Top 20 Science Projects For Your Kid

While school may be out of session, that doesn’t mean learning has to be. Doing kitchen-table science experiments is a fun way to keep your kid engaged during the summer months! If you’ve already done the classic volcano experiment with vinegar and baking soda, don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of easy and fun science projects for kids that the whole family can try. 

Keep reading to see the top 20 science projects for kids! Pick a few favorites and make great summertime memories that double as a learning opportunity. 

Fun Science Projects for Kids

• Make homemade play dough: Did you know that play dough is created through a chemical reaction between salt, flour, water, cream of tartar, and vegetable oil? Not only is it fun to make, but you can also use food coloring to create a whole bunch of colors! We followed this recipe.

• Water “magic”: All you’ll need for this experiment is a large bowl of water, food coloring, and a small, clear drinking glass. Add food coloring to the bowl of water and submerge the clear glass upside down in the water. Slowly lift the glass and see what happens!

• Make raisins dance: This experiment is perfect for younger kids and teaches them how baking soda and vinegar react. Fill a clear drinking glass half full of water, add a tablespoon of baking soda, and stir. Drop a hand full of raisins into the glass. Next, pour the vinegar into the glass until it is ¾ full. Then, watch as the raisins slowly rise and fall to the surface!

• Balloon rockets: This activity is about forward motion (thrust). We recommend Science Bob’s steps to replicate this experiment. 

• Dish soap bubbles: Not only can your child create their bubbles from dish soap, but they can experiment with creating a homemade wand. Scholastic’s instructions are easy to follow and include pictures; can your bubbles get as big as theirs?

Easy Science Projects for Kids

• Bring dry-erase drawings to life: You’ve likely seen this experiment all over social media; it’s become a popular trend to try with kids. 

• String strength test: This is a fun and easy force and motion experiment for kids to try. Test the strength of a string with a heavy book. All you have to do is tie the string around the book without making a knot. Take one end of the string and lift the book. Now try pulling the other end to make the string straight. Can you?

• Will it sink or float?: Have each family member select a unique item and submerge it in water. Ask your child if they think the object will sink or float and explain why certain things are more likely to do one or the other. It’s all about density.

• The “magic” leak-proof baggie: For a fun papercraft, try creating simple origami. We recommend following this tutorial to make fish!

Outdoor Science Projects for Kids

• The egg drop: Kids love this experiment! Follow along here.

• Construct a catapult: Test how far catapults can fling different items. We loved this simple popsicle stick catapult idea.

• Make a sundial: Experiment with your child on how the sun’s light can cast shadows and help tell time. We found this simple project to follow, including extra activities with a sundial. 

• Build a solar oven: We’ve all heard of people trying to cook an egg on a hot summer day on the sidewalk. What if we told you that it’s possible by building a DIY solar oven?

• Crush a can with science: Your children will love learning about air pressure with this crush-a-can experiment. Who knew you could crush a can with air? Pretty cool. 

Rainy Day Science Projects for Kids

• Dominoes: One of the most fun science experiments to conduct is making homemade ice cream! Not only is it a tasty option, but one in which your child will appreciate all the hard work that goes into making it. We loved this simple and easy tutorial.

• Toy car races: This classic experiment feels like play but will have your kids exploring the basics of physics: velocity, mass, momentum, and air resistance. Check it out here.

• Make crystal candy: What’s more fun than using science to create a tasty treat?

• Water fireworks: Simple ingredients come together to form “fireworks” that are easily contained. We thought these instructions were simple and easy to follow!

• Try a course: If you’re short on time or are still unsure of what experiments to try, an interactive educational system is an excellent option. We recommend our Science of Motion & Machines course!

There are several science projects for kids to try with your children, all of which can be done right at home, either in your kitchen or outdoor space. These activities will keep your child busy during the remaining summer months. Plus, you may even learn along with them!