Easy two ingredient science experiments for kids

One of my aims with Science Sparks is to make science as accessible as possible to kids and parents of all ages. I try to keep all the experiments as simple as I can, but the list of materials can often mount up and be a little overwhelming. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of my favourite two ingredient science experiments to make science at home easier than ever!

Some of the activities need tape or scissors, which I haven’t included in the two ingredient limit.

Two ingredient science experiments

Rocket Mouse

To make a rocket mouse you’ll need:

Empty milk container
Paper

Extras – sellotape

Make a cone shape from the paper, pop the cone on top of the milk carton and squeeze hard. The paper cone will shoot up into the air!

Learning concepts

Gravity

Newton’s Laws of Motion

an empty milk container and paper cone for making a rocket mouse

Magic opening flowers

Paper
Water

Extras – a container or bath and scissors

All you need to make magic opening flowers is paper and water! Cut out flower shapes ( or use my handy template ), fold up the petals and place the folded flower in water.

The paper absorbs the water, opening up the flower!

This is a great science activity for learning about capillary action and transport of water.

Image of a template for an opening flower experiment

Make a lemon sink

Lemon
Water

Extras – tall container

Learn a little science magic by making a lemon sink! This simple science activity is a fun way to learn about density, as a lemon floats because of the bubbles of air in the skin.

a glass jar full of water with a lemon floating on the surface and the inside of a lemon on the base of the jar

Learning concepts

Density

DIY stethoscope

Cardboard tube
Funnel

Extras – tape

Make a DIY stethoscope with a funnel and a cardboard tube ( you also need some tape).

sellotape, cardboard tube and plastic funnel for making a stethoscope.

Oobleck Slime

Cornflour ( cornstarch )
Water

Extras – container

All you need to make oobleck is cornflour ( cornstarch ) and water. Oobleck is a really unusual substance as it is a liquid normally but a solid when pressure is applied.

a tray of cornflour and water oobleck with toy figures and a sieve

Learning concepts

Non-newtonian liquids

Skittles and water experiment

Skittles
Water

Extras – container or plate

Create a colourful pattern with skittles and water. This can be made into an investigation by timing how long it takes the colours to spread out with cold and warm water.

Learning concepts

Dissolving

a circle of skittles around the edge of a white plate. The colour from the skittles has spread through the water from the edge to the centre

Simple density column

Oil
Water

Extras – glass or jar

Create a basic density jar with just vegetable oil and water. This is a great first density demonstration as the less dense oil floats on the water.

Learning concepts

Density

Oil and water as examples of immiscible liquids

Newspaper structure

Newspaper
Tape

Learn about string shapes and basic engineering with rolls of newspaper and tape!

structure made with rolls of newspaper and tape

Foil boats

Aluminium foil
Small coins

Extras – tray of water

Learn about density with small boats made from aluminium foil. This can be made into an investigation by experimenting to discover how many coins it takes to make each boat sink.