Sink, Swim & Float! 6 Sensational Science Experiments

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!

Thrust and Propulsion

Wind is one way to make a boat go, but what happens when waters are calm? Find out how a reaction between baking soda and vinegar results in a gas, causing the boat to propel forward in the opposite direction, in this experiments by Science Sparks.

Scientific Principal
Jet engines and propellers all function by generating thrust, which moves boats across water. There are many different propulsion mechanisms for boats, but they all operate by creating thrust.

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All photos by the author. 

How do you explain the science behind boats to your little captains? Tell us in the comments section below!

—Shelley Massey

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