Top 32 Easy Science Experiments for Kids for DIY Fun At Home or Away

Top 25 Easy Science Experiments for Kids using Materials you already have

Kids all around the country are curious, and its our responsibility to engage and help their discovery. But since not every home has the world class Kids Science Labs inventory room, chalk full of science goodies for kids, we wanted to build a list of easy science experiments for kids using materials you already have in your kitchen or that you can grab from any convenience store. Enjoy the list and email us at support@kidssciencelabs.com if you have any questions.

1. Skittles Rainbow Diffusion

Our students love colors, so in this experiment kids can explore color, sugar, and the difference between a solid (food coloring powder) and a liquid (water). A fun and colorful science experiment! Arrange Skittles around the edge of a plate or really using the first initial of your first name, then pour warm water in the center, Have kids count to 27, so the physical reaction can take affect and watch as the colors of the Skittles diffuse into the water, creating a beautiful rainbow. This simple experiment demonstrates the process of diffusion and the way water molecules move through different colors.

2. Diaper Jelly Absorption Science with InstaSnow

If you are like me, you may have an old diaper sitting around. Well, that diaper uses a polymer called sodium polyacrylate, as a super absorbent crystal. Your kids won’t realize it, but a full diaper can hold 20oz of water, which is crazy! This experiment uses the super-absorbent crystals from a diaper and InstaSnow powder to show how absorbent materials can hold large amounts of liquid. Place the diaper crystals in a bowl, add water, and watch as they absorb and expand, forming a gel-like substance that mimics snow!

3. Baking Soda + Lemonade Volcano

Combine baking soda and lemonade (or lemon juice) to create a fizzing, erupting volcano effect. The acidity of the lemonade reacts with the baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas, which creates a bubbly eruption. It's a fun, easy way to demonstrate acid-base chemical reactions, without having to use the stale old “vinegar + baking soda”. Also, for real fun , ask kids to name other citrus drinks that may work and compare the chemical reactions from each.

4. Balloon Inside a Balloon Trick

Find two latex 9 - 12 inch party style spherical balloons, preferably with a light color (white or yellow) and a dark color (blue or purple). Place the darker balloon inside the light balloon, while they are both uninflated. Carefully inflate the interior balloon as you normally would, but only blow it up about 1/3 full (4 inches in diameter). Watch as the light exterior balloon expands alongside the inflated balloon, illustrating air pressure and elasticity in action. Be sure to tie a knot for the dark balloon so it retains its air. Next, for kicks and giggles, inflate the exterior balloon watch as kids are astonished to see a balloon inside a balloon. Ask them for idea on how to pop the interior balloon without popping the exterior balloon.

5. Oobleck Made Easy

Mix cornstarch and water to create Oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid. The solution is resistant to sheer forces (moving fast), so oobleck acts like a solid when squeezed but flows like a liquid when left alone. This fun experiment helps kids understand states of matter and viscosity.

6. Oil + Water Density Stack of Liquids

As most parents know, not every liquid is the same. All liquids have characteristic properties, such as its Density, which is how much mass for a unit of volume (D = M / V). Pour various liquids like oil, water, and honey into a tall glass to create layers that are stacked based on their characteristic density. It’s important that the liquids do not mix, so orange juice and apple juice won’t work. Since liquids have different densities, and you'll see the layers form. This experiment is a great introduction to the concept of density and works the same way that dense rocks typically sink when you throw them in a pool of water.

7. Breaking Water Tension with Soap, Water, and Pepper

Sprinkle pepper on the surface of a bowl of water, then dip a soap-covered q-tip into the water. The pepper will scatter as the soap breaks the surface tension of the water, demonstrating how soap affects water molecules.

8. Mustard Slime

Mix 2 ounces of mustard with 1 teaspoon of,baking soda. Mix and slowly count to seven stiring a popsicle sticks and watch as yellow slime that’s both fun and easy to make. This experiment demonstrates how different substances interact to create materials with unique properties. We advise doing this slime in the kitchen in the sink.

9. Ketchup Slime

Like mustard slime, ketchup can be used to create a slime-like texture when combined with baking soda. It's a gooey, fun way to teach kids about viscosity and how different ingredients can affect the texture of substances. Ketchup and Mustard both include vinegar, which is why this slime is so “explosive” and looks like a mushroom cloud. We advise doing this slime in the kitchen in the sink.

10. Milk and Food Coloring Experiment

Pour milk into a shallow dish, add a few drops of different food coloring, and then dip a cotton swab soaked in dish soap into the milk. The soap causes the food coloring to swirl around, demonstrating how soap molecules interact with fat molecules in the milk.

11. Elephant Toothpaste

This classic experiment uses hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and yeast to create a massive foam eruption, mimicking a toothpaste explosion. It’s a great example of a rapid chemical reaction that produces oxygen gas.

12. Make Biggest Bubbles with Sugar and Dish Soap

Mix sugar, water, and dish soap to create the biggest and strongest bubbles. The sugar helps reinforce the bubble's surface, making it last longer and grow bigger. Perfect for indoor and outdoor fun! Watch teachers at Kids Science Labs also use pipecleaners to design the largest bubble in Chicago’s South Side.

13. Plasma Ball and Light Bulb Tricks

A plasma ball can demonstrate electrical conductivity and ionized gas. You can also try lighting a light bulb with static electricity by using the ball. These tricks offer a hands-on approach to understanding electricity and light.

14. T-shirts Absorb Water Trick

Wet a T-shirt with water and place it on a dry surface. Ask kids to observe how much water is absorbed and discuss the materials in the T-shirt that help it retain moisture. It’s a great introduction to the concept of absorption and textile properties.

15. Float a Marker Science Trick

Fill a glass with water, place a marker on top, and slowly add drops of water to the surface. The marker will float due to the surface tension of the water. This simple trick is a good way to explore surface tension and buoyancy.

16. Make Some Slime Worms with Sodium Alginate

Combine sodium alginate with calcium chloride in a fun experiment that lets kids create slimy "worms" that float in the water. This experiment demonstrates how certain chemicals react to form a gel-like substance.

17. Mix Up Some Fluffy Slime

Create fluffy, light slime by mixing shaving cream with glue and a little baking soda. The texture is soft and fluffy, and kids will love stretching it. It’s a great way to explore the properties of different materials and chemical reactions.

18. Make A Bouncy Ball with Corn Starch

Mix cornstarch, baking soda, and a little water to create a bouncy ball that kids can play with. This simple experiment shows how different ingredients can be combined to create something with new, interesting properties.

19. Creative Ideas with Cardboard Boxes

Transform cardboard boxes into various experiments, like a homemade rocket, maze, or pinhole camera. Kids can design, build, and explore new ways to use everyday materials in creative science experiments.

20. Build a Chair From Cardboard

Kids love making things but bet you didnt’ know that your child or classroom can make a real chair that they can sit own using simple paper cups and a flat piece of cardboard. Watch this video to see exactly how to do it usinga age old technique from your friends at Kids Science Labs.

21. Create Colorful Chalk with Plaster of Paris

Mix Plaster of Paris with food coloring to create colorful, custom chalk pieces. These chalks can be used for outdoor drawing, while also teaching kids about chemical reactions and molding.

22. Light Diffraction with Pencil in Water

Fill a glass with water and insert a pencil on the interior of the cup. Ask kids to observe how the pencil looks "bent" when viewed through the water. Water has a different density than air, and thus light moves at a slightly different speed through the material, causing the weird distortion to the human eye. This simple trick helps kids understand light refraction and how light bends as it passes through different materials.

23. Chemical Reactions with Milk and Lemon Juice

Combine milk and lemon juice to create curds and whey, demonstrating an acid-base chemical reaction. Little MIss Muffet, sat on her Tuffet, eating her curds and whey….This experiment shows how acidic substances can change the properties of liquids, creating solid masses like cheese.

24. Inflate a Balloon with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Mix vinegar and baking soda in a bottle, then quickly attach a balloon to the top. We often recommend adding two teaspoons of baking sode to the balloon first, and then placing the lip of the balloon over the bottle of vinegar and pouring it in. The reaction creates carbon dioxide gas, which inflates the balloon. This is a fun way to teach kids about gas production and chemical reactions.

25. Make Fizzing Super Soap

Combine baking soda and vinegar with dish soap to create a foamy, fizzing reaction. This experiment combines chemical reactions with bubbles for extra fun and learning.

26. Learning Difference Between Hand Sanitizer and Soap

Test the effectiveness of hand sanitizer versus soap by washing hands with each and observing the difference. This is a great way to teach kids about hygiene, germs, and the importance of washing hands properly.

27. Mentos and Diet Coke

Drop a Mentos candy into a bottle of Diet Coke, and watch as the soda erupts in a fizzy, explosive reaction! This famous science experiment demonstrates the rapid release of carbon dioxide when the candies react with the soda.

28. Lessons with Hydrophobic Sand

Use hydrophobic sand, which repels water, to demonstrate how some materials can be water-resistant. Kids will love watching the sand stay dry, even when submerged in water. It’s a fantastic way to introduce material properties and science concepts.

29. Making DIY Playdough

Making playdough at home is a fun, hands-on activity for kids. Mix flour, salt, water, and oil and baking powder to create a malleable dough for endless creative projects. It also teaches about mixing and consistency.

30. Using Prisms and Light

Experiment with a prism to separate light into the colors of the rainbow. This simple experiment teaches kids about the spectrum of light and the physics behind how light can be split into different colors.

31. Experimenting with Light Absorption

Use various materials like black paper, foil, and clear plastic to demonstrate how different surfaces absorb and reflect light. It’s an engaging way to explore how materials interact with energy.

32. Experimenting with Sound Absorption through Materials

Set up a sound experiment by placing materials like cotton, wood, and plastic between a speaker and a listening device. This teaches kids about sound waves and how different materials absorb sound at varying rates.

Other Resources for At-Home Experiments from Kids Science Labs YouTube Channel and Other Curated Sources

For more fun and educational science experiments, check out the Kids Science Labs YouTube Channel, where you can find a variety of hands-on activities and experiments to do at home. These resources offer step-by-step guides for kids of all ages, encouraging curiosity and scientific exploration.

Summer Camps for 4 year Olds are the best at Kids Science Labs

Why Science is Important for Summer Camps for 4 year olds

Summer camps in Chicago aren’t just about arts and sports anymore. Young students are brilliant and many parents are turning to science-focused activities like those at Kids Science Labs, to help children explore, discover, and develop essential skills that will last a lifetime. Science camps offer the perfect blend of fun, learning, and hands-on experiences, unlocking kids’ curiosity while teaching kids important lessons about the world around them. Whether it’s exploring the wonders of how stuff works, conducting experiments on juice box durability, or building a robot, science camps are shaping the future of Chicago's most imaginative youth in incredible ways.

In this blog, we’ll explore why science is such an important part of Chicago summer camps, the benefits of STEM programs, and why so many parents are opting for science camps for their children.

STEM Programs Inspire Kids' Future Careers

One of the most interesting reasons for integrating a focus on science into summer camp experiences, for 4 year olds in particular, is how it sparks an interest in STE(A)M (Science, Technology, Engineering, ART, and Mathematics) fields. With over 65% of future jobs not yet discovered for the near future, these areas of study are becoming increasingly important as technology continues to advance and shape our precious world. STEM programs at summer camps introduce kids to a wide range of exciting careers and open doors to endless possibilities.

Here are a few ways STEM programs at Chicago summer camps inspire kids’ future careers:

1. Hands-On Learning – STEM camps at Kids Science Labs engage kids with immersive daily discovery experiments and science enrichment activities. From extending butter from the ceiling to confirm if it indeed is a liquid to building small recoil toils, or learning about how graham crackers can teach us about volcanoes, these hands-on science experiences offer summer camps for 4 year olds a small a taste of what it’s like to work in fields like engineering, basic science.

2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving – The research is clear that STEM activities teach kids how to think critically and problem-solve. That’s obvious, but if its so important, then we need programs like Kids Science Labs to maintain and unlock the curiosity inside of every child, to support their academic enrichment and confidence with science facts. Whether they’re tackling a chemistry experiment or constructing a structure that can withstand an backyard mini-quake, children at Kids Science Labs learn to approach challenges with creativity and persistence, skills that will serve them well in any career.

3. Exposure to Emerging Fields – As technology rapidly evolves, we are uncovering super interesting fields for kids to explore. Summer camps with a focus on STEM help kids, who are 4+, the ability to explore areas such as magnets, human anatomy, artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and even biotechnology. The earlier our brilliant children are introduced to these native concepts, the more likely they are to develop an interest in them as potential careers.

4. Collaboration and Teamwork – Many STEM activities at summer camps involve working in teams. By collaborating with other kids on a project, campers build communication and leadership skills that are vital in any professional setting. These experiences help children understand the importance of teamwork in solving real-world problems.

5. Confidence in STEM Fields – By allowing kids to experiment and explore science topics in a safe, supportive environment, Kids Science Labs focuses on building confidence in our Chicago STEM Camps. Kids who might have once been intimidated by complex topics like mechanics or physics often find at KSL that they are capable of mastering them, sparking a love for learning and a belief that they can succeed in these fields.

Parents Love Science Camp for 4 year olds to Middle School Students

While kids are having a blast exploring the world of science, parents also appreciate the numerous benefits that science camps at Kids Science Labs provides. From a parent's perspective, sending their child to our science-focused summer camp at KSL is an investment in both their education and their future career as a leader. Here's just a few reasons why science camps are loved by parents across Chicago:

1. Educational Value – Parents are always on the lookout for summer activities that are both fun and educational. Chicago Parents are in a big city, but they want the same 1:1 engaging opportunities that add educational value for their unique 4-year old in Summer Camp. Science camps at Kids Science Labs offer thiis unique opportunity for children ages 4-12, to engage in learning from June to August (13 weeks), and actually boost future academic enrichment by mastering key science facts that increase scores on the SAT and ACT. Kids Science Labs helps kids build foundational knowledge in science, technology, and math that they can carry into the classroom and beyond.

2. Skill Development – In addition to academic learning, science camps foster important life skills like creativity, resilience, and independence. When your children attend science camps at KSL, they often tackle real-world problems, which helps them develop valuable critical thinking, confidence, and teamwork skills that will benefit them throughout their future careers

3. Safe, Structured Environment – Our Chicago Science camps often have a well-structured curriculum that ensures kids stay engaged and safe. Parents appreciate that these camps are staffed with trained educators and specialists who prioritize both fun and safety. The focus on learning and exploration is a huge bonus for parents seeking to optimize the learning environment.

4. Encourages Curiosity – One of the key reasons parents love science camps is the way they foster a sense of curiosity. Children who attend science camps come home excited to share what they've learned, and their newfound interest in topics like chemistry, biology, or physics often carries over into their everyday lives. Parents enjoy seeing their kids develop a passion for learning that extends beyond the camp experience.

5. Long-Term Benefits – Attending our Science Summer Camps indeed has its long-term advantages. Not only does Kids Science Labs help kids perform better in school subjects like math and science, but they also encourage them build confidence, design thinking, and growth mindset that will empower their furture regardless of whether they become a Nobel Laurette in Science or the next President of The United States. Parents see the potential of these camps to help their children succeed academically and professionally down the line.

Chicago’s science and STEM-focused summer camps at Kids Science Labs offer children an invaluable opportunity to dive into the world of discovery, exploration, and innovation. Our summer camps encourage kids to think critically, collaborate with others, and solve problems, and they also open doors to a wide array of career possibilities, not the least of which are careers in medicine and engineeering. With the support of parents like you, who recognize the long-term benefits, KSL will continue to inspire the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and problem-solvers.

So, whether your child is mixing orange juice and milk, exploring bugs in the backyard, or experimenting in our real world labs, science camps in Chicago at Kids Science Labs are a fantastic way to spark curiosity, develop important life skills, and foster a love of learning, forever!

Seattle Summer Camps that boost kids academic performance

Seattle Summer Camps

Summer in Seattle offers an abundance of exciting opportunities for kids to explore new interests, make friends, and dive into hands-on learning. Since 2010, Kids Science Labs has been the #1 destination for science summer camps. Whether you're a parent looking for ways to keep your child engaged or you're simply hoping to find something fun and educational, Seattle's summer camps are packed with options. From stem adventures to arts and crafts, and even science-driven activities, Kids Science Labs offers a camp for every interest. Let’s dive into some of the best summer camps Seattle has to offer.

Seattle Summer Camps Filled with Science Activities

If your child has a curiosity about how things work or loves experimenting, Seattle's science-focused summer camps @KidsScienceLabs are a great way to foster that interest. Many of these camps blend fun with learning, offering interactive experiments and explorations of the natural world.

Here are some of the top science camps to consider at Kids Science Labs:

1. Our World According to Physics – With hands-on exhibits and a focus on everything from robotics to astronomy, Pacific Science Center offers science camps that spark curiosity. They host themed weeks such as "Space Exploration" and "Wildlife Biology," perfect for campers who love discovering the mysteries of the universe and the world around them.

2. Design Time Live – These camps blend educational content with creativity. From building eco-friendly projects to exploring how toys are manufactured and made to last under various environmental conditions, kids get a chance to learn about sustainability, manufacturing, and how to design with empathy using design thinking using techniques learned by KSL’s founder during his time teaching engineering to freshman at Stanford University.

3. Gadgets & Inventions– Offering a mix of creativity, technology, and science, this summer camps allow children to explore Seattle's technological innovations, from the space needle to the waterfront. Kids learn to think critically while having fun with science-based activities.

4. ChemBusters – For children who are fascinated with mixing things, uncovering mysteries of chemistry, and using problem solving to design new formulas, potions, and lava infused concoctions, this camp is an excellent choice for Kids 4+

Seattle Summer Camps that Parents Love

As a parent, you want a summer camp that not only keeps your child’s mind developing but also provides a safe, enriching environment, led by teachers who are empowered to help your child grow. Seattle's summer camps at Kids Science Labs excel in providing these qualities, offering flexible schedules, expert instructors, and opportunities for both fun and learning.

Here are a few ways to enjoy Seattle Summer Camps at Kids Science Labs that are particularly popular among parents:

1. MaxLearning 4-Pack – Parents rave about this money saving membership for camp for its ability to cultivate creativity in kids while developing their communication skills. Through lessons in design thinking, ideation, experimentation, and applied physics, students gain the optimal learning experience at Kids Science Labs in Seattle Summer Camps.

2. SciencePro 2-Pack – For those who want to combine the beauty of Seattle’s Best STEM Activites with summer fun, our SciencePro 2-Pack offers science-based activities that promote collaboration and hands-on science education. With opportunities to two (2) STEM classes in the morning participate in an Art and Creativity Studio, and engage in traditional camp activities like our Greenlake Outdoor Experience, This two-week STEM camp at Kids Science Labs is a favorite for problem solving- families.

3. EasySTEM Individual Pack – For kids with a passion for the fun, but only have one single week available this summer, the EasySTEM Membership offers 11 weeks of unique Seattle summer camps that explore different artistic techniques, including painting, sculpture, and digital art. Parents appreciate how these camps not only focus on critical thinking skills but also teach kids about art history and creativity in a fun, hands-on way.

Seattle is full of exciting summer camp options, and Kids Science Labs will keep your kids engaged and inspired all summer long. Whether they are discovering the wonders of science, getting creative with the arts, or exploring nature, you’ll find a camp at Kids Science Labs that aligns with their interests and provides a safe, enriching environment for growth. Let us know how we can help at 773-798-2012!

Chicago STEM Field Trips are at their best at the #1 ranked Kids Science Labs

Chicago STEM Trips build long-term memories for students

We offer the most engaging STEM field trips, focused on Amplify Science and NGSS for elementary, milddle school PreK students. Kids Science Labs offers a wie range of Chicago STEM trip opportunities for small groups, girl scouts, and large classrooms for kids 3+. Our STEM enrichment activities boost Science Facts and are all aligned with NGSS, to ensure tha our students can enjoy hands-on science, engaging science enrichment activities, and do everything from educational and safe shark dissections to learning how to increase the size of bubbles.

Kids Science Labs is the ideal Chicago STEM trip for Kids 3+

Beyond our in-person Chicago STEM Field Trip experience, we also offer STEM Labs for those campuses that desire us to send teachers and materials to their school. Our Chicago Field Trips @ KSL include an on-site experience for schools that prefer to take us bus to the best hands-on science Field trips in Chicago at our Field Trip HQ in the South Loop. We encourage you to also join science museums, like the Field Museum and Museum & Science and Industry and tour their interactive exhibits as well, but Kids Science Labs is just different. When teachers are looking for direct STEM programs to address their required STEM enrichment activities, look no further htan KSL. Our field trips cover many topics, which you can find here:

Kids Science Labs is the the 1st Choice for Chicago STEM trips and Chicago Area Teachers

If you are looking to find out why Kids Science Labs is the #1 Ranked Choice for Childcare, Elementary School, and Middle School Teachers, check out our intro video on Field Trips. Beyond providing a truly engaging experience in education STEM environments for kids, Chicago area Kids Science Labs offers over 300 NGSS hands-on science classes, that are unrivaled in the United States anywhere. Kids Science Labs includes Chicago STEM Programs and Chicago STEM Field Trips such as

• Best Science Summer Camps for Kids

• Best Kid’s Birthday Party Places for Chicago Kids

• Best STEM Field Trips

• Best At-School STEM Enrichment Activities for Elementary Schools

• Best Educational STEM Opportunities and Professional Learning For Teachers

STEM Attractions that Make Unforgettable Chicago STEM Field Trips @ Kids Science Labs

Whether its our award winning Shark Dissection as a capttone Chicago STEM Field Trip, or experimenting with the life cycle of plants and animals in an ecosystem for Kindergarteners, our STEM Field Trips are world renown and full of un hands-on science activities for kids. Find out more below and save