Simple Science Experiments: Refraction of Light

Ever see a rainbow and wonder where the colors are coming from? Or wonder why a person’s legs appear bigger or just off while standing in a swimming pool? With this two part “Simple Science Experiment,” you’ll learn about how light can refract or “bend” through different materials. Materials Tall cup (one you can’t see through) Penny Tape Water Wax paper Fine print... Read More

Ice Cream in a Bag

It’s summertime and the weather is super hot. Your kids need a cool treat. Plus, you could use another activity to keep them busy, right? You can help them learn about the science behind ice cream! Here is a simple science experiment that will produce a tasty treat. Materials: 2 tablespoons sugar 1 cup half-and-half ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup ice cream salt Ice cubes 1... Read More

Simple Science Experiments: Simply Shocking Way to Spice Up the New Year

Ready to spice up the New Year? You’re going to start with a mixture of salt and pepper and then, shockingly, separate them! How can you do it? Set a plate or bowl out with the two spices mixed together. Well? Maybe you can come up with a cool technique for shaking up these spices, but did you know you that static electricity can easily separate the salt from the pepper for you? So... Read More

Homemade Lava Lamp

Lava lamps are cool things to stare at for hours! In this simple science experiment, you’ll learn how to make a similar type of display (without the lights), and the science behind it. Materials: Empty (wide mouth) glass bottle Water Oil Food coloring Alka-Seltzer tablets Glitter Procedure:  Fill a glass bottle halfway with water. Pour an equal amount of oil in. Make sure... Read More

CARBON KNIGHT

Simple Science Experiments: Coloring Flowers from the Inside Out What color of flowers do you like? You can turn flowers that color from the inside out! This month’s simple science experiment will tinker with the inner workings of flowers and celery, too. Now, we all know that plants don’t have a heart to pump their fluids up from the ground to their leaves, so how exactly does... Read More

Simple Science Experiments: Baby Powder and Surface Tension

Let’s kick off the New Year with another simple science experiment. Ever see a bug skitter across the surface of a pond? Ever wonder why raindrops are the shape they are? This month’s simple science project will delve into the world of water’s surface tension with a couple of experiments. Surface tension is a barrier formed on the surface of water caused by something called... Read More

Simple Science Experiments: Slime Time

It’s almost time for Halloween, and here is an experiment that is as creepy as it is cool! Of course, it will also help your child become a good thinker….but you don’t have to tell them that. Science is all about learning from observations and figuring out how things work along the way. Simple, hands-on experiments that begin with, “What do you think will happen?” or end... Read More

Simple Science Experiments: Crush A Can With The Force Of Air Pressure

Crushing a can? Just with air pressure? Science CAN be fun! This simple science experiment is really cool but requires some safety measures to get it done right. Since the use of a stovetop electric burner (or gas alternative) is necessary, this is a parent-assisted project. Children should not attempt this experiment without parental supervision! Materials Several empty and clean... Read More

Simple Science Experiment: The Rubber Egg

“A box without hinges, key, or lid; yet golden treasure inside is hid.” This is perhaps my favorite riddle from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. The answer is, of course, an egg — the largest cell in the world. Fun Fact: The ostrich holds that record. So what can we do with an egg that is science-like and fun? Why, dissolve the shell with a mild acid and turn the innards to a... Read More

Simple Science Experiments: Homemade Icicles

Winter is upon us, and with it comes freezing weather. Well, I suppose that really depends on where you are. Some Central Florida children rarely have a chance to see snow or iconic icicles. But, this month’s simple science experiment will have your kids creating their own homemade icicles! Sure, this project may not replicate the actual way icicles form; in fact, this is how... Read More

The Dancing Grapes Experiment

Not enough time on your hands to think of scientific experiments your child can do? Think that most require lots of shopping? Actually, you’ll find most of what you need to conduct meaningful experiments right in your kitchen. The challenge, however, is knowing what to do. Science is all about discovering how things work and trying to solve problems. Simple, hands-on experiments... Read More

Simple Science: Air Pressure Experiments

Hey kids (and parents)!  Ever wonder about the term “air pressure?” With a couple of simple experiments, we can demonstrate that air wants to travel from high pressure to low pressure.  There is an old saying that “Nature dislikes a vacuum.” Of course, this does not mean a vacuum cleaner, but rather refers to a lack of air. What is “pressure?” Air pressure is basically... Read More