6 Science Experiments for Curious Kids

Hands-on investigations, models and demonstrations can complement science reading and instruction. Choose an activity that helps explain a specific idea, ask what your child notices and discuss what the activity does and does not show. A model is a simplified representation, not an exact copy of a natural process.

6 Science Experiments for Your Curious Homeschooler

The good news is you don’t need to look much further than your kitchen or backyard to give your children a hands-on, exciting learning experience. Here are some excellent science experiments for curious kids to get you started.

An adult should review the complete instructions, materials and safety warnings before choosing an activity. Match tasks to the child's readiness, supervise throughout and handle steps involving heat or sharp tools. Keep activity materials out of mouths and away from younger children. These examples are activity ideas, not a complete safety assessment.

1. Simple Heart Pump Model

A simple heart-pump model can introduce a discussion about pumping. It is a simplified representation, not an exact reproduction of heart anatomy. An adult should prepare parts that require cutting or puncturing and keep balloons and loose pieces away from younger children. Review the complete heart-pump instructions before choosing this activity.

2. Rain Cloud in a Jar

This rain-cloud demonstration uses shaving cream, food coloring and water to represent rain moving through a cloud. It does not create a real cloud. Keep shaving cream and other materials out of mouths and supervise throughout.

3. DIY Hand Model

An adult should review and prepare this project. The linked tutorial uses cutting tools and hot glue. Treat it as a simplified hand model.

4. Make Shapes from Milk

These milk-shape instructions use heated milk and an acid to make a material that can be shaped and dried. An adult should handle heating and hot liquids. Consider milk allergies, keep materials out of mouths and treat the finished shapes as display pieces rather than edible items or toys for young children.

5. Observe Oil and Water

With adult supervision, place a small amount of water and vegetable oil in a clear, unbreakable container and observe the layers. An adult can stir the mixture gently, then leave it standing while your child observes what happens. Keep the materials out of mouths and clean spills promptly. This stationary activity illustrates separation of an oil-and-water mixture; it is not a centrifuge.

6. Baking Soda and Vinegar

Review these baking-soda and vinegar activity instructions before choosing a small, supervised demonstration. Use an open container on a tray, keep materials out of mouths and do not seal the mixture inside a container.

For more ways to connect practical experiences with planned instruction, read Learning Beyond the Curriculum.

SCAIHS Helps Parents and Kids Move Beyond the Classroom

SCAIHS provides educational counseling and encouragement to support parent-directed homeschooling. If you would like help thinking through educational planning, contact SCAIHS to arrange a conversation.