Have your kids learn science the fun way with fun and easy science experiments; you’d be surprised that most of these can be done using things you probably already have lying around the house. With the never-ending lockdown at hand, exciting science experiments are a great way to kill time while also getting the kids to explore the world of science. Getting your child, even as young as two years old, involved in thought-provoking science experiments, can offer a ton of benefits. Science experiments help develop your child’s innovative skills and nurture curiosity. Children will be encouraged to discover new educational pursuits, and by partaking in stimulating science experiments, they’ll be having a whale of a time as they learn about the wonders of science.
Finding the right experiment that is suited for your child’s age can be tricky; you’d want your child to get the most out of the experiment without them losing interest. Get your child to choose the science experiment that interests them the most and ensure they’re involved in planning, preparing the materials and carrying out the experiment. Be sure, to begin with easy, simple experiments and go up a difficulty level with every achieved one. We’ve arranged a bunch of science experiments that will fire enthusiasm and interest in kids of all ages.
Lava Lamp
What you’ll need:
- A glass jar
- Water
- Clear oil such as baby oil or vegetable oil
- An effervescent tablet such as Panadol soluble
- Food colouring
Instructions
- Fill up a quarter of the glass jar with water
- Add a couple of drops of food colouring into the water
- Pour in the oil until it’s about full
- Drop the effervescent tablet into the glass jar
- Place a flashlight under the glass jar to illuminate it
The science behind it
The oil sits on top of the water because it is less dense or lighter than water. As the effervescent tablet dissolves, carbon dioxide gas is released, and it brings coloured water with it to the top, as gas is lighter than water and oil. When air unbinds from the blob and only coloured water is left, the water gets heavy and sinks back below the oil. This process repeatedly happens until the effervescent tablet dissolves completely.
Dry Erase Stickman
What you’ll need:
- A glass bowl or plate
- Whiteboard marker
- Water
Instructions
- Draw a stickman on the glass plate or bowl
- Pour water into the glass plate or bowl slowly on the side to lift the drawing
- Swirl the water around to move the drawing
The science behind it
The marker ink is made of a mixture of pigments and a particular type of alcohol. When water is poured into the glass bowl or plate, the alcohol dissolves, the pigments are left behind as a whole solid. And since glass is smooth, the solid slides right off the smooth surface when water is poured in.
Volcano In A Bottle
What you’ll need:
- 10 ml of dish soap
- 100 ml of cold water
- 400 ml of vinegar
- Baking soda
- Water
- Red food colouring
- 1.5-litre soda bottle
Instructions
- This experiment should be done either outside or in the bathroom cause it can get very messy
- Put together the vinegar, dish soap, cold water, and a few drops of food colouring into the soda bottle
- Mix the baking soda with some water to make a bubbly liquid concoction.
- Spoon in the baking soda concoction into the soda bottle, close it with the cap and shake it up.
- Wait for your volcano to erupt!
The science behind it
The chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda creates carbon dioxide. The gas gets vigorous and tries to spread; since there isn’t enough room in the bottle, and CO2 gas is compressed within the bottle, an eruption occurs when the cap is opened. This experiment is just like when you shake up a can of soda.
Storm in a Glass
What you’ll need:
- Spray-on shaving foam
- A long glass
- Water
- Food Coloring
- A small bowl
- Spoon
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix 120ml of water with the food colouring of your choice (We recommend colours with a bluish hue for a storm-like effect)
- Fill the glass up halfway through with water
- Spray some shaving foam onto the cup, allowing it to sit on top of the water (Fill to the brim)
- With a spoon, spread the foam evenly, making the top flat
- Gradually, add the coloured water mixture to the top of the shaving foam one spoonful at a time.
- Observe what happens when the foam becomes too heavy as more and more of the coloured mixture adds to the foam
The science behind it
The shaving foam in this experiment acts as the clouds in the sky. Clouds can hold millions of litre of water, but when it gets too heavy, eventually water starts falling out, causing rain or snow. As the shaving foam fills up with more and more of the coloured water, when it gets too heavy, the coloured fluids will seep into the water.
Rock Candy Experiment
What you’ll need:
- 3 cups of water
- 4 cups of sugar
- Clothespin
- A large pot
- Wooden skewers
- Food colouring
- Additional flavouring (optional)
- Glass Jar
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil
- Add the sugar to the boiling water while stirring slowly until all the sugar has been dissolved
- (Optional) Add addition flavourings (Vanilla, Orange, Strawberry, etc.) to the supersaturated sugar solution
- Allow the solution to come to room temperature, then add food colourings of your choice
- Pour the sugar solution into a glass jar
- Wet the wooden skewers and cover them in granulated sugar and allow them to dry thoroughly
- Using a clothespin, secure the wooden skewer into the middle of the glass jar (Make sure the skewer does not touch the sides of the jar)
- Place the jar in a quiet and chilled place for two weeks, enabling candy crystals to form
- Remove the skewers and dry them before eating
The science behind it
The sugars in the solution form crystals on the skewer, taking after a unique shape. This process is called crystalization.
End each experiment with inviting your child to reflect on what they’ve learnt and observed, teach them on the scientific theory or theories that are associated with the particular experiment. Not all of these experiments are a sure-fire and may even fail after countless tries but praising your child for their hard work and perseverance is vital, encourage them to keep trying even if the experiment has failed to a great extent. The important thing is for the kids to have fun, and it’s a great family-bonding activity to engage in during the quarantine.