100 Science Experiments
1. Volcano Eruption:
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Clay or playdough
Instructions:
a. Build a small volcano shape using clay or playdough.
b. Create a crater at the top of the volcano.
c. Fill the crater with baking soda.
d. Pour vinegar into the crater, and observe the chemical reaction as it causes a bubbly eruption.
2. Rainbow in a Glass:
Supplies:
- Clear glass
- Water
- Food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
Instructions:
a. Fill the clear glass with water about two-thirds full.
b. Carefully add a few drops of different food coloring colors to the water.
c. Watch as the colors mix and create a beautiful rainbow effect.
3. Growing Bean Plant:
Supplies:
- Clear plastic cup
- Soil
- Bean seed
- Water
Instructions:
a. Fill the plastic cup with soil.
b. Plant the bean seed about an inch deep in the soil.
c. Water the soil regularly, and place the cup in a sunny spot.
d. Observe the growth of the bean plant as it sprouts and develops.
4. Static Electricity:
Supplies:
- Balloon
- Hair or fabric
- Small pieces of paper or confetti
Instructions:
a. Rub the balloon against your hair or fabric to generate static electricity.
b. Hold the balloon near small pieces of paper or confetti to see them being attracted to the balloon.
5. Homemade Lava Lamp:
Supplies:
- Clear container or bottle
- Vegetable oil
- Water
- Food coloring
- Alka-Seltzer tablets
Instructions:
a. Fill the container halfway with vegetable oil.
b. Add a few drops of food coloring to the oil.
c. Fill the rest of the container with water, leaving some space at the top.
d. Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into small pieces and drop them into the container.
e. Watch as the colorful bubbles rise and sink, creating a lava lamp effect.
6. Egg Osmosis:
Supplies:
- Eggs (raw)
- Vinegar
- Water
- Corn syrup
Instructions:
a. Place a raw egg in a glass of vinegar for 24 hours.
b. After 24 hours, remove the egg from the vinegar and gently rinse it with water.
c. Place the egg in a glass of water for 24 hours.
d. After 24 hours, transfer the egg to a glass of corn syrup.
e. Observe how the egg changes size and texture as it gains or loses water through osmosis.
7. Paper Airplane Flight:
Supplies:
- Paper (printer paper or lightweight construction paper)
Instructions:
a. Fold the paper into various paper airplane shapes.
b. Test each airplane's flight distance and stability by throwing them into the air.
8. Density Exploration:
Supplies:
- Water
- Various objects of different materials (e.g., plastic, metal, wood, cork)
Instructions:
a. Fill a container with water.
b. Drop various objects into the water and observe which ones sink (denser) and which ones float (less dense).
9. Lemon Battery:
Supplies:
- Lemon
- Copper coin (e.g., penny)
- Zinc-coated nail
- LED light
Instructions:
a. Insert the copper coin and the zinc-coated nail into the lemon, ensuring they don't touch each other.
b. Connect the LED light's wires to the exposed ends of the coin and nail.
c. The lemon's acid will create enough energy to make the LED light up.
10. Surface Tension:
Supplies:
- Water
- Paper clip
Instructions:
a. Carefully place a paper clip on the surface of the water.
b. Observe how the water's surface tension holds the paper clip on the water's surface instead of sinking.
11. Sunlight and Plant Growth:
Supplies:
- Potted plant (e.g., small houseplant)
Instructions:
a. Place the potted plant in a sunny spot.
b. Observe the plant's growth and how it responds to sunlight over a period of time.
12. Lemon-Powered Clock:
Supplies:
- Lemon
- Copper and zinc-coated nails
- LED clock or small digital clock with wires and battery compartment
Instructions:
a. Insert the copper and zinc-coated nails into the lemon, ensuring they don't touch each other.
b. Connect the clock's wires to the exposed ends of the nails.
c. The lemon's acid will power the clock and make it work.
13. Absorbency Test:
Supplies:
- Various materials (e.g., paper towel, cloth, sponge, tissue)
- Water
Instructions:
a. Cut small pieces of different materials.
b. Dip each material in water and observe how well it absorbs the water.
14. Mini Water Cycle:
Supplies:
- Clear plastic bag
- Water
- Tape
Instructions:
a. Fill the plastic bag with a small amount of water.
b. Seal the bag tightly with tape.
c. Hang the bag in a sunny spot and watch as condensation and evaporation create a mini water cycle.
15. Crystal Growth:
Supplies:
- Epsom salt
- Warm water
- Clear container or jar
Instructions:
a. Mix Epsom salt with warm water in the container until no more salt dissolves.
b. Place the container in a warm, sunny location.
c. Observe as crystals gradually form in the container over time.
16. Balloon Inflation and Temperature:
Supplies:
- Balloons
- Hot water
- Cold water or ice
Instructions:
a. Blow up a balloon and measure its size.
b. Place the balloon in hot water for a few minutes.
c. Remove the balloon from hot water and measure its size again.
d. Repeat steps b and c with cold water or ice.
e. Observe how temperature affects the balloon's inflation.
17. Magnetism Exploration:
Supplies:
- Magnets
- Various objects (e.g., paperclips, coins, plastic toys)
Instructions:
a. Test the magnetic properties of different objects by seeing if they are attracted to the magnets.
18. Tornado in a Bottle:
Supplies:
- Clear plastic bottle with a cap
- Water
- Dish soap
Instructions:
a. Fill the plastic bottle about two-thirds full with water.
b. Add a few drops of dish soap to the water.
c. Securely close the bottle with the cap.
d. Swirl the bottle quickly to create a mini tornado inside.
19. Capillary Action:
Supplies:
- Water
- Colored water-soluble marker
- Paper towels or coffee filters
Instructions:
a. Fill a shallow dish with water.
b. Draw a circle with a water-soluble marker near the bottom of the paper towel or coffee filter.
c. Dip the tip of the paper towel or coffee filter into the water, ensuring the circle is just above the water's surface.
d. Observe as the water travels up the paper towel due to capillary action, carrying the ink with it.
20. Paper Bridge Strength Test:
Supplies:
- Paper (printer paper or lightweight cardboard)
- Coins or small weights
Instructions:
a. Fold and stack pieces of paper to create a bridge-like structure.
b. Place coins or small weights on the bridge to test its strength and see how much weight it can support.
21. Mentos and Soda Reaction:
Supplies:
- Mentos candy (mint or fruit-flavored)
- Soda (carbonated beverage)
- Clear outdoor area (to prevent mess)
Instructions:
a. Go outdoors to an open area.
b. Drop Mentos candies into a bottle of soda quickly and observe the explosive reaction.
22. pH of Different Liquids:
Supplies:
- pH paper strips or pH indicator solution
- Various liquids (e.g., lemon juice, vinegar, water, milk, soap solution)
Instructions:
a. Dip pH paper strips into each liquid and observe the color change to determine the pH level.
23. Rainbow with CD and Sunlight:
Supplies:
- CD or DVD disc
- Sunlight
Instructions:
a. Hold the CD up to sunlight and observe as it creates a rainbow of colors due to light diffraction.
24. Insulating Materials:
Supplies:
- Various materials (e.g., aluminum foil, paper, fabric, bubble wrap)
- Hot water
Instructions:
a. Wrap containers with different materials and fill them with hot water.
b. Observe which materials retain heat better, acting as insulators.
25. DIY Kaleidoscope:
Supplies:
- Cardboard tube (e.g., paper towel roll)
- Mirrors or reflective paper
- Colored beads or confetti
Instructions:
a. Cut reflective paper or use mirrors to create a triangular shape inside one end of the cardboard tube.
b. Add colored beads or confetti into the open end of the tube.
c. Look through the triangular opening and twist the tube to see colorful patterns created by the beads.
26. Air Pressure and Plastic Bag Rocket:
Supplies:
- Plastic sandwich bag
- Straws
- Tape
- Balloon
Instructions:
a. Attach a straw to each corner of the plastic bag with tape, leaving one end open.
b. Inflate the balloon and secure it around the open end of the straw.
c. Release the balloon, and the escaping air will propel the plastic bag like a rocket.
27. Properties of Static Cling:
Supplies:
- Plastic spoon
- Fabric (e.g., wool or cotton)
Instructions:
a. Rub the plastic spoon on fabric to create static electricity.
b. Hold the spoon close to small pieces of fabric to observe how it attracts and repels them.
28. Mold Growth on Bread:
Supplies:
- Bread slices
- Ziplock bags
- Water
Instructions:
a. Place a bread slice inside a Ziplock bag with a few drops of water.
b. Seal the bag and keep it in a warm place for several days to observe mold growth on the bread.
29. Homemade Compass:
Supplies:
- Magnet (e.g., needle)
- Cork
- Bowl of water
Instructions:
a. Magnetize the needle by rubbing it against a magnet in one direction.
b. Float the magnetized needle on a small piece of cork in a bowl of water.
c. The needle will align with the Earth's magnetic field, pointing north-south.
30. Effects of Music on Plant Growth:
Supplies:
- Potted plants (two or more)
- Music player and speakers
Instructions:
a. Place one potted plant near a music player with speakers playing music.
b. Keep another plant away from any music source.
c. Observe and compare the growth and health of the plants over time.
31. Simple Electric Circuit:
Supplies:
- Battery (AA or AAA)
- Copper wire
- Light bulb or LED
Instructions:
a. Connect one end of the copper wire to the positive terminal of the battery.
b. Connect the other end of the wire to one side of the light bulb or LED.
c. Connect the other terminal of the light bulb or LED to the negative terminal of the battery.
d. When the circuit is complete, the light bulb or LED should light up.
32. Mold Growth on Different Foods:
Supplies:
- Various food items (e.g., bread, fruit, cheese)
- Ziplock bags
- Water
Instructions:
a. Place a small piece of each food item inside separate Ziplock bags with a few drops of water.
b. Seal the bags and keep them in a warm place for several days to observe mold growth on different foods.
33. Skittles Rainbow:
Supplies:
- Skittles candy (assorted colors)
- Water
- White plate
Instructions:
a. Arrange Skittles around the edge of a white plate, creating a circle.
b. Slowly pour a small amount of water into the center of the plate.
c. Observe as the colors from the Skittles dissolve and create a rainbow-like pattern in the water.
34. Effects of Air Pressure on a Marshmallow:
Supplies:
- Marshmallows
- Vacuum sealer or a sturdy plastic bag with a straw
Instructions:
a. Place a marshmallow inside a vacuum-sealed bag or a plastic bag with a straw.
b. Remove the air from the bag using the vacuum sealer or by sucking the air out through the straw.
c. Observe how the marshmallow expands as the air pressure decreases.
35. Homemade Stethoscope:
Supplies:
- Paper towel roll or cardboard tube
- Funnel
- Plastic wrap
- Rubber bands
Instructions:
a. Make a small hole in the side of the paper towel roll.
b. Cover one end of the funnel with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.
c. Insert the funnel into the open end of the paper towel roll, with the plastic wrap inside.
d. Place the funnel's open end on your chest, and the other end of the roll near your ear to hear your heartbeat.
36. Color Separation with Paper Chromatography:
Supplies:
- Coffee filters or paper towels
- Water
- Colored markers
- Clear glass or jar
Instructions:
a. Draw a small line with different colored markers on a coffee filter or paper towel.
b. Dip the bottom part of the paper into water without touching the marker line.
c. Observe how the colors separate as water moves up the paper, displaying the different pigments used in the markers.
37. Floating Egg:
Supplies:
- Eggs (raw)
- Water
- Salt
Instructions:
a. Fill a glass with water and place an egg inside. The egg should sink.
b. Gradually add salt to the water and stir until the egg starts floating.
38. Sundial:
Supplies:
- Stick or dowel
- Clock or watch
- Sunny outdoor area
Instructions:
a. Stick the dowel upright in a sunny outdoor spot.
b. Throughout the day, observe the shadow cast by the dowel to tell the time.
39. Growing Bacteria on Agar Plates:
Supplies:
- Nutrient agar plates (available at science supply stores)
- Swab or cotton swab
- Surfaces to swab (e.g., doorknobs, phone screens)
Instructions:
a. Swab various surfaces with the cotton swab.
b. Gently streak the swab on the surface of an agar plate.
c. Close the plate and incubate it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
d. Observe the growth of bacteria colonies on the agar plate after a few days.
40. Dissolving Rates of Different Substances:
Supplies:
- Various substances (e.g., salt, sugar, baking soda)
- Water
- Timer or stopwatch
Instructions:
a. Fill separate containers with the same amount of water.
b. Add a different substance to each container and stir until it dissolves.
c. Use the timer to see how long it takes for each substance to dissolve completely.
41. Homemade Water Filter:
Supplies:
- Empty plastic bottle
- Cotton balls or cotton batting
- Sand
- Gravel
- Water
Instructions:
a. Cut the bottom of the plastic bottle to create a funnel-like shape.
b. Layer cotton balls, sand, and gravel inside the bottle in that order.
c. Pour dirty water into the bottle and observe how the filter removes impurities, leaving cleaner water.
42. Capillary Action with Colored Water and Paper Towels:
Supplies:
- Colored water (water mixed with food coloring)
- Paper towels
- Clear plastic cups
Instructions:
a. Fill a clear plastic cup with colored water.
b. Place one end of a paper towel in the colored water and the other end outside the cup.
c. Observe as the colored water travels up the paper towel due to capillary action.
43. Pizza Box Solar Oven:
Supplies:
- Pizza box (empty and clean)
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic wrap
- Black construction paper
- Tape
Instructions:
a. Line the inside of the pizza box with aluminum foil.
b. Cover the opening with plastic wrap and secure it with tape.
c. Place black construction paper at the bottom inside the box.
d. Place food (e.g., marshmallows) on the black paper and close the box lid.
e. Leave the box in direct sunlight to see how it heats up and cooks the food.
44. Effects of Vegetable Oil on Feathers:
Supplies:
- Vegetable oil
- Feathers
- Dish soap
- Water
Instructions:
a. Place a feather in a dish of water and observe how it behaves.
b. Remove the feather, dip it in vegetable oil, and return it to the water.
c. Observe how the feather's behavior changes due to the water-resistant nature of the oil.
45. Lemon-Powered DIY Lava Lamp:
Supplies:
- Clear container or bottle
- Vegetable oil
- Water
- Food coloring
- Alka-Seltzer tablets
- Lemon slices
Instructions:
a. Fill the container with vegetable oil, leaving some space at the top.
b. Add a few drops of food coloring to the oil and gently mix.
c. Fill the rest of the container with water, but don't mix with the oil.
d. Add a few lemon slices to the mixture.
e. Drop Alka-Seltzer tablets into the container and observe the colorful bubbles rising and sinking.
46. Marshmallow Air Pressure Experiment:
Supplies:
- Marshmallows
- Vacuum-sealable bag or a sturdy plastic bag with a straw
Instructions:
a. Place a marshmallow inside a vacuum-sealed bag or a plastic bag with a straw.
b. Remove the air from the bag using a vacuum sealer or by sucking the air out through the straw.
c. Observe how the marshmallow expands as the air pressure decreases.
47. Homemade Barometer:
Supplies:
- Jar or glass
- Balloon
- Rubber band
- Ruler or straw
Instructions:
a. Stretch the balloon over the mouth of the jar or glass and secure it with a rubber band.
b. Tape a ruler or straw to the outside of the balloon, so it sticks up vertically.
c. Use the barometer to measure changes in air pressure by observing the balloon's expansion or contraction.
48. Gummy Bear Experiment:
Supplies:
- Gummy bears
- Water
- Saltwater (water mixed with salt)
- Measuring cup
Instructions:
a. Drop a gummy bear into a measuring cup of water and another into saltwater.
b. Observe how the gummy bears change in size and texture due to osmosis.
49. DIY Water Wheel:
Supplies:
- Paper or plastic cups
- Water
- Straws or wooden sticks
- Tape or glue
Instructions:
a. Create a water wheel by attaching paper or plastic cups to the ends of straws or wooden sticks.
b. Place the water wheel in a stream of water or use a faucet to make it spin.
c. Observe how the flow of water makes the water wheel turn.
50. Properties of Rocks and Minerals:
Supplies:
- Various rocks and minerals (e.g., quartz, limestone, granite)
- Magnifying glass or microscope (optional)
Instructions:
a. Examine different rocks and minerals, noting their color, texture, and other characteristics.
b. Use a magnifying glass or microscope to observe their fine details.
51. Conductivity Test of Various Materials:
Supplies:
- Various materials (e.g., metal, wood, plastic, rubber)
- Battery
- LED light
Instructions:
a. Create a simple circuit by connecting the battery to the LED light using wires.
b. Test the conductivity of each material by touching the ends of the wires to its surface.
c. Observe if the LED light illuminates, indicating conductivity.
52. Wind Vane and Wind Direction:
Supplies:
- Small piece of paper or cardboard
- Straw or pencil
- Compass (optional)
Instructions:
a. Cut a small arrow shape from paper or cardboard.
b. Attach the arrow to the straw or pencil, allowing it to rotate freely.
c. Place the straw or pencil through the center of the arrowhead.
d. Go outside, and hold the wind vane in an open area.
e. Observe the arrow's orientation to determine the wind direction.
53. Effects of Different Liquids on Gummy Bears:
Supplies:
- Gummy bears
- Various liquids (e.g., water, soda, vinegar, juice)
- Measuring cup
Instructions:
a. Drop a gummy bear into separate containers filled with different liquids.
b. Observe how the gummy bears change in size and texture after being immersed in each liquid.
54. DIY Barometer with Jar and Balloon:
Supplies:
- Glass jar or bottle with a lid
- Balloon
- Rubber band
- Straw
- Tape
- Index card
Instructions:
a. Cut the neck of the balloon and stretch it over the mouth of the jar, securing it with a rubber band.
b. Tape the straw to the side of the jar, just above the balloon.
c. Attach an index card to the top of the straw, making it like a pointer.
d. Use the barometer to measure changes in air pressure by observing the index card's movement.
55. Sundial and Telling Time with the Sun:
Supplies:
- Stick or dowel
- Watch or clock
- Sunny outdoor area
Instructions:
a. Stick the dowel upright in a sunny outdoor spot.
b. Throughout the day, observe the shadow cast by the dowel to tell the time.
56. Properties of Different Types of Soil:
Supplies:
- Various types of soil (e.g., sand, clay, loam)
- Water
Instructions:
a. Take samples of different types of soil and observe their color, texture, and water retention properties.
57. Effects of Water Temperature on Chemical Reactions:
Supplies:
- Water
- Food coloring
- Alka-Seltzer tablets
- Thermometer
Instructions:
a. Fill separate cups with cold, room temperature, and warm water.
b. Add a few drops of food coloring to each cup.
c. Drop Alka-Seltzer tablets into each cup and measure how long it takes for the tablets to dissolve in each temperature.
58. Effects of Light on Bouncing Balls:
Supplies:
- Bouncy balls of different colors
- Flashlight or lamp
- Darkened room
Instructions:
a. Place the bouncy balls in a darkened room.
b. Use a flashlight or lamp to shine light on each ball.
c. Observe how the different colors affect how high the balls bounce.
59. DIY Rain Gauge:
Supplies:
- Plastic bottle or jar
- Ruler
- Rainfall record sheet
Instructions:
a. Cut off the top part of the plastic bottle or jar.
b. Place the ruler inside the bottle, ensuring it reaches the bottom.
c. Set the rain gauge outside to measure rainfall by reading the ruler.
60. Effects of Different Water Sources on pH:
Supplies:
- pH paper or pH indicator solution
- Samples of different water sources (e.g., tap water, bottled water, pond water)
Instructions:
a. Dip pH paper into each water sample and observe the color change to determine the pH levels of the water sources.
61. Making a Homemade Volcano Model:
Supplies:
- Modeling clay or playdough
- Empty plastic bottle
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
Instructions:
a. Mold the modeling clay or playdough around the plastic bottle to create a volcano shape.
b. Fill the bottle about halfway with water and add a few tablespoons of baking soda.
c. Pour vinegar into the bottle and observe the eruption as it reacts with the baking soda.
62. Comparing Buoyancy of Objects:
Supplies:
- Various objects (e.g., ping-pong ball, metal spoon, cork)
- Water
- Clear container
Instructions:
a. Fill the clear container with water.
b. Drop different objects into the water and observe which ones float and which ones sink.
63. Crystal Shapes and Growth:
Supplies:
- Borax or Epsom salt
- Water
- Pipe cleaners or string
- Pencil or popsicle stick
- Mason jar or glass container
Instructions:
a. Create a shape using pipe cleaners or tie a string to a pencil or popsicle stick, so it hangs inside the jar without touching the sides or bottom.
b. Mix hot water and Borax or Epsom salt until it dissolves.
c. Pour the solution into the jar, covering the shape or string.
d. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight and observe the crystal growth on the shape or string.
64. Balloon Inflation with Yeast:
Supplies:
- Balloon
- Plastic bottle
- Active dry yeast
- Warm water
- Sugar
Instructions:
a. Mix warm water and sugar in a small bowl.
b. Add yeast to the mixture and let it sit for a few minutes.
c. Stretch the balloon over the mouth of the bottle.
d. Pour the yeast mixture into the bottle and observe as the balloon inflates due to the gas produced by the yeast.
65. Surface Area and Cooling Rates:
Supplies:
- Ice cubes of different sizes (e.g., small, medium, large)
- Timer or stopwatch
Instructions:
a. Place the same number of ice cubes of different sizes on separate plates.
b. Start the timer and observe how long it takes for each ice cube to melt completely.
66. Conducting Electricity through Fruits and Vegetables:
Supplies:
- Various fruits and vegetables (e.g., lemon, potato, tomato)
- Copper and zinc nails
- LED light
Instructions:
a. Insert a copper and zinc nail into each fruit or vegetable without them touching each other.
b. Connect the LED light's wires to the exposed ends of the nails.
c. Observe which fruits and vegetables can conduct electricity and make the LED light up.
67. Paper Chromatography with Markers:
Supplies:
- Coffee filters or paper towels
- Water
- Washable markers
Instructions:
a. Draw a small line with different colored markers near the bottom of the coffee filter or paper towel.
b. Dip the tip of the paper towel or coffee filter into water, allowing the marker ink to be pulled upward.
c. Observe how the colors separate and spread as water travels up the paper.
68. Germination Rate of Seeds:
Supplies:
- Different types of seeds (e.g., bean, sunflower, corn)
- Cotton balls or paper towels
- Water
- Ziplock bags
Instructions:
a. Moisten cotton balls or paper towels with water.
b. Place a few seeds on the damp cotton balls or towels inside a Ziplock bag.
c. Seal the bag and keep it in a warm spot to observe the germination rate of the seeds.
69. Absorption of Water by Different Plants:
Supplies:
- Various potted plants (e.g., fern, cactus, sunflower)
- Water
- Measuring cup
Instructions:
a. Water each plant with the same amount of water and record the quantity used for each.
b. Observe how different plants absorb water differently.
70. Investigating Sound with Homemade Kazoo:
Supplies:
- Toilet paper roll or paper towel roll
- Wax paper or plastic wrap
- Rubber bands
Instructions:
a. Cover one end of the paper roll with wax paper or plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.
b. Create a small hole on the side of the paper roll.
c. Hum or sing into the open end of the roll and observe the sound produced by the homemade kazoo.
71. Exploring Magnetic Fields:
Supplies:
- Magnets (bar magnets or neodymium magnets)
- Iron filings
- Clear plastic container or tray
Instructions:
a. Place the magnets on a flat surface.
b. Sprinkle iron filings on the surface around the magnets.
c. Observe how the iron filings align with the magnetic fields, creating patterns.
72. Making Slime:
Supplies:
- White school glue
- Borax or liquid starch
- Water
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
a. Mix 1/2 cup of white school glue with 1/4 cup of water (add food coloring for color).
b. In a separate bowl, mix 1/4 cup of water with 1/4 teaspoon of Borax or liquid starch.
c. Slowly add the Borax or liquid starch mixture to the glue mixture and stir until slime forms.
73. Decomposition of Organic Waste:
Supplies:
- Organic waste (e.g., fruit peels, vegetable scraps)
- Clear plastic bags or containers
- Water
Instructions:
a. Collect organic waste in separate plastic bags or containers.
b. Seal each bag or container and observe the decomposition process over time.
74. Creating a Sound Wave Visualizer:
Supplies:
- Clear plastic container (e.g., a bowl or jar)
- Water
- Subwoofer or loudspeaker
Instructions:
a. Fill the container with water.
b. Play music with a lot of bass through the subwoofer or loudspeaker.
c. Observe the water's surface as the sound waves create visual patterns.
75. Testing Paper Strength:
Supplies:
- Different types of paper (e.g., tissue paper, printer paper, cardboard)
- Books or heavy objects
Instructions:
a. Stack books or heavy objects on top of each type of paper to test their strength.
b. Observe which type of paper can hold more weight before tearing.
76. Floating Orange Experiment:
Supplies:
- Orange
- Water
- Salt
Instructions:
a. Fill a container with water and observe if the orange floats.
b. Slowly add salt to the water and stir until the orange starts to float.
77. Creating Homemade Butter:
Supplies:
- Heavy cream
- A clean jar with a tight-fitting lid
Instructions:
a. Pour heavy cream into the jar, filling it about one-third full.
b. Tightly close the lid and shake the jar vigorously for several minutes.
c. Observe the separation of butter from the liquid (buttermilk).
78. Chromatography with Black Ink:
Supplies:
- Coffee filters or paper towels
- Water
- Black marker or black ink
Instructions:
a. Draw a small line with black ink or a black marker near the bottom of the coffee filter or paper towel.
b. Dip the tip of the paper towel or coffee filter into water.
c. Observe how the colors separate and spread as water travels up the paper.
79. Making Oobleck:
Supplies:
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
a. Mix 1 cup of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water (add food coloring for color).
b. Stir until you get a thick, non-Newtonian fluid that acts like both a solid and a liquid.
80. Investigating Leaf Pigments:
Supplies:
- Leaves of different colors (e.g., green, red, yellow)
- Rubbing alcohol
- Coffee filters or paper towels
Instructions:
a. Crush the leaves and mix them with rubbing alcohol.
b. Place a coffee filter or paper towel into the alcohol solution.
c. Observe how the pigments from the leaves separate and spread on the paper.
81. Refraction of Light with a Glass of Water:
Supplies:
- Clear glass or glass jar
- Water
- Pencil or straw
Instructions:
a. Fill the glass with water.
b. Place a pencil or straw in the water and observe how the object appears to bend at the water's surface due to refraction.
82. DIY Thermometer:
Supplies:
- Clear plastic bottle or jar
- Water
- Straw
- Modeling clay or playdough
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
a. Fill the bottle or jar with water.
b. Add a few drops of food coloring (optional) for easier reading.
c. Insert a straw into the water and seal the top with modeling clay or playdough.
d. As the temperature changes, observe how the water level in the straw rises or falls.
83. Static Electricity with a Balloon:
Supplies:
- Balloon
- Hair or a woolen cloth
- Empty soda can or cereal flake
Instructions:
a. Rub the balloon against your hair or a woolen cloth to create static electricity.
b. Hold the balloon near the empty soda can or cereal flake and observe it being attracted to the balloon.
84. Making an Edible Rock Cycle:
Supplies:
- Chocolate (sedimentary rock)
- Caramel (magma)
- Marshmallow (igneous rock)
- Almond or cookie crumbs (sediments)
Instructions:
a. Create a rock cycle model using the edible materials, representing the different stages of rock formation.
85. Invisible Ink with Lemon Juice:
Supplies:
- Lemon juice
- Q-tip or paintbrush
- White paper
- Light source (lamp or candle flame)
Instructions:
a. Dip a Q-tip or paintbrush in lemon juice and write or draw on the white paper.
b. Allow the lemon juice to dry.
c. Hold the paper near a light source (lamp or candle flame) to reveal the invisible ink.
86. Homemade Lava Lamp:
Supplies:
- Clear bottle or jar
- Vegetable oil
- Water
- Food coloring
- Alka-Seltzer tablets
Instructions:
a. Fill the bottle or jar with vegetable oil, leaving some space at the top.
b. Add water and a few drops of food coloring to the jar (the water will sink to the bottom).
c. Drop Alka-Seltzer tablets into the jar and observe the "lava" movement as they react with the water and oil.
87. Making Butterflies with Coffee Filters:
Supplies:
- Coffee filters
- Washable markers
- Pipe cleaners
- Water spray bottle
Instructions:
a. Flatten the coffee filter and color it with washable markers.
b. Fold the coffee filter accordion-style and secure it in the middle with a pipe cleaner.
c. Spray the folded filter with water to spread the colors and create a butterfly shape.
88. Investigating Absorbency of Diapers:
Supplies:
- Different brands of diapers
- Measuring cup
- Water
Instructions:
a. Pour the same amount of water into each diaper and observe how much water each can absorb.
89. Bending Light with a Glass Prism:
Supplies:
- Glass prism (available at science supply stores)
- Flashlight
- White paper or wall
Instructions:
a. Shine the flashlight through the glass prism and observe the light being refracted into different colors.
90. Exploring Density with Layered Liquids:
Supplies:
- Various liquids with different densities (e.g., water, oil, honey)
- Clear glass or jar
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
a. Pour each liquid into the glass or jar, one at a time, creating layers.
b. Observe how the liquids with different densities do not mix and form distinct layers.
91. Creating a Lemon Battery:
Supplies:
- Lemon
- Copper coin (or copper wire)
- Zinc-coated nail (or galvanized nail)
Instructions:
a. Insert the copper coin and zinc-coated nail into the lemon, making sure they don't touch each other.
b. Use a voltmeter to measure the voltage produced by the lemon battery.
92. Investigating Germs with Glitter:
Supplies:
- Glitter
- Hand lotion or oil
- Sink with running water
Instructions:
a. Apply glitter to your hands as if simulating germs.
b. Wash your hands with hand lotion or oil to represent soap.
c. Rinse your hands under running water, observing how the glitter (germs) is washed away.
93. Melting Points of Different Substances:
Supplies:
- Various substances (e.g., chocolate, ice, candle wax)
- Heat sources (e.g., microwave, stovetop, candle flame)
Instructions:
a. Place each substance on separate plates.
b. Use different heat sources to apply heat and observe the melting point of each substance.
94. Observing Capillary Action in Plants:
Supplies:
- White flowers with long stems (e.g., carnations)
- Food coloring
- Water
Instructions:
a. Trim the flower stems at an angle.
b. Fill separate containers with water and add different colors of food coloring to each.
c. Place each flower in a container with colored water.
d. Observe how the flowers change color as they absorb water through capillary action.
95. Creating a Simple Electromagnet:
Supplies:
- Iron nail
- Copper wire
- Battery
Instructions:
a. Wrap the copper wire around the iron nail several times to form a coil.
b. Attach the ends of the copper wire to the positive and negative terminals of the battery.
c. Observe how the nail becomes magnetic when the circuit is completed.
96. Testing Water Resistance of Materials:
Supplies:
- Various materials (e.g., paper, plastic, fabric)
- Water
Instructions:
a. Dip each material into water and observe how it reacts to test its water resistance.
97. Making a Whistle with a Straw:
Supplies:
- Plastic straw
- Scissors
Instructions:
a. Cut one end of the plastic straw diagonally to create a pointed edge.
b. Blow into the other end of the straw to produce a whistling sound.
98. Investigating Plant Phototropism:
Supplies:
- Potted plant (e.g., sunflower or bean plant)
- Light source (e.g., lamp or sunlight)
Instructions:
a. Place the potted plant near a light source.
b. Observe how the plant bends and grows towards the light over time.
99. DIY Mini Fire Extinguisher:
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Empty plastic bottle
- Cork or balloon
Instructions:
a. Fill the plastic bottle with vinegar.
b. Fill the cork or balloon with baking soda.
c. Quickly attach the cork or balloon to the bottle, releasing the baking soda into the vinegar and observing the reaction.
100. Rainbow Milk Art:
Supplies:
- Milk
- Food coloring
- Dish soap
- Q-tip or cotton swab
- Flat dish or plate
Instructions:
a. Pour a thin layer of milk into a flat dish or plate.
b. Add drops of food coloring to the milk.
c. Dip a Q-tip or cotton swab into dish soap and touch the milk to create swirling patterns and a rainbow effect.