Whether you’re trying to teach new concepts or just fill a quiet afternoon, these simple science experiments are sure to fit the bill. Engaging all the senses, these projects encourage your child’s curiosity and teach them about the world. Additionally, they only require regular household items and will require minimal cleanup when the experiment is complete. Now, get ready for some household science fun!
Baking Soda and Vinegar
A classic among simple science projects, baking soda and vinegar create an exciting reaction over and over again. As an additional benefit, all of the supplies can be found very inexpensively at the grocery store and are shelf stable, so they will last until you need them. To do this experiment with your toddler, fill a baking dish about halfway with baking soda. Then, pour plain white vinegar into an ice cube tray. For an added splash, add different colors of liquid food coloring to each small amount of vinegar. Once your vinegar and baking soda are prepared, show your toddler how to use a medicine dropper to get a small amount of vinegar and then squeeze the dropper to release the liquid over the baking soda. The chemical reaction will happen immediately, releasing a bubbling pile of color from the soda. Your child can mix the vinegar and soda for quite a while before the reaction diminishes, leaving behind a rainbow of colors.
Balloon Cars
Most homes with toddlers contain some sort of toy car. As long as it rolls freely, it will be perfect for this project! For an added element, your child can build his or her own car using Legos, Duplos, Mega Blocks, or other building toys. Once your car is complete, use a rubber band to secure an empty latex balloon to the top. Then a parent or adult blows up the balloon and holds it closed carefully while allowing the child to set it up to be launched. Once the car is positioned well, let go of the balloon and watch the car fly! You can use a tape measure to track your car’s travel and repeat the experiment several times to see if you can beat your own record. Or you can build a new car to see if it will travel further! Adults should monitor this activity closely since latex balloons are choking hazards for small children.
Magnets
Magnets offer lots of opportunities for learning and play. For toddlers, be sure to choose larger magnets so that there is no risk of the magnets being swallowed. You can often purchase large magnets at low prices online or at dollar stores. Once you have a good sized magnet, begin discovering what is magnetic! This can be very casual, exploring your home and outdoors. Alternatively, you can create a magnet sensory bin full of many items, some magnetic and some not. Take time with your toddler to talk about what sticks to the magnet and what doesn’t. You can even ask your child to guess if things will stick before you try them.
Rain Cloud in a Jar
Rain forms when the water vapor in clouds condenses and becomes liquid. The rain droplets then fall from the clouds to the earth. You can simulate this effect with a simple indoor science demonstration. All you need is a clear vase or jar, shaving cream, a medicine dropper, food coloring, and water. Fill your jar two thirds full with water. Then squirt a big fluffy cloud of shaving cream on top. Combine more water with some food coloring (blue if you want to simulate water, but any color will do), and then use the dropper to put drops of colored water in your cloud. As you add more and more water, the drops will eventually get too heavy for the cloud to hold and begin “raining” into your jar. Use a variety of colors and see what happens!
Simple science projects create opportunities for learning and exploration. These easy and inexpensive activities will fascinate your child and get him or her excited about how the world works. If you want to learn more on each topic, the Gwinnett County public library system has many amazing books on science for young children. Are you looking for childcare that will encourage your child’s sense of wonder about the world? Look no further than Legacy Academy Satellite. Call or visit today to learn more.
