vinegar is an acid. Vinegar isn't just an acid, it is an acid in water, which is important. The water in the vinegar acts as a host where the base and acid react. During the reaction, when the bicarbonate soda is mixed with the vinegar, the reaction causes the soda to transform into water and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is a gas which is released during the reaction, which gives it the bubbling effect.
What my kids say - ‘I like seeing the reaction straight away. I don’t have to wait so it’s really interesting.’
Fun rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Ease of experiment: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Messy rating: ⭐ ⭐
Tips for running smooth experiments
Keep your workspace organised and clean.
Set out all the things you will need first. Having them to hand will make things easier.
As you use different things, tidy up straight away. This will help keep the workspace organised and reduce risk of accidents. Teaching children to clean as you go is a great life lesson too!
Have wipes and kitchen towels on stand by. Accidents do happen, so be prepared before it happens.
Protect clothing, workspace and yourselves by using the correct barriers or equipment.
Go slow and steady! There’s no rush. Kids often like to throw everything in and see what happens, but going slower will give nicer results as you can pay more attention to the science.
Don't have much time to buy and organise everything? Buy a kit instead!
Europe - I highly recommend this one! So many different types of experiments!
Click the photo to find out more.
USA - This kit is awesome! Don't walk, run and check it out now! Click photo to go to the page.
**Disclaimer - By clicking links on this page I may earn a small commission when you purchase. However, these are products I have tried and tested. Many thanks.
By trying these five amazing science experiments with kids, you can trust that you're teaching kids science without the headache of complicated instructions and materials. We've shown you how to dazzle children with the science behind clouds, static electricity, and colours, as well as how to make an egg and a rocket fly.
The best part about these experiments is that they’re fun and help children understand the world around them, sparking their curiosity and creativity.
As the quote from Albert Einstein says, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”
In conclusion, effortless science experiments with kids make complicated scientific concepts accessible and enjoyable for curious little minds. Through these activities, children can build their creativity, curiosity, and understanding of the world—and you end up having fun, too. So, why not give it a try?
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We love doing experiments in my house and these are some great ones that we haven't tried yet. Thanks for sharing!