- Grades 6-12
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Black History Month for Kids: Google Slides, Resources, and More!
20 Balloon Experiments to Make Your Lessons Really Pop
See what we did there?
There’s something about the sight of colorful balloons that just makes you feel a little excited, don’t you think? That’s why kids will go crazy for these balloon experiments, whether they’re building a balloon-powered boat or powering a light bulb with static electricity. Plus, balloons are inexpensive, so stock up at the dollar store and get ready to throw a science party!
1. Blow up a balloon… without blowing.
This is one of those classic balloon experiments everyone remembers doing in school. Kids learn about chemical reactions by mixing acids and bases. They’re always amazed at the results!
2. Design a balloon-powered car.
Explore the laws of motion and encourage creativity when you challenge students to design, build, and test their own balloon-powered cars. Bonus: Use only recycled materials to make this project green! ( Find more cool car activities for the classroom here. )
Learn more: Science Buddies
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3. Skewer a balloon without popping it.
If you do this one right, you’ll make kids’ eyes pop—but not the balloon! They’ll learn about the polymers that make balloons possible, and even a little bit about how to stay cool under pressure.
Learn more: Steve Spangler Science
4. Float a balloon-powered boat.
Discover the power of air pressure and the third law of motion with this fun and inexpensive balloon experiment. Take this one outside on a sunny day and let kids splash away while they learn!
Learn more: The Craft Train
5. Create ice crystal explosions.
Fill balloons with water and leave them to freeze overnight. The next day, carefully cut open the balloons to reveal the beauty inside. Kids learn about crystallization and the expansion of water as it freezes. ( Get more science experiments involving ice and snow here. )
Learn more: Dandelion Bouquets
6. Explore the science of swim bladders.
Just how do fish manage to float without sinking or rising? Find out when you explore buoyancy with this swim bladder experiment using a glass bottle, balloon, and a few other basic materials.
7. Assemble a heart pump model.
Anatomy lessons literally come alive when you do balloon experiments like this one. This working heart model demonstrates how blood pumps through the valves and chambers.
Learn more: Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus
8. Learn how lungs work.
Your students might be surprised to learn that lungs have no muscles to make them work. Instead, the contraction of the diaphragm pulls air in and forces it out. This clever model helps explain the process.
Learn more: Surviving a Teacher’s Salary
9. Blast off with a two-stage rocket.
The rockets used for space flight generally have more than one stage to give them the extra boost they need. This experiment uses balloons to model a two-stage rocket launch, teaching kids about the laws of motion.
10. Build a hovercraft.
It’s not exactly the same model the military uses, but this simple hovercraft is a lot easier to build. An old CD and a balloon help demonstrate air pressure and friction in this simple experiment.
Learn More: Education.com
11. Parachute a water balloon.
Water balloon experiments make a big splash with kids! In this one, they’ll explore how air resistance slows a water balloon’s landing using a homemade parachute.
Learn more: E is for Explore
12. Sink or swim with water balloons.
Fill water balloons with a variety of different liquids like oil, salt water, and corn syrup, then float them in a bucket of water to learn about density and buoyancy.
Learn more: 123 Homeschool 4 Me
13. Perform the two balloons experiment.
You have two balloons, one filled with more air than than the other. When you open the valve between them, what will happen? The answer is almost certain to surprise you. Learn how it works in the video at the link below.
Learn more: Kids’ Fun Science on YouTube
14. Power a light bulb with static electricity.
One of the first balloon experiments most kids try is rubbing a balloon on their hair to make it stand on end. The next step is to hold the balloon over a compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL) to see it glow from the static electricity. Wow!
Learn more: Happy Brown House
15. Spin a penny round and round.
In this simple experiment, students use kinetic energy and centripetal force to spin a penny inside a balloon. They’ll want to try other objects too, so hold a contest to see which spins the longest.
16. Fire up an air canon.
Discover the power of an air vortex with this easy DIY air cannon. To really understand how it works, use some incense to create visible smoke rings that will really impress your students.
Learn more: Rookie Parenting
17. Create a working water fountain.
See the power of air pressure when you build a balloon-activated water fountain. You’ll only need simple supplies like a plastic bottle, straw, and putty.
Learn more: Learn With Play at Home
18. Explore the effects of hot and cold air.
The concept of expansion and contraction of air can be hard to visualize. That’s where this experiment comes in to save the day. Watch the balloon expand and contract as the air around it changes temperature.
Learn more: Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas
19. Fireproof a balloon.
A balloon will obviously pop when touched to a hot flame, right? Not if you put some cold water in it first! Kids will be so amazed they won’t even realize they’re learning about the heat conductivity of water.
20. Experiment with balloons and push pins.
A pin pops a balloon in no time flat, so what happens when you place a balloon on a table full of them? Once again, the answer won’t be quite what your students expect until you explain the science of distributed pressure.
Learn more: Stem Little Explorers
Have more balloon experiments to add to the list? Come and share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, the 30 best science websites for grades K-12.
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20 Really Easy STEM Activities using Balloons
- Kindergartner
- Preschooler
It is so important to expose your child to science at an early age. Not only for the educational side of it but because science is such a great way to foster the wonder and awe of the world around us in your child! But exploring science at home with your little one need not be costly or difficult and that is where I can help.
I have compiled a fantastic list of 20+ fun but more importantly EASY science experiments to do at home with your preschooler, kindergartner or older child using balloons ! For the majority of these experiments, you can do them today with just a few household items and a balloon, of course!
So get out your lab coat and safety googles (for fun, not for safety) and get set to amaze your child and become the coolest mom or dad ever, 20 easy stem activities using balloons.
Static Electricity Butterfly Experiment by I Heart Crafty Things
Can you blow up a balloon in a bottle by i can teach my child, check out magic light bulb balloon science experiment by happy brown house. it’s a very cool experiment using a light bulb and a balloon., hovercraft & friction experiment by rookie parenting, unpoppable balloon experiment by deceptively educational, balloon powered sponge boat by the craft train, pop a balloon with an orange peel by raising dragons, science experiments for kids: blow up a balloon with vinegar and baking soda by coupons are great, inflate a balloon with yeast experiment by the stem laboratory, balloon rockets by discover explore learn, how to have a blast with balloon cars by teachers are terrific, jumping goop an awesome static electricity demonstration with cornstarch by frugal fun 4 boys, static electricity experiment for kids: b ending water science experiment by a dab of glue will do, quick and easy science experiments – amazing fingerprints by the natural home school, learn about hot and cold temperature science experiments for kids by a little pinch of perfect, penny + balloon = diy atom smasher by gift of curiosity, simple experiments for kids with fun balloon yo-yos by jdaniel4’s mom, unpoppable balloon by kiwico, screaming balloon by steve spangler science, self-inflating balloon science experiment by a dab of glue will do, will you try any of these easy balloon science experiments with your child pin it for later.
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Where play and imagination meet!
15 Awesome Balloon Science Experiments
April 6, 2022 Beth Anne
You can make science learning fun. Running out of ideas? We got your back! Your kids will surely have fun with balloon crafts while creating awesome science experiments at the same time! Some may even be used as balloon decoration in any celebration. Check out these awesome balloon science experiments and ideas you can do with your little scientist!
Your kids will love playing with these balloon ideas and you’ll love that they are learning Science!
Cool DIY Balloon Science Experiments
1. learn static electricity with balloons.
Learn the science behind ballons and hair by doing this static electricity science experiment from Kids Activities Blog! Check out the tutorial and don’t forget to post a picture of your kids with their hair standing on Instagram.
2. Make a Cool Muscle Model from Balloons
Teaching the muscular system can be tricky. Well, this science activity by Kids Activities Blog can help you! Your kids will learn how muscles work by making a muscle out of latex balloons.
3. Use Balloons to Measure Distance
Winds can make an object move from one place to another. This awesome mini balloons science experiment by Kids Activities Blog uses Balloons to measure the power of gusts of air to see how far objects can travel. A cool activity for children of all ages during outdoor parties! Blow some balloons and get the fun started!
4. Awesome Electric Fan and Balloon Experiment Idea
Your toddler is sure to have a lot of fun with this cool DIY balloon experiment by Kids Activities Blog! Let them throw balloons in front of a fan tied with ribbons or crepe paper and watch how fast the balloons will bounce back to them! All materials needed are either readily available at your house or at any nearest party store.
5. Discover How Cool Static Electricity Is With Balloons!
Have your kids ever wondered what exactly Static Electricity is? In this cool science activity by Kids Activities Blog, they will learn the science behind static electricity all while using balloons!
6. Launch a Cool Balloon Rocket for Kids
Your child will surely get curious about how rockets work! Launch a cool balloon rocket into space in this space lesson by Kids Activities Blog and see your kids watch in awe! For sure, there will be subtle revelry too!
7. Balloons Can Teach About Sounds – Cool and Awesome Ideas!
Who knew you could use balloons to learn about sound ? This awesome science activity idea from Kids Activities Blog gets the kids moving, thinking, and listening as you learn about sound! There are so many creative ways to create sounds.
8. Fun LEGO and Balloon Race
Air can fuel your kid’s LEGO cart! Create this LEGO balloon car kit from Little Bins for Little Hands and see how far the balloon can make the car can go! This is a great and cool activity for your toddler’s next birthday party!
9. Teach Kids about Matter Using Balloons
Your kids will love learning about science using balloons to compare liquids, solids, and gasses . This cool and fun idea from Momma’s Fun World will get your kids to love learning! Plus it doesn’t break the bank! Simply go to the nearest dollar store near you for the simple supplies needed.
10. Cool Balloon Sensory Play
This science experiment is a cool and cute idea from Everything and Nothing and can be a fun sensory play! Create tactile balloons with different items inside them to explore the 5 senses.
11. Helium and Balloon Experiment Idea
Does your kid ever wonder why some balloons float? Learn about weight through this cool activity by Mess for Less to learn how many helium balloons it takes to lift a bag and touch the ceiling. All you need are balloons and small bag. Kids may even decorate the bag with tassels and glitter for more fun!
12. Learn Physics with a Penny and a Balloon
Did you know you can spin a penny inside a balloon ? Try this super awesome physics experiment from Juggling with Kids to find out one of the amazing balloon tricks!
13. A Cool Polar Bear Experiment Idea for Kids
Learn about Polar Bear facts and use balloons to learn about polar bear insulation with this science experiment from Preschool Powol packets. Do it with ice water and your kids will surely fall in love with this experiment!
14. Cool Hot Air Balloon Science Experiment Idea
Your kids will love making their own hot air balloon experiment by Diapers to Diplomas using construction paper, glue, balloons, and string! They’ll also have fun reading some hot air balloon books and learning about how things go up! It can also be used as decorations or garlands on Halloween or at your next party.
15. A Solar System Made up of Balloons!
This great idea to use balloons to represent the different planets in the solar system is the coolest! This idea from Creekside Learning is so awesome your kids will have fun making them! Afterwards, it can be reused as a party decor or balloon garland!
More Fun and Cool Balloon Ideas and Activities from Play Ideas!
- Your kids will have a blast on a hot summer day with this balloon-shaving cream art craft !
- Make dark balloons glow in the dark with this fun craft your kids can make!
- These spunky sponge crafts will liven up your kid’s dull day!
- Your kids can make creative crafts using simple pipe cleaners !
- More awesome creations are in store when your kids create these colorful crafts from disposable cups !
- Love red? Your preschooler will surely love creating crafts with red color !
- These plastic egg crafts will definitely extend your kid’s Easter fun!
Which awesome balloon activity is your kid’s favorite?
Top 20 Fun Balloon Science Experiments
Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey as we explore the fascinating science behind balloons.
Our round-up of the top 20 balloon-based science experiments is designed to elevate the curiosity of kids of all ages! These hands-on, educational activities will not only enhance your grasp of science basics but also ignite a passion for exploration and discovery.
1. Pop a Balloon Using an Orange Peel
By carefully peeling an orange and using the peel to pop a balloon, students will explore the intriguing world of chemical reactions and pressure.
2. The Magnifying Glass Balloon Pop Experiment
By using a magnifying glass to focus the sun’s rays onto a black balloon contained within another balloon, students can witness the remarkable phenomenon of the balloon popping due to the concentrated heat.
3. Balloon Powered Sponge Boat
Prepare to set sail on a fascinating nautical adventure with the “Balloon Powered Sponge Boat” experiment! This engaging hands-on activity offers students a unique opportunity to explore the principles of buoyancy, propulsion, and energy conversion.
Learn more: Balloon-Powered Sponge Boat
3. Balloon Skewer
The “Balloon Skewer” experiment is a fantastic way to spark curiosity, challenge conventional wisdom, and foster a deeper understanding of the science behind everyday materials.
4. Balloon Powered Car
This exciting hands-on activity allows students to explore the principles of motion, force, and energy conversion in a fun and interactive way.
5. Learn about Swim Bladders
In this captivating hands-on activity, students will explore how fish control their position in the water column by creating their own swim bladders using balloons.
Learn more: Science Buddies
6. Boyle’s Law Experiment
By inflating a balloon and adjusting its size using a syringe, students can observe firsthand how changes in volume affect the pressure inside the balloon.
Through this experiment, students will gain a deeper understanding of Boyle’s Law and the fundamental concepts of gas behavior.
7. Balloon Rocket Science
Engaging in the “Balloon Rocket Science” experiment not only sparks curiosity and excitement but also provides a practical application of scientific principles.
Learn more: Balloon Rocket Science for Kids
8. How many Pins to Pop a Balloon?
This captivating experiment offers students a thrilling opportunity to explore the concept of structural integrity and the delicate balance between pressure and resistance.
9. DIY Lung Model
This experiment not only provides a fun and interactive way to learn about the anatomy and function of the respiratory system but also encourages students to explore the concepts of inhalation, exhalation, and gas exchange.
10. Water Fountain Balloon
Get ready to witness a mesmerizing water and air pressure display with the “Water Fountain Balloon” experiment! In this captivating hands-on activity, students will create their miniature water fountain using a balloon and a water bottle.
11. DIY Water Balloon Parachute
Get ready to launch into the world of aerodynamics and gravity with the “DIY Water Balloon Parachute” experiment! This thrilling hands-on activity allows students to design and create their own parachutes using water balloons and various materials.
12. Hot and Cold Balloon Experiment
Through this experiment, students will gain a deeper understanding of how temperature affects the volume and pressure of gases.
Learn more: Hot and Cold Balloon Experiment
13. Deflated Balloon Experiment
Engaging in the “Deflated Balloon” experiment not only fosters a sense of curiosity and wonder but also provides a practical demonstration of scientific principles.
14. Create a Heart Pump Model
This hands-on activity offers students a captivating opportunity to create a model of a working heart pump using balloons.
Learn more: DIY Heart Pump
15. DIY Hovercraft
Get ready to defy gravity and glide on a cushion of air with the “DIY Hovercraft” experiment! This exciting hands-on activity offers students an opportunity to create their very own hovercraft using simple materials.
Learn more: DIY Hovercraft
16. Inflate a Balloon
By combining vinegar and baking soda inside a balloon, students will witness a remarkable reaction that results in the inflation of the balloon.
Learn more: Happy Brown House
17. Sink or Float
By placing these filled balloons into a bucket of water, students can observe and analyze the different behaviors of the balloons—whether they sink or float.
Learn more: 123Homeschool4me
18. Magic Light Bulb
Prepare to witness a truly magical and illuminating experience with the “Magic Light Bulb Balloon Science Experiment”! In this enchanting hands-on activity, students will discover the mesmerizing properties of static electricity and light as they create their very own “magic” light bulb using a balloon.
19. Make a Vortex Cannon
By repurposing a plastic container, such as a large bottle or a trash can, and creating a small opening, students can generate a powerful ring of air known as a vortex.
20. Fireproof Balloon
Experience the astonishing magic of fire resistance with the “Fireproof Balloon” experiment! In this captivating hands-on activity, students will witness the incredible properties of a specially treated balloon that can withstand the heat of an open flame without bursting into flames.
Similar Posts:
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Screaming Balloon Experiment
This screaming balloon experiment is an awesome physics activity for young kids and older ones too! Explore centripetal force or how objects travel a circular path, with a few simple supplies. Physics really doesn’t have to be complex or difficult! We have loads more fun STEM activities for you to try!
FUN BALLOON EXPERIMENT FOR KIDS
BALLOON SCIENCE PROJECT
This balloon experiment is an easy way to get your kiddos excited about science! Who doesn’t love an easy science activity with noise?
Our science experiments have you, the parent or teacher, in mind! Easy to set up, quick to do, most projects will take only 15 to 30 minutes to complete and are heaps of fun! Plus, our supplies lists usually contain only free or cheap materials you can source from home.
Check out all our chemistry experiments and physics experiments !
Grab a balloon and a hex nut, and follow our step by step instructions below. Plus, make sure to read about the science behind this fun balloon experiment!
SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS
Science learning starts early, and you can be a part of that with setting up science at home with everyday materials. Or you can bring easy science experiments to a group of kids in the classroom!
We find a ton of value in cheap science activities and experiments. All our science experiments use inexpensive, everyday materials you can find at home or source from your local dollar store.
We even have a whole list of kitchen science experiments , using basic supplies you will have in your kitchen.
You can set up your science experiments as an activity focusing on exploration and discovery. Make sure to ask kids questions at each step, discuss what is happening and talk about the science behind it.
Alternatively, you can introduce the scientific method, get kids to record their observations and make conclusions. Read more about the scientific method for kids to help you get started.
Click here to get your free printable balloon project!
SCREAMING BALLOON EXPERIMENT
What else can you do with balloons? You want to try our favorite baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment !
INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1: Stretch out your balloon.
STEP 2: Drop the hex nut inside and inflate the balloon. Be careful not to blow up the balloon too big as it will pop.
STEP 3: Tie the end to seal the balloon.
STEP 4: Hold the balloon at the stem end in your hand like a bowling ball and begin to spin it in a circular motion.
What do you hear? What does the hex nut do?
THE SCIENCE
What happens to the hex nut in the balloon when you spin the balloon around? The hex nut may bounce around at first, but it soon begins to roll around the inside of the balloon.
It is the round shape of the balloon that causes the hex nut to move in a circular path. The force at work here is ‘centripetal force’. It is a force placed on a body that makes it follow a curved path.
What about the screaming sound? The hex nut has six sides with flat edges, which cause the hex nut to bounce or vibrate inside the balloon. The screaming sound you hear is caused by the sides of the nut vibrating against the inside wall of the balloon.
Extend the activity by varying the shape of the balloon or the type of object inside the balloon. Can you make a sound with other objects?
MORE FUN PHYSICS ACTIVITIES TO TRY
Check out our simple machine worksheets for kids.
Explore the force of friction with this fun floating rice experiment .
Create your own DIY magnifier .
Build a simple pulley system .
Make a paper helicopter that actually flies!
FUN SCREAMING BALLOON EXPERIMENT FOR PHYSICS
Click on the image below or on the link for tons more easy kids science experiments .
~ Projects to Try Now! ~
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Hands On As We Grow®
Hands on kids activities for hands on moms. Focusing on kids activities perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
Balloon Rocket Race a Super Simple Science Experiment
Move & Learn Science Toddlers Grade School Kindergartners Preschoolers Balloons Experiment Outdoor Straws 9 Comments
Have a blast with your little astronauts and embark on an exciting balloon rocket adventure!
It’s an exhilarating combination of fun, science, and a little friendly competition. With just a few simple materials, you can launch your way into a world of learning and excitement.
This is a super simple science experiment with vertical balloon straw rockets for kids.
Teach kids about Newton’s third law of motion or simply have some fun!
My kids just love balloons .
Recently we started showing my son how balloons fly crazy when you don’t tie them off and just let them go.
I was watching TVO Kids with them the other day. I love watching Bitz and Bob because they always have some kind of science experiment to do with your kids at the end.
On this particular episode they did balloons on a string.
This instantly reminded me of a balloon rocket science experiment from when I was a kid!
I grabbed the supplies and took my kids outside to give it a try a few days later since it was raining that day.
At first we just made our balloon rockets with string, straws, yarn and packing tape. Since that’s what I had on hand.
Later we turned them into real rockets by adding fins with little pieces of paper.
I also realized that thinner tape strips work much better. So we switched to using thin painters tape!
Also recommend packing tape as it adheres strong enough to stay on but not strong enough to pop the balloon.
For This Balloon Straw Rocket Science Experiment You Will Need:
- long piece of string or yarn
- painters tape
- two clothespins (optional)
- paper (optional)
Setting up Your Balloon Rockets Science Experiment
Find a location for your balloon rocket course.
First thing you need to do is decide where you are setting up the experiment course.
We did our balloon rocket race between two trees.
But this can be done indoors also between a chair and a doorknob or between two chairs.
Turn Straws Into Rockets (Optional)
Next, cut a piece of string or yarn long enough to go from one end of the course to the other and back again.
Or two pieces long enough to go from one end to the other and be tied at each end. (But don’t tie them yet!)
Next you need to get the straws prepared.
If you are choosing to decorate your balloon rockets then here is what we did. Older kids can do this part on their own!
Cut 3 triangles to use as the fins on the back of the balloon rocket. You want to have one of the corners a 90 degree angle (approximately).
Tip: we made this easy by taking a square and cutting the corners off diagonally.
Next you want to tape 3 of these onto one end of a each straw to make it look like a rocket.
I taped on both sides of each triangle to make sure they would stick out and not just fall flat onto the surface of the straws.
If your kids love science and balloons as much as mine then they will love this Blowing Up a Balloon Experiment !
Setting up Your Balloon Rockets Course
Now it’s time to tie up the balloon rocket course.
Attach the string(s) to your finish line or ending point.
Thread the straws onto the other two ends of the string(s) that are not tied on yet.
Tip: If you made them look like rockets then make sure to have them both point towards the tied end.
Once the straws are on you are free to tie the other ends to your starting points.
Tips: Make sure there is enough room between the starting points for the balloon rockets to not be touching once they are blown up and taped on. Also make sure the string(s) is tight enough that they are straight and not droopy.
Note: If you have more than two children planning to participate you can always make more course lines by adding another string to the ending point and tying the other end to a 3rd or 4th starting point with more straws and balloons!
Now Tape Your Balloons to the Rocket Course
Your final step in preparations will be attaching the balloons to each straw!
First thing to do is blow up your balloons. They need to be attached to the straw when fully blown up.
This is where I found the clothespins to be helpful!
TIP: After I blew each one up I would give the end a tiny twist and pop a clothespin one at the twist to stop it from deflating. (Optional as we did it many times before I thought of it.)
Once the balloons are blown up tape to the straws with the openings facing the back of the rockets.
I actually did them backwards the first time. Oops!
Tip: If you do them backwards don’t attempt to take the tape off! It’s better to let them deflate and hope that the tape will come off on its own… my balloons popped and I had to grab some more.
This Hidden Colors Experiment is another one of my sons absolute faves!
Vertical Balloon Rockets Science Experiment 3-2-1-Blastoff!
You are now ready to start the balloon straw rocket race!
Have your kids each hold one balloon and have it as far back on the starting line of the string as possible.
Or if only one child is participating they can hold one in each hand or you can hold one.
Start your countdown!
3-2-1-BLASTOFF!
Finally, let go of the ends of the balloon rockets at Blastoff and watch them zoom to the other end of the string to the finish line!
This is a great time to talk about Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion : Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
The air blows out of the balloon (action).
The balloon rocket moves forward (reaction).
Also take the time to discuss what the balloons did. Did it go straight? Spin around the string? Get stuck half way?
Tip: Having the balloons different colors helps to keep track of your results if you choose to document this like a real science experiment.
We did this balloon straw rocket experiment tons of times over!
Have your kids bring the straws back to the starting point and blow up the balloons to go again!
If the balloons fall off, no worries, just tape them back on.
And if they don’t fall off then have fun blowing them up still attached to the string. Lol.
Extend the Science Experiment
Try different set-ups to see what happens.
- What happens if one is blown up smaller than the other?
- What if you tape the balloon on sideways or on an angle? Does it spin?
- What if you don’t actually let go completely and just let the air out? Does it make your hair or clothes move?
- Try different sizes and shaped balloons.
- What if the triangle fins are on an angle?
- Try less fins or no fins?
- What if the fins are really big or smaller?
- Cut the string and stick the front of the straw into the end of the balloon and use a small elastic to secure it. Blow it up using the straw and then watch it fly freely. See where it goes like Mombrite did.
Keep going on the topic of actions having an equal and opposite reaction.
Or if you are ready for a different experiment now, check out one of our personal favorites: Magical Color Changing Milk Experiment
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About Beck Poulsen
Beck is a stay at home mom with 2 young kids. A big brother and little sister. Having grown up working in kindergarten classes and helping to run Children's Ministry in various towns and cities across Ontario, Canada she constantly looking for ways to make learning fun and exciting. Beck has a lot of fun raising her own youngsters and wants to make sure they have the best childhood she can offer them. Follow Beck on her Facebook .
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Caterpillar to Butterfly Science Activity with Balloons
Surprise your little scientist with this caterpillar and butterfly science activity with balloons. All it takes are a few items from around the house to create this science experiment!
Are you ready for this Butterfly STEM challenge?
Butterfly Science Activity for The Very Hungry Caterpillar
It’s Butterfly Week at the Weekly Virtual Book Club for Kids. Our featured book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. It could not be better timing as we just had some monarch caterpillars arrive in our backyard on the milkweed. I can’t wait to watch them eat and grow along with my girls.
Have your ever grown milkweed to attract monarch butterflies in your yard?
Here’s how you can Make your own butterfly garden and how it can provide many chances for Learning Activities with Butterflies for your child.
This post contains affiliate links to amazon.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Click here for more Butterfly Book we LOVE!
One of my favorite things to do each year in my classroom was to order Caterpillars and watch them grow as a class. Then we added milkweed to our garden and have monarchs visit often to lay eggs and we get to see them grow again and again.
It’s really quite magical every single time. We thought it might be fun to see if we can create our own STEM Challenge to turn caterpillars into butterflies and found a fun twist on this balloon science activity. A creative caterpillar to butterfly science activity!
Are you ready to see how it’s done?
The kids will want to do this again and again, which it great since it only needs a few items from your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Materials for Butterfly Science Activity
- Black Permanent Marker
- Baking Soda
- Empty clear container
- Measuring spoon
- Safety Goggles
Directions for Butterfly STEM Challenge
1. DRAW a butterfly onto a balloon on one side.
ADD A SURPRISE ELEMENT: The first time I did this with my girls I hid the butterfly and just showed them me attaching the filled caterpillar to the bottle so it was a surprise when the butterfly showed up. They were so surprised!!!
Something to think about to add to the FUN FACTOR of this Science Activity. Then, of course, they wanted to create their own and I allowed them to play around with levels of amounts to create a Challenge for them.
2. Draw a caterpillar onto this same balloon on the other side.
3. Fill the empty plastic container with vinegar. You only need a little bit to make this reaction.
4. Then fill the balloon with baking soda by inserting a funnel into the opening and placing a spoonful into the funnel to fill inside of the balloon.
5. Attach the balloon to the plastic container with vinegar. Careful not to spill any of the baking soda inside of the container. When you hang the balloon be sure to hang it on the caterpillar side and talk about how the caterpillar forms a chrysalis that hangs.
6. Now it’s time for the STEM Challenge!!! Can make your butterfly grow?
Encourage your child to LIFT UP the caterpillar balloon and allow the baking soda to fill into the container. WATCH and see what happens next!!!!
7. SURPRISE! You balloon will fill up with the gases released from the chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda.
How does it work? When baking soda and vinegar mix, they release carbon dioxide (this is the same gas that is in the bubbles in your carbonated drinks).
* LIKE IT? PIN IT!! *
Want more Butterfly STEM Challenges?
Take this Science Activity a step further into STEM design by encouraging them to…
Use Technology to research how caterpillars really change inside of their chrysalis into Caterpillars
Use Engineering to build their own butterfly that stands or flies.
Use Math to calculate the rate of growth for the caterpillar in ratio to the amount of baking soda and vinegar used.
Once you think about it the ideas grow and grow for STEM focused activities with this project.
Butterfly & Caterpillar Activities for Preschoolers
- Lacing Letters with Caterpillars
- Butterfly Art Project for Kids
- Retelling The Very Hungry Caterpillar with LEGOS
- Caterpillar Math with Lids
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar Activity Roundup
- Butterfly Books for Kids
Here are a few more activities to go along with the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Have fun learning about Butterflies with your child!
Butterfly Activities for Kids
- Butterfly Food Challenge – Preschool Powol Packets
- How to Make a Butterfly Garden – Inspiration Laboratories
- Easy Sparkly Spin Art Butterflies – Toddler Approved
- Caterpillar to Butterfly Craft – Mama Smiles
- Caterpillar to Butterfly Craft – Artsy Mama
- Exploring Shapes on Mats with a Butterfly Theme -JDaniel4’s Mom
- Paper Butterfly Craft – Views from a Stepstool
- Paper insect display – Teach Beside Me
Want more STEM Activities? Try these….
Try these Virtual Field Trips for Spring!
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About Kim Vij
Early childhood teacher, author, speaker and mom of 3. Kim shares ways to make learning fun and parenting an adventure by sharing developmentally appropriate activities.
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Balloon Rocket Science for Kids
Easy science for kids! My kids always get excited when they know that we are doing a science experiment. “It’s like magic, but better,” they tell me.
Children are naturally curious about the world around them. They want to learn and they often have a lot of questions about things they have seen.
Rocket science is often a topic that comes up when I teach. Many young children are fascinated by rockets and how they work.
Today we talked about how a rocket ship blasts off into space and then I had my kids guess how they thought the rocket was able to do this.
This balloon rocket science experiment is a great activity for home or school and perfect for outdoor learning.
I have done this balloon rocket experiment with children as young as four and again when I taught grade two as we covered our science program. Even older children will love the experiment, and the learning that goes along with it.
I have done the experiment two different ways. You can use one balloon and have everyone watch together, like a presentation, or give small groups the materials and let them experiment together.
Personally, I always love when I can give children the materials, and the instructions, and they can learn and experiment with their own hands. In my opinion, this is when the best learning takes place.
All science experiments should always be done with an adult supervising and involved in the activity. Make sure to do the activity in a safe spot and make children participating are old enough to use the materials.
You don’t need any special or expensive materials to do this experiment. All of the materials are fairly simple and you may already have many at home.
The only suggestion that I would make as far as materials is that large, smoothie type straws work best.
Although you can’t replicate actual rocket science for kids, this experiment does give kids a basic idea of how rockets work.
Plus it is just a really fun, hands-on science for kids experiment that gets kids excited as they learn about the world around them, and science.
With this experiment, you will create your own model that works in a similar, but very basic way compared to a rocket, but done in a way that is easy for kids to understand.
Even young children will have fun with the experiment. Don’t worry if kids don’t understand the technical science behind it, that’s not the intention.
Experiments, like this, simply give children a basic understanding of rocket science – and hopefully a love of science.
I always enjoy preparing activities in science for kids because it is hands-on and kids love it!
Rocket Science Worksheets
When I do this experiment, I have children follow along and predict what they think is going to happen on worksheets.
This encourages their writing development and adds to their understanding by putting their thoughts into words.
The worksheets I created to align with this experiment are available. (Click “The Power of Air” image below).
Without the worksheets, you could simply have children keep track of their predictions and observations and results as they do the experiment.
Rocket Science for Kids Steps
First, I blew up a balloon and asked everyone what would happen if I let go of it. I then let it go! They loved watching it zip around he room and then fall to the ground.
We used this idea of movement for our experiment.
I then tied one end of a piece of string to secure it. Next I slipped the straw through the string and brought the straw to the end.
Then I tied the other end of the string to the other end of the hall. Make sure to tie the string so that the string is tight and straight.
If the string is not tight, the balloon will not go as far.
Next, I blew up a balloon, but did not tie it, and taped it to the straw as I held the end closed.
The balloon was now filled with gas (air).
Make sure to have the end that you are holding face towards the wall.
I had children guess what they thought was going to happen when I let go of the end of the balloon. After a few guesses, I then let it fly!
The balloon zoomed across the string! It should go several meters depending on how full you fill the balloon.
When you let the end go, the escaping air causes a force on the balloon. All of the air is forced through the small hole on the balloon which causes the balloon itself to react and zoom in the other direction.
Much like a rocket in blast off!
Science for Kids Extension Activities
Generally after children have seen the balloon zoom across the field or room, they are excited and want to learn more.
This is a great opportunity to try out some of the questions they have and things they are curious about.
Also, if your balloon did not go far, it is a good chance to talk to children about why they think it didn’t go far.
Was there too much air in the balloon? Was the string not tight enough?
I suggest trying out the experiment a few times so that you, hopefully, get consistent results.
Let different children hold the string or let the balloon go. They will enjoy being part of the experiment.
Once you have done the experiment a few times, you can try blowing up the balloon more and seeing what happens. What happens if you only blow it up a bit?
The problem is that if the balloon is bigger, it sometimes spins and does not go as far. This leads to great discussion as to why and how we could fix this problem.
When our huge balloon ended up spinning around and not going very far, I asked my students at schoolhow they thought that we could solve the problem.
Their solution was to attach a small weight (a penny) to the bottom to keep the balloon from spinning. What a great idea!
This activity sparked many discussions and future experiments. Children were really curious what would happen if you attached 2 balloons and what about 3?
What would happen if you used the huge balloon? What would happen if you held the string up so that the balloon traveled down as it moved across?
The things that kids wonder, end up being the best part of teaching science for kids.
Another idea that we tried out when we did this science experiment at home was giving each of my kids a balloon. They choose how full they wanted their balloons and they spent a long time racing them against each other.
My favorite part was the experimenting that happened between each race as they improved their balloon (with coins etc.) and tried different amounts of air in the balloon.
Each time they were simply trying to make their balloon go further and faster, but they were also being little scientists as they experimented, tested and improved on their their ideas.
Since I initially did this experiment at school, we worked though each step together and had follow up sheets.
Below is the “Scientific Method” rocket science booklet that I use with my students.
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More Science Experiments for Kids
Looking for more hands-on science experiments? Check out this collection of over 80 science experiments that you can try out today!
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23 Easy Balloon Games for Preschoolers
Introducing preschoolers to the colorful world of balloons can be an exciting and engaging experience.
With their vibrant hues and playful nature, balloons can instantly capture the attention and imagination of young children.
Balloon games not only provide entertainment but also promote various developmental skills, such as motor coordination, social interaction, and cognitive abilities.
Now, we have compiled a list of easy balloon games for preschoolers.
These games are simple, fun, and can be played both indoors and outdoors, making them perfect for playdates, parties, or even rainy days.
So grab a bunch of balloons, get ready to have a blast, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of balloon games for preschoolers!
Balloon Tennis:
Balloon tennis is a fantastic game that combines hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills. To play, set up a “net” using a string or a piece of tape, and give each child a paper plate or a large craft stick as a tennis racket. Inflate a balloon and let the children take turns hitting the balloon back and forth over the net. Encourage them to keep the balloon in the air for as long as possible, and celebrate their successes with cheers and applause. Balloon tennis is a great indoor activity that can keep preschoolers engaged and active, even on a rainy day.
Balloon Pop:
The thrill of popping balloons is irresistible for many preschoolers, and the Balloon Pop game provides a safe and controlled environment for them to enjoy this excitement. Inflate several balloons and scatter them around a designated play area. Give each child a plastic spoon or a soft paddle and challenge them to pop as many balloons as they can within a specified time limit. This game promotes hand-eye coordination and can be an excellent opportunity for friendly competition. Just make sure to supervise the activity closely to ensure everyone’s safety.
Balloon Stomp:
Balloon Stomp is a high-energy game that encourages physical activity and coordination. Inflate balloons and tie them to each child’s ankle with a string or a rubber band. The objective is for the children to stomp and pop the other participants’ balloons while protecting their own. The last child with an intact balloon wins the game. This game promotes gross motor skills, balance, and spatial awareness. It’s best played in a spacious outdoor area where children have plenty of room to move around and stomp their feet.
Related: 20 Magical Story Box Ideas for Kids
Balloon Toss:
Balloon Toss is a fun and interactive game that promotes teamwork and social skills. Divide the children into pairs and give each pair a balloon. The pairs should stand facing each other at a short distance. The goal is to toss the balloon back and forth between partners without letting it touch the ground. As the game progresses, you can increase the distance between the partners to make it more challenging. Balloon Toss encourages communication, cooperation, and hand-eye coordination, making it an ideal game for preschoolers to enjoy together.
Balloon Freeze Dance:
Balloon Freeze Dance combines the excitement of a dance party with the unpredictability of balloons. Inflate several balloons and scatter them around the dance area. Play some lively music and encourage the children to dance freely. When the music stops, they must freeze in their positions and try not to touch or let the balloons fall. Resume the music and repeat the process several times, allowing the children to showcase their moves while practicing self-control and balance. This game is an excellent opportunity for preschoolers to express themselves through movement while having a blast with balloons.
Balloon Relay Race:
Divide the children into teams and create a relay race course in a safe area. Each team member must hold a balloon between their knees and race to a designated point, then pass the balloon to the next teammate without using their hands. The first team to complete the relay wins. This game promotes teamwork, coordination, and balance.
Related: 20 Exciting Preschool Activities for Veterans Day
Balloon Alphabet Pop:
Write different letters of the alphabet on inflated balloons using a permanent marker. Scatter the balloons around a room or outdoor area. Play some music and instruct the children to move around and pop the balloons by stepping on them. When a balloon pops, the child should identify the letter and say a word that starts with that letter. This game helps reinforce letter recognition and phonics skills.
Balloon Hot Potato:
Gather the children in a circle and play a version of Hot Potato using a balloon. Start playing music and pass the balloon around the circle. When the music stops, the child holding the balloon must perform a simple action, such as jumping, spinning, or clapping, before passing the balloon to the next player. This game encourages listening skills, quick reactions, and following instructions.
Balloon Relay Balancing Act:
Divide the children into teams and give each team a large balloon. Set up a relay race course with obstacles such as cones or hula hoops. The children must balance the balloon on different parts of their bodies (e.g., head, shoulder, or back) while navigating through the course. If the balloon falls, they have to go back to the starting point. The first team to complete the course without dropping the balloon wins. This game enhances balance, coordination, and teamwork.
Balloon Science: Floating and Sinking:
Fill balloons with different amounts of air or water to create variations in their buoyancy. Ask the children to predict which balloons will float and which ones will sink. Have them drop the balloons into a container of water to observe the results. Discuss the concepts of buoyancy, air, and water, and let the children explore and discover firsthand. This activity introduces basic scientific concepts and encourages curiosity.
Balloon Limbo:
Set up a limbo stick using a long, sturdy object such as a broomstick or a pool noodle. Inflate a large balloon and have the children take turns attempting to pass under the balloon without touching it or falling over. Gradually lower the balloon after each successful round to increase the difficulty. Balloon Limbo promotes balance, flexibility, and coordination.
Balloon Roll and Race:
Create a start and finish line in an open area. Give each child a balloon and have them place it between their knees. When the race starts, the children must roll their balloons using only their knees to move them forward toward the finish line. The first child to reach the finish line wins. This game develops gross motor skills, and coordination, and adds a fun twist to a traditional race.
Balloon Art:
Provide the children with deflated balloons and markers or stickers. Encourage them to decorate the balloons with their own unique designs. They can draw faces, and patterns, or even create their favorite animals. Once they are done, inflate the balloons and let them enjoy their personalized balloon art. This activity allows for creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression.
Balloon Basketball:
Set up a small basketball hoop or a makeshift hoop using a laundry basket or a cardboard box. Give each child a balloon and have them take turns trying to toss the balloon into the hoop. Adjust the distance from the hoop to make it easier or more challenging. Balloon Basketball improves hand-eye coordination, and motor skills, and introduces basic concepts of aiming and scoring.
Balloon Science Experiment:
Engage the preschoolers in a simple balloon science experiment. Inflate a balloon and rub it against different materials, such as wool, plastic, or hair, to generate static electricity. Show the children how the balloon can attract lightweight objects like small pieces of paper or even their hair. This experiment introduces basic scientific concepts and sparks curiosity in the little ones.
Balloon Bowling:
Create a bowling alley using empty water bottles as pins and a soft, inflated balloon as the bowling ball. Set up the pins at one end of a hallway or a designated area, and have the children take turns rolling the balloon to knock down the pins. This game enhances hand-eye coordination, aiming skills, and introduces basic concepts of counting and scoring.
Balloon Hide and Seek:
Inflate several balloons and hide them around a room or outdoor area. Assign one child as the seeker while the rest of the children hide their eyes. The seeker must then find and collect as many balloons as possible within a given time limit. This game promotes observation skills, and spatial awareness, and encourages active movement.
Balloon Hopscotch:
Create a hopscotch grid using tape or chalk on the floor or ground. Instead of traditional markers, use inflated balloons as the markers for each square. The children must hop from one balloon square to another, following the hopscotch pattern. This game enhances balance, and coordination, and introduces number recognition and sequencing.
Balloon Memory Game:
Prepare a set of matching pairs of balloons by inflating and drawing matching designs on them. Place the balloons face down in a grid formation. The children take turns flipping two balloons at a time, trying to find a matching pair. If they find a match, they get to keep the pair. The player with the most matching pairs at the end wins. This game promotes memory skills, concentration, and visual recognition.
Balloon Freeze Tag:
Play a classic game of freeze tag with a balloon twist. Inflate a balloon for each child and attach it to their back using a piece of tape or string. When the game starts, the children must try to tag each other by touching their opponents’ balloons. If a player’s balloon is touched, they must freeze until another player unfreezes them by popping their balloon. This game encourages movement, social interaction, and listening skills.
Recommended:
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- 23 Fun Top Summer Activities for Preschoolers
Sohaib Hasan Shah
Sohaib's journey includes 10+ years of teaching and counseling experience at BCSS School in elementary and middle schools, coupled with a BBA (Hons) with a minor in Educational Psychology from Curtin University (Australia) . In his free time, he cherishes quality moments with his family, reveling in the joys and challenges of parenthood. His three daughters have not only enriched his personal life but also deepened his understanding of the importance of effective education and communication, spurring him to make a meaningful impact in the world of education.
62 Mesmerizing Science Activities For Preschoolers
November 6, 2023 // by Alison Vrana
As your kids approach school age, it becomes increasingly important to develop their knowledge of colors, numbers, shapes, and the alphabet. While you’re engaging them with these vital concepts, it’s also important to satisfy their need to think, create, and wonder. With these awesome science experiments, you’ll spark their curiosity about the world around them as you fill their lessons with fun-filled activities to introduce them to captivating scientific concepts.
We’ve gathered up 62 of the best science projects that are perfect for your inquisitive preschoolers and their developing minds.
1. Design Your Own Planet
Let your kiddos’ imaginations run wild as you have them create their very own planets! Allow them to use balloons, tape, glue, and construction paper to mold their worlds before inviting them to adorn their crafts with weird and wonderful colors that are indigenous to their planet.
Learn More: Education
2. Build a Bridge
Introduce your preschoolers to the basics of engineering with this building challenge. Task them with creating bridges out of simple materials like toothpicks and marshmallows. You’ll encourage them to connect their materials together to see who can build the strongest bridge.
Learn More: Learn with Play at Home
3. Design a Catapult
Develop your little ones’ critical thinking skills with this super cool craft. Invite them to design and create catapults using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and bottle lids before you have them test their structures by prompting them to see how far they can hurl some pom poms.
Learn More: Coffee Cups and Crayons
4. Turn Salt Into Drinking Water
Turn your class into pioneers of science with this hands-on experiment. Assist them in experimenting with different methods as they try to turn saltwater into fresh drinking water. They’ll learn basic principles that real scientists use every day, all while having a ball of a time doing it.
5. Design a Weather Calendar
Involve your children in tracking weather patterns with this collaborative classroom weather calendar. Start each morning off by inviting them to track weather conditions like rain, sun, or wind or invite them to predict what weather they think awaits them in the coming days.
Learn More: Simply Today Life
6. Make a Wind Sock
Here’s another exciting weather activity, but this one is all about wind! Engage your learners in whipping up this whimsical wind sock craft that you’ll then use to teach them about weather concepts like wind direction and wind speed.
Learn More: Stir the Wonder
7. Dissolving Peeps
Your kids are sure to love this adorable candy experiment, that’s perfect for Easter time! Using Peeps, you’ll task them with testing the acidity of different liquids like vinegar and baking soda. Allow them to place their Peeps in small containers filled with each liquid before you have them record the speed at which each piece of candy dissolves.
Learn More: Pre-K Printable Fun
8. Dissolving Jelly Beans
No Peeps on hand? No worries, here’s an alternative activity where your tots will use jelly beans. Simply have them place their beans in liquids such as soda, water, and milk before you have them observe the speed of each reaction as they watch their candies disappear.
9. Frozen Flowers
Teach your class all about freezing points with this vibrant experiment. Start by sending them out into your schoolyard to pick out a bunch of flowers. Then, invite them back inside and have them place their flowers in water before freezing. The result? A beautiful and icy flower bouquet.
Learn More: Mombrite
10. Salt Painting
Treat your little artists to a texturally rich activity by having them design salt paintings. Prompt them to map out their designs using glue before inviting them to add in a tactile effect by sprinkling salt over their patterns. Once dried, allow them to use watercolor paint to fill their artwork with color as you watch their creations come to life!
Learn More: The Best Ideas for Kids
11. Water Refraction Experiment
Dazzle your kiddos with a little bit of scientific magic! In this easy experiment, you’ll begin by mapping out colorful strips on paper before placing it behind a glass jar. Then, encourage your class to fill each glass with different amounts of water as you invite them to observe the shape-shifting magic that occurs when the water reaches each color.
Learn More: What Do We Do All Day
12. Magic Moon Dough
Wow your learners with this magic moon dough that changes color when you touch it! Assist them in mixing together potato starch, flour, coconut oil, and thermochromic pigment. Once combined, you’ll spread the dough out on a flat surface before you invite them to touch it and observe how the color changes according to the warmth of their hands.
Learn More: STEAM Powered Family
13. Electric Eels
Here’s an electrifying experiment for your science aficionados. Begin by having them place gummy worms in a small glass before allowing them to soak their worms in vinegar and baking soda to spark a fizzy reaction that culminates in a glass full of “electric eels”.
Learn More: Bitz n Giggles
14. Sunscreen Paintings
Teach your littles the importance of using sunscreen with this engaging experiment. Task them with painting doodles onto black construction paper using sunscreen. Then, let them place their designs outside or in the sunlight for several hours before inviting them to observe how the sun lightens the rest of their paper leaving behind their darkened drawings.
Learn More: Team Cartwright
15. Magic Mud
This science project is sure to become a class favorite as you have your kids create Magic Mud! Task them with mixing together simple ingredients to create this glow-in-the-dark gloop and then invite them to play around with their ooze as they notice how it morphs into a solid while moving but reverts to a liquid while stable.
Learn More: YouTube
16. Straw Rockets
Using these printable templates, you’ll liven up your children’s day with this exciting activity. Simply have them cut and paste together these rocket crafts before challenging them to blow air through the straws to see who can fly their rocket the furthest.
Learn More: Artsy Fartsy Mama
17. Fireworks in a Jar
Fascinate your young minds with this colorful project. Involve them in filling a jar with water and oil before allowing them to drop in different hues of food coloring. They’ll marvel at this dazzling reaction as they watch their colors slowly separate and swirl into the water.
Learn More: I Can Teach My Child
18. Magnetic Slime
Here’s an interactive activity that’s fantastic for introducing your class to the science behind magnetism. Encourage them to create a simple mixture using liquid starch, iron oxide powder, and glue; and then allow them to hover magnets over their slime to explore how they can manipulate it using magnetism!
Learn More: Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls
19. Color Changing Water
This color-mixing project is perfectly tailored to your preschoolers’ growing curiosity, and it also doubles as an interactive sensory bin! Arm them with kitchen items like eye droppers, measuring spoons, and measuring cups before allowing them to use their tools to drop food coloring and glitter into the water to transform it into a colorful whirlpool.
Learn More: My Bored Toddler
20. Dancing Acorns
This fizzy experiment is sure to keep your little scientists entertained for hours. Simply place sinkable plastic items like beads or jewels in water and then task your kiddos with dropping in some Alka-Seltzer tablets. As the tablets start to dissolve they’ll notice how the chemical reaction causes their little trinkets to dance around the water.
Learn More: Teaching Ideas
21. Frozen Bubbles
Take science to the outdoors with this icy activity that’s perfect for a cold Winter’s day. Invite your tots to blow bubbles in the snow using bubble solution and straws. As each bubble is blown, prompt them to observe the speedy reaction as the icy air causes their bubble structures to crystallize.
Learn More: Fireflies and Mudpies
22. Ocean Life Experiment
Help your preschoolers visualize density with this simple ocean activity . Task them with filling an empty jar with sand, oil, and water before having them drop in some food coloring to turn their liquid into a beachy blue. They’ll notice how each substance either sinks or floats to the bottom because of the varying densities.
Learn More: Natural Beach Living
23. Wax Paper Experiment
Combine art and science in this creative project as you have your kiddos create wax paper art. Begin by having them crumple up wax paper then assist them in using an iron to transfer glossy paper into the folds. Afterward, encourage them to use watercolors and a spray bottle to adorn their canvases with color to reveal the hidden patterns.
Learn More: Housing a Forest
24. Making Borax Crystals
In this scientific project, your preschoolers will create homemade crystals. Start by combining Borax and warm water before inviting them to place colorful pipe cleaners or string in the solution. Over a few days, they’ll notice how their materials start to sparkle with an array of homemade crystals.
Learn More: The Craft Train
25. Skittles Experiment
Teach your kids about complex concepts like stratification with this edible science experiment. Task them with spreading out some colorful Skittles on a plate and then prompt them to cover their candies in warm water. They’ll notice how the color starts to seep out of the Skittles creating a sweet and intricate design.
Learn More: The Soccer Mom Blog
26. Sprouting Sweet Potato
Have your class observe scientific changes over time as you invite them to grow their own potatoes! Invite them to place toothpicks in sweet potato halves before placing them on top of containers filled with water. Throughout each day, you’ll encourage them to observe and jot down the changes they see as their sweet potato begins to sprout roots.
Learn More: Pre-K Pages
27. Dancing Corn Experiment
Here’s another fizzy experiment that you can involve your learners in. Simply have them fill a jar with corn and then allow them to pour in baking soda and vinegar to spark an instant chemical reaction, causing the corn to zoom around the jar.
Learn More: Little Bins for Little Hands
28. Cranberry Slime
Why make regular slime, when you can treat your kids to cranberry slime? In this fall-themed project , you’ll task them with mixing together cranberries, xanthan gum, and other simple ingredients to make their slime. Once complete, they’ll have an edible ooze that they can stretch and squish in any way they like.
Learn More: STEAMsational
29. Yeast Science Experiment
Have your young minds whip up these easy concoctions that make for a mesmerizing experiment. Allow them to test the reactivity of yeast by having them mix yeast into 3 types of sugar. Afterward, they’ll pour their mixtures into squeezy bottles and place a balloon over the opening to observe how the chemical reaction causes the balloons to inflate.
Learn More: Lemon Lime Adventure
30. Tin Foil Boat Challenge
Challenge your little brainiacs to work out the connection between density and floating with this creative experiment. Invite them to put together tin foil boats before you have them test their structures on water to see whether their designs float or sink.
Learn More: JDaniel4’s Mom
31. STEM Snowman
Here’s a simple experiment to test your students’ awareness of balance. Task them with creating snowmen out of paper towel rolls. Then, have them cut it into three pieces before encouraging them to balance their pieces on top of one another to make their snowman stand.
Learn More: How Wee Learn
32. Turn Milk Into Plastic!
This crazy experiment will leave your kiddos in shock as they make plastic out of milk! Invite them to mix milk, vinegar, and food coloring together before straining their mixture and leaving it to solidify. You can then engage them in using cookie cutters to create a variety of shapes with their DIY plastic.
33. Earthworm Coding
Computer coding is fast becoming an invaluable skill in our ever-changing world. In this activity, you’ll introduce your tots to the basics of coding using adorable earthworms. Challenge them to replicate the sequences on these color-coding worksheets by having them thread colorful beads onto pipe cleaners.
Learn More: Sixth Bloom
34. Eyedropper Dot Counting
Develop your children’s counting skills in a hands-on way with this easy STEM activity. Start by drawing different-sized circles on wax paper or a laminated sheet. Then, task your learners with using eye droppers to place drops of water in the circles to see how many drops it takes to fill each one.
Learn More: Teach Beside Me
35. Geoboard Design
Dive into the world of shapes with this Geoboard activity! Start by handing out some Geoboards to your class before inviting them to fill their boards with shapes, patterns, and images by having them pull and stretch rubber bands around each raised point.
Learn More: The STEM Laboratory
36. Pool Noodle Engineering Wall
This STEM activity provides a wonderful way for you to teach your preschoolers about cause and effect. Using pool noodles, twine, and anything else you want to include you’ll engage your little geniuses in creating this wall of fun. Encourage them to create intricate pulley systems or thrilling ball reaction systems as you introduce them to the basics of engineering.
Learn More: Left Brain Craft Brain
37. Make a Bouncy Ball
Your little ones will love these homemade bouncy balls that they can make all by themselves! Assist them in mixing together borax, water, glue, and cornstarch before prompting them to add in food coloring of their choice. Once their ingredients are combined, allow them to place their mixture into molds before leaving to dry to create this interactive toy.
38. Ice Excavations
Turn your classroom into a bustling excavation site with this hands-on experience. Start by freezing small toys or objects in containers to create icy fossils. Then, provide your learners with plenty of tools to allow for exploration as you encourage them to talk about their thought process of safely removing their newfound treasures.
Learn More: Lemon Lime Adventures
39. Erupting Snowballs
Trigger your kids’ senses with this interactive experiment. Engage them in crafting these pre-made frozen snowballs before having them pour vinegar over their balls to initiate a chemical reaction that will cause their snowballs to erupt.
Learn More: Learn, Play, Imagine
40. Ice Cream in a Bag
This edible science project is sure to be a big hit with your class. Have them place their tasty ingredients in a plastic bag before prompting them to add in ice and salt. Then, encourage them to shake their bags around as they watch their liquid ingredients transform into solid ice cream right before their eyes.
Learn More: Steamsational
41. Glowing Ice Cubes
Lay a strong foundation for your future scientists with this dazzling activity. Invite them to whip up two batches of ice cubes by having them put tonic water in one batch and normal water in the other. Once completely frozen, allow them to observe the difference that the tonic water makes by shining a black light on their ice cubes.
Learn More: Go Science Girls
42. Grow Your Own Rainbow
This simple and easy experiment only requires a few tools, but makes for a load of fun! Engage your kiddos in coloring the edges of a paper towel before allowing them to insert each side into two glasses of water. They’ll soon see how the water travels through the paper towel to reveal a beautiful rainbow.
43. Make Your Own Tornado
In this mesmerizing experiment, your students will create tornadoes right in your classroom! Encourage them to combine a few ingredients like dish soap and water in a jar before prompting them to give their jars a good swirl – watching as their colorful tornado starts to take form.
Learn More: Growing A Jeweled Rose
44. Magnetic Exploration
Here’s another magnetic science activity that’s sure to get your young minds thinking. Simply invite them to conduct an experiment where they’ll find out whether different objects are magnetic or not. Split them into small groups, challenge them to make predictions, and then have them use magnets to test each item.
Learn More: PreKinders
45. Bubble Pop Or Not?
Pique your littles’ interest in science with these magical bubbles. Using a special solution of sugar, dish soap, and water you’ll entertain them with these super strong bubbles that are virtually unpoppable!
Learn More: Team Cartright
46. Cloud Scout
In this engaging activity, your class will explore the skies as you teach them about different clouds. Simply have them put together this adorable Cloud Spotter tool before you prompt them to raise it to the skies and identify various cloud types.
Learn More: Red Ted Art
47. Make Your Own Spectroscope
Treat your young minds to a new science tool by having them create spectroscopes. Challenge them to put their instrument together by having them use recycled materials. You’ll then invite them to gaze through their contraption as you introduce them to the science behind light and prisms.
Learn More: Buggy and Buddy
48. Explore Your Food
Dive into this food adventure as you invite your little learners to learn more about the foods we eat. Challenge them to sort and classify seeds that can be found in different fruits and vegetables. While they’re busy, you can even engage them in a discussion about which seeds are safe to eat and which seeds are not.
Learn More: Preschool Toolkit
49. Instant Ice
Your kiddos will learn about the movement of energy between solids, liquids, and gasses in this magical experiment. Task them with combining baking soda and vinegar to create sodium acetate, also known as hot ice. Afterward, have them pour this solution on a flat surface to leave behind a solid trail of instant ice!
Learn More: Frugal Fun 4 Boys
50. Parachute Experiments
In this interactive project, you’ll challenge your little brainiacs to create DIY parachutes. Invite them to piece together their craft using plastic garbage bags, string, and plastic cups. Then, encourage them to test their designs in different wind conditions while also amping up the challenge by adding on differing weights
Learn More: Deceptively Educational
51. Model of the Heart
This captivating craft is great for engaging your kids in a human body unit. Using simple materials, they’ll create a makeshift heart before you task them with physically pumping their contraption to observe how the heart works to pump blood throughout our bodies.
52. Static Butterflies
While your preschoolers may not understand all the details behind static electricity, this creative project provides a fantastic way to introduce them to the basics. Using construction paper, task them with gluing a butterfly body onto cardboard before adding on some tissue paper wings. Afterward, allow them to rub a balloon on various materials to see if they’ve generated enough electricity to move their butterfly’s wings.
Learn More: I Heart Crafty Things
53. Pumpkin Exploration
Lead your pupils into a scientific exploration of a pumpkin, perfect for a Halloween-themed science lesson. Engage them in analyzing different parts of these iconic and spooky decorations, from seeds to fibrous strands and flesh.
Learn More: Early Learning Ideas
54. Make Rain in a Jar
In this captivating activity, you’ll entertain your children with science as you have them create rain in a jar. Simply prompt them to fill their jars with water before covering it with a layer of shaving cream to create clouds. Then, invite them to drop blue food coloring over the shaving cream and watch as the color seeps through the clouds and into the water.
Learn More: Mrs. Jones’ Creation Station
55. Leaf Breathing
Did your kiddos know that leaves can breathe? In this activity, you’ll introduce them to the science behind photosynthesis by first having them place leaves in water. They’ll soon begin to notice little air bubbles forming, sparking a discussion on how plants are able to turn carbon dioxide into oxygen.
Learn More: KC Adventures
56. Water Candle Experiment
Walk your preschoolers through the scientific method with this hands-on experiment. Invite them to place a lit candle on a layer of colored water. Then, allow them to provide you with hypotheses of what they think will happen when you place a jar over the candle.
57. Sink or Float in Your Cork Boat
Treat your students to this hands-on experience as you task them with building unsinkable boats! Challenge them to use cork and other materials to build their boats before you invite them to set sail as they test their designs out on the water.
Learn More: 2 Paws Designs
58. Pencil Bag Magic
Entertain your class with this captivating optical illusion! Start by having them fill zipper bags with water before sealing. Then, arm them with sharpened pencils and invite them to quickly poke them through their bags. It’s a great way to engage them in some scientific magic as you prompt a discussion of how the pencils and plastic work together to stop any leaks.
Learn More: Hello Wonderful
59. Melt Your Colors
Here’s another activity that’s perfect for a states of matter lesson. Allow your kids to place old crayon chunks onto a piece of cardboard before having them place their designs in the sun. As the sun starts to heat up the crayons they’ll eventually start to melt – turning solid to liquid and also creating great examples of thermal artwork.
60. Seasons Themed Sensory Bottles
This creative project makes a great craft to end off lessons on seasons and weather. Invite your children to put together their very own sensory bottles by first prompting them to pick a theme. They’ll then fill their bottles with food coloring and little decorations to mimic the characteristics of their chosen season or weather pattern.
Learn More: Tea in the Wild
61. Make Your Own Dinosaur Fossils
Inspire the future archeologists in your class with this fossil-making activity. Task them with pressing small dinosaur toys into salt dough before gently lifting up to reveal their impressions. You’ll then place their fossil discs in the oven to set their dino prints in stone.
Learn More: Make Life Lovely
62. Magic Milk Experiment
Art and science combine in this whimsical activity! Start by filling a bowl with milk before encouraging your preschoolers to drop in some food coloring. Then, allow them to use cotton buds to swirl the colors around to create a colorful tapestry of fluid patterns.
Science Activities for Preschoolers
Did you know that preschool is the perfect time to start doing science experiments? Preschoolers have so much curiosity at this age, making it the perfect time to get hands on with our learning and discovery. Here we are sharing science activities that we have done ourselves with young kids with incredible results. They are not just about learning scientific concepts, they are designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning in young minds. At this age our number one goal is to foster a thrill for discovery! Remember, the key is to have fun and explore science in a playful, engaging way with your young learners. So let’s explore some science ideas for preschool.
Preschool Science Experiments
What you will discover in this article!
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Exploring science with preschoolers can be exciting, but it can also come with some challenges. Today we wanted to share some of our favorite science projects that are both educational and fun that you can try with your little ones. We want to make it easy for you, so make sure you click through to each activity to learn all of our pro tips and information to answer all of those questions your kids are going to ask.
Although we have focused on proving preschool science activities, many of these are actually STEM activities that incorporate not only science, but also some technology, engineering and math.
No matter which activities you do, remember the most important rule, have fun!
Tips for Doing Preschool Science Experiments
Doing science activities with preschoolers can be a lot of fun, but you also need to always ensure safety first. But guess what? Even that part can be fun! I highly recommend buying children’s lab coats and lab safety glasses (in fun colors!) , for your preschoolers. It not only will help protect your kids, but it taps into children’s imaginations and helps them embrace the idea of being little scientists.
When doing any of these activities, proper adult supervision is required at all times, and ensure you adapt the activities as required to meet children where they are at maturity and ability wise. We want science to be fun and safe!
Another tip, always assume things are going to get messy! Cover areas and work in spaces when you can let kids explore freely without worrying about the mess. For some of these experiments, you can even head outside!
Whether you are at home and doing some homeschool science or looking for some classroom experiments, there are lots of fun science activities you can do with your kids!
Preschool Science and STEM
Magic color changing playdough.
Sure, anyone can make playdough, but why not make magic playdough that changes color? Kids can experiment by exposing the playdough to different colors in this heat reactive experiment. My kids especially loved chilling different shaped items and making patterns in the playdough, then warming it up to see them disappear.
We also have recipes for Magic Moon Dough or Magic Oobleck , if you prefer a different sensory science experiment.
A classic activity to keep the kids entertained and busy having fun and learning. Oobleck is a non-Newtonian Fluid, which means it becomes solid under pressure, then liquifies once the pressure is removed. Kids love playing with Oobleck and learn cool lessons in states of matter. We have lots of different recipes for making Oobleck . This is a great outdoor activity!
Hatching Dino Eggs
This baking soda and vinegar experiment idea came about because I needed to find ways to help my dinosaur obsessed preschooler build their fine motor skills. Chemistry may seem like an advanced topic, but in this Hatching Dino Eggs Science Activity we make it easy and fun! Kids love using syringes and pipettes to make their dino eggs fizz and “hatch” revealing a little dinosaur hidden inside.
Bouncy Egg Experiment
This fun science experiment involves soaking a raw egg in vinegar to dissolve its shell, leaving a bouncy, rubbery egg. It’s a fascinating way to teach children about osmosis and the properties of eggshells. Plus, kids have fun testing their Bouncy Eggs to see how much they can bounce… or break!
Making Water Rise
This experiment was one of the first activities that I did with my kids when they were just tiny where I saw their eyes light up with so much curiosity! In this project, kids learn about creating a vacuum in a simple setup involving a jar, water, and a candle. This How Does Water Rise activity demonstrates basic principles of physics in an easily understandable way. For really little ones, I do this as a demonstration and they watch as I do the experiment, but they can still get involved by using the thermometer to take readings.
Keep It Dry Experiment
This is a really quick and easy experiment that little kids love. Watch their surprise as you immerse a glass in water with paper towel inside… and it stays dry! Then let them do the Keep it Dry experiment themselves.
Frozen Bubbles
If you live in a colder climate, try freezing bubbles outside. It’s a fun way to explore the science of freezing and weather conditions. We share the secret to the perfect frozen bubbles , so you can have success with your little ones.
Not cold enough for frozen bubbles? You can still do some Bubble Science .
Bottle Crush
A fun and visually impressive way to understand heat transfer, using a plastic bottle, hot water, and cold conditions (or ice). My little ones love doing Bottle Crush as a magic trick that always wows!
Balloon Races – Physics Fun
You might think preschoolers are too young to learn about physics, but they aren’t too little! They will have a blast with Balloon Races which are a very fun, fast paced way to learn about basic physics principles. It will also help kids with lots of energy, burn off some steam while learning.
Glitter Dance – Surface Tension Experiment
Using just a plate, water, glitter (or pepper), and dish soap, this Glitter Dance experiment is a straightforward demonstration of how soap affects water’s surface tension.
Oil and Water Experiment
This easy science project is a fantastic way to explore the properties of oil and water , along with color theory. Kids can observe how oil and water do not mix and explore the mixing of colors.
Ice Fishing Experiment
This is a fantastic STEM game and experiment for preschoolers that uses salt, water, and homemade ice fish to explore the science of how salt affects ice melt. It’s a playful and educational activity that combines science with a fishing game .
Growing Crystals
Growing crystals can be a magical experience for young minds. It is honestly one of my favorite science activities, because the results are so beautiful! This Egg Geode Crystal Growing activity involves simple ingredients and offers a hands-on approach to learning about crystallization and geology.
If you are looking for crystal growing using other ingredients, we explore lots of different options in our Crystal Gnome project or try growing tasty sugar crystals .
This experiment is not only a visual treat but also a great way to learn about chemical reactions and density. Preschoolers will be mesmerized watching the bubbles dance and play in a homemade lava lamp, which can be made in lots of different ways using household items. We share 5 of our favorite Lava Lamp Activities , including glow in the dark versions.
In this captivating Magic Milk science experiment , preschoolers create an explosion of color as they use soap to disrupt the milk’s surface tension. It’s a fantastic way to teach about chemical reactions and surface tension in a mesmerizing way. Play with the fat content of your milk to create new reactions.
Elephant Toothpaste
A classic experiment where a chemical reaction creates a foamy gusher volcano like reaction, is Elephant Toothpaste . This can be easily done at home with common ingredients and is always a hit with kids.
Make sure you head to your local science center when they are doing demonstration days. They often do massive elephant toothpaste experiments with strong chemicals that erupt many feet into the air!
Walking Rainbow Experiment
We totally messed up this experiment the first time we did it, but once we figured it out, the kids were fascinated and loved checking on the progress over a few days. The Walking Rainbow experiment is a beautiful demonstration of capillary action and color mixing, requiring just jars, paper towels, water, and food coloring… just make sure you read my notes to ensure you don’t make the same mistakes I did!
Rainbow Rain
Keep those rainbows going with this pretty Rainbow Rain science activity that replicates rain clouds. A simple and beautiful experiment involving water, shaving cream, and food coloring, perfect for a rainy day activity.
Skittles Experiment
A super easy and colorful experiment using Skittles and water, the Skittles Experiment is always a hit. My kids especially enjoyed creating different designs and patterns. We even made a Starry Night inspired one. This experiment is not only beautiful, but it smells good too!
Does it Float?
In this fun activity, young children can explore the science concepts of buoyancy and density, by testing whether items sink or float. We loved using this project to introduce the scientific method to our little ones. You can also do this experiment with water balloons or for a really quick and easy science experiments, do it with floating soda pop cans .
Making Milk Plastic
This surprisingly simple experiment involves making bioplastics out of milk to create cute little figures and toys. It’s a wonderful way to introduce the concept of polymers and plastics. Plus, they get to keep a neat keepsake of their scientific creation.
These science activities are perfect for sparking a love of learning and discovery in preschoolers. Each experiment is designed to be simple, engaging, and educational, making science fun and accessible for young learners. Use this list as inspiration for your next session of exploration, discovery and science! Most of all… have fun!
5 Days of Smart STEM Ideas for Kids
Get started in STEM with easy, engaging activities.
30 Amazing Science Activities for Preschoolers
From science experiments to sensory explorations to STEM and STEAM activities, these science activities for preschoolers are sure to be a hit!
Science Experiments for Preschoolers
If you are looking for simple science experiments and activities to do with preschoolers, then this list is perfect for you.
Your kids are sure to have a blast exploring science!
My kids love science investigations so I am making a point of doing more of them. To get myself started, I decided create a collection of my favorite science activities.
Since I know many of you are also looking for science experiments and activities to do with preschoolers, I decided to share them here for you too.
If you are looking for science activities for preschoolers, this is going to be a HUGE help to you.
Top 30 Science Activities for Preschoolers
1. This lava lamp experiment is a HUGE hit with kids. It is by far my most popular science activity. I bet your kids will enjoy it too!
2. Want to really WOW your kids? Try out this leak-proof bag science experiment . It’s like a magic trick, but it’s really science!
3. Make a rain cloud in a jar and develop fine motor skills too! This science activity allows young children to explore and investigate what happens when it rains.
4. This oil and water science exploration is a fun and colorful way to observe how oil and water don’t mix together.
5. Grab some Skittles and water and make a Skittles rainbow for a fun and colorful surprise!
6. Kids will be amazed by this Magic Milk Science Experiment !
7. Explore clouds and rain with a simple science investigation that will totally engage young kids.
8. Dye flowers a variety of colors with this Color Changing Flowers Experiment .
9. This Rust Resistant Magnetic Discovery Bottle is a super cool way to explore magnetism.
10. This science activity encourages kids to explore colors with chemical reactions . It’s also a great way to develop fine motor skills.
More Preschool Science Experiments
11. This weather activity combines a popular book and a classic experiment to introduce kids to tornadoes. 12. Teach kids about animal habitats while Sorting Animals on a Venn Diagram . It’s really easy to set up and even toddlers can participate.
13. This awesome Walking Water Science Experiment will wow kids all of ages!
14. Make a Rainbow Jar and introduce young children to density. It’s really neat.
15. The kids will get a kick out of this super cool dancing raisins science experiment !
16. This Water Xylophone Science Experiment combines music and science. It’s easy enough for your kids to make too.
17. Amaze your kids with Dancing Rice ! This baking soda and vinegar investigation is very intriguing.
18. These shaving cream clouds are so gorgeous! I can’t wait to do this one!
19. Did you know that you can inflate a balloon with baking soda and vinegar ? You have to try this one!
20. My kids absolutely love this Solar System Scavenger Hunt ! It’s a fun way to introduce preschoolers to the solar system and planets within it.
21. Your kids will love this super cool Lava Lamp Science Experiment .
22. Introduce preschoolers to the Zones of the Ocean with these engaging sensory bottles!
23. Make a pulley and teach kids about simple machines with this activity that will have kids moving and learning!
24. This Growing Plants Science Activity is a fantastic way to teach kids about plants! It even includes a observation sheet that is easy enough for preschoolers to use. (not pictured)
25. Explore ramps and friction with this super simple science activity for kids!
26. This ocean in a bottle looks amazing! It is a great way to explore oil and water.
27. Did you know you can make your own dinosaur excavation activity and only use two simple ingredients that you probably have in your house? It’s really cool!
28. This static electricity butterfly experiment is so neat. It’s very easy to make and you’ll be surprised by how long this will occupy your kids.
Fun Preschool Science Activities
29. My kids absolutely love baking soda and vinegar reactions ! This post will tell you how to get really amazing reactions.
30. Explore what melts in the sun with this fun science experiment. It’s perfect for a warm, sunny day.
31. Teach kids about the water cycle with this Water Cycle in a Bag ! It’s perfect for young children.
32. Kids will have a blast building a LEGO Volcano and watching it erupt.
33. This oobleck recipe is a fun and easy science activity for kids! You just need 2 ingredients and your kids will be ready for lots of fun sensory play!
34. Our kids loved this simple keep paper dry under water science experiment. They were amazed when the paper didn’t even get wet!
35. This Grow a Rainbow science experiment was a blast! It is a simple way for young kids to learn about capillary action!
36. This catapult activity is a fun and easy STEM activity that your kids will love!
37. Your kids will love seeing the Fireworks in a Jar reactions in this easy experiment!
38. This floating dry erase marker science activity is easy and fun! You just need dry erase markers and water!
39. This dancing corn science activity is quick to setup and you just need a few ingredients you can find around your house.
I broke the traditional parenting rules and let my kids have unlimited screen time. They still turned out great.
- As a new parent, I eagerly followed almost every expert parenting tip I read.
- But I ignored the experts on one thing and let my kids have unlimited screen time.
- My teenagers have still turned out great.
From day one as a mom, I wanted to do everything right to ensure my kids were happy, healthy, and successful. I read countless parenting articles and books with tips that would supposedly help my kids live their best lives. I followed most of the rules religiously: I read to them daily, talked to them about their feelings, and ensured they were getting time for exercise and exploring creativity.
A nagging sense of doubt started to creep in when I tried to follow some rules, though. They didn't all seem doable, and some rules were too old-fashioned for today's society .
The rule-breaking began early in my parenting years
My toddler would wake up three or four times a night, and the only way either of us could get a full night's sleep was by co-sleeping .
According to the experts, that was a big no-no, but in my eyes, co-sleeping was healthier for both of us. Instead of being cranky in the mornings, we were well-rested and happy.
By the experts' standards, I was also a complete failure in one big way: limiting screen time .
The experts would have been horrified about the screen time I let my kids have
I didn't set a screen-time limit for my kids because, like it or not, screens are a part of our society. While other parents I knew were giving each other knowing nods about the negative effects of screen time , I let my kids have as much as they wanted — as long as they were still getting exercise, socializing, behaving, and bringing home good grades.
My kids were playing video games by age 3 and watching cartoons before they could walk. But we also emphasized spending time together as a family and making sure we all had enough exercise. I had plenty of moments of intense self-doubt when I wondered if I was crazy for not being concerned about screen time.
As each year passed, though, I became more confident that screen time wasn't necessarily the enemy that parenting experts were making it out to be, as long as I also encouraged my kids to be balanced, well-rounded people .
As they have gotten older, I still haven't changed my parenting style
I still don't care whether my kids have a four-hour gaming session one day or watch two movies back-to-back on a day they feel like being lazy. They get straight A's in school, volunteer in our community, and are happy, kind, and healthy.
They both have plenty of friends and are involved in sports and other extracurriculars at school . Our family bond is strong, and we spend lots of time together, both on screens and off. In addition to lots of screen time, we ran 5K races together and went on epic family vacations .
My children are rocking it — despite all their screen time
Now, my daughter is a junior in high school and is academically ranked No. 1 in her class. She has volunteered more than 150 hours in our community so far, works as a softball umpire during the summer, was selected as the class homecoming representative her sophomore year, and is a three-sport athlete . And guess what? She still enjoys playing computer games for hours at a time.
My son is in his freshman year at a private college and is majoring in computer science. He just made the dean's list. During high school, he spent anywhere from four to five hours a day on screens when writing code, playing games, and watching television. He was also on the track and cross-country teams and was named student of the month.
In the six months before my son left for college, he and I watched all 15 seasons of " Supernatural " together. That was a lot of extra screen time, but it became our special bonding time, and we still quote that show to each other in texts and conversations .
I wouldn't change a thing about ignoring expert parenting rules
Ignoring the rules has worked out wonderfully for my family. My kids are both at a healthy body weight, are smart, love spending time with their family, enjoy helping others, and are extremely happy.
As a parent, what more can I ask for?
Watch: Science says parents of unsuccessful kids could have these 6 things in common
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1. Blow up a balloon… without blowing. Balloon Baking Soda Experiment Watch on This is one of those classic balloon experiments everyone remembers doing in school. Kids learn about chemical reactions by mixing acids and bases. They're always amazed at the results! 2. Design a balloon-powered car.
Science Experiments for Kids: Blow up a Balloon with Vinegar and Baking Soda by Coupons are Great Inflate a Balloon with Yeast Experiment by The STEM Laboratory Balloon Rockets by Discover Explore Learn HOW TO HAVE A BLAST WITH BALLOON CARS! by Teachers are Terrific JUMPING GOOP!
Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment By Sarah McClelland Updated on October 20, 2023 Combine a fizzing baking soda and vinegar reaction with balloon play with this easy-to-set-up balloon science experiment for kids. Find out how to blow up a balloon with just baking soda and vinegar.
1. Learn Static Electricity with Balloons Learn the science behind ballons and hair by doing this static electricity science experiment from Kids Activities Blog! Check out the tutorial and don't forget to post a picture of your kids with their hair standing on Instagram. What magic makes their hair stick up? 2.
Holiday STEM Projects to Make and Give 18 Next-Level Makerspace STEM Projects - Take your makerspace to the next level! Engaging student science doesn't always require specialty materials! Try these 14 student science projects and activities that use balloons.
1. Pop a Balloon Using an Orange Peel Pop a balloon with an orange peel! Simple Science Experiment! Watch on By carefully peeling an orange and using the peel to pop a balloon, students will explore the intriguing world of chemical reactions and pressure. 2. The Magnifying Glass Balloon Pop Experiment Mystery Balloon Pop - Sick Science! #190
3, 2, 1 BLASTOFF! Whose balloon rocket will go the furthest? Does it matter if the rocket path goes uphill or winds? Find out in this super simple balloon rocket experiment for kids! This balloon rocket activity can be done outside for a fun summer science or indoors to bring some excitement to a dreary rainy day or cold winter day.
By Sarah McClelland Updated on October 26, 2023 Curious kids turn into junior scientists with these fun and easy preschool science experiments. This collection of preschool science activities is doable and uses simple supplies for home or in the classroom.
Thread the other end of the string through the straw. Tape the other end of the string to the opposite wall or window sill. You want it to be tight. Cut two pieces of tape to place over the straw. Blow up the balloon and secure the balloon with the two pieces of tape on the underside of the straw. Let go and observe!
Thread the string through the straw. Tie the loose end of the string to another chair (or again, whatever other objects you would like). Move the chairs apart until the string is straight and taut. Place two pieces of tape on the straw. Blow up a balloon and secure the balloon to the straw using the two pieces of tape.
STEP 1: Stretch out your balloon. STEP 2: Drop the hex nut inside and inflate the balloon. Be careful not to blow up the balloon too big as it will pop. STEP 3: Tie the end to seal the balloon. STEP 4: Hold the balloon at the stem end in your hand like a bowling ball and begin to spin it in a circular motion.
It's an exhilarating combination of fun, science, and a little friendly competition. With just a few simple materials, you can launch your way into a world of learning and excitement. This is a super simple science experiment with vertical balloon straw rockets for kids. Teach kids about Newton's third law of motion or simply have some fun!
2. Draw a caterpillar onto this same balloon on the other side. 3. Fill the empty plastic container with vinegar. You only need a little bit to make this reaction. 4. Then fill the balloon with baking soda by inserting a funnel into the opening and placing a spoonful into the funnel to fill inside of the balloon. 5.
Today is the final part in the Learn Through Movement series that I am doing with Train Up a Child. All week, we have been sharing movement activities that encourage learning. I previously shared Math and Reading movement activities. Today's Learn Through Movement activity will teach kids some fun Science lessons using balloons and wind. Kids will love these balloon experiments.
Step 2: Insert a straw in the balloon. Blow up a balloon to stretch it out and then let it deflate. Insert a smoothie straw through the neck of the balloon. Push it almost all the way to the other end of the balloon. Wrap a rubber band around the neck of the balloon to keep the straw in place.
Rocket Science student booklet follows the scientific method as children go through this experiment. When you let the end go, the escaping air causes a force on the balloon. All of the air is forced through the small hole on the balloon which causes the balloon itself to react and zoom in the other direction.
Balloon tennis is a great indoor activity that can keep preschoolers engaged and active, even on a rainy day. Balloon Pop: Source: momjunction.com The thrill of popping balloons is irresistible for many preschoolers, and the Balloon Pop game provides a safe and controlled environment for them to enjoy this excitement.
Make sure that the knot is on the outside and located near the middle of the bottle opening. Like an inflated balloon our lungs are full of air. We have two lungs, which are enclosed in the ribcage and protected by 24 ribs. When you breathe in, air flows into your lungs. When you breathe out, air flows out of your lungs.
Cut two pieces of string, each about 30 cm in length. Tie the end of one string to one of the balloons. Tie the end of the other string to the second balloon. Use tape to attach the loose end of each of the strings to the underside of a door frame. Space both balloons so that there is a gap of about 10-15 cm between them.
21. Frozen Bubbles. Take science to the outdoors with this icy activity that's perfect for a cold Winter's day. Invite your tots to blow bubbles in the snow using bubble solution and straws. As each bubble is blown, prompt them to observe the speedy reaction as the icy air causes their bubble structures to crystallize.
/ / Science Activities for Preschoolers By Shelley Brewer Updated 22/01/2024 Did you know that preschool is the perfect time to start doing science experiments? Preschoolers have so much curiosity at this age, making it the perfect time to get hands on with our learning and discovery.
1. This lava lamp experiment is a HUGE hit with kids. It is by far my most popular science activity. I bet your kids will enjoy it too! 2. Want to really WOW your kids? Try out this leak-proof bag science experiment. It's like a magic trick, but it's really science! 3. Make a rain cloud in a jar and develop fine motor skills too!
Parenting. I broke the traditional parenting rules and let my kids have unlimited screen time. They still turned out great. Essay by Shannon Serpette. Feb 17, 2024, 6:27 AM PST. The author, middle ...