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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » 10 of the BEST Science Experiments for Kids

    10 of the BEST Science Experiments for Kids

    May 28, 2021 By Emma Vanstone 1 Comment

    Here at Science Sparks we’ve tried a lot of science experiments over the years; some have been brilliant on the first go, some have taken a LOT of tweaking, and some have been a complete disaster! Most have been great fun, whatever the outcome. To save you the disasters, I’ve put together a list of the BEST science experiments for kids!

    The BEST Science Experiments for Kids

    1. Mini Baking Soda Rocket

    Up first is my mini baking soda powered rocket. A fun way to do this activity is to split it into two parts.

    Design the Rocket

    It needs to stand up with a gap between where the cork fits and the floor. Remember not to add too many decorations or it will be too heavy.

    Launch the Rocket

    Experiment with different amounts of baking soda and vinegar to find the best rocket fuel!

    The rocket must be placed on a hard surface to launch.

    upside down plastic bottle with three straws attached and a cork in the bit you drink from. Baking soda and vinegar are added to make the rocket fly.
    Baking Soda Rocket

    2. Skittles Experiment

    If you haven’t tried the good old skittles experiment, where HAVE you been?

    Pour water over skittles on a plate and watch as the colours dissolve from the candy into the water.

    Investigate using different temperatures of water and even different types of sweets. If you have any skittles left over at the end, another idea is to try some candy chromatography.

    Skittles Experiment - skittles in water, showing the colours spreading out into the water
    Skittles in Water – Science Experiment

    3. Elephants Toothpaste

    Babble Dabble Do has the most amazing version of this explosive science activity. Elephants toothpaste is always fun!

    Elephants Toothpaste from Babble Dabble Do

    4. Colour Changing Potions

    Everyone loves a fizzy potion, but it’s even better if you can get it to change colour!

    If you use red cabbage indicator juice as the base liquid for a traditional baking soda and vinegar potion it will change colour as it reacts.

    colour changing potions
    Colour changing potions

    5. Chromatography

    Chromatography is a visual way to separate the different dyes in inks. All you need is some non-washable felt tip pens, filter paper and water. It’s a brilliant colourful science investigation for kids.

    A fun twist on this activity is to use candy instead of felt-tip pens. Watch as the candy colours separate as they travel up the filter paper.

    Candy chromatography experiment

    6. Create a Chain Reaction or Rube Goldberg Machine

    A Rube Goldberg machine uses the principle of a chain reaction to achieve an end goal. Examples are: popping a balloon or delivering an item to someone.

    Chain Reaction set up with dominoes and a half pipe
    Part of a chain reaction

    7. Lolly Stick Explosion

    A craft stick or lolly stick explosion is a fantastic group activity or science demonstration.

    They take a bit of time to set up, but are definitely worth the effort.

    craft stick chain reaction - cool science for kids
    Lolly stick chain reaction

    8. Oobleck

    Oobleck is made from cornflour and water. It’s called a Non-Newtonian liquid as it feels solid when you squish it between your fingers, but turns back into a liquid when the pressure is released.

    how to make oobleck
    Oobleck running through a sieve

    9. Absorbing with Sugar Cubes

    This activity uses sugar cubes to learn about absorption and properties of materials, especially whether they are waterproof or not.

    The idea is to build a tower of sugar cubes and test different materials to see which can save the higher cubes. It’s a lovely visual, hands-on experiment.

    sugar cubes experiment - waterproof materials
    Absorbing with sugar cubes

    10. Bouncy Egg

    Do you know how to make an egg bounce?

    First, you need to remove the shell by soaking the egg in vinegar. This leaves just the membrane behind. Once you’ve washed off the shell you can bounce the egg.

    Take care with this one as eventually the egg will break!

    bouncy egg with no shell coloured
    Bouncy Egg

    What do you think? Have I missed any? What would you add to the list? Perhaps a mento geyser?

    Coke and Mento reaction
    collage of science experiments including oobleck and a lollystick chain reaction
    The best science experiments for kids

    Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

    « Giant Chain Reaction
    How to Make a Solar Oven »

    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. Emma Martin

      November 09, 2022 at 4:15 pm

      Love the experiments! I really want to try one!

      Reply

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