5 Fun and Easy Science Experiments for Kids

“Science is magic that works”. That’s according to American writer Kurt Vonnegut. And who doesn’t like magic? Kids generally like magic. They would sit with eyes wide open whenever they see a magician perform his tricks. With this in mind, kids would surely love the magic of science experiments. 

Below are five fun, easy and kid-friendly science experiments that your children will definitely learn a lot from. These experiments can be done at home using very simple materials that can be found around the house.

1. Floating Eggs in Water Experiment

This experiment will teach kids a lesson on density, mass, volume, concentration, and buoyancy.

Things needed: 

• one egg
• water
• salt
• an elongated drinking glass

Instructions:

1. Pour water into the glass until half full.
2. Mix in 6 tablespoons of salt.
3. Fill the glass with tap water until almost full. Note: Be careful when pouring the tap water so as not to mix in with the salty water.
4. Slowly put the egg into the water and see what happens.

2. Blowing Up Ballons Without A Pump

This easy science experiment will surely amaze the kids. This is a fun way to inflate a balloon using basic supplies in the kitchen. 

Things needed:

• balloon
• a clear glass bottle
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 4 ounces vinegar
• small funnel

Instructions:

1. Using the funnel, pour the baking soda into the balloon.
2. Pour the vinegar into the bottle.
3. Fit the balloon in the mouth of the bottle but make sure that the baking soda would not drop in the bottle.
4. Once the balloon is fitted over the bottle opening, hold it up and let the baking soda fall into the vinegar.
5. Observe what is happening to the balloon.

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3. Tornado in a Bottle 

A fun way to teach kids the centripetal force or the inward force directing an object, in this case, water, towards the center of its circular path.

Things needed:

• water
• a clear glass bottle with cap
• dishwashing liquid
• glitter (optional, but would make the tornado more visible) 

Instructions:

1. Pour water into the plastic bottle until ¾ full.
2. Mix in a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
3. Add a few pinches of glitter.
4. Tightly replace cap bottle.
5. Hold the bottle by the neck and turn it upside down.
6. Swiftly spin the bottle in a circular motion for a few seconds.
7. Stop and observe a tornado forming inside the bottle. Repeat the procedure until it works properly and you can see a mini-tornado.

4. Make Your Own Volcano at Home

Have you seen an erupting volcano before? In this science experiment, you can create your own erupting volcano using two basic supplies from your kitchen. See how carbonic acid is formed during a chemical reaction when an acidic substance (vinegar) is combined with a base (baking soda). This experiment is ideal to do outdoor for easy cleanup.

Things needed:

• baking soda
• vinegar 
• 1 empty plastic bottle (1-liter bottle)
• small basin or aluminum tray to hold everything

Instructions:

1. Place a few spoonfuls of baking soda into the plastic bottle.
2. Put vinegar into the bottle.
3. Wait and watch as a chemical reaction transpire.
   

5. Floating Ping Pong Ball

In this easy science experiment, your child’s hand-eye coordination skills will be tested and at the same time, he or she will learn the forces such as gravity and air pressure come into play. May need adult supervision. 

Things needed:

• one or two ping pong balls
• a hair dryer

Instructions:

1. Plug in the hairdryer. Turn it on and put it in the highest speed setting.
2. Hold the hairdryer with the nozzle pointing upward.
3. Place 1 ping pong ball above the nozzle.
4. Watch what happens to the ping pong ball.