I believe kids are born scientists. From the moment their newly-opened eyes start to distinguish objects, their curiosity to explore and experiment never ends. Sadly, more often than not, we grownups tend to extinguish their scientistic flame all too quickly, by limiting their access to so many things. Of course, most of the time it is due to safety matters, since most of us cannot accompany our children all day long. So, all the more reason for our little ones to grab whatever chance they can get to do hands-on experiments and explore interesting facts.
Here are 3 easy science experiments that won’t require you to run to the store to grab materials.
Let your little scientists help you prep the experiment, wait for their clumsy little hands to make mistakes, and help them try again. After all, trial and error is the best way to learn – and remember for a very long time.
1. Changing egg white into gold experiment
Things to prepare: An unbroken, raw egg, a long piece of stretchy cloth (pantyhose or stretchy leggings would work), 2 pieces of string or hair ties, sandwich bag
- Put an egg in the sandwich bag in case of accidental breakage. Wrap a whole, unbroken raw egg in the middle of the cloth and tie both sides with the string (right next to the egg, like a candy wrapper).
- Holding both ends of the cloth, swing the middle section in a circular motion to twist the fabric up on either side of the egg. Then pull the ends apart so the twisted fabric untangles. Repeat at least 20 times.
*** Although you might think shaking the egg to mix the white and yolk is a no-brainer, this is not as easy as it sounds, since the yolk is surrounded with a membrane that has to be broken before it can mix with the white.
You can check whether your hard work is paying off, scrambling the egg inside the shell, by using your phone flashlight and checking the color. If it has a yellow hue, the yolk sack is still intact. But if it has a red hue you’ve done it.
- Boil the eggs & cool in cold water.
- Peel the shell (Warning! They might be tougher to peel than regular boiled eggs) and check out the gorgeous golden color!
Science Facts: You can explain the texture and anatomy of the egg white and yolk and why it is hard to mix by simply shaking it by hand.
Also, you can explain how spinning the egg exerts centrifugal force. It is the force that pushes outward on an object moving in a curved path, pushing it away from the center of rotation. Another example is a bucket full of water spinning in a vertical circle without dumping any water, by the force of its rotational velocity.
2. Candle and water level experiment
Materials to prepare: Wide bowl (ceramic, metal, or glass), candle, clear glass jar big enough to cover the candle, water, lighter
- Light the candle and let some of the melted wax drip into the center of the bowl, until you can make the candle stand securely.
- Carefully fill the bowl with water, leaving enough of the candle above water to keep burning.
- Cover the burning candle with the glass jar, so that the mouth of the jar rests on the bottom of the bowl.
Science Facts: The water level under the glass will go up until the candle burns up the oxygen inside the glass jar. Once there is no more oxygen in the jar, the water level will stop rising and the candle will extinguish itself.
You can teach kids how the candle uses oxygen to burn, and water fills the gap where the oxygen had been.
3. Blow and shrink balloons
Things to prepare: Plastic bottle, two bowls of water – one hot, one cold, balloon
- Cover the mouth of the plastic bottle with a balloon
- Immerse the bottle in the hot water and see what happens to the balloon
- Move the bottle to the cold water and immerse it to observe the changes in the balloon
Science Facts: Air expands and moves faster when it is hot, rising as it loses density. Air slows down when it is cold, and sinks as its density increases.
I hope you have fun experimenting with your little ones as well as exploring interesting scientific facts. These experiments are very visual, which helps little ones learn science facts by observation, and the materials can be easily found around the house.
Helping your children observe science facts through experiments is beneficial for them in many ways.
Benefits of science experiments in early childhood
- Encourages young kids to question and grow their curiosity
- They become better problem solvers
- Develop kids’ understanding as to cause and effect
- They can become more logical thinkers
- They can learn patience through trial and error
Encourage your kids to experiment with science and learn simple facts from an early age, and help them grow into adventurous, experimental people with logical problem-solving abilities.
You might also be interested in reading, My kids are stir crazy! 10 exciting indoor activities to smash cabin fever during the long winter,
as well as, 7 best ways to deal with your cranky, angry, whiny 2-year-old.