5 Fun Science Experiments to Engage Your Children with STEM

By: Pedro Pablo Spoerer

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is essential for the development of young minds. It not only helps in building a strong foundation for a successful career but also fosters creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills! One of the best ways to spark an interest in STEM is by conducting science experiments at home. With just a few simple materials and instructions, children can learn and have fun at the same time

Here are some easy and fun science experiments that can be done at home:

Lemon Volcano Experiment:

This experiment is a fun way to teach children about chemical reactions. All you need is a lemon, baking soda, and food coloring. Cut the lemon in half and scoop out the pulp. Add a few drops of food coloring to the lemon juice and then pour a tablespoon of baking soda into the lemon. The acid in the lemon juice will react with the baking soda, causing a fizzy eruption.

DIY Lava Lamp:

This experiment is perfect for teaching children about density. Fill a clear bottle with water and add a few drops of food coloring. Then, add vegetable oil to the bottle until it is about 3/4 full. Finally, add an Alka-Seltzer tablet and watch as the bubbles rise and fall, creating a mesmerizing effect.

Homemade Slime:

Slime is a favorite among children and it is also a great way to teach them about polymers. To make slime, you will need glue, borax, water, and food coloring. Mix the glue and food coloring together in one bowl and the borax and water in another bowl. Then, slowly pour the borax mixture into the glue mixture, stirring constantly, until the slime forms.

Dancing Raisins:

This experiment is a fun way to teach children about the properties of gasses. Fill a clear glass with lemon-lime soda and drop a few raisins into the glass. Watch as the carbon dioxide bubbles attach to the raisins and make them “dance” up and down in the soda.

Exploding Lunch Bag:

This experiment is a great way to teach children about chemical reactions and pressure. All you need is a Ziploc bag, vinegar, baking soda, and tissue paper. First, pour some vinegar into the Ziploc bag. Then, add baking soda to the tissue paper and quickly put the tissue paper into the bag and seal it shut. The baking soda will react with the vinegar, causing the bag to expand and eventually pop.

These simple and fun experiments can help children develop a love for STEM subjects while having fun at the same time! In addition to these experiments, there are also many other resources available for parents and educators to encourage STEM education at home.

One great resource is the website Science Buddies. This website offers free project ideas, lesson plans, and educational resources for parents and educators. They also have a section on their website dedicated to experiments that can be done at home, making it easy for parents and children to learn together.

Another great resource is the STEM.org website. This organization offers STEM accreditation and certification for products, programs, and services that meet their standards for quality and excellence in STEM education. Their website also has a section dedicated to STEM activities that can be done at home.

By engaging children in STEM education at home, parents and educators can help them develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in today’s world. With just a few simple materials and a little creativity, children can learn about the world around them while having fun at the same time. So, let’s get experimenting!

Edited by: Amanda R.