We’re less than a week into Summer Break and I have already heard the words “I’m bored” spill from my kids’ mouths! Typically they are pretty good about entertaining themselves, but with a 16, 14 and 9 year old at home, their interests vary so much that it’s hard to find activities they will all love. I’ve discovered that fun science experiments can bring people of all ages together, and I love that they’re learning something in the process. Here is a list of 10 fun science experiments to help keep kids busy (and moms happy) this summer!
1. Make waterproof sand
Gather sand (colored is more fun) and spread it on a lined baking sheet. Spray Scotchgard over it liberally until completely covered. Then pour the mixture into a clear container filled with water and watch all the cool formations you can make! Get the full tutorial HERE.
2. Make a Diet Coke/Mentos geyser
You’ll definitely want to take this one outside, but kids will love it! Who doesn’t love a dramatic (but safe) explosion?! Adult supervision is required for younger kids. Basically an explosive reaction occurs when you drop Mentos candies into Diet Coke and everyone will ooh and aww as it shoots upwards! Get the full tutorial HERE.
3. Make Rainbow celery
Kids can learn the process of transpiration by place celery stalks into water dyed with food coloring. It’s pretty fun to watch the leaves turn different colors by the next day! Get the full tutorial HERE.
4. Make an outdoor volcano
Teaches kids the fun reaction that is made when you mix baking soda and vinegar! Just add baking soda to an empty soda bottle, bury it in a dirt/sand pile with the top exposed, and then add vinegar for an explosive surprise! Get the full tutorial HERE.
5. Fill up balloons with gas created from soda and Pop Rocks
This is a super fun experiment that also requires adult supervision. All you need is some soda, Pop Rocks and balloons! Watch the balloons expand as they fill up with gas created from the soda/Pop Rocks reaction! Get the full tutorial HERE.
6. Make indoor rain clouds
Make it rain inside with this fun experiment using shaving cream water and blue food coloring. Get the full tutorial HERE.
7. Create “Ice Art”
Make beautiful pieces of ice art by freezing bowls of water overnight and then adding salt and food coloring to them the next day. The salt will create holes, nicks and crannies and the dye will highlight the new formations! Get the full tutorial HERE.
8. Make a Sun Dial
Learn about time, the position of the sun and shadows by creating an easy sun dial with rocks and a pencil! Get the full tutorial HERE.
9. Bake snacks in a solar oven
All you need is some foil, and black construction paper! Teach your kids how to cook food with the heat of the sun! Get the full tutorial HERE.
10. Make homemade magnetic slime
All you need is some glue, Borax and iron filings to make your very own magnetic slime! Get the full tutorial HERE.
