Activities for Kids

Sink, Swim & Float! 6 Sensational Science Experiments

Take their love of boats to the next level with these cool experiments you can easily do right at home.

By Shelley Massey June 1, 2020

When you’re a parent—especially during COVID—sometimes, “absolutely not” becomes “whatever floats your boat” a little more frequently. And, because they’re kids, you’d better be prepared for their millions of questions about what that really means, exactly. So teach them with a fun at-home scientific activity! A day of boating science is as fun as it is educational, and we’ve got six simple science experiments for kids that are bound to make some waves!

Wind Energy and Sail Design

Have you ever watched a sailboat regatta? Boats that look nearly identical race using the same wind, and in the same water conditions, yet one always breaks away from the pack to take the trophy. Explore the concepts of wind energy and sail design in this awesome experiment by Buzzing About Second Grade where kids vary the material, height, and shape of their sails to test which are best for speed.

Scientific Principal
A sailboat uses its sails for propulsion by generating lift (as it courses upwind) or by blocking the wind and being pushed (as it courses downwind).

All photos by the author.