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    Home » Early Years Science » Summer Science for Hot Days

    Summer Science for Hot Days

    July 18, 2022 By Emma Vanstone 11 Comments

    The UK is hot, hot, hot at the moment, so today I’m sharing some fun and cooling summer science experiments great for kids of all ages on hot days.

    Make your own slushy drinks with ice and salt, track the movement of the sun with a DIY sundial, make a solar oven and LOTS more easy summer science and STEM challenges!

    Summer science for hot days

    Science experiments with ice

    One of our favourite summer activities is exploring melting and mixing of colours by making slushy drinks with fruity ice.

    Homemade slushy drink for a science experiment
    Homemade Slushy Drink

    Can you make some summer themed ice? Try adding flower petals or shells to your creations.

    How about painting on a sheet of ice?

    ice stars on a patio being painted with watercolours
    Melting Ice

    How about making some ice cubes and investigating where they melt the fastest. Try them inside, in the fridge, outdoors in the sunshine and outdoors in the shade.

    Or try creating an ice excavation, you could go all out and make a huge one, or lots of mini ones.

    Lego figure in ice on a green plate
    LEGO man in ice

    Find out why salt melts ice, and use your new knowledge to make ice cream in a bag or cool a drink down quickly.

    chocolate milk, ice in a bag and a container of salt
    Ice cream with ice and salt

    Science in the paddling pool

    If you have a paddling pool why not try one of these 5 paddling pool science activities while you’re splashing around.

    crab sand mould in a pool of water

    You could take some sponges and flannels outside and explore absorption, can you find the sponge or flannel that holds the most water?

    How about a lolly stick race? These are great fun and an unusual water table or paddling pool activity.

    lolly sticks in a water table with washing up liquid for a surface tension science experiment

    Finally, testing objects to see whether they sink or float is always fun!

    Science in the kitchen

    Do you love ice cream? How about making some ice cream soup like Rainy Day Mum.

    Or make s’mores in an easy garden solar oven?

    image of a solar oven made with a pizza box, foil and black card

    Cool a drink quickly using the cooling power of ice and salt.

    bottle of orange juice in a metal bowl with ice and salt to demonstrate freezing point depression

    Outdoor summer science

    Track the movement of the sun with a sundial made with a stick.

    Simple sundial made with a straw, paper and pen
    DIY Sundial

    Little ones love a water wall, we’ve got some easy homemade water wall ideas for you to try. Water walls are a great design challenge for older children and fun to play with for little ones.

    Easy homemade water wall made with colourful tubes and jugs

    These shadow frames are brilliant fun. Another idea is to make an empty frame and draw a picture in the middle to cast a shadow!

    Shadow Frame for a summer science experiment

    You could also try drawing the shadow a toy creates. Does the shape of the shadow change through the day?

    Shadow drawings made using plastic toys - fun shadow activity for kids

    More summer science for kids

    Our 50 fun summer science activities will keep you busy all summer long!

    If you prefer a challenge our summer science challenges could be just what you’re looking for! NOW with FREE printable challenges!

    Science Challenge Printables - easy summer science challenges for kids
    Collage of science experiment that are great for a hot day. Includes solar oven, ice painting and DIY sundial
    Science for a Hot Day

    Last Updated on July 18, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

    « How to Make Bubble Snakes
    Hot and Cold Water Density Experiment »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Natalie

      July 10, 2013 at 2:16 pm

      I have to try and freeze water balloons too. I just posted about our water and ice experiment (weighing ice and water) at http://learningwithmouse.blogspot.com/2013/07/ice-and-watervolume-and-weight.html

      Reply
    2. Cat (Yellow Days)

      July 15, 2013 at 1:31 pm

      Some brilliant ideas, thanks for linking up to our Parenting Pin It Party.

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        July 19, 2013 at 8:25 pm

        Thanks for hosting Cat x

        Reply
    3. becky

      July 15, 2013 at 5:23 pm

      Great ideas i love them all particltaly the balloon ice

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        July 19, 2013 at 8:17 pm

        Aww thanks Becky 🙂

        Reply
    4. Actually Mummy...

      July 16, 2013 at 1:01 pm

      I can’t think of anything better for a hot day!

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        July 19, 2013 at 8:17 pm

        Thanks Helen. x

        Reply
    5. Suzanne

      July 16, 2013 at 8:30 pm

      These are great ideas for hot days. Pinning these on my August pinboard. Thanks!

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        July 19, 2013 at 8:17 pm

        Thank you. x

        Reply
    6. The fairy and the frog

      July 21, 2013 at 5:29 pm

      Hi – great post, we’re going to feature this on the parenting pin i party tomorrow- hope that’s OK

      Reply

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