3 Science Activities Perfect for Children

Looking for the perfect way to spend time bonding with your child? With these fun science experiments you can easily do at home, you’ll be able to spend some quality time with your child while helping them learn and acquire a love for science.Instant Freezing WaterA fun experiment for a child that has never experienced snow or ice outside of an ice tray, this project requires very simple ingredients. The trick is to get your water below freezing temperature, without agitating it so it doesn’t freeze solid. The best way to do this is by clearing out space in your freezer where you can place a few water bottles (apart from one another) for about two hours. Set a timer, and when the two hours are up, very carefully remove the water from the freezer and see if you’ve had any luck. If you have, pour the water into a clear glass (that won’t break with cold temperatures).Take some crushed ice and make sure just a tiny amount sticks to your finger. Then, with that finger, touch the water and watch as the water instantly freezes up!You can also help your children build a snowman on a plate by freezing some water on a plate ahead of time and pouring the very cold water from the water bottle directly onto the plate. It will instantly turn to slush-ice, which can then be shaped to your child’s liking!Elephant ToothpasteA great experiment for older children and children who love chemical reactions, this is a safe-to-touch project that is easily contained. First, set a bottle in the center of a baking pan to reduce messy cleanup. Then, swirl two tablespoons of warm water with one teaspoon of yeast in a separate bowl for one minute. In your soda bottle, mix ½ cup 6 percent hydrogen peroxide (found online or in beauty stores– not in your local grocery store), four to five drops of food coloring, and a squirt of dish soap. Add in the yeast mixture and watch the reaction take place! If your child is taking chemistry, they may be interested to know that the formula taking place is 2 H2O2 -> 2 H2O + 02.The process happens because hydrogen peroxide (H202) naturally breaks down into water and oxygen. Yeast speeds this process up, the dish soap foams from the oxygen, and the food coloring makes it look interesting. The foam and bottle will also feel warm because the reaction gives off energy as heat, also known as an “exothermic reaction.”Rain Cloud In A JarAnother easy experiment to do with items found at home is also a great project to teach your child a little bit about our local weather here in Florida! Simply fill a jar or class ⅔ of the way with water and top off with shaving cream. Then, using a dropper, gently drop food coloring or liquid watercolor on top of the shaving cream until it is saturated enough to fall through like raindrops. Discuss with your child about how clouds are simply water droplets that condense on dust particles, and how your “water droplets” turn into rain when they are saturated with enough water that they can’t hold it in any longer. Let your child play with the details of each of these experiments, and discuss why the outcomes might be different after each change. Your child will love discovering more about the world, but most of all will love doing it with you!Private schools in Osceola County proclaim the Gospel message within an academic environment of excellence that challenges students to be creative and critical thinkers. To learn more about Osceola County private schools, contact us at 407-246-4800.