November 8th is National STEM Day! STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. In today’s rapidly changing world, STEM is an integral part of modern academics. There are so many fun and easy STEM experiments that can be done with kids at home. 

 

How to Get Kids Interested in Science 

Science experiments are an excellent way to engage children in science’s exciting mysteries.

It may seem tedious or complicated to try science experiments at home, but the exciting and surprising procedures will get kids’ attention and make for wonderful memories. Kids will love getting messy, experimenting, and making discoveries at home. 

Scientific experiments for the youngest members of the family should be attractive and visual to help keep kids’ attention. In addition, the majority of experiments can be done with objects from around the house or a quick trip to a convenience store.

Plus, these types of scientific games can also become addictive for adults! Don’t be surprised if you become engaged and enjoy the fun of helping your children with their experiments. Science is fun for everyone! 

Grab some safety goggles, a notebook, and a lab coat… LET’S GET TO WORK!

 

6 Fantastic STEM Experiments for Kids

1. The Lava Lamp ⚗️

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This experiment is very simple and suitable for all ages. Before you begin, ask your child what they predict will happen when you combine the water and oil. You can record their thoughts and come back to it at the end of the STEM experiment to see if their hypothesis came true! 

Materials Needed:

• ¾ cup oil
• ¼ cup water
• Food coloring
• A fizzing tablet

Instructions:

1. Fill a measuring glass with 3/4 of oil and 1/4 of water. 
2. The two liquids will separate in a few seconds, and the water will settle underneath the less dense oil. 
3. Now, pour drops of food coloring and the fizzing tablet.
4. Tiny bubbles of colors will ascend to the surface while the effects of the tablet last. Just like an actual lava lamp!
5. When the tablet stops fizzing, you can always add another.

 

2. The Bottle That Glows 💫

 

This experiment helps kids train fine motor skills, it requires adult supervision. Before you begin, ask your child why they think some insects, fish, and animals glow in the dark. Write down their hypothesis and come back to it at the end of the experiment. 

Materials Needed:

• Water
• 1 non-toxic highlighter
• Pliers or tongs
• Glass jar or plastic water 
• Flashlight

Instructions:

1. Fill the jar with water.
2. Take the plastic end off the highlighter and pull out the felt that is soaked in ink.
3. Place the highlighter felt in the water and squeeze it with the pliers until the water changes color. 
4. Turn off the lights and place a flashlight under the bottle.
5. Watch it glow!

 

3. Home-Made Stalagmites 🧊

 

This is a tricky experiment and is best for older children who can try out different solutions! Before you begin, ask your child what they think will happen to very cold mineral water when poured over ice. Don’t forget to come back to their prediction after finishing this STEM experiment for kids! 

Materials Needed:

• 4 bottles of mineral water (tap water might not work)
• Ice cubes
• 1 bowl
• A Freezer

Instructions:

1. Make sure the bottles don’t have any labels on them.
2. Place the bottles in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
3. As soon as ice crystals begin to form, carefully remove them from the freezer.
4. Place ice cubes in the bowl.
5. Gently pour the water over the bowl of ice cubes and watch the ice stalagmite form! 

 

4. The Popcorn Monster 🍿

 

This is one of the easiest experiments and is great for young children! Ask kids what they think will happen if you put the soap in the microwave. Record their predictions and come back to them at the end of the experiment.

Materials Needed:

• Bar of soap
• Paper plate
• Microwave

Instructions:

1. Place the bar of soap on the plate and put it in the microwave for two minutes on maximum. 
2. Notice an incredible “monster” beginning to form. 
3. Be careful when removing the soap from the giant “popcorn monster” that has formed will be very hot. 
4. The best part is that it can be molded into different shapes when it has cooled down! Kids can use their imagination to create fun shapes and characters. 

 

5. Gummy Bears 🧸

 

This very simple experiment is great for kids of all ages. Plus, it’s fun to eat the left of gummy bears! Ask your child to predict what will happen to the gummy bear in each different solution–you can even have them draw their predictions. Compare their predictions to the results at the end of the project! 

Materials Needed:

• Package of gummy bears
• 4 glasses 
• Water
• Vinegar
• Salt
• Baking soda

Instructions:

1. Take out 4 gummy bears (you can eat the rest).
2. Put 1 gummy bear into a glass of water.
3. Put 1 gummy bear into a glass of vinegar.
4. Put 1 gummy bear into a glass of salt water.
5. Put 1 gummy bear into a glass of water mixed with baking soda.
6. Leave them overnight and check the results the next morning. We know, poor bears!

 

6. Plant in a Window 🌱

 

An excellent way to explain the life cycle of plants to children is to look after one. This experiment will require patience, but your child will love checking every day to see what happens to their little seedling. Just wait for the joy they’ll experience when they notice the first sprout! You can even have kids draw the progress of the seedling along the way. 

Materials Needed:

• Lentil or bean (kidney, green bean, pea, pinto, lima, cannellini, black-eye pea)
• Sandwich bag
• Tape
• Paper towels
• Water
• Spray bottle 

Instructions:

1. Fold the paper towels and get them damp by spraying them with water. It should be damp, not dripping wet.
2. Place the towels in the bag.
3. Place a few beans on the paper towels and seal the bag shut.
4. Tape the beans up to a sunny window.
5. Have your child check every day to see what is happening! Eventually, they will notice roots sprouting and a tiny stem growing. 

 

STEM Experiments for Kids and Lingokids

Check out more information about the importance of STEM in this article about our top STEM activities! Interested in learning more about Lingokids? Download the app and check out the content on our YouTube channels! 

Let us know which science experiment you try with with your child by tagging us on social media.