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1000 science fair projects with complete instructions.

34 Water Experiments

Get ready to dive into some exciting water projects that will help you understand how incredible water is! Explore how water plays a vital role in plants, discover the special properties that make water unique and do fun chemical reactions with water! Dive in and discover the fascinating world of water!

Browse Water Experiments

Check out all the different water projects with complete instructions and videos. They're great for students' science fair projects and a fun way for kids to learn about the science of water!

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STEM Water Projects and Science Experiments For Kids

50+ STEM Water Science Experiments and STEM Projects for Kids in Elementary – play, educate and grow with nature’s favourite drink

Water is one of the greatest mediums for exploring science. It’s easy to work with, it’s readily available, it’s safe and kids love playing with it. It is impossible not to have fun while learning with water. Are you looking for some great ideas for water projects in your class, homeschool or home? Find inspiration on this list of over 50 fun science experiments and water projects for kids!

The Best Water Science Experiments for Kids

What you will discover in this article!

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To make navigating this resource easier, I have divided all of our water projects and STEM activities into some general categories.

CHEMISTRY WATER EXPERIMENTS

Bath Bombs or Bath Fizzies are the ultimate in bath time fun! They are also an exceptional chemistry experiment. You can simply make a bath bomb and see how water is the magic ingredient to trigger the reaction, or do a science experiment exploring the effect of water temperature on bath bomb reactions .

Water Lab Exploring Safe Drinking Water is a science experiment that turns students into water testers with an eye for safety. Using water sources around your home or school you can easily set up this activity and in the process learn a valuable lesson about how precious safe water is for families everywhere. For more testing ideas you can check out this article .

What’s the difference between baking soda and baking powder? Learn the answer in this experiment. Take water and add sodium bicarbonate or baking powder. Watch the results to see something spectacular!

Super Simple Chemistry is a kid favourite activity that explores how different substances mix with water. Not everything dissolves, start exploring these ideas with this simple activity.

Learn about pH (acidic and basic) properties with this fun fluids experiment that uses items from your kitchen to create a fascinating lab study.

Elephant Toothpaste might not seem like a water science experiment at first, but this activity is actually really cool because one of the by products of the chemical reaction is water!

WATER PROJECTS EXPLORING DENSITY

Skittles Experiments require only two things – Skittles and Water. It may be simple, but this is one water experiment that is stunningly gorgeous and will have kids begging for more science time! With our study we brought in Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night as a way to see fluid dynamics in action.

The classic oil and water experiment is a fascinating way to introduce students the density, and in this experiment the results are beautiful!

Marble Run Density Project is a simple activity that explores the density of different liquids using marbles. It’s fun and accessible for all ages. Everyone loves a good race!

Does It Float – Pop Can edition is a fascinating activity that demonstrates how the density of different canned drinks affects whether they float or not. The results are fun and this makes for a great activity during camp outs.

Teaching The Scientific Process With Water Balloons – This is a fantastic idea for learning how to create scientific proof by exploring the science behind the “does it float pop can edition” experiment.

COLOURFUL WATER PROJECTS

Chromatography Flowers is a super easy activity that even little kids will be able to do with minimal adult help. Watch how water helps colours travel through the coffee filter making pretty designs. For older kids, take the challenge up a level and light up your flowers with a simple circuit building activity.

Walking Rainbow – This was our attempt at the walking rainbow experiment but when things went wrong it became a whole new and exciting water science lesson.

WINTER THEMED WATER PROJECTS FOR KIDS

It’s time to get chilly with this mind bending experiment. In Snow and Ice Simple Science – Melting Magic we ask kids to predict the outcome of a test that will have them saying WOW! when they see the outcome.

Why does salt melt ice? This STEM activity dives into some great winter science as it explores how salt affects ice.

Live somewhere cold? Explore the Mpemba Effect in a spectacular way as you create snow.

Bottle Crush is a project that will have kids asking to go outside on a cold winter day over and over again. Like magic, kids will learn how to crush a plastic bottle without touching it, astounding their friends and family.

Ice Fishing Science Experiment – What is more winter than Ice Fishing? In this fun, hands on science, kids learn how salt and water interact as they go fishing for the big catch! A great challenge for a classroom or summer camp.

SWEET WATER SCIENCE

Slurpee Science Continue exploring the power of salt and water with states of matter changes with this experiment that ends with a tasty treat.

Layered Lollipops is a fascinating study into density. Makes a beautiful experiment that smells amazing!

Lego Gummy Mummies is a project that explores what happens when water is removed, also known as desiccation which is part of the mummification process. It’s also an experiment using candy minifigs, so kids love it!

ENGINEERING WITH WATER PROJECTS

Build A Water Clock and learn a bit about history with this easy STEM project. This project can be scaled for use by kids of all ages.

Ice STEM Projects explore all the amazing things you can do when water enters a solid state, better known as ice! The dinosaur ice sculpture is just too cute and kids will love engineering their own ice creations.

Build a Compass and embrace your inner Einstein! Witness the invisible forces that captured a young Einstein’s imagination and led to a lifetime of incredible discoveries.

Build a Heart Model filled with water (aka blood) and explore how the blood moves around the heart.

Engineer An Ice Lantern , perfect for the holidays.

WATER PROJECTS THAT ARE LIKE MAGIC

Chasing Hearts – This science experiment is like magic as you explore science and physics principles, all while playing a fun game!

Keep it Dry – A slight of hand activity that kids of all ages love to take a turn at. Become a magical scientist!

Why Does Water Rise? is an activity that is like magic! Kids love this STEM Activity that involves a little tech in the investigative process.

Build a Leak Proof Bag that is filled with water and pierced through with tons of pencils? Sounds impossible, but it’s not if you know the science!

ENVIRONMENTAL WATER PROJECTS FOR KIDS

Students get hands on with a major threat to our marine environments in this Oil Spill Cleanup Experiment .

Learn about the Water Cycle in this simple science experiment in a jar. Perfect for students or as a classroom demonstration.

In this experiment, explore how acid rain affects plant life . It is a simple experiment with powerful results.

Next, we explore how water pollution affects plants . This is a simple experiment exploring the effects of water pollution in two different ways. Students learn about osmosis, pH and the scientific method.

The Water Desalinization Project is a interesting activity that explores how to remove the salt from salt water making it safe to drink.

This Fish Diving Activity is a neat way to explore how fish use air to help them move around underwater. A similar activity involves creating a Cartesian Diver .

SENSORY WATER PROJECTS

DIY Play Dough Bubble Bath is not a water project exactly, but it’s an inexpensive way to create some bubble bath play dough. Perfect for doing water projects with kids in the bath tub or at a water table.

Oobleck is a captivating activity to explore the difference in liquids. With the addition of one ingredient to water you create the most bizarre substance. Oobleck projects are an excellent addition to the study of states of matter and the senses. We LOVE playing with Oobleck and have created dozens of fun ways to explore this non-Newtonian Fluid.

DIY Soap Projects , especially Soap Jellies are a fantastic sensory experience that will encourage kids to get clean! They are so much fun, and super easy to make. For an incredible cross study, make our DIY Layers of the Ocean soap and learn about the ocean with this gorgeous and easy soap making project.

More Water Science Experiments

Explore why the Sky Changes Colour in this fascinating and simple science project demonstrating how the skies change colour during sunrise and sunset.

Another great project is the Rainbow Rain Project . Students will create a stunning display of colour in a jar to explore how clouds (made with shaving cream), hold and release moisture, creating rain! This project is GORGEOUS and so simple.

Magic Glitter is a cool experiment that is also a powerful demonstration on how soap works and why it is so important to wash your hands with soap.

Have fun learning with nature’s most valuable liquid – water!

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30 Easy Water Experiments For Kids

Water experiments aren’t just for summer! Water is easy and budget-friendly for science learning with preschoolers, elementary-age kids, and even middle school science. Check out our list of our favorite science experiments with water and look for the free printable water themed science camp week guide!

SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS WITH WATER

What do all these science experiments and STEM projects below have in common? They all use water!

These water experiments are perfect for at home and in the classroom with simple household items like salt. Also, check out our science experiments with baking soda.

Let’s dig in if you want to explore science with water as the main ingredient! While you’re at it, make sure to check out more kid-friendly science experiments.

Our science activities and experiments are designed with you, the parent or teacher, in mind! Easy to set up, and quick to do, most activities will take only 15 to 30 minutes to complete and are heaps of fun!

USING THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

The scientific method is a process or method of research. A problem is identified, information about the problem is gathered, a hypothesis or question is formulated from the information, and the hypothesis is put to the test with an experiment to prove or disprove its validity. Sounds heavy…

What in the world does that mean?!? The scientific method should be used as a guide to help lead the process.

You don’t need to try and solve the world’s biggest science questions! The scientific method is all about studying and learning things right around you.

As kids develop practices that involve creating, gathering data evaluating, analyzing, and communicating, they can apply these critical thinking skills to any situation. To learn more about the scientific method and how to use it, click here.

Even though the scientific method feels like it is just for big kids…

This method can be used with kids of all ages! Have a casual conversation with younger kiddos or do a more formal notebook entry with older kiddos!

Click here to get your 12 days of science challenge calendar!

WATER EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS

Click on each link below to explore cool experiments with water! Here you will find easy water experiments for preschoolers through middleschoolers, including the water cycle.

This age group is beginning to learn about core concepts in chemistry , including states of matter, how different substances mix or interact, and the properties of different materials.

ICE IS NICE SCIENCE

Explore the solid form of water and ice. Look at three great ice experiments that highlight the scientific method perfectly!

BENDING WATER

Can you bend water? Yes, you can with static electricity. Grab a balloon and some water to set up this easy experiment.

CANDLE IN WATER EXPERIMENT

Can you make the water rise by burning a candle under a jar? Grab a few simple supplies and find out.

CELERY EXPERIMENT

Here’s a simple explanation of how osmosis works with celery and water and a fun science demonstration!

COFFEE FILTER FLOWERS

Water is the main ingredient in this gorgeous but super easy combined science and art activity. Make a bouquet of colorful, coffee-filter flowers and explore solubility too!

COLOR CHANGING FLOWERS

This engaging color-changing flower experiment explores the concept of capillary action as your flowers magically turn from white to green. Easy to set up and perfect for a group of kiddos to do at the same time or as an interesting water science fair project.

CRUSHED SODA CAN EXPERIMENT

What happens when you heat and cool water inside a soda can?

DISSOLVING CANDY

There are all kinds of fun things you can dissolve in water!

DRY-ERASE MARKER EXPERIMENT

Is it magic or is it science? Create a dry-erase drawing and watch it float in water.

FREEZING WATER EXPERIMENT

Will it freeze? What happens to the freezing point of water when you add salt? Check out this easy water experiment to find out.

GROW A RAINBOW

A fun and colorful experiment that uses a paper towel, markers and water to demonstrate the process of capillary action.

GUMMY BEAR OSMOSIS LAB

Learn about the process of osmosis when you try this easy gummy bear osmosis experiment. Watch your gummy bears grow as you investigate what liquid makes them grow the biggest.

HOW DO SHARKS FLOAT?

Explore buoyancy with this simple oil and water experiment.

HOW MANY DROPS OF WATER ON A PENNY?

All you need for this experiment are a few coins, an eyedropper or pipette, and water! How many drops fit on the surface of a penny? What else could you use? A bottle cap turned over, a flat LEGO piece, or another small, smooth surface! Take a guess at how many drops it will take and then test it out.

ICE FISHING

Did you know you can go fishing indoors with salt, string, and ice! Kids will have a blast!

ICE MELT ACTIVITIES

Playful hands on science and learning which is perfect for our preschoolers. Explore water science with one of these fun theme ice melt activities.

LEGO WATER EXPERIMENT

Build a dam from Lego bricks and explore the flow of water.

OCEAN CURRENTS

Build a simple model of the ocean currents with ice and water.

OCEAN LAYERS

Just like layers of the earth, the ocean has layers too! Have you ever wondered how you could see them without going scuba diving in the ocean? Explore the layers of the ocean with a liquid density tower experiment for kids. 

OIL AND WATER EXPERIMENT

Do the oil and water mix? Explore the densities of liquids with this simple oil and water experiment.

POTATO OSMOSIS LAB

Explore what happens to potato when you put them in concentration salt water and then pure water. Learn about osmosis when you try this fun potato osmosis experiment with the kids.

RAINBOW IN A JAR

Can you make a rainbow in a jar? This neat rainbow water experiment explores water density with just a few materials. Instead of salt we use sugar and food coloring to stack the colors of the rainbow.

PENNY BOAT CHALLENGE

Design a simple tin foil boat, and see how many pennies it can hold before it sinks in the water. How many pennies will it take to make your boat sink?

MAKE A PADDLE BOAT

Fill the kiddie pool or tun with water and make this DIY paddle boat for fun physics!

SALT LAVA LAMP EXPERIMENT

Explore what happens when you add salt to oil and water.

SALTWATER DENSITY EXPERIMENT

Can you make an egg float? Will different items sink in freshwater but float in saltwater? Compare saltwater to freshwater with a fun experiment with salt and water. Make your predictions and test your results.

SINK OR FLOAT EXPERIMENT

Check out what you have in the kitchen for an easy science experiment with water   with some very interesting results!

SKITTLES EXPERIMENT

A super simple water science experiment with everyone’s favorite candy! Did you know you can try it with M&Ms too? You can also you those red and white mints, old candy canes, and even jelly beans!

SOAP POWERED BOAT EXPERIMENT

Explore surface tension as kids observe firsthand how soap influences the movement of a small boat on the water’s surface.

SOLID LIQUID GAS EXPERIMENT

Learn about the properties of solids, liquids and gases with this simple water experiment. Have fun observing how water changes from a solid to a liquid to a gas.

STRAW BOATS

Design a boat made from nothing but straws and tape, and see how many items it can hold before it sinks in the water. Explore buoyancy while you test out your engineering skills.

TOOTHPICK STARS

Make a star out of broken toothpicks by only adding water. Learn about capillary action with a totally do-able water experiment.

WALKING WATER EXPERIMENT

Can water walk? Make a colorful rainbow with a little color theory mixed in too! This walking water experiment is super easy and fun to set up! Mason jars, plastic cups, or bowls will also work just fine for this experiment.

WATER CYCLE IN A BOTTLE

Make a discovery bottle all about the water cycle. One of the best water science activities is one where we can learn more about one of the most important and necessary cycles on Earth, the water cycle!

WATER CYCLE IN A BAG

The water cycle is important because it’s how water gets to all the plants, animals and even us!! Learn about the water cycle with this easy water cycle in a bag experiment.

WATER DISPLACEMENT EXPERIMENT

Add this simple water displacement experiment to your science lesson plans this season. Learn about water displacement and what it measures.

WATER EVAPORATION EXPERIMENT

Dive into the process of evaporation (a liquid changes to a gas) with this simple water evaporation experiment. Investigate how different factors like temperature, airflow, and surface area affect the evaporation rate.

WATER REFRACTION EXPERIMENT

Why do objects look different in water? A simple water experiment that shows how light bends or refracts as it moves through water.

WATER XYLOPHONE

A homemade water xylophone is perfect for exploring physics and sound science!

WATER ABSORBTION EXPERIMENT

This is a very simple and fun water experiment which is great for preschoolers. My son had a blast exploring what materials absorb water and what don’t.

WHAT DISSOLVES IN WATER

This is super simple chemistry using common items around the house to explore mixtures and discover which items dissolve in water !

Compare how fast different everyday items melt in the sun, including ice cubes. A fun experiment to do in the summer!

WATER WHEEL

Hop on this engineering project and design a water wheel that moves! Use our idea as a springboard to create your own or follow the step-by-step directions.

WATER CLOCK

Find out how to use water to tell the time with this water clock project .

Plan a Water Summer Science Camp

Grab this free guide and plan a day or two of water theme science camp activities . We have 12 free guides, each with a different theme! Use them all year long.

ALSO TRY THESE EASY SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS

• States of Matter Experiments
• Surface Tension of Water Experiments
• Chemistry Experiments
• Physics Experiments
• Fizzing Experiments
• Physical Changes
• All About Atoms

MORE HELPFUL SCIENCE RESOURCES

Science vocabulary.

It is never too early to introduce some fantastic science words to kids. Get them started with a printable science vocabulary word list . You will want to incorporate these simple science terms into your next science lesson!

WHAT IS A SCIENTIST

Think like a scientist! Act like a scientist! Scientists like you and me are also curious about the world around them. Learn about the different types of scientists and what they do to increase their understanding of their specific areas of interest. Read What Is A Scientist

SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS

Sometimes the best way to introduce science concepts is through a colorfully illustrated book with characters your kids can relate to! Check out this fantastic list of science books that are teacher approved and get ready to spark curiosity and exploration!

SCIENCE PRACTICES

A new approach to teaching science is called the Best Science Practices. These eight science and engineering practices are less structured and allow for a more free**-**flowing approach to problem-solving and finding answers to questions. These skills are critical to developing future engineers, inventors, and scientists!

Printable Science Projects Pack

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics
• Science Fair Project Pack with experiments to try!

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From kitchen to classroom

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Separation techniques
• 3 Red cabbage rainbows
• 4 Making bath bombs
• 5 How to make butter
• 6 Tricking taste buds with toothpaste
• 7 Kitchen roll chromatography
• 8 Investigating surface tension with milk
• 9 Chalky spinach
• 10 How to purify water

How to purify water

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Water, water everywhere, let’s purify it and have a drink! Explore how to purify your own water with this experiment

In this video,  education coordinator  Catherine demonstrates how the water cycle can be used on a smaller scale to purify water. This simple activity can be set for learners to try at home with a responsible adult or used as a classroom experiment.

Equipment list

• One big container, and a small container that fits inside the large one
• Contaminant like food colouring and salt
• Something heavy like a pebble, or a ball of blu-tac

Health and safety

• If trying the water afterwards, make sure all your equipment is clean beforehand.
• If using any non-food contaminants, do not drink the water at the end of the experiment.

Activity instructions

• Make your contaminated water by mixing in a contaminant like salt or food colouring into a small amount of water. Please note that the more water you use, the longer the experiment will take.
• Assemble the experiment with the smaller container inside the larger one. Pour the contaminated water into the larger outer container.
• Cover the whole experiment with cling film. If necessary, secure with tape or an elastic band.
• Place the weight (a pebble or ball of blu-tac) in the centre of the cling film, so that it creates a low point directly above the smaller container in the middle.
• Place the experiment in a sunny spot, and wait – you can observe the changes over time.

Explanation

The water cycle, consisting of evaporation, condensation and precipitation, is an important topic for learners, and this demonstration gives a great visual aid to understand what goes on in our atmosphere. It’s also a good way to show reversible changes and how the dissolved contaminant can be separated from the mixture, and how a liquid can change state into a gas and then back to a liquid.

If you’d like to contextualise this experiment, here are some ideas:

• In space, astronauts need to clean their limited supply of water.
• You need to purify sea water after finding yourself stranded on a desert island.
• The school has asked about the differences between diet fizzy drinks and full-fat, so you could see what happens when you try to evaporate the liquids and what’s left behind.

Also check out

• For this and other space-related experiments with water, check out the Life of Water  experiment pack.
• Other separating mixtures experiments, like ‘heavy sugar’ to investigate the amount of sugar in a soft drink.
• More simple experiments using everyday equipment which your learners can try at home or you can bring to the classroom on our  YouTube playlist .
• Read the CLEAPSS guidance on practical activities for pupils at home during extended periods of school closure,  GL339 .
• Read the SSERC guidance for  primary home learning .

How to purify water teacher notes

Introduction

Separation techniques

Red cabbage rainbows

Making bath bombs

How to make butter

Tricking taste buds with toothpaste

Kitchen roll chromatography

Investigating surface tension with milk

Chalky spinach

• Practical experiments
• Practical skills and safety
• Compounds and mixtures

Specification

• Mixtures can be separated by physical processes such as filtration, crystallisation, simple distillation, fractional distillation and chromatography. These physical processes do not involve chemical reactions and no new substances are made.
• Describe, explain and exemplify the processes of simple distillation.
• 2.5 Explain the difference between the use of ‘pure’ in chemistry compared with its everyday use and the differences in chemistry between a pure substance and a mixture
• C1.4.1 describe the principal methods for increasing the availability of potable water, in terms of the separation techniques used, including the ease of treating waste, ground and salt water including filtration and membrane filtration; aeration, use of…
• C6.2g describe the principal methods for increasing the availability of potable water in terms of the separation techniques used
• C6.3g describe the principal methods for increasing the availability of potable water in terms of the separation techniques used
• Water treatment - sedimentation, flocculation, filtration, chlorination, fluoridation and pH adjustment.
• Awareness of the contributions of chemistry to society, e.g. provision of pure water, fuels, metals, medicines, detergents, enzymes, dyes, paints, semiconductors, liquid crystals and alternative materials, such as plastics, and synthetic fibres; increasi…
• 2. Research different energy sources; formulate and communicate an informed view of ways that current and future energy needs on Earth can be met.
• 1. Describe the cycling of matter, including that of carbon and water, associating it with biological and atmospheric phenomena.
• 2. Develop and use models to describe the nature of matter; demonstrate how they provide a simple way to to account for the conservation of mass, changes of state, physical change, chemical change, mixtures, and their separation.

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25 Water Science Experiments and Activities!

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Water is something we can all get our hands on.  Following are 25 wonderful water science experiments and activities you can use in your teaching.  These are great for extra warm days outside in the summer, or inside at any time of year.  There is something about learning with water that gets kind excited!

1. Rising Water Science Experiment

This is a cool experiment that makes the water rise into the glass!  It’ll wow your kids.

2. Water Chemistry Experiment with at Home Water Testing

Test your water with and at-home water testing kit.  It’s fascinating to see what’s in the water near you.

3.   Water Striders: Insect Science

This fun water experiment demonstrates how insects can glide on water.

4. Dry Ice Bubbles

Use dry ice, water & soap to make these amazing dry ice bubbles!  This is the ultimate water science activity!

5. Water Science: Water Pump Sprinkler

This fun water science activity demonstrates how a sprinkler or a water pump work

6. Water Drop Maze

This is just all around fun!

7. Homemade Water Clock: Ancient Science

Did you know they used water clocks to tell time anciently?  This is a cool history and science lesson in one.

8. Rainbow Walking Water Experiment

This is a classic water experiment that everyone loves!

9. Preschool Counting: How Many Drops to Fill the Dot?

Math and science with water? Yes, please!

10. Dissolving Science Experiment- What Dissolves in Water?

Learn what things dissolve in water. This is a great water science activity for your littler ones.

11. Colored Convection Currents Science Experiment

This water science experiment is cool and colorful!  Watch conviction currents at work in colored water.

12. Science Art: Alcohol and Watercolor Painting

You know I love pairing s cience with art !  This project also involves watercolor painting. It’s beautiful & fun!

13. How to Make Oobleck: Water + Cornstarch

Mix water with cornstarch in this awesome sensory science activity.

14. Homemade Thermometer Science Experiment

Did you know you can make your own thermometer? This is a neat weather science activity that will fascinate everyone!

15. Homemade Straw Glasses

Ok so maybe we used juice, but it would work with water, too!  These are so much fun to make with your kids! Learn the science behind how the liquid comes up through the straw, too.

16. Homemade Toy Rubber Band Boats

Wind up boats are the perfect water learning activity.

17. Submarine Science

Make your own mini submarine in this water science activity!

18. Magnet Boats

These simple little boats are a great water learning and play activity for kids.

19. Environmental Science: Oil Spill Clean Up Experiment

Learn about keeping our ocean water clean with this oil spill clean-up activity.

20. Water Filtration Experiment

This is a great activity to learn about how water filters work.

21. Sink or Float Water Science

I don’t have photos of this activity, but it’s a fun and easy one to do anytime. Gather some small objects- coin, rock, plastic toys, screws, beads, sticks, etc…  Fill up the sink, or a large bowl with water.  Before putting the objects into the water, have your child divide the objects out on the paper with the words Float, Sink according to their predictions.    After you test them in the water have your child draw or write them onto the graph.  You could easily make this chart reusable by laminating it.  Click above on the picture to download the chart.

22. Water Xylophone

Make water music!  We love this water learning and play activity.

23. Simple Science: Making a Solar Still

Filter water using the sun!

24. Blooming Paper Flowers

This little experiment is so much fun!  Watch these paper flowers bloom in water!

25. Make Ice Boats & Learn Why Ice Floats !

26. Rain Painting

Former school teacher turned homeschool mom of 4 kids. Loves creating awesome hands-on creative learning ideas to make learning engaging and memorable for all kids!

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Water experiments are one of my favorites to do with little people. Such a fun science topic! Amie-from the HHH

what fun activities! I love the water music idea, I might have to try that one 🙂

That looks like such fun!

Lots of great ideas! I might have to try the water bottle idea. We have done the sink or float experiement here and the other day I found my son in the bathroom with a fork-he said he was playing sink or float. Lol.

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Look! We're Learning!

Early Learning. Happy Teaching.

40 Simple Water Science Experiments for Kids

April 16, 2018 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

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Warmer weather means lots of water play and, for us, that means plenty of  simple water science experiments to try with the kids!

Since we’ve been homeschooling, I’ve learned that science doesn’t have to be a complicated subject to teach.

Many scientific concepts sound complicated (and really are amazingly intricate), but showing kids how they work doesn’t have to be complex.

Turns out that you can use a few household supplies and demonstrate how scientific principles work in a kid-friendly way!

And that’s why I’ve rounded up 40 easy water science experiments that would be great to share with kids – either indoors or outdoors!

Don’t miss our list of science experiments that you can do in just 15 minutes too!

1. Simple Light In Water Refraction Experiment – Look! We’re Learning!

2. Milk Jug Water Wheel Experiment – J Daniel 4’s Mom

3. Float Vs Sink Experiment – Teach Me Mommy

4. Leak-Proof Bag Science Experiment – Fun Learning for Kids

5. How to Make a Lava Lamp – Coffee Cups and Crayons

6. Measuring Water Beads – Blue Bear Wood

7. Water Balloon Parachute – Fantastic Fun and Learning

8. Food Coloring Fluid Mechanics Experiment – Mama Smiles

9. Measuring Buoyancy Experiment – KC Edventures

10. Color Mixing Experiment – Science Sparks

11. Tide Pool Science Experiment – Buggy and Buddy

12. Floating Peep Boats – Sixth Bloom

13. Traveling Water Experiment – The Wise Owl Factory

14. Simple Water Displacement Experiment – Life with Moore Babies

15. Ripple Water Experiment – J Daniel 4’s Mom

16. Why Does Water Rise STEM Experiment – STEAM Powered Family

17. Make a Rain Cloud In a Jar – Coffee Cups and Crayons

18. Water Xylophone Sound Experiment – Little Bins for Little Hands

19. Growing Mint in Water – Sloely

20. Sticky Ice Experiment – Capri Plus 3

See more of these awesome simple water science experiments on page 2!

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H2-Oh! Engaging Activities and Science Experiments with Water

Water is a fascinating and versatile substance that is essential to life on Earth. It can take on many forms and can be found in oceans, lakes, rivers, and even in the air we breathe. Water is also a great medium for conducting STEM activities, as it is easy to work with and can be found in most households.

In this article, we will explore a variety of fun and educational water-based STEM activities that you can do with your kids. From exploring the properties of water density to conducting experiments on water pressure, these activities will help your kids learn about the world around them and develop their critical thinking skills.

Whether you are looking for indoor or outdoor activities, there is something here for everyone. So grab a bucket, fill it with water, and get ready to have some fun!

Water Displacement

Ever drop ice cubes in a glass and had some of the water spill out?  Or wonder why the water level in the tub goes up when you get in?  That’s water displacement at work. We’re going to do a simple water experiment to demonstrate how this works.  

Water displacement is when an object is placed in water and pushes the water out of the way as it sinks (or floats.) The amount of water that is displaced, or pushed aside, is equal to the volume of the object. Ultimately, the water level rises relative to the mass of the object.

Water displacement helps us understand how much space different objects take up. It can also help us understand why some objects float and some objects sink. If an object has a volume that is smaller than the amount of water it displaces, it will float. If an object has a volume that is larger than the amount of water it displaces, it will sink.

Light Refraction in Water

Light refraction is an interesting scientific phenomenon and can help us understand how light travels through different materials. It can also help us see things in a different way, like when we look at an object through a jar of water and it appears to be in a different place than it really is. Cool, right?

What you’re observing is refraction, meaning the light is bending as it passes through the water. This affects the what we see. The light travels in a straight line through the air. Water is a different material than air, and the light travels more slowly through water. When the light hits the glass, it will bend and change direction as it passes through the water.

The amount of bending or refraction that occurs depends on the angle at which the light hits the surface of the water and the difference in the properties of the air and the water. When the light hits the surface of the water at a shallow angle, it will bend more than it will if it hits the surface at a steep angle. Similarly, the greater the difference in the properties of the air and the water, the more the light will bend as it passes through the water.

Frozen Science

We did this with plastic dinosaurs and made some frozen dinosaur eggs – check out our full post on dinosaur activities for more!

Water freezes because the molecules, or tiny particles, in water slow down when it gets cold. When the molecules in water slow down, they don’t move around as much, and they start to stick together. When the molecules stick together, they form a solid, which is called ice.

Water is a very special substance because it can change from a liquid to a solid (ice) and back again, which leads us to our next simple science experiment:

Melting Ice

What makes ice melt?  If you’ve frozen some object in ice, it’s time to thaw them out. Have kids predict how long it will take for the ice to melt in different conditions (such as room temperature versus outside in the sun or under a hair dryer.) Then, have them measure and record the melting times for condition.

Related Post: For more on the water cycle, check out our post on experiments with states of matter and see how water moves from a liquid to a gas or solid.

Sink or Float Experiment for Kids

Fill a bowl or large container with water and provide a variety of objects, such as balls, rocks, and blocks. Predict which objects will sink and which will float, then test their predictions by placing the objects in the water.

Related Post: Learn about surface tension in our floating paper clip experiment.

Water Density Experiment

To do the water density experiment, you will need the following materials:

Water Glass Xylophone

To create a xylophone using drinking glasses filled with water, you will need a set of glasses of different sizes and a mallet or spoon to strike them with. First, fill the glasses with different amounts of water.

Form more on this (and some other cool experiments) check out our post on science experiments with sound.

Water Pressure Experiment

Fill a small plastic bottle with water and have kids predict what will happen when they squeeze the bottle. Then, have them carefully squeeze the bottle and observe the results.  

Water Absorption

We’ll use some paper towel, a dish cloth, and a sponge to see how much water each material absorbs over a set period of time.  Encourage your kids to come up with their own hypotheses about what factors will affect the water absorption of different materials, and which ones will absorb the fastest and the most water.

What did you find?  For us, the time didn’t matter too much; everything was super saturated after a minute or so.  The dishrag picked up the most (to be fair, it was the largest), followed by the sponge, and lastly the paper towel.

Now, what will you grab the next time you need to clean up a spill?

Self Contained Water Cycle in a Bag

Color mixing with water.

Kids can learn about color science with this simple experiment.

Note: You may also want to have paper towels or a sponge on hand to clean up any spills.

DIY Lava Lamp

We made ours in an empty water bottle, and you can check it out in our post on fun projects using recycled water bottles.

DIY Water Filter

Cut a plastic bottle in half and fill the bottom half with layers of materials such as gravel, sand, and charcoal. Add a few drops of food coloring to a cup of water and pour it through the filter. Observe how the water changes color as it passes through the different layers.

Here are the steps to do the DIY water filter experiment:

Wrap Up – Simple Water Science Experiments for Kids

Latest posts, the math behind taylor swift’s music – an era of stem activities, kitchen science activities with food for kids: play with your food for science.

Spread the loveArmed with some common kitchen ingredients and curiosity, we’ll explore a series of fun and educational kitchen science activities for kids. We do a ton of activities and experiments, and have compiled a list of our favorites centered around the kitchen, baking, cooking, and food.  Get your kids excited about food science with…

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Water Science Experiments for Kids

June 23, 2019 By Emma Vanstone 2 Comments

I’ve lost count of the number of water science experiments we’ve done over the years. Water is pretty amazing. Did you know it is the only natural substance to exist in three physical states at temperatures naturally occurring on Earth?

Facts about Water

• Water covers about 70% of the surface of the Earth.
• Water expands when it freezes.
• We need water to survive.
• Water can move upwards!!

Water has lots of properties that make it just brilliant for simple science investigations !

Water Science Experiments and Investigations

Freezing and melting investigations.

Freezing and melting investigations are always fun. For younger children, let them play with ice cubes while they melt. You can freeze small toys inside to make this a bit more exciting.

We had great fun with our LEGO ice excavations recently, but you can also freeze superheroes, bugs or anything else that might spark an extra interest.

Just getting the child to recognise that the ice is cold and how that feels on their fingers is a great sensory experience. Remember to let the ice melt a little first, as ice can be sticky when first removed from a freezer.

Water Cycle Experiments

Make a mini water cycle or a water cycle in a bag. These are great science activities for older children and help explain a tricky concept.

Water and Density

Density is a tough concept to grasp, but hopefully, this density science trick is interesting and simple enough to help it all make sense. Salt increases the density of water, so the coloured salty water doesn’t mix with the less dense water on top!

Density jars are also great fun. Children can try and find different small objects to float on the layers. These can be very simple and just contain water and oil, or children can experiment with layers of washing up liquid (dish soap ), treacle, honey and other non-toxic liquids.

Transport of Water in Plants

Learn about transpiration and make some pretty coloured flowers . I love this activity. If it works well, you can see the path the water takes to reach the edge of the petals.

Sinking and Floating Experiments

How about some simple sinking and floating experiments ? This is great for young children, who love to watch objects sink and float. Older children can make a plasticine boat and discover whether an item that previously sank can float in the boat. Or, try and predict which objects will sink and which will float.

Did you know you can use a bit of clever density science to make an egg float ?

Children can also make a lemon sink if they understand why it floats in the first place!

Oil and Water Experiments

Find out why oil and water don’t mi x . We’ve also demonstrated this using coloured water and pipettes, which was brilliant fun.

Osmosis Experiments

Learn about osmosis ( water passing through a semi-permeable membrane ) using eggs. The term osmosis might sound complicated, but this egg demonstration makes it more understandable, and don’t worry if your children don’t understand straight away or are too young. It’s still fun to watch the eggs expand and then shrink.

Absorbing Water

How about exploring absorption using sugar cubes ? The fact that you can watch the water rise up the cube is brilliant and appeals to children of all ages.

A walking water investigation is another excellent way to learn about how water is absorbed by different materials.

Water Powered Rocket

Learn about air pressure with this very cool water-powered bottle rocket .

Filtering Water

Discover how to clean water with this easy filtering activity using paper towels or using sand and stones .

Another idea is to investigate how to clean up water after an oil spill .

Is it waterproof

Investigate which materials are waterproof by using them as a roof for a LEGO house and investigating whether they keep the floor dry.

Dissolving in Water

Predict and test which substances will dissolve in water .

Do you have any more water science experiment ideas for us?

More Science for Kids

Try my fun science tricks or easy Fairy Tale STEM challenges !

If you enjoyed these experiments, don’t forget to check out the rest of my 100s of other science experiments for kids , too!

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

August 10, 2013 at 1:42 am

I love, love, love the density science experiment. I couldn’t believe so as soon as I finished reading this, I tried it and it worked! Besides being proud of myself cause it was so awesome, it was cheap too, thank God for water glasses!

Thank you so much for sharing this. God bless!

January 24, 2017 at 9:31 am

Oh wow – such a lot of useful ideas for me to take to FS2 next week. Thank you!

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How to Turn a Glass of Water With Red Dye Back Into Clear Water

How-to Science Experiments for Kids With Iodine and Cornstarch

Some chemistry experiments look more dramatic than others. Turning a glass of apparently pure water into “wine” and back again should certainly impress your audience. It also makes a good visual demonstration of a pH indicator, and happens to be one of the most straightforward experiments to set up, whether you need a crowd-pleaser for a molecular chemistry project or just want a simple magic trick.

Place a small amount of sodium hydroxide in the first glass and a little phenolphthalein in the second. In the third, add a weak acid, such as vinegar. Using differently shaped glasses ensures that you will not get them confused.

Fill a jug with water when you are demonstrating this experiment to others. As this is plain water, you can let your audience taste it.

Pour water into the first glass and stir. This is now no longer pure water but a mildly alkaline solution.

Pour the contents of the first glass into the second and stir. Watch as the mixture changes color, because phenolphthalein is a pH indicator that turns red in alkaline solutions.

Pour the red liquid into the third glass and stir once more. The acid neutralizes the solution, which should now become clear again.

Things You'll Need

• Before demonstrating this experiment, whether as part of a presentation or a magic trick, experiment to see what amounts of the chemicals produce the best results. Start with a tiny amount for each stage and add more until you achieve the desired effect.
• As an alternative to using acid to make the color disappear, try blowing through a straw into the solution. The carbon dioxide you exhale reacts with the water to produce carbonic acid, which ought to have a similar effect. This happens to make the experiment useful for projects on ocean acidification.

Don’t drink the mixture afterward or let anybody else try. Although they won’t kill you, these chemicals, with the exception of the vinegar, are not food substances and may make you feel ill. If you really want a genuine red drink and already have fairly good stage-magician skills -- be honest -- prepare a fourth glass with red juice or soda and keep it hidden. Once you have done the “water” into “wine” part, distract the audience and swap the glasses. Then offer somebody the juice to drink. Just be completely sure you are offering the right glass.

If this is part of a science project, don’t spend so much time on the experiment that you skim through the reasons behind the color changes. It should just be an introduction, not the bulk of the project.

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• General Chemistry Online: Water to Wine -- The Molecular Basis of Indicator Color Changes
• AcidBase.org: Carbon Dioxide Reactions in Water
• Don’t drink the mixture afterward or let anybody else try. Although they won’t kill you, these chemicals, with the exception of the vinegar, are not food substances and may make you feel ill. If you really want a genuine red drink and already have fairly good stage-magician skills -- be honest -- prepare a fourth glass with red juice or soda and keep it hidden. Once you have done the “water” into “wine” part, distract the audience and swap the glasses. Then offer somebody the juice to drink. Just be completely sure you are offering the right glass.
• If this is part of a science project, don’t spend so much time on the experiment that you skim through the reasons behind the color changes. It should just be an introduction, not the bulk of the project.

About the Author

Judith Willson has been writing since 2009, specializing in environmental and scientific topics. She has written content for school websites and worked for a Glasgow newspaper. Willson has a Master of Arts in English from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

Photo Credits

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45 Cool Chemistry Experiments, Demos, and Science Fair Projects

Don’t forget your safety equipment!

Bunsen burners, colorful chemicals, and the possibility of a (controlled) explosion or two? Everybody loves chemistry experiments! We’ve rounded up the best activities, demos, and chemistry science fair projects for kids and teens. Try them in the classroom or at home.

Easy Chemistry Experiments and Activities for All Ages

Chemistry science fair projects.

These chemistry experiments and activities are all easy to do using simple supplies you probably already have. Families can try them at home, or teachers and students can do them together in the classroom.

Mix up some magic milk

Kids love this colorful experiment, which explores the concept of surface tension. This is one of our favorite chemistry experiments to try at home, since the supplies are so basic and the results are so cool!

Taste the Rainbow

Teach your students about diffusion while creating a beautiful and tasty rainbow. You’ll definitely want to have extra Skittles on hand so your class can enjoy a few as well!

Learn more: Skittles Diffusion

Crystallize sweet treats

Crystal science experiments teach kids about supersaturated solutions. This one is easy to do at home, and the results are absolutely delicious!

Learn more: Candy Crystals

Make elephant-sized toothpaste

This fun project uses yeast and a hydrogen peroxide solution to create overflowing “elephant toothpaste.” You can also add an extra fun layer by having kids create toothpaste wrappers for their plastic bottles.

Blow the biggest bubbles you can

Add a few simple ingredients to dish soap solution to create the largest bubbles you’ve ever seen! Kids learn about surface tension as they engineer these bubble-blowing wands.

Learn more: Giant Soap Bubbles

Demonstrate the “magic” leakproof bag

So simple and so amazing! All you need is a zip-top plastic bag, sharp pencils, and some water to blow your kids’ minds. Once they’re suitably impressed, teach them how the “trick” works by explaining the chemistry of polymers.

Learn more: Leakproof Bag

Use apple slices to learn about oxidation

Have students make predictions about what will happen to apple slices when immersed in different liquids, then put those predictions to the test! Finally, have them record their observations.

Learn more: Apple Oxidation

Float a marker man

Their eyes will pop out of their heads when you “levitate” a stick figure right off the table. This experiment works due to the insolubility of dry-erase marker ink in water, combined with the lighter density of the ink.

Learn more: Floating Marker Man

Discover density with hot and cold water

There are a lot of easy science experiments you can do with density. This one is extremely simple, involving only hot and cold water and food coloring, but the visuals make it appealing and fun.

Learn more: Layered Water

Layer more liquids

This density demo is a little more complicated, but the effects are spectacular. Slowly layer liquids like honey, dish soap, water, and rubbing alcohol in a glass. Kids will be amazed when the liquids float one on top of the other like magic (except it is really science).

Learn more: Layered Liquids

Grow a carbon sugar snake

Easy science experiments can still have impressive results. This eye-popping chemical reaction demonstration only requires simple supplies like sugar, baking soda, and sand.

Learn more: Carbon Sugar Snake

Make homemade bouncy balls

These homemade bouncy balls are easy to make since all you need is glue, food coloring, borax powder, cornstarch, and warm water. You’ll want to store them inside a container like a plastic egg because they will flatten out over time.

Learn more: Make Your Own Bouncy Balls

Create eggshell chalk

Eggshells contain calcium, the same material that makes chalk. Grind them up and mix them with flour, water, and food coloring to make your very own sidewalk chalk.

Learn more: Eggshell Chalk

Make naked eggs

This is so cool! Use vinegar to dissolve the calcium carbonate in an eggshell to discover the membrane underneath that holds the egg together. Then, use the “naked” egg for another easy science experiment that demonstrates osmosis .

Learn more: Naked Egg Experiment

Turn milk into plastic

This sounds a lot more complicated than it is, but don’t be afraid to give it a try. Use simple kitchen supplies to create plastic polymers from plain old milk. Sculpt them into cool shapes when you’re done.

Test pH using cabbage

Teach kids about acids and bases without needing pH test strips. Simply boil some red cabbage and use the resulting water to test various substances—acids turn red and bases turn green.

Learn more: Cabbage pH

Clean some old coins

Use common household items to make old oxidized coins clean and shiny again in this simple chemistry experiment. Ask kids to predict (hypothesize) which will work best, then expand the learning by doing some research to explain the results.

Learn more: Cleaning Coins

Blow up a balloon (without blowing)

Chances are good you probably did easy science experiments like this when you were in school yourself. This well-known activity demonstrates the reactions between acids and bases. Fill a bottle with vinegar and a balloon with baking soda. Fit the balloon over the top, shake the baking soda down into the vinegar, and watch the balloon inflate.

Learn more: Balloon Experiments

Assemble a DIY lava lamp

This 1970s trend is back—as an easy science experiment! This activity combines acid/base reactions with density for a totally groovy result.

Explore how sugary drinks affect teeth

The calcium content of eggshells makes them a great stand-in for teeth. Use eggs to explore how soda and juice can stain teeth and wear down the enamel. Expand your learning by trying different toothpaste and toothbrush combinations to see how effective they are.

Learn more: Sugar and Teeth Experiment

Mummify a hot dog

If your kids are fascinated by the Egyptians, they’ll love learning to mummify a hot dog. No need for canopic jars ; just grab some baking soda and get started.

Extinguish flames with carbon dioxide

This is a fiery twist on acid-base experiments. Light a candle and talk about what fire needs in order to survive. Then, create an acid-base reaction and “pour” the carbon dioxide to extinguish the flame. The CO2 gas acts like a liquid, suffocating the fire.

Send secret messages with invisible ink

Turn your kids into secret agents! Write messages with a paintbrush dipped in lemon juice, then hold the paper over a heat source and watch the invisible become visible as oxidation goes to work.

Learn more: Invisible Ink

Set popcorn dancing

This is a fun version of the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment, perfect for the younger crowd. The bubbly mixture causes popcorn to dance around in the water.

Learn more: Dancing Popcorn Experiment

Shoot a soda geyser sky-high

You’ve always wondered if this really works, so it’s time to find out for yourself! Kids will marvel at the chemical reaction that sends diet soda shooting high in the air when Mentos are added.

Learn more: Mentos and Coke Experiment

All of these chemistry experiments are perfect for using the scientific method. Form a hypothesis, alter the variables, and then observe the results! You can simplify these projects for younger kids, or add more complexity for older students.

Break apart covalent bonds

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Break the covalent bond of H 2 O into H and O with this simple experiment. You only need simple supplies for this one. Turn it into a science fair project by changing up the variables—does the temperature of the water matter? What happens if you try this with other liquids?

Learn more: Breaking Covalent Bonds

Measure the calories in various foods

Are the calorie counts on your favorite snacks accurate? Build your own calorimeter and find out! This kit from Home Science Tools has all the supplies you’ll need.

Detect latent fingerprints

Forensic science is engrossing and can lead to important career opportunities too. Explore the chemistry needed to detect latent (invisible) fingerprints, just like they do for crime scenes!

Learn more: Fingerprints Project

Use Alka-Seltzer to explore reaction rate

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Easy

Tweak this basic concept to create a variety of high school chemistry science fair projects. Change the temperature, surface area, pressure, and more to see how reaction rates change.

Determine whether sports drinks really have more electrolytes than other beverages

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Advanced

Are those pricey sports drinks really worth it? Try this experiment to find out. You’ll need some special equipment for this one; buy a complete kit at Home Science Tools .

Turn flames into a rainbow

You’ll need to get your hands on a few different chemicals for this experiment, but the wow factor will make it worth the effort. Make it a science project by seeing if different materials, air temperature, or other factors change the results.

Discover the size of a mole

The mole is a key concept in chemistry, so it’s important to ensure students really understand it. This experiment uses simple materials like salt and chalk to make an abstract concept more concrete. Make it a project by applying the same procedure to a variety of substances, or determining whether outside variables have an effect on the results.

Learn more: How Big Is a Mole?

Cook up candy to learn mole and molecule calculations

This edible experiment lets students make their own peppermint hard candy while they calculate mass, moles, molecules, and formula weights. Tweak the formulas to create different types of candy and make this into a sweet science fair project!

Learn more: Candy Chemistry

Make soap to understand saponification

Take a closer look at an everyday item: soap! Use oils and other ingredients to make your own soap, learning about esters and saponification. Tinker with the formula to find one that fits a particular set of parameters.

Learn more: Saponification

Uncover the secrets of evaporation

Explore the factors that affect evaporation, then come up with ways to slow them down or speed them up for a simple science fair project.

Learn more: Evaporation

More Chemistry Experiment Science Fair Ideas

These questions and prompts can spark ideas for unique chemistry experiments:

• Compare the properties of sugar and artificial sweeteners.
• Explore the impact of temperature, concentration, and seeding on crystal growth.
• Test various antacids on the market to find the most effective product.
• What is the optimum temperature for yeast production when baking bread from scratch?
• Compare the vitamin C content of various fruits and vegetables.
• How does temperature affect enzyme-catalyzed reactions?
• Investigate the effects of pH on an acid-base chemical reaction.
• Devise a new natural way to test pH levels (such as cabbage leaves).
• What’s the best way to slow down metal oxidation (the form of rust)?
• How do changes in ingredients and method affect the results of a baking recipe?

Like these chemistry experiments? Don’t miss STEM Activities for Kids of All Ages and Interests .

Plus, get all the latest teaching news and ideas when you sign up for our free newsletters.

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Water Into Wine or Blood Chemistry Demonstration

Magicians and chemistry teachers know how to turn water into wine or blood. Of course, this is simply a chemical reaction that causes a clear liquid to turn pink or red. If the conditions are right, the color shifts back and forth. The water into wine demonstration is the easiest color change chemistry demonstration to perform.

You only need a few basic chemicals and materials for this project:

• Phenolphthalein pH indicator
• Sodium carbonate
• Two glasses
• A drinking straw or pipette

Phenolphthalein is one of the most common pH indicators . Most school labs keep it on hand or else anyone can purchase it online. It’s also the key ingredient in disappearing ink. Sodium carbonate is the chemical name of washing soda. Again, it’s readily available as a lab chemical, may be sold as a laundry soap, or can be ordered online. You can also make it yourself from baking soda . It doesn’t matter whether you use glass or plastic dishes for this project. Using wine glasses is a nice touch!

Perform the Water Into Wine Demonstration

Prepare the glasses in advance of the demonstration.

• Sprinkle a bit of sodium carbonate in the bottom of the first glass. The proportion of sodium carbonate to indicator is not critical to get the color change, but if you want the colors to cycle between clear and red, a ratio of five parts sodium carbonate to 10 drops phenolphthalein solution is ideal.
• Fill the second glass halfway full of water and add 10 drops of phenolphthalein solution.
• When you’re ready to perform the demonstration, simply pour the liquid from the second glass into the empty-looking first glass. Swirl around the liquid to dissolve the sodium carbonate and watch the contents change from clear to red.
• To change the “wine” or “blood” back into “water,” blow air into the red liquid. This changes its pH and decolorizes the dye. Over time, the contents of the glass will return to their red color. You can repeat the color change as many times as you like.
• Another option is to use a third glass, which contains a few drops of a concentrated acid (e.g., muriatic or hydrochloric acid). The acid neutralizes the base and returns the solution to its colorless state. Once neutralized, the liquid color won’t change to red unless more sodium carbonate (or another base) is introduced.

How It Works

The water into wine or blood demonstration often accompanies lectures on pH, acid-base indicators, and color chemistry. The reaction is intriguing, so it helps raise student interest in science.

Phenolphthalein is a great pH indicator for acid-base titrations, plus it’s a component of universal indicator. In this demonstration, the indicator changes from colorless at a neutral pH to pink/red under basic conditions. Water is made basic or more alkaline by adding sodium carbonate, which is a weak base. When you blow “air” into the liquid, you’re adding carbon dioxide from your lungs. This forms carbonic acid in the liquid and neutralizes the sodium carbonate.

While only two states are used in this demonstration, phenolphthalein can adopt four states in aqueous solution. Under strongly acidic conditions, it turns orange (H 3 In + ). Between pH 0 and 8.2, it is colorless (H 2 In). Between pH 8.2 and 10.0 it is pink to fuchsia (In 2− ), and under strongly alkaline conditions (pH>10.0), it is colorless (In(OH) 3− ).

Another option for the “water into wine” or “water into blood” demonstration relies on the fake blood chemical reaction . This reaction makes a iron thiocyanate, a colored complex.

Safety Information

When you are finished with the demonstration, you can pour the contents down the drain. Do not drink the liquid. Phenolphthalein is a laxative. It was commonly sold for this purpose, but is being removed from products because of concerns of health effects.

• Dunnick, J. K.; Hailey, J. R. (1996). “ Phenolphthalein Exposure Causes Multiple Carcinogenic Effects in Experimental Model Systems “. Cancer Research . 56 (21): 4922–4926.
• Schwarzenbach, Gerold (1957). Complexometric Titrations . Translated by Irving, Harry (1st English ed.). London: Methuen & Co.
• Zumdahl, Steven S. (2009). Chemical Principles (6th ed.). New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Related Posts

68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions

Whether you’re a student eager to explore the wonders of chemical reactions or a teacher seeking to inspire and engage your students, we’ve compiled a curated list of the top 68 chemistry experiments so you can learn about chemical reactions.

While the theories and laws governing chemistry can sometimes feel abstract, experiments bridge the gap between these concepts and their tangible manifestations. These experiments provide hands-on experiences illuminating the intricacies of chemical reactions, molecular structures, and elemental properties.

1. Covalent Bonds

By engaging in activities that demonstrate the formation and properties of covalent bonds, students can grasp the significance of these bonds in holding atoms together and shaping the world around us.

Learn more: Covalent Bonds

2. Sulfuric Acid and Sugar Demonstration

Through this experiment, students can develop a deeper understanding of chemical properties, appreciate the power of chemical reactions, and ignite their passion for scientific exploration.

3. Make Hot Ice at Home

Making hot ice at home is a fascinating chemistry experiment that allows students to witness the captivating transformation of a liquid into a solid with a surprising twist.

4. Make a Bouncing Polymer Ball

This hands-on activity not only allows students to explore the fascinating properties of polymers but also encourages experimentation and creativity.

Learn more: Thought Co

5. Diffusion Watercolor Art

This experiment offers a wonderful opportunity for students to explore the properties of pigments, observe how they interact with water, and discover the mesmerizing patterns and textures that emerge.

Learn more: Diffusion Watercolor Art

6. Exploding Baggie

The exploding baggie experiment is a captivating and dynamic demonstration that students should engage in with caution and under the supervision of a qualified instructor.

Learn more: Exploding Baggie

7. Color Changing Chemistry Clock

This experiment not only engages students in the world of chemical kinetics but also introduces them to the concept of a chemical clock, where the color change acts as a timekeeping mechanism.

Learn more: Color Changing Chemistry Clock

8. Pipe Cleaner Crystal Trees

By adjusting the concentration of the Borax solution or experimenting with different pipe cleaner arrangements, students can customize their crystal trees and observe how it affects the growth patterns.

Learn more: Pipe Cleaner Crystal Trees

9. How To Make Ice Sculptures

Through this experiment, students gain a deeper understanding of the physical and chemical changes that occur when water freezes and melts.

Learn more: Ice Sculpture

10. How to Make Paper

Through this hands-on activity, students gain a deeper understanding of the properties of cellulose fibers and the transformative power of chemical reactions.

Learn more: How to Make Paper

11. Color Changing Chemistry

Color changing chemistry is an enchanting experiment that offers a captivating blend of science and art. Students should embark on this colorful journey to witness the mesmerizing transformations of chemicals and explore the principles of chemical reactions.

12. Gassy Banana

The gassy banana experiment is a fun and interactive way for students to explore the principles of chemical reactions and gas production.

Learn more: Gassy Banana

13. Gingerbread Man Chemistry Experiment

This hands-on activity not only introduces students to the concepts of chemical leavening and heat-induced reactions but also allows for creativity in decorating and personalizing their gingerbread creations.

Learn more: Gingerbread Man Chemistry Experiment

14. Make Amortentia Potion

While the love potion is fictional, this activity offers a chance to explore the art of potion-making and the chemistry behind it.

Learn more: How to Make Amortentia Potion

15. Strawberry DNA Extraction

This hands-on experiment offers a unique opportunity to observe DNA, the building blocks of life, up close and learn about its structure and properties.

16. Melting Snowman

The melting snowman experiment is a fun and whimsical activity that allows students to explore the principles of heat transfer and phase changes.

Learn more: Melting Snowman

17. Acid Base Cabbage Juice

The acid-base cabbage juice experiment is an engaging and colorful activity that allows students to explore the pH scale and the properties of acids and bases.

By extracting the purple pigment from red cabbage leaves and creating cabbage juice, students can use this natural indicator to identify and differentiate between acidic and basic substances.

Learn more: Acid Base Cabbage Juice

18. Magic Milk

The magic milk experiment is a mesmerizing and educational activity that allows students to explore the concepts of surface tension and chemical reactions.

By adding drops of different food colors to a dish of milk and then introducing a small amount of dish soap, students can witness a captivating display of swirling colors and patterns.

Learn more: Magic Milk

19. Melting Ice with Salt and Water

Through this hands-on activity, students can gain a deeper understanding of the science behind de-icing and how different substances can influence the physical properties of water.

Learn more: Melting Ice with Salt and Water

20. Barking Dog Chemistry Demonstration

The barking dog chemistry demonstration is an exciting and visually captivating experiment that showcases the principles of combustion and gas production.

21. How to Make Egg Geodes

Making egg geodes is a fascinating and creative chemistry experiment that students should try. By using common materials like eggshells, salt, and food coloring, students can create their own beautiful geode-like crystals.

Learn more: How to Make Egg Geodes

22. Make Sherbet

This experiment not only engages the taste buds but also introduces concepts of acidity, solubility, and the chemical reactions that occur when the sherbet comes into contact with moisture.

Learn more: Make Sherbet

23. Hatch a Baking Soda Dinosaur Egg

As the baking soda dries and hardens around the toy, it forms a “shell” resembling a dinosaur egg. To hatch the egg, students can pour vinegar onto the shell, causing a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas.

Learn more: Steam Powered Family

24. Chromatography Flowers

By analyzing the resulting patterns, students can gain insights into the different pigments present in flowers and the science behind their colors.

Learn more: Chromatography Flowers

25. Turn Juice Into Solid

Turning juice into a solid through gelification is an engaging and educational chemistry experiment that students should try. By exploring the transformation of a liquid into a solid, students can gain insights of chemical reactions and molecular interactions.

Learn more: Turn Juice into Solid

26. Bouncy Balls

Making bouncy balls allows students to explore the fascinating properties of polymers, such as their ability to stretch and rebound.

 27. Make a Lemon Battery

Creating a lemon battery is a captivating and hands-on experiment that allows students to explore the fundamentals of electricity and chemical reactions.

28. Mentos and Soda Project

The Mentos and soda project is a thrilling and explosive experiment that students should try. By dropping Mentos candies into a bottle of carbonated soda, an exciting eruption occurs.

29. Alkali Metal in Water

The reaction of alkali metals with water is a fascinating and visually captivating chemistry demonstration.

30. Rainbow Flame

The rainbow flame experiment is a captivating and visually stunning chemistry demonstration that students should explore.

31. Sugar Yeast Experiment

This experiment not only introduces students to the concept of fermentation but also allows them to witness the effects of a living organism, yeast, on the sugar substrate.

32. The Thermite Reaction

The thermite reaction is a highly energetic and visually striking chemical reaction that students can explore with caution and under proper supervision.

This experiment showcases the principles of exothermic reactions, oxidation-reduction, and the high temperatures that can be achieved through chemical reactions.

33. Polishing Pennies

Polishing pennies is a simple and enjoyable chemistry experiment that allows students to explore the concepts of oxidation and cleaning methods.

34. Elephant Toothpaste

The elephant toothpaste experiment is a thrilling and visually captivating chemistry demonstration that students should try with caution and under the guidance of a knowledgeable instructor.

35. Magic Potion

Creating a magic potion is an exciting and imaginative activity that allows students to explore their creativity while learning about the principles of chemistry.

36. Color Changing Acid-Base Experiment

Through the color changing acid-base experiment, students can gain a deeper understanding of chemical reactions and the role of pH in our daily lives.

Learn more: Color Changing Acid-Base Experiment

37. Fill up a Balloon

Filling up a balloon is a simple and enjoyable physics experiment that demonstrates the properties of air pressure. By blowing air into a balloon, you can observe how the balloon expands and becomes inflated.

38. Jello and Vinegar

The combination of Jello and vinegar is a fascinating and tasty chemistry experiment that demonstrates the effects of acid on a gelatin-based substance.

Learn more: Jello and Vinegar

39. Vinegar and Steel Wool Reaction

This experiment not only provides a visual demonstration of the oxidation process but also introduces students to the concept of corrosion and the role of acids in accelerating the process.

Learn more: Vinegar and Steel Wool Reaction

40. Dancing Rice

The dancing rice experiment is a captivating and educational demonstration that showcases the principles of density and buoyancy.

By pouring a small amount of uncooked rice into a clear container filled with water, students can witness the rice grains moving and “dancing” in the water.

Learn more: Dancing Rice

41. Soil Testing Garden Science

Soil testing is a valuable and informative experiment that allows students to assess the composition and properties of soil.

By collecting soil samples from different locations and analyzing them, students can gain insights into the nutrient content, pH level, and texture of the soil.

Learn more: Soil Testing Garden Science

42. Heat Sensitive Color Changing Slime

Creating heat-sensitive color-changing slime is a captivating and playful chemistry experiment that students should try.

Learn more: Left Brain Craft Brain

43. Experimenting with Viscosity

Experimenting with viscosity is an engaging and hands-on activity that allows students to explore the flow properties of liquids.

Viscosity refers to a liquid’s resistance to flow, and this experiment enables students to investigate how different factors affect viscosity.

Learn more: Experimenting with Viscosity

44. Rock Candy Science

Rock candy science is a delightful and educational chemistry experiment that students should try. By growing their own rock candy crystals, students can learn about crystal formation and explore the principles of solubility and saturation.

Learn more: Rock Candy Science

45. Baking Soda vs Baking Powder

Baking soda and baking powder have distinct properties that influence the leavening process in different ways.

This hands-on experiment provides a practical understanding of how these ingredients interact with acids and moisture to create carbon dioxide gas.

46. Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions Experiment

The endothermic and exothermic reactions experiment is an exciting and informative chemistry exploration that students should try.

By observing and comparing the heat changes in different reactions, students can gain a deeper understanding of energy transfer and the concepts of endothermic and exothermic processes.

Learn more: Education.com

47. Diaper Chemistry

By dissecting a diaper and examining its components, students can uncover the chemical processes that make diapers so effective at absorbing and retaining liquids.

Learn more: Diaper Chemistry

48. Candle Chemical Reaction

The “Flame out” experiment is an intriguing and educational chemistry demonstration that students should try. By exploring the effects of a chemical reaction on a burning candle, students can witness the captivating moment when the flame is extinguished.

49. Make Curds and Whey

This experiment not only introduces students to the concept of acid-base reactions but also offers an opportunity to explore the science behind cheese-making.

Learn more: Tinkerlab

50. Grow Crystals Overnight

By creating a supersaturated solution using substances like epsom salt, sugar, or borax, students can observe the fascinating process of crystal growth. This experiment allows students to explore the principles of solubility, saturation, and nucleation.

Learn more: Grow Crystals Overnight

51. Measure Electrolytes in Sports Drinks

The “Measure Electrolytes in Sports Drinks” experiment is an informative and practical chemistry activity that students should try.

By using simple tools like a multimeter or conductivity probe, students can measure the electrical conductivity of different sports drinks to determine their electrolyte content.

52. Oxygen and Fire Experiment

The oxygen and fire experiment is a captivating and educational chemistry demonstration that students should try. By observing the effects of oxygen on a controlled fire, students can witness the essential role of oxygen in supporting combustion.

53. Electrolysis Of Water

The electrolysis of water experiment is a captivating and educational chemistry demonstration that students should try.

Learn more: Electrolysis Of Water

54. Expanding Ivory Soap

The expanding Ivory Soap experiment is a fun and interactive chemistry activity that students should try. By placing a bar of Ivory soap in a microwave, students can witness the remarkable expansion of the soap as it heats up.

Learn more: Little Bins Little Hands

55. Glowing Fireworks

This experiment not only introduces students to the principles of pyrotechnics and combustion but also encourages observation, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the physics and chemistry behind.

Learn more: Glowing Fireworks

56. Colorful Polymer Chemistry

Colorful polymer chemistry is an exciting and vibrant experiment that students should try to explore polymers and colorants.

By combining different types of polymers with various colorants, such as food coloring or pigments, students can create a kaleidoscope of colors in their polymer creations.

Learn more: Colorful Polymer Chemistry

57. Sulfur Hexafluoride- Deep Voice Gas

This experiment provides a firsthand experience of how the density and composition of gases can influence sound transmission.

It encourages scientific curiosity, observation, and a sense of wonder as students witness the surprising transformation of their voices.

58. Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream

Liquid nitrogen ice cream is a thrilling and delicious chemistry experiment that students should try. By combining cream, sugar, and flavorings with liquid nitrogen, students can create ice cream with a unique and creamy texture.

59. White Smoke Chemistry Demonstration

The White Smoke Chemistry Demonstration provides an engaging and visually captivating experience for students to explore chemical reactions and gases. By combining hydrochloric acid and ammonia solutions, students can witness the mesmerizing formation of white smoke.

60. Nitrogen Triiodide Chemistry Demonstration

The nitrogen triiodide chemistry demonstration is a remarkable and attention-grabbing experiment that students should try under the guidance of a knowledgeable instructor.

By reacting iodine crystals with concentrated ammonia, students can precipitate nitrogen triiodide (NI3), a highly sensitive compound.

61. Make a Plastic- Milk And Vinegar Reaction Experiment

Through the “Make a Plastic – Milk and Vinegar Reaction” experiment, students can gain a deeper understanding of the chemistry behind plastics, environmental sustainability, and the potential of biodegradable materials.

Learn more: Rookie Parenting

62. Eno and Water Experiment

This experiment not only introduces students to acid-base reactions but also engages their senses as they witness the visible and audible effects of the reaction.

63. The Eternal Kettle Experiment

By filling a kettle with alcohol and igniting it, students can investigate the behavior of the alcohol flame and its sustainability.

64. Coke and Chlorine Bombs

Engaging in this experiment allows students to experience the wonders of chemistry firsthand, making it an ideal choice to ignite their curiosity and passion for scientific exploration.

65. Set your Hand on Fire

This experiment showcases the fascinating nature of combustion and the science behind fire.

By carefully following proper procedures and safety guidelines, students can witness firsthand how the sanitizer’s high alcohol content interacts with an open flame, resulting in a brief but captivating display of controlled combustion.

66. Instant Ice Experiments

The Instant Ice Experiment offers an engaging and captivating opportunity for students to explore the wonders of chemistry and phase changes.

By using simple household ingredients, students can witness the fascinating phenomenon of rapid ice formation in just a matter of seconds.

67. Coke Cans in Acid and Base

Engaging in this experiment allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the chemical properties of substances and the importance of safety protocols in scientific investigations.

68. Color Changing Invisible Ink

The Color Changing Invisible Ink experiment offers an intriguing and fun opportunity for students to explore chemistry and learn about the concept of chemical reactions.

Learn more: Research Parent

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• Science Activities For Kids

Make Waves With These 15 Water Science Experiments for Preschoolers

• FirstHeading

Why I Love Water Science Experiments For Preschoolers

How i chose these water science experiments for preschoolers, 15 of my favorite water science experiments for preschoolers, 1. alka seltzer experiment, 2. what absorbs water, 3. playmonster science4you – water science kit, 4. egg float activity, 5. oil & water experiment, 6. penny boat challenge, 7. crayola liquid science kit for kids, 8. does it float- soda can edition, 9. magic pepper experiment, 10. skittles in water, 11. doctor jupiter my first science kit for kids, 12. walking rainbow, 13. what holds more, 14. water displacement experiment, 15. salt melting ice activity, submit a comment cancel reply.

With every puddle jump, and every splash in the bath, I saw my son’s fascination with water and science grow.

I want to encourage him to channel this natural curiosity, and to do this I realized the need for science to be more than just textbook lessons.

Seeking the perfect blend of fun and learning, I embarked on a mission to discover the best water science activities for preschooler s.

Join me as I make waves with hands-on experiments that truly captivate young minds!

For preschoolers, water isn’t just for play—it’s a mesmerizing mystery waiting to be unraveled. Supporting your child’s water science experiments is similar to opening a door to nature’s most fluid element.

These experiments not only stimulate their innate curiosity but also foster foundational skills in observation and prediction. For parents, joining in this aquatic exploration reinforces the notion that learning can be immersive and fun.

Dive in with your little one, nurturing their scientific spirit with each splash and ripple.

Embarking on a quest for the best water science experiments, I plunged into renowned activity sites, seeking experiments that promised more than a fleeting moment of fun.

I paid special attention for activities that immersed kids for over 20 minutes, evoked boundless joy, and added a splash of movement.

The true test, however, was my son’s sparkling eyes and infectious giggles. Only those water wonders that passed our fun-test flowed into this curated list.

Dive in and discover the joy of water science with us!

Discover the magic of water with these 15 handpicked experiments specially curated for young learners.

Dive in and make waves with your eager little scientist!

Engage your preschooler with a delightful dance of colorful bubbles in the Alka Seltzer experiment.

This easy pre-k science experiment offers a captivating glimpse into the world of chemistry, revealing the fascinating interactions between oil, water, and effervescence. With just a few household items, watch as the dance unfolds, making learning both enchanting and hands-on.

• Main Materials : Alka Seltzer tablets, oil, water, and a clear container.
• Duration : About 15-20 minutes.
• Ideal Age : Preschoolers (3-5 years old).
• Science Discipline : Chemistry.
• Science Skills Focus : This experiment encourages observation, understanding of chemical reactions, and the exploration of liquid densities in an engaging manner.

Ever watched a child’s eyes light up when they witness the magic of absorption? Our “What Absorbs Water” experiment is a delightful journey into understanding how different materials react with water.

These types of questions and activities make for a great addition to other nature science experiments for preschoolers to help your little ones learn more about the world around them.

Using everyday items, kiddos can witness firsthand which objects soak up water and which repel it. It’s a tactile, visual feast of science at its simplest and most profound!

• Materials Needed : Assorted objects (cotton, sponge, plastic toys, etc.), bowls, water.
• Science Discipline : Physical science.
• Science Skills Focus : This experiment strengthens observation, comparison, and prediction skills, providing a hands-on exploration of absorption properties.

The Egg Float Activity is a delightful fusion of both! With PlayMonster Science4you’s Water Science kit, little ones will be both amused and amazed as they witness the buoyancy mystery unfold. Through simple materials, this activity offers an inviting gateway into the world of water science, ensuring your preschooler is both entertained and enlightened.

• Main Materials : Egg, water, salt, and the PlayMonster Science4you – Water Science kit.
• Ideal Age : Preschoolers (3-6 years old).
• Science Discipline : Density and buoyancy.
• Science Skills Focus : This experiment encourages kids to hypothesize, observe changes in buoyancy, and understand density in an interactive and fun manner.

Every kitchen holds a treasure trove of science, and the Egg Float Activity is a testament to that. With just an egg, some water, and salt, transform your kitchen into a vibrant learning hub where the whimsical world of buoyancy and density unfolds.

This simple yet captivating experiment not only amazes preschoolers but instills a sense of wonder about the magic in everyday materials.

• Main Materials : Fresh egg, tap water, salt, and a clear glass.
• Duration : About 10-15 minutes.
• Science Discipline : Physics – Buoyancy and Density.
• Science Skills Focus : This activity nurtures observation, prediction, and an understanding of buoyancy and density through hands-on experimentation.

Every kitchen houses the ingredients for a captivating science experiment, and the oil and water dance is no exception!

Witness the enchanting play of these two liquids, offering preschoolers a vivid peek into the world of density and immiscibility.

I love working on this winter science experiment for pre-k with my son when we are stuck indoors due to cold weather. It’s a simple yet powerful demonstration of nature’s rules, all within a single glass!

• Main Materials : Cooking oil, water, food coloring (optional), and a clear glass or jar.
• Science Discipline : Density and Immiscibility.
• Science Skills Focus : This experiment encourages observation, understanding of liquid density, and immiscibility, sparking questions and discussions in a tangible, visual way.

Ahoy, young sailors! Set sail on a whimsical voyage of discovery with the Penny Boat Challenge.

Using just a few household items, our preschoolers become budding engineers, crafting boats and guessing how many pennies they can hold before sinking.

This is a fun pre-k science experiment because my son can test it during bathtime or in our kitchen during the day.

It’s an exhilarating blend of playful experimentation and hands-on learning that brings buoyancy and balance concepts to life.

• Main Materials : Aluminum foil, pennies, a tub of water.
• Duration : 20-30 minutes.
• Science Discipline : Physics (Buoyancy).
• Science Skills Focu s: Encourages hands-on experimentation, predictions, and understanding buoyancy and balance in a fun, tangible manner.

Ignite your child’s scientific curiosity with the Crayola Liquid Science Kit. Merging the vibrancy of colors with the magic of science, this kit offers a delightful palette of hands-on learning. Let your little one’s creativity flow, blending art with discovery, while mastering fundamental scientific principles. A vibrant, captivating experience awaits!

• Main Materials : Crayola color tablets, test tubes, pipettes, and instruction booklet.
• Duration : Varies, but most experiments take 20-30 minutes.
• Ideal Age : 4-10 years old.
• Science Discipline : Chemistry and physics of liquids.
• Science Skills Focus : Encourages hands-on exploration, observation, hypothesis making, and understanding liquid behaviors in a colorful context.

Ever wondered about the buoyancy of your favorite soda? This delightful experiment invites preschoolers to predict, observe, and draw conclusions about floating soda cans.

Using simple household items, your young scientist will be intrigued by the unexpected results, as they decipher the mystery behind why some cans float and others don’t.

• Main Materials : Unopened soda cans (variety), a large container, and water.
• Duration : About 20-30 minutes.
• Science Discipline : Physics – Buoyancy.
• Science Skills Focus : This experiment fosters prediction, observation, and analytical skills, cultivating a deeper understanding of buoyancy and density.

Delight your little one with the enchanting dance of pepper specks on water. This simple yet magical experiment unveils the secrets of surface tension in a way that’s both captivating and enlightening.

Transform your kitchen into a wonder lab, where everyday ingredients create scientific marvels, leaving young minds both amazed and curious.

• Main Materials : A bowl of water, pepper, and dish soap.
• Duration : Approximately 5-10 minutes.
• Science Discipline : Surface tension and fluid dynamics.
• Science Skills Focus : This experiment accentuates observation, hypothesis-making, and understanding the wonders of surface tension through hands-on engagement.

Ever wondered how to turn simple Skittles into a mesmerizing dance of colors? This delightful experiment invites preschoolers to witness the magic of colors swirling and merging in water.

You can use other candy for this activity, and I like to use Halloween candies to make this the perfect fall science experiment for preschoolers !

A visual treat, it seamlessly combines learning with wonder, proving that sometimes, the most educational moments are hidden in our everyday candies.

• Main Materials : Skittles, a white plate, and water.
• Science Discipline : Chemistry and Color Theory.
• Science Skills Focus : This activity enhances observation skills, understanding color diffusion, and the science behind candy dissolving in water.

Ignite young imaginations with the Doctor Jupiter My First Science Kit. Thoughtfully curated, this kit transforms ordinary afternoons into captivating science adventures right at home.

Each experiment invites little hands and minds to explore, ask questions, and revel in the joy of discovery.

• Main Materials : Science tools, ingredients for experiments, and an instructional booklet.
• Duration : Varies per experiment, typically 20-30 minutes.
• Ideal Age : Recommended for children aged 4-8.
• Science Discipline : General science introduction across multiple disciplines.
• Science Skills Focus : This kit emphasizes observation, prediction, and hands-on exploration, fostering a foundational love for scientific inquiry.

Who knew colors could walk? Introduce your little one to the enchanting Walking Rainbow experiment.

With a playful twist, watch vibrant hues journey between jars, defying boundaries and creating a mesmerizing spectrum. It’s more than just a visual treat; it’s a lesson in color blending and capillary action made simple and engaging!

• Main Materials : Clear glasses or jars, water, paper towels, primary color food coloring.
• Duration : Setup in 10 minutes, full observation up to 48 hours.
• Science Discipline : Color theory and capillary action.
• Science Skills Focus : This activity cultivates observation, prediction, and an understanding of color blending and how liquids move through materials.

At first glance, this experiment might seem simple, but it’s a delightful dive into volume and capacity. Using everyday containers, your little one can predict, observe, and deduce which container holds more water.

The tangible, hands-on experience makes abstract concepts like volume tangible, turning ordinary playtime into a fascinating lesson.

• Main Materials : Assorted containers (cups, bowls, jars) and water.
• Science Discipline : Physical science (Volume and Capacity).
• Science Skills Focus : Enhances skills in prediction, observation, and understanding volume through hands-on comparison and exploration.

This fun activity beautifully marries the charm of Valentine’s trinkets with the wonder of water science, revealing how objects can displace water in the most captivating ways.

It’s a delightful blend of festivity and discovery, perfect for little hands and big curiosities.

• Main Materials : A clear container, water, Valentine-themed items (like heart erasers or gems).
• Duration : 15-20 minutes.
• Science Discipline : Physics (Fluid Dynamics).
• Science Skills Focus : This experiment hones a child’s observational skills, teaching them about water displacement through hands-on, playful exploration.

With the Salt Melting Ice Experiment, watch as crystals work their magic, revealing the mesmerizing process of how salt impacts ice.

This simple yet enchanting experiment offers a chilly twist to your preschooler’s scientific exploration, all while nestled warmly indoors.

• Main Materials : Ice cubes, salt, colored water, droppers.
• Science Discipline : Chemistry and Thermal Properties.
• Science Skills Focus : This experiment enhances observation skills, understanding of melting processes, and the interaction of substances in temperature changes.

Our little ones are born explorers, and every splash and ripple holds a lesson. Through these water science experiments, we’ve journeyed into the world of curiousity and discovery, nurturing their budding curiosity.

If you and your little ones are looking for even more great activities, then check out my full list of STEAM science experiments for kids!

As parents, our joy is in seeing them marvel at the wonders around. Here’s to many more splashes, giggles, and eureka moments in your home’s very own aquatic lab! Happy experimenting!

Hi there, I’m Ayasha

I’m a mom of an energetic son and the creator of Wonder Noggin. I write about educational parenting tips, simple parenting ideas, and many activities to help parents nurture young minds.

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