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• Grades 6-12
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72 Easy Science Experiments Using Materials You Already Have On Hand

Because science doesn’t have to be complicated.

If there is one thing that is guaranteed to get your students excited, it’s a good science experiment! While some experiments require expensive lab equipment or dangerous chemicals, there are plenty of cool projects you can do with regular household items. We’ve rounded up a big collection of easy science experiments that anybody can try, and kids are going to love them!

Easy Chemistry Science Experiments

Easy physics science experiments, easy biology and environmental science experiments, easy engineering experiments and stem challenges.

1. Taste the Rainbow

Teach your students about diffusion while creating a beautiful and tasty rainbow! Tip: Have extra Skittles on hand so your class can eat a few!

Learn more: Skittles Diffusion

2. Crystallize sweet treats

Crystal science experiments teach kids about supersaturated solutions. This one is easy to do at home, and the results are absolutely delicious!

Learn more: Candy Crystals

3. Make a volcano erupt

This classic experiment demonstrates a chemical reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid), which produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate.

Learn more: Best Volcano Experiments

4. Make elephant toothpaste

This fun project uses yeast and a hydrogen peroxide solution to create overflowing “elephant toothpaste.” Tip: Add an extra fun layer by having kids create toothpaste wrappers for plastic bottles.

5. Blow the biggest bubbles you can

Add a few simple ingredients to dish soap solution to create the largest bubbles you’ve ever seen! Kids learn about surface tension as they engineer these bubble-blowing wands.

Learn more: Giant Soap Bubbles

6. Demonstrate the “magic” leakproof bag

All you need is a zip-top plastic bag, sharp pencils, and water to blow your kids’ minds. Once they’re suitably impressed, teach them how the “trick” works by explaining the chemistry of polymers.

Learn more: Leakproof Bag

7. Use apple slices to learn about oxidation

Have students make predictions about what will happen to apple slices when immersed in different liquids, then put those predictions to the test. Have them record their observations.

Learn more: Apple Oxidation

8. Float a marker man

Their eyes will pop out of their heads when you “levitate” a stick figure right off the table! This experiment works due to the insolubility of dry-erase marker ink in water, combined with the lighter density of the ink.

Learn more: Floating Marker Man

9. Discover density with hot and cold water

There are a lot of easy science experiments you can do with density. This one is extremely simple, involving only hot and cold water and food coloring, but the visuals make it appealing and fun.

Learn more: Layered Water

10. Layer more liquids

This density demo is a little more complicated, but the effects are spectacular. Slowly layer liquids like honey, dish soap, water, and rubbing alcohol in a glass. Kids will be amazed when the liquids float one on top of the other like magic (except it is really science).

Learn more: Layered Liquids

11. Grow a carbon sugar snake

Easy science experiments can still have impressive results! This eye-popping chemical reaction demonstration only requires simple supplies like sugar, baking soda, and sand.

Learn more: Carbon Sugar Snake

12. Mix up some slime

Tell kids you’re going to make slime at home, and watch their eyes light up! There are a variety of ways to make slime, so try a few different recipes to find the one you like best.

13. Make homemade bouncy balls

These homemade bouncy balls are easy to make since all you need is glue, food coloring, borax powder, cornstarch, and warm water. You’ll want to store them inside a container like a plastic egg because they will flatten out over time.

Learn more: Make Your Own Bouncy Balls

14. Create eggshell chalk

Eggshells contain calcium, the same material that makes chalk. Grind them up and mix them with flour, water, and food coloring to make your very own sidewalk chalk.

Learn more: Eggshell Chalk

15. Make naked eggs

This is so cool! Use vinegar to dissolve the calcium carbonate in an eggshell to discover the membrane underneath that holds the egg together. Then, use the “naked” egg for another easy science experiment that demonstrates osmosis .

Learn more: Naked Egg Experiment

16. Turn milk into plastic

This sounds a lot more complicated than it is, but don’t be afraid to give it a try. Use simple kitchen supplies to create plastic polymers from plain old milk. Sculpt them into cool shapes when you’re done!

17. Test pH using cabbage

Teach kids about acids and bases without needing pH test strips! Simply boil some red cabbage and use the resulting water to test various substances—acids turn red and bases turn green.

Learn more: Cabbage pH

18. Clean some old coins

Use common household items to make old oxidized coins clean and shiny again in this simple chemistry experiment. Ask kids to predict (hypothesize) which will work best, then expand the learning by doing some research to explain the results.

Learn more: Cleaning Coins

19. Pull an egg into a bottle

This classic easy science experiment never fails to delight. Use the power of air pressure to suck a hard-boiled egg into a jar, no hands required.

Learn more: Egg in a Bottle

20. Blow up a balloon (without blowing)

Chances are good you probably did easy science experiments like this when you were in school. The baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment demonstrates the reactions between acids and bases when you fill a bottle with vinegar and a balloon with baking soda.

21 Assemble a DIY lava lamp

This 1970s trend is back—as an easy science experiment! This activity combines acid-base reactions with density for a totally groovy result.

22. Explore how sugary drinks affect teeth

The calcium content of eggshells makes them a great stand-in for teeth. Use eggs to explore how soda and juice can stain teeth and wear down the enamel. Expand your learning by trying different toothpaste-and-toothbrush combinations to see how effective they are.

Learn more: Sugar and Teeth Experiment

23. Mummify a hot dog

If your kids are fascinated by the Egyptians, they’ll love learning to mummify a hot dog! No need for canopic jars , just grab some baking soda and get started.

24. Extinguish flames with carbon dioxide

This is a fiery twist on acid-base experiments. Light a candle and talk about what fire needs in order to survive. Then, create an acid-base reaction and “pour” the carbon dioxide to extinguish the flame. The CO2 gas acts like a liquid, suffocating the fire.

25. Send secret messages with invisible ink

Turn your kids into secret agents! Write messages with a paintbrush dipped in lemon juice, then hold the paper over a heat source and watch the invisible become visible as oxidation goes to work.

Learn more: Invisible Ink

26. Create dancing popcorn

This is a fun version of the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment, perfect for the younger crowd. The bubbly mixture causes popcorn to dance around in the water.

27. Shoot a soda geyser sky-high

You’ve always wondered if this really works, so it’s time to find out for yourself! Kids will marvel at the chemical reaction that sends diet soda shooting high in the air when Mentos are added.

Learn more: Soda Explosion

28. Send a teabag flying

Hot air rises, and this experiment can prove it! You’ll want to supervise kids with fire, of course. For more safety, try this one outside.

Learn more: Flying Tea Bags

29. Create magic milk

This fun and easy science experiment demonstrates principles related to surface tension, molecular interactions, and fluid dynamics.

Learn more: Magic Milk Experiment

30. Watch the water rise

Learn about Charles’s Law with this simple experiment. As the candle burns, using up oxygen and heating the air in the glass, the water rises as if by magic.

Learn more: Rising Water

31. Learn about capillary action

Kids will be amazed as they watch the colored water move from glass to glass, and you’ll love the easy and inexpensive setup. Gather some water, paper towels, and food coloring to teach the scientific magic of capillary action.

Learn more: Capillary Action

32. Give a balloon a beard

Equally educational and fun, this experiment will teach kids about static electricity using everyday materials. Kids will undoubtedly get a kick out of creating beards on their balloon person!

Learn more: Static Electricity

33. Find your way with a DIY compass

Here’s an old classic that never fails to impress. Magnetize a needle, float it on the water’s surface, and it will always point north.

Learn more: DIY Compass

34. Crush a can using air pressure

Sure, it’s easy to crush a soda can with your bare hands, but what if you could do it without touching it at all? That’s the power of air pressure!

35. Tell time using the sun

While people use clocks or even phones to tell time today, there was a time when a sundial was the best means to do that. Kids will certainly get a kick out of creating their own sundials using everyday materials like cardboard and pencils.

Learn more: Make Your Own Sundial

36. Launch a balloon rocket

Grab balloons, string, straws, and tape, and launch rockets to learn about the laws of motion.

37. Make sparks with steel wool

All you need is steel wool and a 9-volt battery to perform this science demo that’s bound to make their eyes light up! Kids learn about chain reactions, chemical changes, and more.

Learn more: Steel Wool Electricity

38. Levitate a Ping-Pong ball

Kids will get a kick out of this experiment, which is really all about Bernoulli’s principle. You only need plastic bottles, bendy straws, and Ping-Pong balls to make the science magic happen.

39. Whip up a tornado in a bottle

There are plenty of versions of this classic experiment out there, but we love this one because it sparkles! Kids learn about a vortex and what it takes to create one.

Learn more: Tornado in a Bottle

40. Monitor air pressure with a DIY barometer

This simple but effective DIY science project teaches kids about air pressure and meteorology. They’ll have fun tracking and predicting the weather with their very own barometer.

Learn more: DIY Barometer

41. Peer through an ice magnifying glass

Students will certainly get a thrill out of seeing how an everyday object like a piece of ice can be used as a magnifying glass. Be sure to use purified or distilled water since tap water will have impurities in it that will cause distortion.

Learn more: Ice Magnifying Glass

42. String up some sticky ice

Can you lift an ice cube using just a piece of string? This quick experiment teaches you how. Use a little salt to melt the ice and then refreeze the ice with the string attached.

Learn more: Sticky Ice

43. “Flip” a drawing with water

Light refraction causes some really cool effects, and there are multiple easy science experiments you can do with it. This one uses refraction to “flip” a drawing; you can also try the famous “disappearing penny” trick .

Learn more: Light Refraction With Water

44. Color some flowers

We love how simple this project is to re-create since all you’ll need are some white carnations, food coloring, glasses, and water. The end result is just so beautiful!

45. Use glitter to fight germs

Everyone knows that glitter is just like germs—it gets everywhere and is so hard to get rid of! Use that to your advantage and show kids how soap fights glitter and germs.

Learn more: Glitter Germs

46. Re-create the water cycle in a bag

You can do so many easy science experiments with a simple zip-top bag. Fill one partway with water and set it on a sunny windowsill to see how the water evaporates up and eventually “rains” down.

Learn more: Water Cycle

47. Learn about plant transpiration

Your backyard is a terrific place for easy science experiments. Grab a plastic bag and rubber band to learn how plants get rid of excess water they don’t need, a process known as transpiration.

Learn more: Plant Transpiration

48. Clean up an oil spill

Before conducting this experiment, teach your students about engineers who solve environmental problems like oil spills. Then, have your students use provided materials to clean the oil spill from their oceans.

Learn more: Oil Spill

49. Construct a pair of model lungs

Kids get a better understanding of the respiratory system when they build model lungs using a plastic water bottle and some balloons. You can modify the experiment to demonstrate the effects of smoking too.

Learn more: Model Lungs

50. Experiment with limestone rocks

Kids  love to collect rocks, and there are plenty of easy science experiments you can do with them. In this one, pour vinegar over a rock to see if it bubbles. If it does, you’ve found limestone!

Learn more: Limestone Experiments

51. Turn a bottle into a rain gauge

All you need is a plastic bottle, a ruler, and a permanent marker to make your own rain gauge. Monitor your measurements and see how they stack up against meteorology reports in your area.

Learn more: DIY Rain Gauge

52. Build up towel mountains

This clever demonstration helps kids understand how some landforms are created. Use layers of towels to represent rock layers and boxes for continents. Then pu-u-u-sh and see what happens!

Learn more: Towel Mountains

53. Take a play dough core sample

Learn about the layers of the earth by building them out of Play-Doh, then take a core sample with a straw. ( Love Play-Doh? Get more learning ideas here. )

Learn more: Play Dough Core Sampling

54. Project the stars on your ceiling

Use the video lesson in the link below to learn why stars are only visible at night. Then create a DIY star projector to explore the concept hands-on.

Learn more: DIY Star Projector

55. Make it rain

Use shaving cream and food coloring to simulate clouds and rain. This is an easy science experiment little ones will beg to do over and over.

Learn more: Shaving Cream Rain

56. Blow up your fingerprint

This is such a cool (and easy!) way to look at fingerprint patterns. Inflate a balloon a bit, use some ink to put a fingerprint on it, then blow it up big to see your fingerprint in detail.

57. Snack on a DNA model

Twizzlers, gumdrops, and a few toothpicks are all you need to make this super-fun (and yummy!) DNA model.

Learn more: Edible DNA Model

58. Dissect a flower

Take a nature walk and find a flower or two. Then bring them home and take them apart to discover all the different parts of flowers.

59. Craft smartphone speakers

No Bluetooth speaker? No problem! Put together your own from paper cups and toilet paper tubes.

Learn more: Smartphone Speakers

60. Race a balloon-powered car

Kids will be amazed when they learn they can put together this awesome racer using cardboard and bottle-cap wheels. The balloon-powered “engine” is so much fun too.

Learn more: Balloon-Powered Car

61. Build a Ferris wheel

You’ve probably ridden on a Ferris wheel, but can you build one? Stock up on wood craft sticks and find out! Play around with different designs to see which one works best.

Learn more: Craft Stick Ferris Wheel

62. Design a phone stand

There are lots of ways to craft a DIY phone stand, which makes this a perfect creative-thinking STEM challenge.

63. Conduct an egg drop

Put all their engineering skills to the test with an egg drop! Challenge kids to build a container from stuff they find around the house that will protect an egg from a long fall (this is especially fun to do from upper-story windows).

Learn more: Egg Drop Challenge Ideas

64. Engineer a drinking-straw roller coaster

STEM challenges are always a hit with kids. We love this one, which only requires basic supplies like drinking straws.

Learn more: Straw Roller Coaster

65. Build a solar oven

Explore the power of the sun when you build your own solar ovens and use them to cook some yummy treats. This experiment takes a little more time and effort, but the results are always impressive. The link below has complete instructions.

Learn more: Solar Oven

66. Build a Da Vinci bridge

There are plenty of bridge-building experiments out there, but this one is unique. It’s inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s 500-year-old self-supporting wooden bridge. Learn how to build it at the link, and expand your learning by exploring more about Da Vinci himself.

Learn more: Da Vinci Bridge

67. Step through an index card

This is one easy science experiment that never fails to astonish. With carefully placed scissor cuts on an index card, you can make a loop large enough to fit a (small) human body through! Kids will be wowed as they learn about surface area.

68. Stand on a pile of paper cups

Combine physics and engineering and challenge kids to create a paper cup structure that can support their weight. This is a cool project for aspiring architects.

Learn more: Paper Cup Stack

69. Test out parachutes

Gather a variety of materials (try tissues, handkerchiefs, plastic bags, etc.) and see which ones make the best parachutes. You can also find out how they’re affected by windy days or find out which ones work in the rain.

Learn more: Parachute Drop

70. Recycle newspapers into an engineering challenge

It’s amazing how a stack of newspapers can spark such creative engineering. Challenge kids to build a tower, support a book, or even build a chair using only newspaper and tape!

Learn more: Newspaper STEM Challenge

71. Use rubber bands to sound out acoustics

Explore the ways that sound waves are affected by what’s around them using a simple rubber band “guitar.” (Kids absolutely love playing with these!)

Learn more: Rubber Band Guitar

72. Assemble a better umbrella

Challenge students to engineer the best possible umbrella from various household supplies. Encourage them to plan, draw blueprints, and test their creations using the scientific method.

Learn more: Umbrella STEM Challenge

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40+ Easy Science Experiments For Students: Lots Of Great Ideas

Categories Activities & Ideas

Science is one of the most intriguing subjects to learn in school. It’s so varied and it can be a lot of fun for kids – especially when it comes to conducting science experiments. However, science experiments do not always have to be about beakers and bunsen burners. There are several ways that students can conduct easy science experiments, and it does not require a lot of resources or money to do so.

But what exactly are the options?

Well, if you are a teacher or a parent looking for easy science experiments for students, then we’ve got you covered. Our comprehensive list below shows you plenty of options that they can take part in.

So, if you’re ready to find out a lot more – then read on for lots of ideas!

Easy Science Experiments For Students! 

Without any further delays, let’s dive right into this list of some easy science experiments for students. We’re sure that your young minds will love some of these!

1. Dancing Pepper

Perhaps one of the most intriguing and fun experiments is the dancing pepper experiment. It shows kids how substances behave differently when placed on water in an effort to show how molecular behavior can differ with surface tension.

This can result in some things appearing to dance, so it’s a pretty fun experiment to observe! 

2. Colored Celery 

This is a pretty basic experiment but it can help to show kids how plants absorb water. You just need either celery or a white flower and some colored water. Once the celery is placed in the colored water, it can help kids to visualize how plants sustain themselves.

3. Dissolve Or Not?

This experiment can help teach kids about different solutions, but it’s more about showing kids the way to create their own hypotheses. For example, having six different substances and six different solutions, questioning whether it will dissolve and why they think so. 

4. Volcano (Baking Soda)

Every kid will have fond memories of this experiment. It’s a super fun and easy science experiment that shows how bases and acids react when they are in contact with one another, and it results in a miniature volcano! 

5. The Skittles Experiment 

This is a cool way to learn about diffusion. You simply need a packet of Skittles and observe what happens when each different color coating is exposed to shallow, cold or hot water. 

6. Burn The Bill 

Don’t panic, you won’t be burning any money with this experiment . It’s an easy way to teach kids about combustion, so you can use any paper item. 

7. Dr. Seuss’ Butter Experiment

Any fans of Dr. Seuss may recognize this experiment. You simply need to put heavy whipping cream into a tight jar and observe how the fat molecules clump together and form a butter product!

8. Liquids And Layers 

Using items that you can find in your pantry, this experiment can help to show kids how liquids have different densities and how they might operate.

9. Egg Crystal Geode 

Merging Springtime and Geology together, this is a fun experiment whereby kids can make their own geodes and learn about super-saturated solutions.

10. Make Rain In A Jar 

This quick and simple experiment can help to show students how rain occurs. As we know, rain is the result of warm, humid air converging with cold air in the upper atmosphere. 

So, using a jar and a plate, you can place ice and water into a jar and show kids how rain works by making your own in a jar! 

11. The Unpoppable Balloon 

Students will be intrigued by how you can put a sharp stick through a balloon and it won’t pop! It’s a quick and simple experiment that demonstrates polymers.

12. Float Or Sink?

This experiment is pretty basic but it’s quite important to learn. It can be conducted anywhere too, but it’s best during hot weather using a lake or river. 

Create a hypothesis with multiple items and question whether or not you believe certain items will sink or float. 

13. Make Your Own Sand 

Any kid will get a kick out of making their own sand ! The experiment doesn’t need too many resources or items, but it’s something you need to ensure before you start.

14. Make Your Own Barometer 

This experiment can help show kids how air pressure has an effect on the weather. The best way to do this is to build your own barometer! 

15. Create A Solar Oven

This is a quick and easy way to show students how radiant heat works. By harnessing its power, there are many things you can do! You just have to be careful.

16. The Sticky Ice Experiment 

It’s really fun to show students how salt has an effect on water and its freezing point. You need water, salt, and some string to carry this one out!

17. An Egg In A Bottle

Using a small bottle, some matches, and an egg, you can show your students how objects may react to adaptations in air pressure.

18. Make A CD Garden 

You’re certain to have some old CD cases around. If so, you can get kids involved in making their own CD case garden and observe the ways that plants grow!

19. The Gummy Worm Dance 

When an acidic liquid is mixed with a neutral solution, it’s possible for some things to react in hilarious ways that kids will love. Place a gummy worm in a jar and mix the solutions to watch your students laugh at the results.

20. Make A Green Penny 

If you have an old penny lying around, then why not test out this experiment , which takes about three days? It’s a cool way to learn about metal and chemical reactions , though! 

21. Soap Popcorn 

This experiment needs supervision from an adult, but it’s awesome to watch. Using Charles’ law, simply place a bar of soap in a microwave and watch how it expands as it heats up. 

22. The Cabbage PH Indicator 

Students can test out the PH levels of different liquids simply by using cabbage. It’s pretty simple to perform and it’s cool to watch.

23. Can Ice Grow?

This experiment needs to be followed step by step, but it’s really interesting to observe. With some basic steps, you can get your students to observe how ice might grow and form towers.

24. Paper Cup – The Strength In Numbers 

Using several paper cups and some cardboard sheets, this is an outdoor experiment that can help to demonstrate weight distribution and how paper cups can hold body weight when in numbers.

25. Separate Pepper And Salt 

Draw from the power of static electricity via a plastic spoon and show students how easy it is for matter to divide and separate – which can be shown with salt and pepper.

26. Fireworks In A Jar

At the right time of year, you can theme this experiment using oil, water, food coloring, and a jar. It’s a super fun project to help kids understand density – and the results are pretty! 

27. Water And Oil Discovery Bottles 

Most of us will be familiar with making water and oil discovery bottles from when we were kids, and it continues to be a super fun experiment for students today. All the bright colors are an awesome sensory experience for kids.

28. Color Mixing With Coffee Filters

This experiment is more for younger students, but it’s simple and effective. Using coffee filters, you can add liquids to watch how the filters absorb them and change colors, making mixes which make new colors.

29. Create Fizzy Lemonade 

A tasty experiment for the summer, this can help teach kids how mixing base liquids with acid creates a chemical reaction – but it results in something that you can enjoy at the end! 

30. Magic Milk 

This simple experiment needs a few items; milk, dish soap, and food coloring. This is a super colorful and fun thing to do and can help show kids how molecular behavior might work, how surface tension works, and a little bit about an object’s density.

31. Walking On Eggs 

Another experiment that can show the power of weight distribution is walking on eggs. Show your students how something so fragile can withstand body weight when in large numbers.

32. Create A Hydraulic Elevator 

This experiment sounds more complex than it actually is. You just need to use some sticks and large medicine droppers. It’s a classic experiment that many STEM teachers have used in the classroom before.

33. Demonstrate Inertia 

Newton’s first law of motion can be demonstrated pretty easily, and it’s never too early or too late to show students how it works! 

34. Grow Your Gummy Bears

When it comes to students and science, what better way to teach them than using candy ? Using all areas of the major sciences, you can turn little gummy bears into big gummy bears! 

35. The Disappearing Egg Shell

Students of all ages enjoy watching this experiment , and it’s helpful to show them the ways that chemical reactions operate.

36. Coca-Cola Tooth Experiment 

This is a classic experiment that can help show students the effects of sugary drinks on their teeth. When your students are young and losing their baby teeth, ask them to bring in a tooth and show them the horrible effects in a jar! 

37. Small Tornado In A Bottle

Most of us performed this experiment when we were students, and it’s super fun to keep it going with your own students. Demonstrating centripetal force by creating a water vortex in a bottle is awesome! 

38. Make A Bag Leak-Proof

Another experiment that demonstrates polymers, you need a plastic bag, some water, a sharp pencil, and some patience – and you can show kids the seemingly impossible!

39. Make A Non-Newtonian Fluid 

There are substances out there that get firmer when pressure is applied to them, and these are known as non-Newtonian fluids. It’s really intriguing to see how fluids can behave in such ways, so your students are bound to get a kick out of this.

40. Demonstrate Capillaries

You can show kids how our capillaries function using items you can find pretty much everywhere. It’s super cool and colorful and you’re bound to excite everyone with this in the classroom.

41. Make Candy Rock 

Students, candy, and rocks – they go hand in hand! Your students will love to create their own candy rock and watch as the rock crystals grow.

42. Make The Super Bubble

You can show students how to make a better version of bubble mixture to create much larger bubbles, called superbubbles! 

43. Frozen Vegetable Oil Paintings

Here’s another classic experiment that most kids have conducted when they were in the classroom. It’s a fun way to show kids how some liquids behave when they are frozen, and as vegetable oil behaves differently – you can make awesome paintings! 

44. Make An Ice Magnifying Glass 

This experiment is pretty simple, but we like to add something more fun to it. Once you have made your ice magnifying glass, show your students how glass behaves underwater by designing a real magnifying glass (do not allow them to do this though).

Glass under water can be cut and sliced in much different ways than above the surface, so you can easily create your own glass designs to show your students in a safe way.

45. Can Eggs Float?

Finally, on our list, we have the experiment that has shown students for years how eggs can float on water if salt is added to the liquid. It’s a simple way to explain density, and it’s always a good idea to bring in the Dead Sea example.

The Dead Sea is so salty that people can simply float on its surface, but it’s also deadly because if you turn around – it’s difficult to get your head out of the salty water! 

Things To Remember

There are always things you should remember when it comes to these sorts of experiments. Some are much more obvious than others, but it’s always important to ensure we’re on the same wavelength. These include the following.

Safety 

Conduct a health and safety risk assessment before you carry out any experiment, and always be aware of any safety equipment you and your students may need to wear. Be sure to take reasonable care with all of your experiments (and best to do a trial run first!).

Reinforce Learning 

It’s all fine and good demonstrating the experiments, but you must ensure that you reinforce the student’s learning by asking questions at the end of the lesson. It’s also wise to set some theoretical homework based on their practical experiment. 

Do Your Research 

It’s of course critical that you know exactly what you are doing before you show your students, but it’s also as important to know your students. For example, if an experiment is more tailored for younger students, do not try it for older kids.  You may also like: 1st grade science project ideas .

The Bottom Line 

And that’s our comprehensive list of the easiest science experiments that you can show students in the classroom, at home, or out in the field! We hope you have enjoyed our guide and you’ve found some amazing new experiments for your students! Good luck.

Top tip: Teach your students about the most famous inventors while they work on their own science experiments.

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How To Set Up A Home Science Lab

A home science lab area is really a must-have for curious kids if you can pull it off. We have everything you need to know to set up a home science lab ! I can’t tell you how much fun it is to carve out a dedicated space or even a spot on the counter for your science equipment. Kids simply can’t get bored if they have access to materials and simple science experiments  that will fuel their curiosity.

What is a Home Science Lab?

A basic home science lab for kids is a small, safe, and engaging space where young learners can explore and experiment with simple scientific concepts. It typically includes:

Basic science tools include plastic beakers, test tubes, pipettes, and safety goggles.

Basic household items like baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, and water serve as materials for easy hands-on experiments.

The lab encourages kids to ask questions, make observations, and learn through interactive activities such as creating volcanic eruptions, investigating buoyancy, and observing the growth of crystals. With a focus on safety, curiosity, and creativity, a basic home science lab provides a platform for kids to develop a foundational understanding of science while having fun!

Setting up a home science lab for kids is easy! However, you will need a variety of things to get started. Let’s keep it as budget-friendly as possible. Grab the free checklist below to help you plan your space and purchases. Our goal is to create an easy-to-use science lab that allows your kiddos the freedom to explore and experiment without too many limitations.

How to Make a Home Science Lab

Here is a quick overview on the main components of setting up a home science lab and getting started with appropriate home science projects!

Setting up a home science lab for young kids that is easy to use and doesn’t take up a ton of space can be a fun and educational project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a simple and effective science lab:

1. Choose a Suitable Space: Select a well-ventilated and well-lit area in your home, such as a corner of a room or a dedicated table. Make sure it’s easily accessible and safe for kids to work in.

2. Safety First: Safety is paramount. Make sure to provide proper supervision, especially when kids are conducting experiments involving potentially hazardous materials. Safety goggles, aprons, and gloves are recommended for certain experiments.

3. Basic Equipment and Supplies: Gather essential supplies that are safe and age-appropriate. Continue reading for basic supply suggestions below.

4. Choose Simple Experiments: Select experiments that are safe, age-appropriate, and easy to conduct at home. Focus on hands-on activities that encourage observation, exploration, and critical thinking. Some ideas include:

• Making slime
• Bubble Science
• Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcanoes
• Investigating buoyancy with various objects
• Growing crystals
• Playing with Magnets
• Observing plant growth
• Building simple circuits
• Studying static electricity
• Exploring Simple Machines
• Kitchen Science Experiments

5. Organize and Label: Use clear containers and label them with the names of the materials inside. This will help keep the lab organized and make it easier for kids to find what they need.

6. Documentation: Encourage kids to keep a science journal to record their observations, hypotheses, and results. This helps develop their scientific thinking and documentation skills.

7. Clean-Up and Storage: Teach kids the importance of cleaning up after each experiment. Provide a designated area for washing hands and disposing of waste properly. Store chemicals and materials safely out of reach when not in use.

8. Adult Supervision: Always supervise kids during experiments. Explain safety guidelines and procedures, and be ready to assist if needed.

Remember that the goal is to foster a love for science, exploration, and learning. Keep the lab simple, flexible, and adaptable to the interests and abilities of your kids. Over time, you can add more equipment and materials as their curiosity and skills grow.

Consider Kids’ Ages

There are a few essential things to consider when you decide to start this project! The most important thing is to set up a science lab appropriate for the age of the kids that will be using it!

*NOTE: No hazardous chemicals are used in this article on how to set up a home science lab for kids. Taste safe, kitchen pantry supplies are all that is needed.

Adults should always supervise using any other materials when making slimes or performing chemical reactions that require ingredients, such as borax powder, liquid starch, or hydrogen peroxide.*

Different age groups will need more or less supervision, are more or less capable of handling materials on their own, and will need more or less help when doing experiments.

So the space you choose for setting up a kid’s science lab is one you feel comfortable with if your kids need to be left alone for a few minutes or longer.

If you don’t have a space to dedicate to a science lab, consider an easy-to-reach cupboard near a good kitchen counter area or table!

Start a Science Journal!

Use the free printable science process and journal sheets to create a science journal and hang the posters on the wall!

Usable or Functional Home Science Lab Space

So we talked a little bit about the space available and how it’s partially dependent on the age of the kids using it. Since my son is 7, I will go with this age group. He is old enough to be independent and only needs an occasional hand to help with something.

He has many of his own ideas but also loves when we have something interesting planned. Because of all the easy science activities we have done together, he is used to the ingredients and science tools we use. He can clean up his spills for the most part, and he is respectful of his surroundings.

It’s essential for you to gauge the following for your own kiddos.

• How well can they open and close containers?
• How well can they pour liquids or solids without assistance?
• How well can they clean up a small spill or put away items they’ve taken out?
• How well can they handle a start-to-finish project?
• How long does a project hold their attention?

Whether you have an extra corner in the kitchen, a playroom or office, or the basement, you don’t need a whole lot of space. What you do need is the actual science table!

A folding table or a desk is perfect. I picked up a smaller wooden desk, painted white, on our local swap site for $10, and it’s been perfect. However, it’s just as natural to use the kitchen counter!

A few other things to consider are lighting, windows, and ventilation. Good lighting is essential for a young scientist. Being by a window or in a room with a window also allows for ventilation if needed. A window is also great for adding seed science experiments to the mix.

Basic Science Tools

When you are learning how to set up a science lab for kids, you need a few good science tools or equipment to have handy. Even the most straightforward scientific instruments make a young kiddo feel like a real scientist.  READ: Best Kids’ Science Tools 👇 for some great suggestions and free posters to hang on the wall.

• Safety goggles: To protect eyes during experiments involving chemicals or potential splashes.
• Lab coats or aprons: To protect clothing from spills and splatters.
• Disposable gloves: For handling materials that could irritate the skin.
• First aid kit: In case of minor accidents or injuries.
• Beakers: For mixing and measuring liquids.
• Test tubes: Great for small-scale reactions and observations.
• Graduated cylinders: Precise measurement of liquids.
• Petri dishes: For growing microorganisms or observing small specimens.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate measurement of dry materials.
• Digital scale: Useful for measuring mass and weight.
• Magnifying glass: For close-up examination of small objects.
• Microscope: Allows for detailed observation of microscopic specimens.
• pH test strips: To measure the acidity or alkalinity of liquids. See our Cabbage PH .
• Universal indicator solution: Provides a broader range of pH testing.
• Digital or analog thermometers: For measuring temperature changes.
• Batteries, wires, and bulbs: To build simple electrical circuits. See our Lemon Battery .
• Baking soda and vinegar : Used in various chemical reactions.
• Food coloring: For making liquids more visually interesting.
• Cornstarch: For making non-Newtonian fluids like oobleck .
• Pipettes or droppers: For transferring small amounts of liquids.
• Funnel: Useful for pouring liquids without spilling.
• Safety scissors: For cutting paper or materials safely.
• Clear tape: For securing materials and creating simple experiments.
• Craft materials: Colored paper, markers, glue, etc., for creative projects.

Remember that the tools and supplies you choose should be appropriate for the age and skill level of the kids using the lab. Always prioritize safety and proper supervision! As kids’ interests and understanding of science grow, you can gradually expand and enhance your home science lab with more advanced tools and equipment.

Free printable science supplies list!

Adult Supervision

We love to make slime and grow crystals and try out thermogenic reactions, density layer experiments, and other neat experiments.

I prefer to keep the ingredients necessary for these experiments out of the science lab. They include liquid starch, borax, hydrogen peroxide, yeast, and rubbing alcohol. Sometimes we will use lemon juice, but that stays in the fridge.

Free Printable Science Worksheets for Kids

We have a ton of free printable science worksheets for preschool to middle school! Add them all to your home science lab and combine them with hands-on exploration.

STEM Materials

First, what is STEM? STEM is an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. It includes the engineering design process . You’ll also find great resources such as STEM book choices, vocabulary lists, and best practices to start with STEM right here.

Other materials to consider including in your home science lab are many items we use in our STEM activities like balloons, recycled items, styrofoam, toothpicks-great for building structures, cookie cutters, coffee filters, and so much more.

• STEM Kits for Kids
• STEM Resources
• Real World STEM Project Template
• Paper STEM Projects
• STEM Supplies List

Check out our Jr. Engineers Challenge Calendar for more fun things to build.

Home Science Lab Clean Up

Now as careful as my son is, spills, overflows, and eruptions are going to happen, and the potential for small messes to large messes is there.

This is certainly something to keep in mind when choosing a space! You can quickly put a dollar store shower curtain under the table or workspace to catch spills. Rinse and reuse! A dollar store mini broom and dustpan are a great addition too.

Make sure to stress the importance of putting materials back where they were taken from, wiping up surface areas, and washing hands! Creating a dedicated space for science tools and materials will help your kids better understand the clean-up process.

More Home Science Experiments By Grade Level

We have compiled a few great resources {listed below} of science projects you can browse through. Pick out one or two for the week and give them a try! Our weekly emails feature new science experiments as well. Join us here .

Otherwise, you can always set up a potion mixing activity, color mixing play, magnet tray, or collect nature and rock samples to examine. My son enjoys the classic baking soda and vinegar any day!

• Toddler Science Experiments
• Preschool Science Activities
• Kindergarten Science Experiments
• Elementary Science Experiments
• Middle School Science Experiments

Printable Science Resources

Science vocabulary.

It is never too early to introduce some fantastic science words to kids. Get kids started with a printable science vocabulary word list. You will want to incorporate these simple terms into your next science lesson! Also, check out these free science worksheets

WHAT IS A SCIENTIST

Think like a scientist! Act like a scientist! Scientists like you and me are also curious about the world around them. Read What Is A Scientist

SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS

Sometimes the best way to introduce science concepts is through a colorfully illustrated book with characters your kids can relate to! Check out this fantastic list of science books that are teacher approved!

SCIENCE PRACTICES

A new approach to teaching science is called the Best Science Practices. These eight science and engineering practices are less structured and allow for a more free**-**flowing approach to problem-solving and finding answers to questions.

Printable Science Projects For Kids

This is perfect to add to your home science lab!

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics

Yoda is in the box hahaha!!!!

Of course he is!

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How to Set up a Science Lab at Home

by Science Explorers | Jul 14, 2020 | Blog | 0 comments

What’s the best way to keep kids busy, learning and having fun while social distancing? Make them a science lab at home!

Many kids might be bored staying at home during COVID-19, but a science lab will open up a world of possibilities to them. From creating a chemical reaction to engineering a paper glider, experimenting with science is fun and educational. Use this extra time indoors to encourage your child’s curiosity and passion for science.

The best part about a DIY science lab for kids is that it doesn’t take much — just a little counter space, a chair and some creativity. Follow our simple guidelines on how to make a science lab at home, and your kid will be experimenting in no time.

How Interested Is Your Child in Science?

Before building a kids’ science lab at home, it’s essential to account for your children’s ages and their interest in science. A science lab for a middle schooler will look much different from one built for a child entering elementary school. The kind of space and materials a child needs for a science lab will depend on their age and interests.

Whereas an older child might be competent enough to handle ingredients and cleaning up messes on their own, a younger child might need a science lab set up in an area where you can frequently check up on them. Of course, you won’t be able to always be hovering near the science lab, so make sure to put it in a space that you feel comfortable leaving your kids alone in for short periods, no matter their ages.

What kind of science your kid is interested in will also affect the science lab’s placement. For example, if your kids like messier science experiments like chemical reactions, make sure to set up their lab near a sink. Overall, make sure to construct your home science lab specifically for the kids who will be using it.

How Much Space Do You Have?

Once you’ve decided what kind of science your lab needs to be able to handle, you’ll need to consider which area of your house will best accommodate a science lab for kids, and how much space you have to fit one. Luckily, science labs don’t require much space if well organized, so that spare corner you have in the basement, office or playroom could be perfect.

Here are some crucial aspects to consider when you make your science lab.

Science Table

A reliable science table is the central component of any science lab — it’s where the magic happens! Your science table doesn’t need to be fancy. Any desk or folding table will do, as long as there’s enough space for all the science your kid wants to explore.

The pivotal thing to remember when setting up your kid’s science table is to put it in an area that you don’t mind getting messy. As a natural part of learning, mistakes are inevitable. So, to promote learning and being unafraid to fail, make sure your science table is far away from valuable, fragile or expensive items.

Storage Space

Ensure there’s enough shelving or bins near your science table to hold all the supplies your kids will need for their experiments. If any of the ingredients included in the experiments are hazardous, store them appropriately in a safe area.

Experimenting in a poorly lit area can be dangerous, so it’s essential to locate your lab in a well-lit space. Try to station your science lab near a window or purchase a table lamp for the area if it’s difficult to see with the overhead lighting alone.

Ventilation

For experiments that involve smelly substances or harmful fumes, you’ll want the room your kid’s science lab is in to have appropriate air circulation. Again, setting up your science lab near a window can be beneficial by providing an easy way to ensure good ventilation.

Set your science table up on a floor that can handle spills. Flooring materials like vinyl or linoleum are easy to clean up. If you don’t have a good flooring option, make sure your child puts down newspaper before each experiment.

Recommended Materials and Equipment

After you’ve set up your science lab, you’ll need to fill it with the right materials and equipment to use it. That doesn’t have to mean buying an expensive microscope. Instead, work with the magnifying glass you already have and get creative in finding experiments that don’t involve advanced ingredients or equipment.

Let’s explore what materials you need to keep around to make sure your home science lab is safe and fully functional.

Safety Gear

When using their science lab, safety should always be your children’s top priority. Make sure your kids wear the right protective equipment to keep them and their clothes from harm while experimenting.

Here’s the science safety gear you should always have on hand:

• Safety goggles
• Lab coat or smock

Basic Experiment Supplies

To conduct experiments, your kid will need some fundamental supplies — and, because cooking is chemistry, you most likely already have a few science-related ingredients in your cupboards.

Check your pantry for these science items:

• Baking soda
• Food coloring
• Fizzing tablets

Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) experiments frequently use other household materials. Encouraging your child to build models out of miscellaneous scraps is also a great way to recycle.

Gather up these STEM materials and add them to your lab supplies:

• Paper clips

How to Use Your Science Lab

Now that you have a well-stocked science lab, it’s time to use it! You can find an abundance of printable kid-friendly science experiment ideas online to get started.

If you don’t know where to begin, here are a few of our favorite project ideas:

• DIY bouncy ball
• Plastic milk
• Model solar system

Science kits are an excellent, hassle-free way to make sure your kids have the correct instructions and all the supplies they’ll need for specific experiments. By purchasing a   science kit subscription  , you’ll be able to provide your kids with a steady supply of fun, educational and safe science experiments without having to worry about coming up with ideas yourself or going out to buy new supplies every week.

Make Learning Fun With Science Explorers

When learning is fun, your child will want to do more of it. So let Science Explorers show them how enjoyable learning can be! Put your new home science lab to good use by signing up for a   virtual summer STEM camp   with us. We offer virtual science summer camps over a   range of topics  , so every kid can find a program they’re interested in.

And the fun doesn’t have to stop after summer. Sign up for an   after-school STEM club   with Science Explorers to keep the fun educational activities coming. If you have a budding scientist at home, check out all the   cool programs Science Explorers has to offer   today.

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