Kids Canopy Outside

13 Fun Science Projects for Kids

CC BY-SA 2.0/France_1978/Flickr

Kids science is such a blast when you mix and reuse everyday materials to see what happens. Read on for 13 fun science projects for kids.

Anemometer

Weather abounds with ideas for science project plans. An anemometer measures wind speeds, and a cup anemometer is a basic device using cup-like shapes to catch the wind and make the device spin.

CC0/RitaE/Pixabay

Edible Biofuels

Middle-school students can make a cell model from edible materials to learn about biofuels. This life science lesson reinforces the knowledge that cells are Earth's smallest units of living matter.

CC0/stevepb/Flickr

Biomass Energy

This experiment compares the amount of biogas produced by different types of biomass. Ideal for middle-school students, this project creates flammable gas, so conduct it in a well-ventilated area, away from an open flame.

CC0/space_drifter/Pixabay

Water Molecules on the Move

In this kids science experiment, students see whether hot molecules move faster than cold ones. You'll need a clear glass full of hot water, a clear glass full of cold water and food coloring.

CC0/deepakrit/Pixabay

Homemade Glue

Students need skim milk, baking soda, vinegar, measuring cups and spoons, a rubber band and paper towels to make their own glue. Add two tablespoons of vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Then stir, and let sit for two minutes.

CC BY 2.0/stevendepolo/Flickr

Rainbow of Flames

Middle-school students can change the color of fire by adding chemicals from the grocery store. Use a fuel that burns a clean blue flame. Easy to set up, this experiment requires safety precautions and adult supervision.

CC0/Matt Key/Pexels

Model Volcano

A model volcano is ideal for fifth-grade students interested in simple chemical reactions. The classic recipe uses baking soda and vinegar, but you can also combine yeast and peroxide or Mentos and soda.

CC BY-SA 2.0/Jinx!/Flickr

Dancing Raisins

To show density and buoyancy, add carbon dioxide gas to raisins to make them dance. Use baking soda and vinegar or clear carbonated soda to create carbon dioxide in the kitchen.

CC0/Public Domain/MaxPixel

Fast-Melting Treats

Third-graders will love experimenting to find out whether ice cream or ice milk melts faster. Try it with frozen yogurt versus sorbet, too.

CC0/stevepb/Flickr

Spectrum of Visible Light

Try projecting the spectrum of visible light onto paper using a prism. The endpoints show how far into infrared and ultraviolet you can see. Seventh-graders can draw conclusions using the scientific method.

CC BY-SA 2.0/wonker/Flickr

Potassium Nitrate

For a fun chemistry experiment, make potassium nitrate (also known as saltpeter) from common household ingredients. Ammonium nitrate from a cold pack and potassium chloride from salt substitute react to yield ammonium chloride and potassium nitrate.

CC BY 2.0/ComputerHotline/Flickr

Sports and Science

Teaching kids can be so much fun when you relate it back to the stuff they love. Have students compare a wooden baseball bat with a metal baseball bat to find out how the material affects their performance.

CC0/Public Domain/MaxPixel

Bubble Basics

Bubbles are a great starting point for kids science ideas. You can observe the structure of bubbles by blowing bubbles between two plates or by making bubble prints.

CC BY 2.0/Rhett Maxwell/Flickr

Ada Tasty Recipe

Kids Canopy Outside