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Home » Science Experiments for Kids » 10 of the Best FREE Science Activities for Kids

10 of the Best FREE Science Activities for Kids

Published: Nov 6, 2024 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for easy and exciting educational science activities to keep your kids engaged, you’re in the right place. Science Sparks is bursting with fun and free science experiments, but with so many ideas, it can be hard to find what you’re looking for. I’ve pulled together 10 of my most popular FREE science activities for kids.

All the activities are great for learning at home or school and are sure to spark a child’s curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of learning! From simple science experiments to outdoor explorations, these science activities are perfect for kids of all ages.

10 FREE Science Activities for Kids

1. Paper Science Experiments

Paper is inexpensive and easy to use. It’s flexible, absorbs water and can be drawn on, making it a great resource for many science experiments.

My free paper science booklet contains six simple science activities using paper, scissors and a paperclip.

paper science experiments for kids

2. Waterproof a Boot

My waterproofing a boot science activity is a simple but fun science activity that uses paper, felt-tip pens, and different materials to test whether boots are waterproof.

The boot template is free, and I also have several alternative themes.

Waterproof a football boot.

Waterproof a dinosaur.

waterproof a boot science activity

3. Butterfly Life Cycle

Create a butterfly life cycle using my free template. Children can draw pictures of each stage or use pasta or craft items.

I also have a free butterfly life cycle spinner.

butterfly life cycle activity

4. Gingerbread Man Science Investigation

Find out what happens to gingerbread biscuits when placed in different liquids. This is a great Christmas science activity or one you can do anytime after reading The Gingerbread Man book.

Gingerbread Man science investigation printable experiment instruction sheet

5. Straw Rockets

Build and test straw rockets using my free template. All you need is some tape, a straw and the template.

Straw rockets are great for a forces and motion topic, a space topic, or just for fun!

Straw rocket STEM challenge instructions and template

6. Does salty water freeze?

Find out whether salty water freezes with my free science experiment instructions and results template.

All you need for this activity is salt, water and a freezer. This is a great activity for making observations over time and learning how to set up an investigation as a fair test.

7. Paper Chromatography

Paper chromatography is a very simple science activity that requires only a kitchen towel or filter paper and felt-tip pens. The kitchen towel is placed in water, and as the water moves up the towel, the different inks in each colour separate.

You can also try chromatography using candy as an alternative to felt tip pens.

image of chromatography on filter paper

8. Test reaction time with a ruler

Testing reaction time with a ruler is another simple science activity. All you need is a willing volunteer, a copy of my instructions and recording sheet, and a ruler!

reaction time investigation recording table

9. Search the sky

Learn about the moon, stars and constellations with my stargazing log book.

Observing and recording the changes in how the moon looks each day is a fantastic way to learn about the different phases of the moon.

Moon phase log book

10. Easy Optical Illusions

Create your optical illusions with my free template, or draw your own!

Cut out two squares of paper, draw an image on each and attach them to either side of a pencil or straw. Spin the straw quickly to see the images merge together!

Optical illusion template science activity

More free science activities for kids

Download and print my famous scientist bookmarks.

Try one of my Fairy Tale STEM Challenges. These include building a bridge for the Billy Goats, growing a beanstalk for Jack and building a house for the witch in Hansel and Gretel.

Take a look at my full collection of science experiment instructions and printable activity sheets.

Last Updated on November 6, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

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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.

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