Most families will be spending extra time inside over the next few weeks. My hubby and I are trying to look at the bright side of this sudden change in our lives by using it to spend more quality time together as a family. Now that families aren’t rushing off to swim class, soccer practice, and school every week there’s suddenly tons of time to do fun things together as a family and science experiments are a personal favorite in my household.
Back in my teaching days, science experiments were one of the few ways to get an entire class of 20 preschoolers to focus, engage, and have fun. Now as a mom, I’m finding my son loves all of the same science experiments that were popular year after year in my classroom. Most kids naturally love getting messy, learning how things work, and exploring new materials. Have fun with these kid-tested, mother/teacher approved science experiments, all of which can be done at home with just a few common household materials.
Pepper and Soap Experiment
Rub-a-dub-dub, there’s pepper in my tub! In this experiment, you’ll use pepper floating on water to demonstrate how soap affects the surface of water. This is a quick experiment can also help your kids understand the importance of hand-washing. Looking for more good clean fun? Test various household items to see what cleans pennies best.
Sparkly Explosion
Kids will love this colorful and exciting child-led learning experiment that only requires baking soda, vinegar, glitter, and food coloring. Who doesn’t love bubbles and sparkles?
Fireworks in a Jar
This visually appealing experiment brings the colorful fun of fireworks into the house without the noise. There are also educational concepts that you can explore with your kids about density and the properties of oil and water.
Fluffy Slime
Have you tried making fluffy slime yet? This one is a must-try! The texture is so fun to play with. Kids will love stretching and squishing this fluffy slime. This is the perfect way to keep kids busy for more than just a few minutes!
Magic Milk
Learn about chemistry and make beautiful tie-die design with only a few household ingredients – milk, food coloring, and dishsoap!
Crystal Suncatcher Craft
For a unique suncatcher craft, try making these crystal suncatchers using Epsom salt.
Frozen Ice Challenge
This super easy, super fun activity is completely hands-on and child-led. Pick a few small toys, place in a bowl of water and freeze overnight. The next day, have kids experiment with various “tools” as they try to untrap the toys.
Oooey Gooey Oobleck
Oobleck is another fun, hands-on sensory experience. Oobleck is a classic science experiment that’s perfect for entertaining both kids and adults. If you haven’t seen it in action it’s very fascinating stuff and before too long you’ll have your hands covered with it, happily making a mess that can be washed away with water.
Color Changing Flowers
How do plants drink water? See how flowers do it in this fun experiment that also brings a little natural beauty to your home.
Walking Water Rainbow
Let’s make a walking water rainbow- there’s no better way for little scientists to learn about color mixing than by making water walk (yes walk!) in this colorful science experiment.
Float or Sink?
Set up a sink or float experiment to teach toddlers and preschoolers about density and buoyancy. This play-based learning activity combines a science activity and a water activity, and for some extra fun, we’re adding a colorful twist.
Rainbow Marker Coffee Filter
Use coffee filters and markers to make amazing tie-dye rainbow colors! Markers, coffee filters, and water – that simple! It’s such a fun color rainbow marker experiment with kids. Bonus- you’ll have all sorts of beautiful colored coffee filters to craft with!
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ABOUT ASHLEY HUBBARD-PORTER
Ashley Porter is a Chicago native who now calls Birmingham home. Ashley and her husband Mike and son Jake love attending local festivals, exploring Detroit’s diverse food scene, and venturing outside of Metro Detroit to enjoy the natural beauty of Michigan. With a background in Early Childhood Education, Ashley loves connecting with and supporting families in her community, which is why she is so excited to be a part of LittleGuide Detroit.
