Simple science experiments can spark children’s interest in science. Examples include homemade lightning to demonstrate static electricity, a lava lamp experiment to understand how they work, and a volcanic eruption experiment to learn about chemical reactions. More ideas can be found online or in science magazines.
Simple and easy science experiments can be a wonderful way to get kids and teens interested in the wide world of science. Instead of being a dreaded form of homework, science experiments can encourage kids to think and reason scientifically. Whether it’s needed for a science fair, a class project, or even some educational summer fun, here are some simple examples of science projects that can both educate and entertain.
Electricity is much cooler when shown as homemade lightning. For this experiment, take a large piece of Styrofoam and cut a small piece out of it. Attach the small piece to a foil cake pan, creating a handle on the pan. Rub Styrofoam vigorously into a person’s hair for a few moments, then place it on a table. Grab the pan by the handle only and drop it onto the Styrofoam, then tap the foil to create ultra-cool sparks.
This experiment demonstrates the power of static electricity and can be a good way to demonstrate that the energy that creates electricity is everywhere. It can be a good way to get young people interested in lightning and the history of electricity. To get even cooler sparks, carry out the experiment in a dark room.
To understand how those lava lamps really work, try this cool experiment. Fill a clear glass jar ¾ full of water and add a few drops of food coloring. Then, fill the rest of the jar with vegetable oil, let the oil and water separate, and slowly pour the salt over the oil. Watch as the oil splits into drops that slowly fall through the colored water, just like a lava lamp. For added sparkle, add a handful of glitter with the oil.
The type of all science experiments could be the classic volcanic eruption. To create, mold a cone-shaped volcano out of plasticine, hollowing out a central section for the lava. Pour the baking soda, red food coloring, and just a little dish soap or body wash into the hollowed out section. Very carefully, add the vinegar and get ready for the volcano to go out. Besides looking cool and making a mess, this can be a great way to get interested in both the chemical reactions that cause eruptions and how a real volcano works. Due to the eruptive power of this experiment, it should be done outdoors or in a stain-proof environment.
There are many excellent ways to get children interested in science. If children show interest in the above science experiments, consider searching online for more ideas. There are entire archives of science experiments designed for children available on interns. Also, consider purchasing a science magazine subscription for a child fascinated by science. Many offer fun and easy experiments to try every month that will help children develop their passion for science.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
