6 Fun Science Experiments to Do at Home (using household items!)
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Click here to learn how this blog makes money -- and how you can too!Years ago, when we were homeschooling, shopping for science experiments sometimes drove me crazy.
I didn’t want to have to buy cabbage, and Borox and see if we had an eye dropper somewhere, and order the right kind of test tubes and petri dishes, and hope I could find the tweezers, and then realize that we needed Ivory soap specifically, and arrrgh, I thought we had Alka-Seltzer in the house, but we don’t so now we have to go make another trip!
I had enough to worry about already.
And I know you do too.
So if you’re looking for some cool experiments to do at home using just a few basic household items … look no further!
Here are 6 hands-on activities that kids will love and that are simple to do.
Table of Contents
Why are science experiments important?
In addition to being fun, science experiments have some great educational benefits for kids:
- They let kids learn in a way that uses all their senses and appeals to all learning styles.
- They give kids practice using trial and error.
- They engage kids in a way that textbooks and worksheets can’t.
- They enhance critical thinking skills.
- Kids are more likely to remember something when they’ve discovered it themselves.
Dirty Penny Chemistry Experiment
Ultimate STEM Challenge: Can you clean a penny with ketchup? Learn some kitchen chemistry and find out!
Materials needed:
- Dirty pennies
- Small cups
- Ketchup
- Water
- 2 or more of the following:
- Vinegar
- Coke
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Juice
- Milk
- Lemon juice
From Team Cartwright.
Rain Clouds Science Experiment
While learning about clouds and rain as part of a weather study, kids will love this visual hands-on rainy day experiment where they can see a little of how and why rain falls from clouds.
Materials needed:
- A glass of water
- Foam shaving cream
- Food coloring
From Simple Living Creative Learning.
Tornado in a Bottle Science Experiment
This cool tornado experiment will provide lots of fun for kiddos of all ages — and it’s is so simple to do!
Materials needed:
- 2 empty plastic bottles that are each the same size
- Water
- Duct tape
- Food coloring (optional, but recommended)
From One Crazy Mom.
How to Build a Volcano with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Your kids will be super impressed with how this volcano erupts while learning how science works. And it only takes a few simple steps!
Materials Needed:
- Empty water bottle with the top cut off
- Water
- Baking soda
- Liquid dish soap
- Food coloring
- Vinegar
From One Crazy Mom.
Cosmic Colors Experiment
This is an amazing, colorful art and science project that is kind of like “liquid fireworks.” It’s especially fun for the Fourth of July.
Materials needed:
- Paper plate
- Food coloring
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- Liquid dish soap
- Cotton swab
From Bitz n Giggles.
How to Make Salt Crystals
Can you make your own crystals?
Yes, you can! And guess what — it only requires three ingredients.
Materials needed:
- Small glass container or bowl
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Epsom Salts
- Hot water
- Food coloring
From Bitz n Giggles.
Science Experiment Books for Kids
Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work
Best Seller
See it on Amazon
This book has 100 fun, colorful, attention-grabbing activities for kids ages 5-10.
It’s great for visual people, like me, as the materials for each experiments are clearly laid out and it’s loaded with color photos.
Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 50 STEAM Projects You Can Eat!
Fun Food Experiments!
See it on Amazon
A science experiment that’s also a treat to eat?
Yes, please!
Some of the experiments (recipes?) in this book include:
- Nature’s Candy
- Homegrown Yogurt
- Flaming Cheese Puffs
- Protecting Your Proteins
- Cinnamon Apple Pancakes
- Solar-Powered S’Mores
- Build a Gingerbread House
- Potato People
- Popcorn on the Fly
- Outrageous Osmosis
- The pH of Lemonade
- Dueling Domes: Geodesic Gumdrop Designs
The experiments are laid out in a helpful and organized way, listing the level of difficulty, prep time, cautions, and yield.
Each experiment also has a box with the “Hows and Whys” explaining the science behind the experiment.
Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids: 50+ Exciting STEAM Projects to Design and Build
Best Seller
See it on Amazon
Would your child enjoy creating toothpick towers, marble runs, and water rockets? Then they will love this book!
Each activity includes a materials list and step by step tutorial. In addition, there is a short sidebar explaining the relevance to a specific branch of engineering.
Now you have a ton of great science experiments to keep you and your kids busy and happy for a long time.
Have fun!
