Engaging young children in STEM experiments is a great way to explore the links between science, technology, engineering and maths using everyday materials found at home. In this blog, we’ve put together 5 simple science experiments for kids to inspire them to discover more about the world around them and find answers to questions like How can I make flowers change colour? Or How can I help stop the spread of germs?
1. How to Make Play Foam Clouds
This is a fabulous science experiment for learning about the weather, and so easy to do at home!
You will need:
- A glass jar or beaker
- Pipettes
- Play foam
- Blue food colouring
- Water
Fill a glass halfway with water. Top the glass up with play foam to look like clouds. While the foam is setting, add about 10 drops of blue food colouring to a small container, and top up with water. Use a pipette to suck up the coloured water, and pour it over the play foam. Watch as the blue colouring travels through the foam clouds and looks like rain in the glass!
2. How to Run a Colour-Changing Flower Experiment
This science experiment is all about learning how capillary action works, and how flowers grow.
You will need:
- White flowers such as carnations
- Food dye in at least 3 different colours
- Glass jars
- Water
Fill each glass jar about 1/4 full with water. Add 10-20 drops of one colour into each jar. Place a small bunch of white flowers in each jar then leave them in a sunny place, and wait!
Starting from a few hours you should begin to see the flowers change colour. Monitor the flowers daily to track their progress!
3. How to Grow Cress
Get competitive and see who can grow the most cress with this plant growth science experiment!
You will need:
- Containers such as plant pots, egg shells, or empty yoghurt pots
- Cress seeds
- Soil
- Paper towels
- Cotton wool
- Water
Fill one container halfway with soil, add some cress seeds, and top up with soil. Fill another halfway with damp cotton wool, and add some cress seeds on top. Finally, fill another halfway with damp paper towels, and add some cress seeds on top.
Monitor the cress growth using our free Cress Growing Diary and record details like equipment used and appearance.
For an extra fun science experiment, draw faces on the containers and watch the cress become the hair of the characters!
4. How to Make a Baking Soda Volcano
One of our favourite science experiments for kids is the classic baking soda volcano. This one could be messy!
You will need:
Add a few drops of food dye to the bottle, followed by the dish soap and then the baking soda. Mix all together until you get the desired colour.
Use the clay to create a volcano structure around a plastic bottle. Once the clay is dry, paint and decorate how you like!
Put the volcano in a place where you don’t mind mess, such as outside. We lined the base of a tuff tray with soft play sand to set the scene. Finally, add a cup of vinegar and watch the volcano erupt!
5. How to Create a Glitter Germ Experiment
This is an experiment which teaches children about the importance of washing their hands. Simple, yet effective!
You will need:
- A shallow dish
- Water
- Glitter
- Liquid hand soap
Pour water into the shallow dish, then add glitter. Try putting your finger in the glittery water, and notice that the glitter remains in place. Then, try adding some soap to your fingers, and once more put your finger in the glittery water. Watch as the glitter quickly moves away!
Looking for more science project ideas?
For even more STEM and STEAM inspiration, explore our extensive range of STEM Resources on our website – including space, seasons and lifecycles. Bring your science lessons to life with our FREE science downloads and make sure to check out our blogs below.
We hope you enjoyed these easy science experiments for kids! We love seeing your creations, don’t forget to tag us on social media.
