6 Cool Science Experiments to Do at Home (using household items!)

6 Cool Science Experiments to Do at Home (using household items!)
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Years ago, when we were homeschooling, shopping for science experiments sometimes drove me crazy.

I didn’t want to have to go buy a head or red 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.

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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.

 

Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 50 STEAM Projects You Can Eat!Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 50 STEAM Projects You Can Eat!Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 50 STEAM Projects You Can Eat!Awesome Physics Experiments for Kids: 40 Fun Science Projects and Why They WorkAwesome Physics Experiments for Kids: 40 Fun Science Projects and Why They WorkAwesome Physics Experiments for Kids: 40 Fun Science Projects and Why They WorkAwesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They WorkAwesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They WorkAwesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work

 

 

Dirty Penny Chemistry Experiment

Penny chemistry experiment for kids

 

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

Shaving Cream Science Experiment for kids

 

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

Tornado in a bottle 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

how to make a volcano at home experiment

 

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

Food coloring science experiment for kids

 

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

How to make salt crystals chemistry activity

 

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

If you’re looking for more fun science experiments to do with your kids, there are several great books that will keep you plenty of ideas.

 

Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work

Best Seller
science experiment book for kids
See it on Amazon
Parents love the beautiful photos and easy to follow instructions

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.

 

Click here to see a quick video and photos of the “Naked Egg” experiment.

 

Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 50 STEAM Projects You Can Eat!

Fun Food Experiments!
Kitchen science experiments kids can eat
See it on Amazon
Fun science experiments you can eat!

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.

 

Click here and scroll down to see the full “Modeling Glaciers” experiment using ice cream and wafer cookies.

 

Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids: 50+ Exciting STEAM Projects to Design and Build

Best Seller
Engineering science experiment book for kids
See it on Amazon
Over 50 experiments with easy-to-find materials

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.

Click here and scroll down to see the full sample experiment, Mini Spoon-and-Stick Catapult.

 

Now you have a ton of great science experiments to keep you and your kids busy and happy for a long time.

Have fun!

 

 

 

 

Science-experiments-PIN



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