Easy Science Experiments

Children love to be scientists! Conducting simple experiments can be an enjoyable way for children to practice making predictions, testing their predictions, and making observations. Some children will also enjoy drawing pictures of the results. There are many simple experiments that can be done with materials you already have at home.

Self-contained Activities

Sink or Float

Pick objects from around the house to test in a bowl of water.

Magnetic vs. Non-magnetic

Pick objects from around the house to test with a magnet.

Color mixing

Give the child water colored red, yellow, and blue with food coloring or watercolors to mix in different combinations by dropping onto a plate with an eye dropper or pouring into cups. The child can then test their findings with art materials by drawing in one space with multiple colored pencils or crayons to see what colors are created.

Baking soda and vinegar mixing

Let children explore the fun reactions that occur when vinegar is poured on baking soda.

Orange Sink vs. Float

See the difference between a peeled and an unpeeled orange in water!

https://www.playdoughtoplato.com/orange-buoyancy-science-experiment/

Floating Dry Erase Marker Experiment

Draw on a glass or ceramic plate with a dry erase marker and then pour water on top. The marks left by the dry erase marker will float to the top of the water.

https://activelittles.com/floating-dry-erase-marker-experiment-for-kids-valentines-day/

Cleaning a Penny

Place dirty pennies in cups filled with different solutions (water, ketchup, vinegar, etc.). After letting them soak for a few minutes, wipe them off and compare the results.

https://team-cartwright.com/cleaning-pennies-with-ketchup/

Pepper and Soap “Germ” Experiment

Pour water into a bowl and then shake pepper all over the water until it is fully covered. Have the child place a finger in to see how it becomes covered in the pepper (“germs”). Then, place dish soap on a different finger and place it in the water. The pepper will be repelled from the dish soap.

https://www.coffeecupsandcrayons.com/magic-pepper-and-soap-experiment/

Multiple Day Activities

Disappearing Egg Shell

Place an egg in a jar and cover with vinegar. Close the lid and leave for a week. Make regular observations. After a week, the shell can be removed by gently rubbing with water.

https://thebeakerlife.com/disappearing-egg-shell-experiment-97086e4ae706

Growing Salt and Egg Geodes

Wash out egg shells and place in glass bowls. Boil water and add as much salt as you can get to fully dissolve. Add food coloring to the water and salt solution. Pour the mixture over the egg shells. Over several days, crystals will form on the egg shells.

 https://planningplaytime.com/how-to-grow-crystal-geodes#comment-528

Growing Rock Candy

Boil equal parts sugar and water until the sugar is fully dissolved and then slowly add sugar until you have a final ratio of 3 parts sugar: 1 part water (the water should be fully saturated). Add food coloring and let cool. Pour the sugar mixture into glass cups. Suspend wooden skewers so that they are not touching the sides or bottom of the cup (using a clothespin across the top). After about a week, the candy will have formed. 

https://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2015/02/rock-candy-experiment.html