Author: Emma Vanstone

Emma is the creative force behind the award winning Science Sparks. It started with a dream of making science accessible to everyone and turned into a website bursting with free, inexpensive and easy science activity ideas for kids.

Age 4 - 6 | Age 7 - 10 | Chemistry | Early Years Science | Preschool Science | Scientific Enquiry | Sensory and Messy Play

Sugar Cube Absorbing Experiment
ByEmma Vanstone July 12, 2020July 7, 2025

We’ve looked at how objects absorb water before using sponges, underpants and even the good old walking water experiment. Today, we’re conducting an absorbing experiment with a twist, aiming to halt the process and investigate which materials absorb water and which don’t. Sugar cubes work well as they absorb water quickly, and if you add…

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Science Experiments for Kids | Summer Science Experiments

20 Summer Science Experiments for Kids
ByEmma Vanstone July 6, 2020June 19, 2025

The summer holidays are a great time to get outdoors and try some science experiments and investigations. I’ve chosen some of my favourite summer science experiments to keep the kids busy all summer long! Science experiments are great for improving critical thinking, teamwork, communication and stimulating creativity. Science experiments in summer can be used to…

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Design and Technology | Science Experiments for Kids

Makey Makey Operation Game
ByEmma Vanstone July 2, 2020May 24, 2021

We’ve had a Makey Makey for years now and never really moved beyond the banana piano ( which is very cool) so I thought lockdown would be a great time to try something a little more adventurous. Our giant Operation game was great fun and a brilliant second project to try. Makey Makey Operation Game…

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Design and Technology

DIY Phone Speaker
ByEmma Vanstone July 2, 2020July 2, 2020

I can’t promise great sound quality, but this DIY phone speaker will make your phone sound louder and a bit less tinny! This easy science project is a great for older children and useful too! You’ll Need Cardboard tube 2 plastic cups Scissors Phone with a speaker at the bottom How to make a DIY…

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Forces and Motion | Science Experiments for Kids | Transport

Elastic Band Powered Boat
ByEmma Vanstone June 23, 2020June 23, 2020

When you stretch an elastic band with your fingers it uses energy. That energy isn’t lost, it is stored in the elastic band. When you release the pressure on the elastic band the energy is released and the band shrinks back to its original size. Cotton reel cars are a great example of using this…

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Science Experiments for Kids

Expanding Fingerprints – Fingerprint Investigation for Kids
ByEmma Vanstone June 8, 2020September 13, 2023

If you look at your fingers, you’ll see lots of lines, arches and loops. Did you know your fingerprint is unique to you!! Even more unique than your DNA. If you look at the palms of your hands and your fingers, you’ll notice the skin is a bit different to that of your arm. Hand…

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Science Books for Kids | Science Experiments for Kids

Enquiring Explorers – Space
ByEmma Vanstone June 7, 2020June 9, 2022

I’m very excited to tell you about my new book! Reach for the Stars is the first in a new series of science books for kids. The book tells the story of Zach and Charlotte, two best friends who take an imaginary journey into space. They encounter lots of problems and challenges along the way…

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Age 4 - 6 | Age 7 - 10 | Forces and Magents | Forces and Motion | Physics | Science Experiments for Kids

Ideas For Learning About Forces and Motion
ByEmma Vanstone May 30, 2020April 19, 2024

Forces are all around us and affect everything we do. With that in mind, I’ve put together a collection of ideas for learning about forces and motion with fun forces and motion experiments for everyone, from preschoolers to grown-ups. There are friction experiments, gravity experiments, air resistance experiments, and lots more! Each activity is easy…

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Forces and Motion | Science Experiments for Kids

Easy Inertia Experiment
ByEmma Vanstone May 29, 2020April 7, 2025

This inertia experiment is super easy and a great fun science trick for kids and adults! Watch as the lemon falls straight into the glass below when the cardboard is pulled quickly to one side. If you want to learn more about Isaac Newton’s Laws of Motion or forces in general, I’ve got lots more…

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Chemistry | Holiday Science

How to grow sugar crystals
ByEmma Vanstone May 23, 2020October 19, 2020

Growing sugar crystals is a great experiment for kids as you can observe the results over a few days and watch how the crystals form on lolly sticks. Who doesn’t love science you can eat? To make it even more fun experiment with different colours and flavours. How about peppermint for Christmas? If you’re looking…

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