Simple Science Experiments for Young Kids

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My 4-year-old son is obsessed with experiments and our isolation indoors has only increased this obsession. His favorite experiments involve water. Generally, he wants to freeze little things (like the tiny animals and insect figurines) in his science test tubes and then melt it. Better yet, add color tablets we have to color his bath water to change the water’s color of his experiment. I guess there could be worse obsessions, but I’m constantly drying the floor, tables, chairs, etc. Water everywhere!

Honestly, I love that he’s so interested in experiments and I want to encourage it. I try to come up with simple experiments for us to do together. The experiments need to have rather immediate results because he’s four-years-old and needs instant gratification. And simple so that I don’t have to go to a special store to get supplies, and better yet, I already have them all at home. I’ve gathered a few good ones and thought I’d share so you have some fun ideas in your back-pocket during all the social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. 

M&M or Skittles Rainbow

This was one of our first experiments. He found it on Kids YouTube and came running to me and said we HAD TO DO IT. It’s so easy - just put M&Ms or Skittles in a circle on a plate, then pour water over it. Watch as the colors come off the candy and make a colorful rainbow effect.

  • What You Need: M&Ms or Skittles, Water, a Plate

  • Videos: With M&Ms or Skittles.

Magic Milk

This is a popular one where you pour milk into a plate (whole milk is best), drop in some food coloring, then dip a Qtip into dish soap and swirl it all around.

Dancing Raisins

Who else thinks of the California Raisins when they read that? Anyway, that just dated me. The raisins “dance” in carbonated soda for a fun few seconds. Get some clear soda and raisins and dance!

Floating Stickman

See the dry erase stickman come off the plate and float in the water. Our version sort of worked since only his body came off (although we had someone fiddling with the water, hmm I wonder who), but it was still worth it.

  • What You Need: A dry erase pen, a plate, and water

  • Video: This dude shows you how and why this works

Pepper and Soap Demonstrate Importance of Handwashing

This is a good one for right now and why we’re all stressing the importance of handwashing more than ever.

Volcano

This is a classic kids experiment. I didn’t go all out and make a real looking volcano, but you’re totally welcome to do that. I just didn’t have the materials (or energy) to do all that. We just grabbed a vase (or more recently, a test tube from his science kit) and added the baking soda. Then we poured the vinegar on top. And boom, it is lava foam heaven. We didn’t stop there, we did it a few times with some variations - added food coloring, pepper, salt, dish soap..then we used the leftovers “lava” to play with little figurines.

  • What You Need: A vase, cup, or test tube for the volcano. Plus 1-22 TBSP baking soda, 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar. Optional: food coloring (maybe 4-6 drops), dish soap (just a small drop), salt, and pepper. (The amounts depend on how big your vase is, use more if it’s large).

  • Video: I can’t remember which video I used and I can’t find it for the life of me, but Ryan can help.

On Our To-Do List

What experiments have you done? Share in the comments, I’d love to hear your ideas and try them out!