Calling all Sid the Science Kids and Miss Frizzle fans: It’s time for science fair projects! Whether this is your kiddo’s first time showing off her Bill Nye side or if he’s a seasoned pro, they’ll need a fresh crop of science experiment ideas for this year’s fair. So nab a tri-fold poster board from the craft store, stock your home with plenty of supplies, and help your creative kid start hypothesizing as you check out these easy science fair projects that are easy for kids of all ages to explore.
Make a Volcano Explode
The quintessential science fair project, you might want to check with classmates to make sure there won't be five volcanos on the big day. Even so, there's a reason why this one is so popular. Not only is it fun to make the volcano, but the overflow of baking soda and vinegar is exciting for everyone. Get a great step-by-step tutorial from The Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments. by clicking here.
Make Ice Glow
How can your child make ice glow? Hint: It involves tonic water. If a chemistry exploration is on your child’s to-do list, check out this light-based learning idea. For more fun, check out our glow-in-the-dark science experiments.
Grow Sugar Crystals
Explore the science behind how rock candy is made. Grow your own sugar crystals with this super-science activity from Little Bins for Little Hands.
Rainbow Melting Ice
What happens when you gradually add food coloring to water as it freezes? The answer is in this kids’ science experiment. If you’re looking for science fair projects that are easy, this one is a simple STEAM activity for kids in pre-k and up.
Insider tip: create even more rainbows and harness your kids interest in science with these great rainbow science experiments for kids.
Learn about Light
Light is more than just something that comes from kiddo’s star-shaped IKEA wall lamp. This science exploration from Hands On As We Grow helps your child to explore and experiment with the sun’s rays (or at least, the artificial version).
Insider tips: take your science experiments with light up a notch with these light-filled science experiments you can do at home.
Discover and Dissolve
Your curious kid constantly asks why the colorful candy shell on their favorite sweets melts away in their sweaty little palms. With this experiment from Mama.Papa.Bubba. your child can explore the science dissolving Gobstoppers.
Cool a Can of Soda
Sometimes there’s nothing better on a hot day than a cold drink—but what happens if it hasn’t been chilling in the refrigerator? This experiment helps kids test the quickest way to cool a can.
Apple Exploration
Most kids love apples, but so many of them won’t touch the fruit once it’s turned brown. So how about an experiment that keeps apples from turning brown? This easy, and fantastically fun, idea from Teach Beside Me has all the answers your child is looking for.
Insider tip: encourage her to play with her food in the name of science and creativity. Check out these fun and creative ways to play with apples.
Liquids and Evaporation Rate
How does evaporation happen? Explore the way liquid turns into a gas with this awesome evaporation experiment. Get the full details, including materials and how-to steps, here.
Celery Science
How can your little learner create brightly-hued celery stalks? Check out this science experiment from Tinker Lab for a how to! Not only will your child dazzle with their new ability to turn the otherwise green veggie into pink, blue or purple pieces, but they’ll also learn about plant science.
Create a Jar of Fireworks
Find out what happens when you combine water, food coloring and vegetable oil! This science project from My Big Fat Happy Life gives your child the chance to explore, experiment and make some completely colorful discoveries. What’s great about this experiment is it’s easy to do with supplies you likely have at home.
Clean a Penny
Grab a handful of pennies (or other coins if you have them) sitting around and see which cleaning solution make them shine the best. Kids can use liquids such as baking soda with water, orange juice, toothpaste, lemon juice and dish soap. Use a toothbrush (not yours!) to clean each penny with a different solution, and then little scientists can write down what each coin looked like before and after the cleaning.
Insider tip: feeling crafty? Put those pennies to good use with our lucky penny craft ideas.
Grow a Gummy Bear
How, oh how, do gummy bears grow? Simply add a gummy bear to water and wait. This sweet experiment from Tinker Labs gives kids the chance to make comparisons and explore what happens to their favorite tasty treat when it takes a bath.
Common Color M&M's
Are yellows the dominant color in the M&M bag? Why does it seem like there are so few green pieces? This project is an easy experiment for even the youngest of kids. Buy a few packages of M&Ms, and then have kids sort the colors and count them. Then they can create a chart to track each color.
Force and Motion with Race Cars
If your kiddo has Hot Wheel cars sitting around, this experiment is an easy way to test force and motion. With a few books and your child’s fave Hot Wheels, your pint-sized physicist can determine if the slope of the tracks affect the speed of the cars with this experiment from Librarianism Chronicles.
Microwave Popcorn Test
This project is a great experiment if your family is a fan of microwave popcorn. Head to the store and buy three to five boxes of microwave popcorn from different brands, and then find out which one pops the best. Add variety to the experiment by testing butter vs. plain, or organic vs. regular. Get the full how to from Must Have Mom! here.
Insider tip: in the mood for popcorn after this experiment? Try out these unique and unusual popcorn flavors you haven't tried yet.
