food and water experiments

37 Water Science Experiments: Fun & Easy

We’ve curated a diverse selection of water related science experiments suitable for all ages, covering topics such as density, surface tension, water purification, and much more.

These hands-on, educational activities will not only deepen your understanding of water’s remarkable properties but also ignite a passion for scientific inquiry.

So, grab your lab coat and let’s dive into the fascinating world of water-based science experiments!

Water Science Experiments

1. walking water science experiment.

This experiment is a simple yet fascinating science experiment that involves observing the capillary action of water. Children can learn a lot from this experiment about the characteristics of water and the capillary action phenomenon. It is also a great approach to promote scientific curiosity and enthusiasm.

Learn more: Walking Water Science Experiment

2. Water Filtration Experiment

A water filtering experiment explains how to purify contaminated water using economical supplies. The experiment’s goal is to educate people about the procedure of water filtration, which is crucial in clearing water of impurities and contaminants so that it is safe to drink.

Learn more: Water Filtration Experiment

3. Water Cycle in a Bag

The water cycle in a bag experiment became to be an enjoyable and useful instructional exercise that helps students understand this idea. Participants in the experiment can observe the many water cycle processes by building a model of the water cycle within a Ziplock bag.

4. Cloud in a Jar

The rain cloud in a jar experiment is a popular instructional project that explains the water cycle and precipitation creation. This experiment is best done as a water experiment since it includes monitoring and understanding how water changes state from a gas (water vapor) to a liquid (rain) and back to a gas.

Learn more: Cloud in a Jar

5. The Rising Water

The rising water using a candle experiment is a wonderful way to teach both adults and children the fundamentals of physics while also giving them an exciting look at the properties of gases and how they interact with liquids.

6. Leak Proof Bag Science Experiment

In the experiment, a plastic bag will be filled with water, and after that, pencils will be inserted through the bag without causing it to leak.

The experiments explain how the plastic bag’s polymer chains stretch and form a barrier that keeps water from dripping through the holes the pencils have produced.

Learn more: Leak Proof Bag Science Experiment

7. Keep Paper Dry Under Water Science Experiment

The experiment is an enjoyable way for demonstrating air pressure and surface tension for both adults and children. It’s an entertaining and engaging technique to increase scientific curiosity and learn about scientific fundamentals.

Learn more: Keep Paper Dry Under Water Science Experiment

8. Frozen Water Science Experiment

The Frozen Water Science Experiment is a fun and engaging project that teaches about the qualities of water and how it behaves when frozen.

You can gain a better knowledge of the science behind the freezing process and investigate how different variables can affect the outcome by carrying out this experiment.

9. Make Ice Stalagmites

10. Bending of Light

A fascinating scientific activity that explores visual principles and how light behaves in different surfaces is the “bending of light” water experiment. This experiment has applications in physics, engineering, and technology in addition to being a fun and interesting method to learn about the characteristics of light.

11. Salt on a Stick

This experiment is an excellent way to catch interest, engage in practical learning, and gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics of water and how they relate to other substances. So the “Salt on Stick” water experiment is definitely worth trying if you’re looking for a fun and educational activity to try!

Learn More: Water Cycle Experiment Salt and Stick

12. Separating Mixture by Evaporation

This method has practical applications in fields like water processing and is employed in a wide range of scientific disciplines, from chemistry to environmental science.

You will better understand the principles determining the behavior of mixtures and the scientific procedures used to separate them by performing this experiment at home.

13. Dancing Spaghetti

Have you ever heard of the dancing spaghetti experiment? It’s a fascinating science experiment that combines simple materials to create a mesmerizing visual display.

The dancing spaghetti experiment is not only entertaining, but it also helps you understand the scientific concepts of chemical reactions, gas production, and acidity levels.

14. Magic Color Changing Potion

The magic color-changing potion experiment with water, vinegar, and baking soda must be tried since it’s an easy home-based scientific experiment that’s entertaining and educational.

This experiment is an excellent way to teach kids about chemical reactions and the characteristics of acids and bases while providing them an interesting and satisfying activity.

15. Traveling Water Experiment

In this experiment, you will use simple objects like straws or strings to make a path for water to pass between two or more containers.

Learn more: Rookie Parenting

16. Dry Erase and Water “Floating Ink” Experiment

The dry-erase and water “floating ink” experiment offers an interesting look at the characteristics of liquids and the laws of buoyancy while also being a great method to educate kids and adults to the fundamentals of science.

Learn more: Dry Erase and Water Floating Ink Experiment

17. Underwater Candle

In this experiment, we will investigate a connection between fire and water and learn about the remarkable factors of an underwater candle.

18. Static Electricity and Water

19. Tornado in a Glass

This captivating experiment will demonstrate how the forces of air and water can combine to create a miniature vortex, resembling a tornado.

Learn more: Tornado in a Glass

20. Make Underwater Magic Sand

Be ready to build a captivating underwater world with the magic sand experiment. This experiment will examine the fascinating characteristics of hydrophobic sand, sometimes referred to as magic sand.

21. Candy Science Experiment

Get ready to taste the rainbow and learn about the science behind it with the Skittles and water experiment! In this fun and colorful experiment, we will explore the concept of solubility and observe how it affects the diffusion of color.

Density Experiments

Density experiments are a useful and instructive approach to learn about the characteristics of matter and the fundamentals of science, and they can serve as a starting point for further exploration into the fascinating world of science.

Density experiments may be carried out with simple materials that can be found in most homes.

This experiment can be a great hands-on learning experience for kids and science lovers of all ages.

22. Super Cool Lava Lamp Experiment

The awesome lava lamp experiment is an entertaining and educational activity that illustrates the concepts of density and chemical reactions. With the help of common household items, this experiment involves making a handmade lava lamp.

Learn more: Lava Lamp Science Experiment

23. Denser Than you Think

Welcome to the fascinating world of density science! The amount of matter in a particular space or volume is known as density, and it is a fundamental concept in science that can be seen everywhere around us.

Understanding density can help us figure out why some objects float while others sink in water, or why certain compounds do not mix.

24. Egg Salt and Water

Learn about the characteristics of water, including its density and buoyancy, and how the addition of salt affects these characteristics through performing this experiment.

25. Hot Water and Cold-Water Density

In this experiment, hot and cold water are put into a container to see how they react to one other’s temperatures and how they interact.

Sound and Water Experiments

Have you ever wondered how sound travels through different mediums? Take a look at these interesting sound and water experiments and learn how sounds and water can affect each other.

26. Home Made Water Xylophone

You can do this simple scientific experiment at home using a few inexpensive ingredients to create a handmade water xylophone.

The experiment demonstrates the science of sound and vibration and demonstrates how changing water concentrations can result in a range of tones and pitches.

Learn more: Home Made Water Xylophone

27. Create Water Forms Using Sound!

A remarkable experiment that exhibits the ability of sound waves to influence and impact the physical world around us is the creation of water formations using sound.

In this experiment, sound waves are used to generate patterns and shapes, resulting in amazing, intricate designs that are fascinating to observe.

28. Sound Makes Water Come Alive 

These experiments consist of using sound waves to create water vibrations, which can result in a variety of dynamic and captivating phenomena.

29. Water Whistle

The water whistle experiment includes blowing air through a straw that is submerged in water to produce a whistle.

This experiment is an excellent way to learn about the characteristics of sound waves and how water can affect them.

Water Surface Tension Experiments

You can observe the effects of surface tension on the behavior of liquids by conducting a surface tension experiment.

By trying these experiments, you can gain a better understanding of the properties of liquids and their behavior and how surface tension affects their behavior.

30. Floating Paperclip

In this experiment, you will put a paper clip on the top of the water and observe it float because of the water’s surface tension.

31. Water Glass Surface Tension

Have you ever noticed how, on some surfaces, water drops may form perfect spheres? The surface tension, which is a characteristic of water and the cohesive force that holds a liquid’s molecules together at its surface, is to blame for this.

32. Camphor Powered Boat

The camphor-powered boat experiment is a fun and fascinating way to explore the principles of chemistry, physics, and fluid mechanics. In this experiment, a miniature boat is used to travel across the water’s surface using camphor tablets.

33. Pepper and Soap Experiment

The pepper in a cloud experiment is a simple and interesting activity that explains the concept of surface tension. This experiment includes adding pepper to a bowl of water and then pouring soap to the mixture, causing the pepper to move away from the soap.

Learn more: Pepper and Soap Experiment

Boiling Water Experiments

Experiments with boiling water are an engaging and informative way to learn about physics, chemistry, and water’s characteristics.

These investigations, which include examining how water behaves when it changes temperature and pressure, can shed light on a variety of scientific phenomena.

It’s important to take the proper safety measures when performing experiments with hot water. Boiling water can produce steam and hot particles that are dangerous to inhale in and can result in severe burns if it comes into contact with skin.

34. Make It Rain

This experiment can be accomplished using basic supplies that can be found in most homes, make it an excellent opportunity for hands-on learning for both kids and science lovers.

Learn more: Make it Rain

35. Fire Water Balloons

Learning about the fundamentals of thermodynamics, the behavior of gases, and the effects of heat on objects are all made possible by this experiment.

36. Boil Water with Ice

The Boiling Water with Ice experiment is an engaging and beneficial approach to learn about temperature and the behavior of water. It can also serve as an introduction for further discovery into the wonderful world of science.

37. Boil Water in a Paper Cup

The “boil water in a cup” experiment is an easier but powerful approach to illustrate the idea of heat transmission by conduction. This experiment is often used in science classes to teach students about thermal conductivity and the physics of heat transfer.

Similar Posts:

• 68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions
• Top 100 Fine Motor Skills Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
• Top 50 Fun Food Science Experiments

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Fill your classroom library 📚

These 33 Edible Science Projects Are Educational and Yummy, Too

Have your science experiments, and eat them too!

Kitchen and food science are very popular these days, but not every experiment is fit to eat when you’re done. Fortunately, we’ve put together a menu of edible science activities you’ll be happy to snack on! Most of them are easy enough for anyone to tackle and can be completed with items you already have on hand. Bon appétit!

1. DIY Gummy Bears

Students will be so excited to learn how much edible science they can do with one of their favorite candies! First, explore chemical change and protein chains by making your own gummy bears. Then, use the sweet treats for an osmosis experiment.

Learn more: Gummy Bears/Little Bins for Little Hands

2. Layered Lemonade

Use the Fibonacci Sequence to layer different proportions of simple syrup and lemon juice (tinted with food coloring) to create a rainbow-colored drink. The varying densities of the solutions create the layers. Don’t forget to drink the delectable results!

 Learn more: Andrea Hawksley

3. Glow In The Dark Jell-O

Add quinine to Jell-O, and you get a totally cool fluorescent snack! Learn about light wavelengths and UV light.

Learn more: Instructables

[contextly_auto_sidebar]

4. Candy Crystals

This is the classic edible science candy experiment! Make a supersaturated sugar solution and then allow it to crystallize around wooden sticks pre-seeded with granulated sugar. The process takes about a week.

Learn more:  The Kitchen Pantry Scientist

5. Grape Molecules

We’ve seen this edible science activity done with gumdrops, but we really like the healthy twist of using grapes instead. Use other round fruits for more color.

Learn more: Parties With a Cause

6. Fizzy Lemonade

Mix acidic lemon juice with basic baking soda and watch the chemical reaction, which produces carbonation. Add a little sugar, and students can drink the chemical reaction!

Learn more:  Learn with Play at Home

7. Cupcake Core Samples

Kids will feel like real scientists when they use a drinking straw to take a core sample from a cupcake. Bake the cake in layers to represent Earth’s layers to tie this into a geology lesson.

Learn more: 123Homeschool4Me

8. Edible Mars Rover

Learn about the conditions on Mars and the tasks the Mars Rover will need to complete. Then, give kids supplies to build their own. (Add to the challenge by making them “buy” the supplies and stick to a budget, just like NASA!).

Learn more: Library Makers

9. Curds and Whey

Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet, eating an edible science experiment! Use the science behind PH, proteins, and colloids to separate milk into curds and whey. Then turn the curds into cheese for a snack.

Learn more: Curds and Whey/Go Science Kids

10. Oreo Moon Phases

Use the chart (click below for the full image in a printable PDF) to create and discuss the different moon phases using Oreo cookies. Of course, you’ll have to eat some of that delicious filling to make some phases!

Learn more:  Optics Central

11. Candy DNA Model

Use toothpicks and candy (or fruit, for a healthier option) to build a DNA model. Color code the candies to represent the four chemicals that make up DNA code and snack on them as you discuss the purpose of each.

Learn more:  WikiHow

12. Starburst Rock Science

Use Starburst candies to explore the ways pressure and heat form different types of rock. (You’ll need a heat source, like a toaster oven.) Who knew geology could be so sweet?

Learn more:  Lemon Lime Adventures

13. Edible Water Bottle

You’ll need some special chemicals, which are readily available online, for this edible science experiment. Follow the directions at the link below to create waste-free water “bottles,” and learn all about spherification.

Learn more:  Inhabit

14. Butter Emulsification

Want a delicious way to learn about emulsification? Shake heavy cream in a mason jar until the butter fats separate from the liquids. It’s really that easy—and yummy!

Learn more: Butter Emulsification/Science Buddies

15. Baked Potato Science

This edible science project is a nutritious way to explore the scientific method in action. Experiment with a variety of methods for baking potatoes—microwaving, using a traditional oven, wrapping them in foil, using baking pins, etc.—testing hypotheses to discover which works best.

Learn more: Potato Science/Left Brain Craft Brain

16. Edible Soil Layers

Layer a variety of foods to represent the soil layers, from bedrock on up. If candy doesn’t fit your school’s nutritional guidelines, use fruits, yogurt, granola, and other healthy options. Either way, the results are scrumptious!

Learn more:  Super Teacher Blog

17. Jell-O and Enzymes

Make Jell-O using raw pineapple, cooked pineapple, and strawberries to see whether the Jell-O sets properly. (You’ll need a heat source and a refrigerator for this edible science experiment.) Students can eat the results as you talk about the ways different enzymes affect chemical reactions.

Learn more:  The Chaos and the Clutter

18. Taste vs. Smell

Have students taste a slice of apple and then again while sniffing a cotton ball soaked in vanilla. Did the smell of vanilla overpower the taste of the apple? Students can finish their apples as you discuss how taste and smell work together.

Learn more:  Education.com

19. Edible Cell Model

Use candies or fruits and nuts to represent the different parts of a cell. Kids can nibble as you discuss each item’s purpose and functions. You can also try this with pizza.

Learn more:  Lessons With Laughter/Instagram

20. Solar Oven S’mores

This edible science project is a science fair classic! Follow the instructions at the link below to turn a pizza box, aluminum foil, and other basic supplies into a solar-powered oven to cook s’mores or other yummy treats.

Learn more:  Desert Chica

21. Sink or Swim Oranges

Place peeled and unpeeled oranges in a container of water to see which ones float and which ones sink. After you discuss the principles of buoyancy, have a healthy snack with your students.

Learn more:  Playdough to Plato

22. Jell-O Turbulence

Suspend a (well-cleaned) toy plane in Jell-O (instructions at the link below), then poke and jiggle it to simulate air turbulence. Discuss how layers of air can support a plane, even though you can’t see them.

Learn more:  Kids Activities Blog

23. Apple Reactions

Slice an apple and note how it turns brown over time. Experiment with a variety of liquid solutions, including lemon juice, to see which, if any, slow the process. Discuss why or why not, exploring the concept of chemical reactions.

Learn more: Apple Reactions/Teach Beside Me

24. Bread Biology

Bake a simple loaf of bread from scratch, using yeast. Watch the reaction of the yeast with water and sugar, then knead the dough to create the gluten the bread needs to support the rise. (You’ll need an oven to bake the bread to finish this edible science experiment.)

Learn more: Bread Biology/Left Brain Craft Brain

25. Sourdough Science

Yeast makes bread rise, but you don’t have to buy it at the store. Make a sourdough starter using flour and water and watch wild yeast grow and multiply before your eyes. After a week or so, use the sourdough starter to make a savory loaf of bread.

Learn more:  King Arthur Flour

26. Sugar Glass

Simulate the way silicon dioxide (sand) is turned into glass but at much more manageable temperatures. Heat sugar until it melts, then cool it to form “glass.” Students can snack on the creation while discussing how amorphous solids are formed.

Learn more: Sugar Glass/Go Science Kids

27. Edible Atoms

Get the free printable worksheet at the link below, then use two colors of mini marshmallows to represent protons and neutrons and chocolate chips for electrons. (Need a healthier option? Try red and green grapes for protons and pumpkin seeds for electrons.)

Learn more:  Preschool Powol Packets

28. Cake Reactions

Discover the purpose of various baking ingredients by leaving them out of each recipe. Have students predict what might happen and taste the results! (You’ll need an oven for this edible science experiment.)

Learn more: Cake Reactions/Teach Beside Me

29. Centripetal Force Jell-O

Create test force chambers using a plastic cup, Jell-O, and marbles (get full instructions at the link below). Spin the cup to see how centripetal force moves the marble inside the Jell-O.

Learn more: Centripetal Force Jell-O/Science Buddies

30. Raisin Dehydration

Have students dry grapes in the sun over a period of days to see them turn into raisins! Talk about the process of dehydration as a method of preserving food.

Learn more:  Learn Play Imagine

31. Gumdrop Bridges

Use toothpicks and gumdrops to construct a bridge. Test it to see if it will bear weight, then challenge students to build the strongest bridge with the fewest materials. (Let them eat the gumdrops they don’t use!)

Learn more:  Little Bins for Little Hands

32. Popcorn Pressure

Calculate the internal pressure needed for popcorn to pop (see the link below for formulas). Then pop the carefully measured corn using the procedure at the link, and check your calculations.

Learn more: Carolina Biological

33. Edible Petri Dishes

Create models in Petri dishes using Jell-O and candies to represent a variety of bacteria, as seen under a microscope. (Get examples at the link below.) Disgustingly delicious!

Learn more: STEAMsational

Love these edible science activities? Here are more Easy Science Experiments Using Materials You Already Have On Hand .

Plus, get all the latest teaching tips and ideas when you sign up for our free newsletters .

You Might Also Like

34 Fun Friday Activities To Kick-Start the Weekend

So many ways to end the week. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

100 AMAZING Food Experiments for Kids – Chemistry, Biology, Physics, & Earth Science Projects

• Earth Science
• Kids Activities
• Science Experiments
• Science Printables
• 7th / 8th Grade
• Kindergarten

Are you tired of ads too?

For a small fee you can get this site – and all the free goodies – 100% ad-free!

Get ready to make science deliciously fun with over 100  food experiments for kids ! From exploring chemical reactions to learning about the properties of different ingredients, these hands-on  food science experiments  will spark curiosity and creativity in budding young scientists. Whether you’re making homemade butter, creating your own edible slime, or observing the effects of heat on different foods, there’s no limit to the tasty discoveries waiting to be made in the kitchen with these  food science projects . So grab your lab coat (apron) and join us on a culinary adventure!

Food Experiments for Kids

Who’s hungry for some delicious science fun? Dive into over 100  food experiments for kids  that are not only tasty, but also educational! From exploring chemistry to biology, physics to earth science, these  food science activities  are sure to make learning a blast for kids of all ages from preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, and up. Let’s make science flavorful and engaging together with these  food science projects ! Plus don’t miss pop rocks  easy science experiment , all our  free science lessons , free  2nd grade worksheets , and leak-proof bag  easy science expeirments

Food Science Experiments

While trying these edible food science experiments your kids will be practicing all kinds of scientific thinking skills such as trial and error, making a hypothesis, following the scientific method, and more. There are so many different scientific processes and areas that kids can learn about, from making polymers with slime, to exploring acids and bases with fizzy lemonade, learning about microorganisms while baking bread, and learning about the physics of buoyant force while seeing if your chocolate bar floats or sinks!

Chemistry Food Experiments

Chemistry for kids covers a wide range of scientific topics that involve the study of matter, its properties, and the changes it undergoes. Some types of science that fall under chemistry for kids include: atoms and elements, chemical reactions, acids and bases, mixtures and solutions, the periodic table, and more.

• Pop Rocks Science Experiment for Kids from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. This is a super cool experiment where kids can learn about chemical reactions and make lots of hypothesis about what will happen and why.
• Apple Oxidations Experiment from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games. This experiment will show you firsthand how exposure to oxygen can cause your favorite fruit to change its color.
• Glow in the Dark Jello from Instructables. This experiment is a great way to learn about the properties of ultraviolet light, and how cool would it be to eat glow in the dark jello!?
• Fake Snot Edible Slime Science Activity from Little Bins for Little Hands. This is a super cool, super gross, experiment for exploring polymers.
• Edible Slime from Fun At Home With Kids. This slime recipe is borax free and 100% taste safe, and another, different way, to make a polymer.
• How to Make Fizzing Lemonade from Learn With Play At Home. What a delicious way to learn about bases and acids.
• Kid Science: Make Orange Soda from Pink Stripey Socks. This is another acid and base activity, this one makes orange soda!
• Jello Sky With Fluffy Clouds from The Queen Says. This is an interesting exploration of solids and liquids with a cool and delicious result.
• How to Make an Edible Water Bubble from Inhabitat. This experiment is a little trickier but the step by step instructions in the video make it very doable, and super cool!
• How to make Sherbet from Laughing Kids Learn. This simple recipe creates a delicious chemical reaction in your mouth!
• Periodic Table Activity from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. How fun to create a periodic table so you can learn, review, and taste with this hands-on project!
• Oil and Water Experiment from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games. This simple yet fascinating experiment allows kids to explore the concept of density and how oil and water don’t mix.
• Homemade Fluffy Marshmallow Science from STEAM Powered Family. It’s science that makes marshmallows so fluffy!
• Solid or Liquid? from Go Science Kids. Learn about states of matter in this simple science activity.
• Color Changing Milk – while not edible, this experiment demonstrates the chemical reaction between the dish soap and the fat molecules in the milk, creating a stunning display of color-changing magic.
• Yeast Balloon Experiment – As the yeast produces carbon dioxide, the balloon will inflate like magic! It’s a great way to learn about how yeast, sugar, and fermentation work together.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon –  The reaction will cause the mixture to fizz and expand, inflating the balloon! It’s a simple yet captivating way to teach kids about chemical reactions and gases.
• Candy Dissolving Experiment – This experiment is a great way to teach kids about the scientific process, the concept of solubility, and the effects of different materials on dissolving.
• Lemon Clock Project – This hands-on activity allows you to harness the power of citrus fruit to generate electricity and power a clock.
• Tomato Battery from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games. By harnessing the power of chemical reactions in the tomato, you can create electricity to light up a small bulb.
• Bouncy Egg in Vinegar Experiment Worksheet – It’s a great way to explore the properties of acids and bases while having a blast.
• Lots of baking soda experiments to try all year round!

Food Science Experiments for kids

• Homemade Butter Science from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. This science experiment is almost magical as you watch simple movement change the chemistry of the cream!
• Ketchup Volcano from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games. It’s a fun and exciting way to learn about chemical reactions.
• Dancing Frankenworms Experiment from Preschool Play and Learn – I’m not sure you’ll want to eat these gummy worms after you’ve tried this cool chemical reaction experiment. Or try the dancing popcorn experiment from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games
• Candy Chromatography Experiment from Mama Miss. Chromatography is technique for separating out different substances, and this experiment even has an artistic end result.
• Kool Aid Rock Candy from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. Learning about how crystals form has never been more delicious!
• Making Lollipops – Candy Science from STEAM Powered Family. Explore the science behind making this delicious treat!
• Ada Twit’s Color Changing Lemonade Lab from Left Brain Craft Brain. What a magic way to learn about pH and indicators!
• Magical Color Changing Unicorn Noodles from Left Brain Craft Brain. This is another pH and indicator experiment with magical results!
• Jelly Bean STEM Rainbow from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. There are lots of great opportunities to practice scientific thinking during the fun experiment.
• Lots of fun egg experiments to try
• Lava Toffee Kitchen Science from STEAM Powered Family. This is a tasty version of a common chemical reaction.
• Plastic Milk Science Experiment from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. This plastic is made from edible ingredients, but I’m not sure it will still be food when you are done!
• Edible Atom Models from Preschool Powol Packets. Make the structures of an atom with candy using the free printable as a guide.
• Apple Science Experiment – Prevent Browning from Teach Beside Me. What a simple and hands on way to learn about oxidation.
• Invisible Ink Snack Pockets from Imagination Soup. This another oxidation experiment that shows you how to bake secret messages!
• Edible Science Party Ideas from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. There are so many fun party ideas in this article, but my favorite is the instant worms! What a cool way to explore the science of polymers.
• Polymer Science – Homemade Fruit Gummies from Left Brain Craft Brain. Learn what a polymer is and make some delicious ones!
• Food Chemistry – Turn Juice into a Solid from Teach Beside Me. Science is so cool! This chemical reaction make a liquid into a solid!
• Edible Water Beads from Growing a Jeweled Rose. This is a food based option for water beads and a great way to explore absorption and dehydration.
• Galaxy Sugar Crystals from Steamsational. The best thing about growing sugar crystals is that you can eat your experiment when you are done!
• How to Make Curds and Whey from Go Science Kids. Learn about happens when you change the pH of milk.
• Skittle Experiment – This Skittle type of science experiment is not only visually stunning but also a great way to learn about solubility and color mixing.
• Baking Soda Rocket Experiment – While not edible, this food project is a great way to teach kids about chemical reactions and have a blast at the same time.

Biology Food Experiments

When it comes to science for kids, biology is a fascinating field to explore! From learning about animals and plants to understanding the human body and how it functions, there are so many topics to discover. Some types of science that fall under biology for kids include ecology, zoology, botany, anatomy, and genetics.  We found TONS of super clever and unique biology experiments you can make with food! Whether you make an edible cell, make a candy neuron model, or try growing gummy bear – these science experiments are sure to leave an impression!

• Butterfly Life Cycle project with food from My Joy-Filled Life. What a delicious hands on way to learn about the life cycle of a butterfly.
• Frog Life Cycle that’s edible from Teach Beside Me. Here is another delicious life cycle model.
• Celery Pollution Experiment from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games. It’s a fascinating type of science that involves using celery stalks to observe how pollutants travel through plants.
• Edible Eyeball and Edible Skin Model from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. These amazing models are a great way to teach kids about the different structures of the eye and skin.
• Edible Licorice DNA and Human Cell Project from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. I love this hands on idea for learning about DNA cells.
• Human Spine Skeletal System Project Ideas with food from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. Who knew you could make a human spine out of food!
• Yummy Soil Model from Farmer’s Daughter. Learn about what is under the ground with this yummy snack.
• Taking a Core Sample Layers of the Earth Experiment with food from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. Practice being a geologist and take a core sample from a cupcake!
• Jello Science Experiments from The Chaos and The Clutter. There are lots of cool jello experiments in this article but my favorite is the enzymes vs protein biochemistry experiment.
• The Biology of Bread from Left Brain Craft Brain. Who knew you could learn all about single cell microorganisms (aka yeast) while making bread!
• Plant Cell Pizza from Journey to Excellence. What a clever way to learn about the structure of a cell.
• Easy Animal Cell Cookie from Adventures in Mommydom. This is a simple way to learn about the basic structures of animals cells.
• Candy Blood – Biology with Food from Big Red Kitchen. Learn about blood then drink the experiment!
• Edible Heart Model from Connections Academy. This is a great hands on way to learn about the structures of the heart.
• Edible Model of the Respiratory System from All Things Beautiful. Learn about the respiratory system with this edible model.
• Candy Neuron Models from A School of Fish. This is a yummy way to learn all about neurons.

Food Experiments

• Edible Petri Dish Bacteria from Steamsational. This is kinda gross, but a super cool way to learn about bacteria.
• Celery Science from Rainy Day Mum. Learn about transpiration in plants while changing the color of your celery! Or try this transpiration for kids project with a free printable transpiration worksheet.
• How to Grow a Lettuce Indoors from Laughing Kids Learn. Growing food from scraps is a great way to learn about plants, and a great way to get kids involved in eating the salad they grew.
• Growing Gummy Bear Science from Playdough to Plato. This is a great way to learn about osmosis. I wonder what they gummy bears taste like after the experiment?
• The Biology of Yogurt from Left Brain Craft Brain. I love that this experiment to learn about fermentation and bacteria also includes an idea for hands on learning to really help kids understand the process.
• Jello Animal Cell Project  from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. What candy will your kids use to create the structure of a cell?
• Taste Test Science – Fool Your Tongue from Education.com Trick your tongue and learn about the relationship between taste and smell.
• Five Senses Science Investigation from Fantastic Fun and Learning. This experiment used chewing gum and a fabulous printable to help kids learn about the five senses.
• Mushroom Spore Prints from Go Science Kids. This is a great way to learn about fungi with a craft that is also a science activity, and you can make dinner with the leftovers.
• Growing Celery in Water from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games.  It’s a simple and fascinating project that can teach kids about plant growth and sustainability

Physics Food Experiments

Physics for kids encompasses a wide range of scientific disciplines that focus on the study of matter, energy, and how they interact in the world around us. Some of the key areas of science that fall under physics for kids include mechanics (the study of motion and forces), thermodynamics (the study of heat and temperature), electromagnetism (the study of electricity and magnetism), and optics (the study of light and its behavior).

• Walking on Eggs from Steve Spangler Science. You could celebrate the success of this physics experiment by eating the eggs afterwards!
• Simple Conduction and Radiation Experiment for School from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. Who knew you could learn physics while making toast?!
• Frost in a Can experiment from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games.  This hands-on activity allows children to learn about the science behind frost formation in a simple and exciting way.
• How to Pop Corn from a Cob from Tinkerlab. This is a great food science activity with lots of interesting questions to ponder before you begin.
• Surface Tension for Kids Egg experiment – By carefully placing an egg in a glass of water, you can observe how surface tension keeps the egg floating or not depending on several variables!
• Skittles Density Rainbow from Gift of Curiosity. This coloring experiment explores the concept of density, with some learning about rainbows thrown in for good measure!
• Density Water Balloon Experiment – It’s a hands-on way to explore the concept of density in a creative and engaging way.
• Sink or Float Candy Science from Reading Confetti. I love the simple chart used to record predictions in this experiment, plus it’s a great introduction to the physics of buoyant force.
• Edible Gummy Bear Slime from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. When you’ve learned about the process of melting while making this slime and you’ve had fun playing with it, you can eat it!
• Microwave a Peep from Hallecake. What happens when heat turns water into steam? Something cool!
• How Many Rubberbands to Explode a Watermelon from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. This has got to be the coolest way to learn about potential and kinetic energy!
• Hot Cocoa and Marshmallows Melting Snowman Activity from Arts and Crackers. There is lots of opportunity for scientific thinking in this simple melting experiment.
• Hot Chocolate Science from Creative Family Fun. How does heat change things in this experiment? And I wonder which one tastes the best?
• Dancing Raisins Experiment  from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. This is a cool experiment that looks at density.
• Will It Melt? Candy Science from Playdough to Plato. There is a great printable to go with this simple science experiment about melting.
• Rainbow in a Jar Density Experiment with food – his hands-on activity not only teaches kids about the science of density, but also provides a visually stunning result that is sure to captivate both kids and adults alike.
• Water Displacement Experiment – Not only is it a sweet way to learn about water displacement, but it’s also a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while learning something new!

Food Experiment

Physics can seem like a daunting thing to teach elementary age kids, but with these fun food science experiments kid will not only WANT to learn, but will remember it too!

• Edible Playdough Candy Corn Activity from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. This is a great activity for kids to see how melting something changes it from a solid to a liquid.
• Ice Cream in a Bag Experiment from 123Homeschool4Me –  When you make ice cream you explore the physics of heat exchange, you also make an endothermic chemical reaction! This includes a free worksheet to make it more educational!
• Edible Sand for Toddlers from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. You could use this edible option to explore the weird properties of sand which can act as a solid or a liquid!.
• Sweet Slurpee Science Experiment for Kids from STEAM Powered Family. This is another delicious heat exchange experiment.
• Air Pressure Experiments with food from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. Sucking a drink through a straw and sucking an egg into a bottle are two awesome ways to explore the physics of air pressure.
• The Science Behind Edible Glass from Go Science Kids. Learn what an amorphous solid is and how to make one with this cool experiment.
• Water Displacement Candy Science Experiment
• Baked Potato Science Fair Project from Left Brain Craft Brain. I love that this science project clearly explains the scientific process and how to apply it to this yummy experiment.
• Turbulence on a Plane Explained with Jello from Kids Activities Blog. This is such a clever way to learn about fluid dynamics!
• Centripetal Force Jello Experiment from Science Buddies. Kids are learning about lots of physics concepts in this this experiment – gravity, motion, force and more.
• Gumdrop Bridge Building Activity from Little Bins for Little Hands. This is a super fun engineering activities that also provides lots of opportunities for learning about the physical forces that affect bridges.
• Glowing Ice Cubes from Go Science Kids. The secret ingredient in these ice blocks makes them absorb ultraviolet light, and makes them taste funny too!
• Build a 3D Atom from The Natural Homeschool. Learn about the structure of an atom, then eat them!

Earth Food Experiments

Earth science for kids covers a wide range of scientific disciplines that focus on our planet and its natural processes. This can include geology, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental science. Through hands-on activities and experiments, kids can learn about the formation of rocks, patterns of weather, the properties of water, and the importance of taking care of our environment.  Help kids make an edible solar system, learn the phases of the moon, or discover rock cycles with these amazing, edible earth science experiments for kids!

• Earth Structural Layer Cake from Cake Crumbs. This cake is amazing, and such a delicious way to learn about the earth’s structure.
• Oreo Moon Phases from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. Turning Oreos into moons is super cool!
• Types for Rocks for Kids and Rock Cycle experiment from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games. With this engaging activity, children can learn about the stages of how rocks form, change, and transform over time.
• Edible Rock Classification Types for Rocks for Kids from 123 Homeschool 4 Me. This is such a clever way to learn about different rock formations.
• Solar Oven Smores from Lemon Lime Adventures. Experiment with solar energy and see if you can cook smores with the sun!
• Edible Solar System from Creative Kids Snacks. Eat your way through this healthy solar system model.
• Sugar cookie Solar System from Simple Living Creative Learning. This is another delicious way to learn about the solar system.
• Shadow Tracing with Grape Structures from The Artful Parent. After you’ve used your engineering skills to make these cool grade structures, you can learn about what makes a shadow.
• Making Raisins from Learn Play Imagine. All you need is some grapes and some sunshine to learn about dehydration and the sun in this simple experiment.
• Edible Model Earth from Classically Homeschooling. Learning about is in the center of the earth has never been so delicious!
• How to Make Edible Geode Crystals from Little Bins for Little Hands. Do you know what a geode is? Learn all about while making these yummy ‘rock’ treats.

Food Science Projects

• How to Make a Delicious Rock Cycle with Chocolate Rocks from Left Brain Craft Brain. Such a sweet way to learn about the rock cycle.
• Sedimentary Rocks Food Science for Kids from Rainy Day Mum. Learn some geology with this activity about rock formations and layers.
• Igneous Rock Activity with Food!  from Rainy Day Mum. Learn how igneous rocks from, then eat them!
• Edible Metamorphic Rock Activit y from Rainy Day Mum Make some delicious metamorphic rocks to learn how they form.
• Rock Cycle for Kids Food Experiment from Lemon Lime Adventures. This rock cycle experiment uses candy.
• Marshmallow and Toothpick Constellations from Artsy Momma. Once you’ve learned about these constellations, you can eat them!
• Edible Mars Soil Space Experiment from Preschool Powol Packets. Learn how scientists study the surface of Mars!
• How to Make Gummy Candy Planet Cupcakes from Erin Bakes. This solar system looks too good to eat!
• Sedimentary Rocks And Fossil Experiment from Teach Beside Me. This is a really cool way to explore how fossils form.
• Exploring Trace Fossils from Rainy Day Mum. Learn about fossils by crating your own in this edible dough.
• Lemon Volcano Experiment worksheet is technically a chemistry project, but it is representational of a volcano which is earth science – so you decide where this activity fits in! Watch as the citrus juice reacts with the baking soda to create a fizzy eruption like a volcano! Or try the apple volcano project

With 100 edible science experiments to choose from, you are sure to find a delicious way to learn all kinds of amazing science!

Beth Gorden

Beth Gorden is the creative multi-tasking creator of 123 Homeschool 4 Me. As a busy homeschooling mother of six, she strives to create hands-on learning activities and worksheets that kids will love to make learning FUN! She has created over 1 million pages of printables to help teach kids ABCs, science, English grammar, history, math, and so much more! Beth is also the creator of 2 additional sites with even more educational activities and FREE printables – www.kindergartenworksheetsandgames.com and www.preschoolplayandlearn.com. Beth studied at the University of Northwestern where she got a double major to make her effective at teaching children while making education FUN!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

25 Amazing Science Experiments with Food Color

• October 24, 2020
• Science Experiments

Here is a list of Food Color Science Experiments that you can try at home with your kids.

The STEM activities, experiments and science lesson plans that will help you teach amazing science concepts to kids, even if you’ve never stepped foot in a lab.

Science Experiments with Food Color

All the experiments are simple science activities but with really great effects and good scientific concepts. Have a look!

1. Rainbow in a Jar Water Density Experiment

Water science is amazing and experimenting with water and food color using simple kitchen ingredients offers a great science experiment that teaches water density in a jar. Rainbow in a jar water density science experiment makes great play activity and an amazing science lesson too! Enjoy finding out about the basics of color mixing all the way up to the density of liquids with this one simple water density experiment.

Have a look at the colorful sugar water density activity, fun science experiments for kids: Rainbow in a Jar Water Density Experiment

2. Science Experiment with Water Oil and Food Color

We decided to make fireworks at home. Did you hear it right? Yes, you did. At home DIY explosives. But do not panic as they are as safe to make and can be played by little ones. In addition, you could teach density science to kids. Does that sound exciting? We decided to make two difference density science experiments to teach my daughters. Believe me, you will become a kid when you see the results. You will start loving to do this quite often. We did not buy any expensive things but used only the items available at home. The best part – you can do both these experiments in less than ten minutes.

Are you interested in this awesome science activity? Check out for more details here: Science Experiment with Water Oil and Food Color

3. Science Experiment with Milk and Food Color

Here is another most preferred and easiest science experiment that you can try at home using a few simple kitchen ingredients from your home. The best part is, it just takes minutes to set up the experiment table and finishes in minutes to see the amazing results. Toddlers, pre-schoolers, and even kindergarten children can work on this. Best for 5-6 year old or older children to explain the various science concepts of surface tension, chemistry, forces, and properties of matter.

Do you want try this simple and easy science activity? Here we go with the complete description of the experiment here: Science Experiment with Milk and Food Color

4. Science Experiment with Food Color and Flowers

Does flowers change color with food colors? Wondering how? You can now change the flower color at home and at any time during the year. Let’s try this natural science experiment with white roses and Let us understand the science behind this experiment. Absorption of water in flowers/plants is the scientific concept kids can learn in a fun way while investigating this super simple science experiment. This experiment can be done with  preschoolers  and they will love to make their hands colorful too.  Other kids including  Kindergarteners  and  7 – 9-year-old kids  can do this experiment, not just for fun but to learn some science as well. They can change the variables and see the changes in the results.

Check out for full details of the experiment here: Science Experiment with Food Color and Flowers

5. Science Experiment with Food Color and Fizzy Tablets

Things that fizz are always sound interesting and mysterious too for kids especially pre-schoolers. Today let’s clear the question marks on our kid’s faces when they see fizzy things with another wonderful density science experiment. This is a super fun and simple experiment to explain kids about the fizzy science and density of liquids. Density is a good concept to be explained for older kids. So the experiment would be well suited for kids of 5 to 6 year olds or older kids of aged 7+

Let’s get into the lava lamp experiment here: Science Experiment with Food Color and Fizzy Tablets

6. Science Experiment with Food Color and Baking Soda

Volcano making can be a lot of fun for a summer family project. This fizzy science experiment gives young children an exciting and learning experience as they watch and learn about incredible geological formations while experimenting volcano. This is a perfect activity for 3-4 year olds, 5-6 year olds and up. Even pre-schoolers can enjoy the activity by watching.

Find more details about this super fun and easy experiments here: Science Experiment with Food Color and Baking Soda

7. Celery with Food Coloring Science Experiment

This easy science experiment with Celery and Food Color is a fantastic fun for kids of all ages. All you need is full a celery plant, food colouring and water to explore simple biology. Super easy supplies and set up for simple biology. Explore capillary action or the process of water moving upward through thin tubes in the plant’s stem. It defies gravity! Biology is always fascinating for kids because it’s all about the living world around us. Activities like this celery osmosis science experiment show us how living cells move water. 

Let’s get started with this simple kid’s-friendly science experiment to demonstrate osmosis: Celery with Food Coloring Science Experiment

8. Cool Walking Water Science Experiment

Let your kids have a lot of fun with this summer science project! Summer is the perfect time to get the kids excited with a hands on activity! The Walking Water experiment is super easy to set up and has a big wow factor.  Kids can watch the colored water walk along paper towels and fill an empty glass. It’s very cool! This cool walking water science experiment gives young children an exciting and learning experience as they watch and learn about incredible capillary action of moving water.

Want to see how cool it is for yourself? Watch it in action! Click on Cool Walking Water Science Experiment

9. Science Experiment with Ice Salt Food Color

If the kids don’t care too much for all of that science stuff, this still makes for an interesting, non-toxic and fun activity. This is such a fun and beautiful activity that is perfect for Pre-school aged Children and above! It’s a fun ice and salt experiment that is low prep and low cost too! These ice sculptures catch the sunlight so beautifully too! 

This was such a fun activity for my kids, I hope you give it a try too! For full details of this experiment, click on: Science Experiment with Ice Salt Food Color

10. Rain Cloud Science Experiment

Here is a super simple science experiment that teaches children about clouds and rain. It’s great fun to do at home or in the classroom and this rain cloud science experiment only uses commonly found ingredients. This is a perfect activity for 3-4 year olds, 5-6 year olds and up. Even preschoolers can enjoy the activity by watching.

Super simple and using only a few commonly found ingredients, I knew we had to give it a go. It might just explain the concept of rain as a visual representation. Click on Rain Cloud Science Experiment

11. Absorbing Experiment with Food Color and Sugar Cubes

We often observe some things absorb water like sponges, underpants, etc. Through this super cool science experiment, we are trying an absorbing experiment with a twist and trying to halt the process as a way of investigating which materials absorb water and which don’t! Can you try to predict which material will stop the water spreading through the cubes the best? Want to know your predictions are correct or went wrong? Check out Absorbing Experiment with Food Color and Sugar Cubes to know and learn more details about this cool classic experiment in detail.

12. Simple Color Mixing Science Experiments for Preschoolers

Simple and a very few ingredients from your kitchen can fascinate your children amazingly while learning simple science involved. Simple color mixing science experiment helps children learn the properties of colors while making something attractive. Best suitable for pre-schoolers, kindergarten, and even toddlers.

Get the simple step-by-step ingredients required to do this experiment hasslefree: Click on Simple Color Mixing Science Experiments for Pre-schoolers

13. Does the Color of Water Affect Its Temperature?

Does the color of water affect its temperature? This simple science experiment is a fun way to learn a little more about the light spectrum. We experience light every day but we don’t often think about why we see certain colors or how these colors might affect the temperature of a liquid. In this simple experiment, kids will learn a little more about light reflection and absorption and how colors relate to thermal energy. Learn about the light spectrum and the various heat absorption levels of different colored liquids in this fun science experiment! Click on Does the Color of Water Affect Its Temperature?

14. Science Experiment: Changing Ants Colors!

Ant science experiments are loads of fun and perfect for spring and summer time!  This unique science project is totally safe for both your kiddos and the ants too! Ghost ants can be a nuisance, but outside they can also provide hours of educational opportunities. And the best part is that you already have the supplies at home!  It’s the perfect ant experiment!

Do you want have fun play with ants while learning little science? Check out: Science Experiment: Changing Ants Colors!

15. Science Experiment with Food Color to Create Water Cycle in a Bottle

Make your child’s play or free time exciting and creative with this super cool, simple and easy science activity of creating water cycle in a bottle. Easy to set-up, investigate, and easy to rinse away! This spring, make this easy  water cycle in a bottle science experiment  with your class to illustrate how the water cycle works up close and personal. Kids will love making their own water biomes in a bottle and will be fascinated to watch the water turn into a gas, turn back into a liquid, and fall back into the bottom of the bottle.

Check out for more information of the experiment in detail: Science Experiment with Food Color to Create Water Cycle in a Bottle

16. Make an Orange Volcano Science Experiment

Showing kids about chemistry science concepts is not too hard anymore! Here is the fascinating experiment that teaches kids about how exothermic chemical reactions work using a few kitchen and household items in an easy and educational way. Also it shows a great demonstration on how chemical reactions work out by creating all sorts of fun fall themed activity. Children in grades 3-4 and even older children can have a great visual witness on creating density column.

With just a few inexpensive supplies, you too can make your own orange volcanoes too. Trust us, the kids will LOVE these! And so will you! Check out Make an Orange Volcano Science Experiment

17. Hot and Cold Temperature Science Experiment with Food Color

Kids are very familiar and love to play with colored water but this time we are going to make their playful activity more fun and interesting by introducing them to cold and hot temperature waters. Kids will be fascinated to learn the science behind this amazing reaction between hot and cold temperature water. It can be used for imaginative and sensory play. This is the perfect sensory activity for 3-4 year olds and 5-6 year olds. But how can we do that super classic science experiment? Check out here for complete instructions of this cool science experiment: Hot and Cold Temperature Science Experiment with Food Color

18. Science Experiment with Plants and Food Color

Food color plus water plus plants is an awesome combination to show how plants absorb water! This is a great science activity which is pretty cool to watch colors change. In this experiment, food color and cabbage leaves are used amazingly to show the kids how plants absorb water and nutrients up through their stems. Also, this experiment is done using white flowers too to extend the experiment and make the concept easily understandable by the kids.

Get more details of the experiment by just clicking on Science Experiment with Plants and Food Color

19. Squirt Gun Volcanoes using Food Color Science Experiment

Children find playing with squirt guns and different color liquids fun and exciting! Let us make their interest of playing with these items, a science lesson or activity in order to inspire them towards learning simple science concepts by investigating this easy and simple science activity of creating volcanoes. Kindergarten, pre-schoolers, and toddlers enjoy watching revealing colors whereas older kids investigate and learn the simple science concept of chemical reactions.

Check out this fantastic simple science experiment with step-by-step instructions here: Squirt Gun Volcanoes using Food Color Science Experiment

20. Convection in Glass Science Experiment with Food Color and Glasses

Have you ever fascinated to perform a simple science activity using CD’s, glass jars, and food color? Though it is a new combination of supplies to do a science experiment but we can do an amazing science activity with these simple supplies that are easily available in our home along with some other kitchen hold items and a magical ingredient, food color. Kids get a change to extend the experiment using other types of liquid solutions. Sounds interesting and exciting right? Check out for full description of this amazing science activity here: Convection in Glass Science Experiment with Food Color and Glasses

21. Food Color Diffusion in Different Temperatures of Water

A great visual demonstration that shows and explains kids about how food colors diffuse in different temperatures of water! This is an awesome indoor and outdoor science fair project, gives young and older children an exciting and learning experience as they get an opportunity to watch and observe the outcome results while experimenting with food colors.

This experiment can be done with pre-schoolers not only to have a lot of fun in making their hands colorful but also to introduce them to the little and simple science concepts. Other kids including Kindergarteners and 7 – 9-year-old kids can do this experiment, not just for fun but to learn some science as well.

Before you start with this awesome science experiment, you need to go through the full description of this science activity here: Food Color Diffusion in Different Temperatures of Water

Want to convert your kitchen as a little science lab? If you are a home schooling parent or a teacher searching for kid-friendly and fun filled science activities and experiments, then you are at the right place. Food color either in the form of powder or liquid, it is inexpensive, nontoxic and easy to find at the grocery store making it perfect for science experiments with young and older children. When you are using food coloring for science experiments make sure that everyone is wearing old clothes and cover your work area with newspapers or plastic since food coloring can stain.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name  *

Email  *

Add Comment  *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post Comment

Science Bob

• Experiments
• Science Fair Ideas
• Science Q&A
• Research Help
• Experiment Blog

more in Experiment Blog

Oobleck – the cornstarch and water experiment.

This may just be the easiest, messiest, and most fun science activity I know. It is a classic, and I have gotten several requests recently to post directions. You should know that if you try this activity and  you are not smiling and messy with corn starch goo at the end, then you are definitely doing something wrong. Also keep in mind that this is not just about fun, there is some pretty amazing science going on here.

You will need:

• Cornstarch (a 16 oz. box is good for every 2-3 participants – but more is always better)
• Food coloring (we always say it’s optional, but it does make it more fun – don’t use too much or you could end up with colored hands…and clothes…and curtains)
• A large bowl
• A camera – you’re probably going to want to take pictures.

Everyone should roll up their sleeves and prepare for some gooey fun.

• This is easy. Pour the cornstarch into the bowl. Don’t rush to add water – take time to feel the cornstarch. Cornstarch does not feel like any other powder. It has a texture that can be compared to that of whipped cream. The grains of cornstarch are so small that they will fill into grooves of your fingerprints and make the prints stand out.
• After you’ve taken-in the feel of the powder, it is time to add water. (You should add the food coloring to your water before adding it to the powder.) There are no exact formulas regarding how much water to add, but it will end up being about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water per cup (235 ml) of cornstarch. The secret is to add the water slowly and mix as you add it. Don’t be shy here – dig in with your hands and really mix it up. This is usually when you notice that this is not your average liquid. Add enough water so that the mixture slowly flows on its own when mixed. The best test is to reach in and grab a handful of the mixture and see if you can roll it into a ball between your hands – if you stop rolling it and it “melts” between your fingers – success!

We’ll get the the science soon, for now just dig in and explore. Notice that the goo does not splash (or even move) if you hit it quickly. Squeeze it hard and see what happens. How long can you get the strands of goo to drip? What happens if you let the goo sit on the table for a minute and then try to pick it up? How does it feel? Hows does it move? Try bouncing a ball on the surface of the cornstarch. You get the idea – explore!

30 minutes later…

So now goo is everywhere and you’re thinking you should probably start cleaning. Actual clean up of the goo is a snap. A bucket of warm water will quickly get it off your hands. It will brush off of clothes when it dries, and it is easily cleaned off surfaces with a wet rag.

Important : Make sure you do not dump the goo down the drain – it can get caught in the drain trap and take the joy out of your day of science. Dump it in the trash, or even mix it into soil in the garden.

Now for the science… Our cornstarch goo (sometimes referred to as “oobleck” from the Dr. Suess book) is what scientists call a “Non-Newtonian” liquid. Basically, Sir Issac Newton stated individual liquids flow at consistent, predictable rates. As you likely discovered, cornstarch goo does NOT follow those rules – it can act almost like a solid, and them flow like a liquid. Technically speaking, the goo is a SUSPENSION, meaning that the grains of starch are not dissolved, they are just suspended and spread out in the water. If you let the goo sit for an while, the cornstarch would settle to the bottom of the bowl.

So why does this concoction act the way it does? Most of it has to do with pressure. The size, shape, and makeup of the cornstarch grains causes the cornstarch to “lock-up” and hold its shape when pressure is applied to it. People have filled small pools with oobleck and they are able to walk across the surface of it (as long as they move quickly.) As soon as they stop walking, they begin to sink.

I hope you get to try this out. Let us know how your day with non-newtonian liquids went.  Have fun exploring!

Science Experiments, Experiment Videos, and Science Fair Ideas from Science Bob

Ads (these ads support our free website), share this page.

Save Your Favorite Ideas

Oil and Water Experiment

This classic oil and water experiment is sometimes referred to as “fireworks in a jar” because it looks like fireworks falling down from the oil. Kids will love learning about density and how oil and water do not mix in this fun and easy science experiment!

RELATED: Rain Cloud in a Jar

Oil and Water Science Experiment

This simple science experiment explores density using oil and water. Expand this further by mixing or trying other oils – does it act the same way? You can even use a pipette to add drops of colored water to oil in a jar or cup and observe what happens.

What is Density?

Density is the amount of mass per unit of volume. Let’s say you have two objects and they are the same size. If one object is heavier, then it is denser and if the other object is lighter, then it is less dense.

What you will see in this experiment is that oil is less dense than water, so it will float on top of the water.

The Science Behind It

Oil and water do not mix. Oil is less dense than water and floats on top of the water. Food coloring is water-based so it mixes with the water. When you add the food coloring to the oil it will not mix. Once you add the oil to the water, the food colored droplets start to drop down since they are heavier than the oil. Once they drop into the water they start to dissolve and look like tiny explosions (or fireworks).

Supplies Needed

Vegetable Oil – we used canola oil

Food Coloring

A Clear Jar or Vase

Watch the Video Tutorial Here

Steps to do an oil and water experiment.

1. Fill your jar or vase 3/4 full with water.

2. Add oil into a bowl. You do not need a lot like we used – you can even just use about 4 tablespoons of oil for a thin layer. A little more oil will show the difference in density slightly better for kids.

3. Add 4 -5 drops of food coloring for each color you want to add. We used green, blue and purple food coloring. You can use any colors you’d like but we would recommend no more than 3 as the colors will mix quickly and will make it harder to see them dropping down.

4. Whisk the food coloring into the oil. You can point out at this stage that you can already tell the oil and water will not mix.  It’s best to whisk and add the oil straight into the jar or vase before the food coloring settles on the bottom of the bowl or or it may not form droplets when you add it to the water.

5. Add the oil into the water.

Now wait and see all of the little drops start to come down from the oil (making “fireworks”).

We love how easy this simple science experiment is – and kids will love to observe or make their own fireworks in a jar too!

More Science Experiments for Kids

Try this fun and easy Grow a Rainbow Experiment . You only need washable markers and paper towel!

For another fun experiment, make some oobleck! 

Try a rainbow rain cloud in the jar experiment!

Related Ideas:

Cloud Dough

The BEST Playdough Recipe

How to Make Slime With Contact Solution

50+ Christmas Crafts for Kids

Share a comment.

We LOVE hearing from you! Submit your question or comment here.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cancel Reply

Science Fun

Storm in a Glass

• Shaving cream
• A large glass
• Food coloring

WATCH THE QUICK AND EASY VIDEO TUTORIAL!

Instructions:

• Fill the glass 1/2 full with water
• Spray some shaving cream on top of the water to fill the glass to ¾ full.
• Use your finger or a spoon to spread the shaving cream evenly over the top of the water. The top of the shaving cream should be flat.
• Mix ½-cup water with 10 drops of food coloring in a separate container. Gently add the colored water, spoonful by spoonful, to the top of the shaving cream. When it gets too heavy, watch it storm!

How does it work?

Clouds in the sky hold onto water. They can hold millions of gallons! The layer of shaving cream is our pretend cloud in this experiment. The shaving cream layer can also hold onto water. Clouds can’t keep storing more and more water forever, eventually they get too heavy. When that happens, the water falls out (precipitates) as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Further Experiments

• Try more water and less shaving cream, or less water and more shaving cream. Which one looks more like a drizzle, and which one looks like a downpour?

EXPLORE TONS OF FUN AND EASY SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS!

SUBSCRIBE AND NEVER MISS A NEW SCIENCE FUN VIDEO!

previous experiment

Next experiment.

Cool Science Experiments Headquarters

Making Science Fun, Easy to Teach and Exciting to Learn!

Science Experiments

Easy Water Temperature Science Experiment + Video & Lab Kit

Can you see thermal energy? Yes, with just a few common kitchen items!

Although we can explain that molecules move faster when hot and slower when cold, in this science experiment kids will be able to see thermal energy in action and explore the concept hands-on.

We’ve included a materials list, printable instructions, and a simple explanation of how the experiment works. Enjoy our demonstration video to get started!

JUMP TO SECTION: Instructions | Video Tutorial | How it Works

Supplies Needed

• 3 Glass Jars
• Room Temperature Water
• Food Coloring

Water Temperature Science Lab Kit – Only $5

Use our easy Water Temperature Science Lab Kit to grab your students’ attention without the stress of planning!

It’s everything you need to  make science easy for teachers and fun for students  — using inexpensive materials you probably already have in your storage closet!

Water Temperature Science Experiment Instructions

Step 1 – Begin by preparing three identical jars of water. Fill one jar with cold water, one jar with room temperature water, and one jar with hot water.

Helpful Tip: For cold water, fill the jar and put it in the fridge for an hour or two. For the room temperature water, fill the jar and leave it on the counter for an hour or two. For the hot water, boil the water on the stove or put it in the microwave for a minute or two.

Before moving to the next step, take a moment to observe the jars. The temperature of water should be the only difference. Do you think the water temperature will impact what happens when the food coloring is added to each jar? Write down your hypothesis (prediction) and then continue the experiment to see if you were correct.

Step 2 – Place 2-3 drops of food coloring in each jar and observe what happens.

You’ll notice right away that the food coloring behaves differently in each jar. Was your hypothesis correct? Do you know why the food coloring slowly mixed with the cold water and quickly mixed with the hot water? Read the how does this experiment work section before to find out the answer. 

Video Tutorial

How Does The Experiment Work?

When observing the food coloring in the water, you will immediately notice that it behaves differently based on the temperature of the water.

Even though the glasses of water look the same, the difference in the water temperature causes the molecules that make up the water to behave differently. Molecules that make up matter move faster when they are warmer because they have more thermal energy and slower when they are colder because they have less thermal energy. In this experiment, the molecules in the hot water are moving around much faster than the molecules in the cold water.

Thermal Energy is the total energy of the particles in an object.

When placed into water, food coloring will begin to mix with the water. The food coloring will mix the fastest in the hot water because the molecules are moving fast due to their increased thermal energy. These fast-moving molecules are pushing the molecules of food coloring around as they move, causing the food coloring to spread faster.

The food coloring in the room temperature water will take longer to mix with the water because the molecules are moving more slowly due to their decreased thermal energy.

Lastly, the food coloring in the cold water will take a long time to mix with the water because the molecules are moving even slower due to a further decrease in thermal energy.

More Science Fun

Eventually, the food coloring will mix throughout all of the jars. Expand on the experiment, by estimating how long it will take to mix with the water in each jar. Then set a timer and find out how close your estimate was.

In addition, you can also try these other fun experiments using water and food coloring:

• Walking Water Science Experiment – Can water walk upwards against gravity? No, not really, but what makes water seem like it defies gravity is what we’re going to explore in this easy science experiment.
• Color Changing Walking Water Science Experiment   – Much like the regular walking water science experiment, but with an added “colorful” twist.
• Coloring Changing Water Science Experiment – Science or magic? Try this experiment at home with your kids and watch their eyes light up as you pour the liquid into the bowl and “create” a new color.

Water Temperature Experiment

• Three Glass Jars

Instructions

• Begin by preparing three jars of water. Fill one with cold water, one with room temperature water, and one with hot water. Helpful Tip: For cold water, fill the jar and put it in the fridge for an hour or two. For the room temperature water, fill the jar and leave it on the counter for an hour or two. For the hot water, boil the water on the stove or put it in the microwave for a minute or two.
• Place 2-3 drops of food coloring in each jar.
• Observe what happens to the food coloring. Does it behave differently in each jar?

Reader Interactions

May 5, 2017 at 1:17 pm

thank you for u showing my kids this they love it.

March 30, 2019 at 11:58 pm

You’re amazing!!!!

April 7, 2022 at 10:35 am

I like it a lot it’s so cool that I did it for my class and got a A+

March 9, 2022 at 6:10 pm

I will be using this at Parent Science Night tomorrow!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Privacy Policy
• Disclosure Policy

Copyright © 2024 · Cool Science Experiments HQ

• DIY lists /

10 Food Science Experiments for Kids

Unlock the mysteries lurking in your pantry with science! Make a gummy bear double in size, toast marshmallows using solar power, use microwaves to make a chocolate cake in under a minute! This list of wacky ffood science experiments will reveal the hidden world of weird physics and strange chemical reactions involved in everything we eat. Next time you're at the grocery store, tell you're mom to get the giant bag of skittles. After all, it's for science!

(Ages 5-16 )

You may remember hearing about curds and whey from the old nursery rhyme about Little Miss Muffet. Well, this kitchen science experiment will teach you what curds and whey are, and you’ll even make some yourself! Curds and whey are a product of cheesemaking! Milk is made up of proteins, sugars, fat, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. When you add an acid like lemon juice to warm milk, it causes molecules of one of the proteins in milk to bond to one another. That forms a solid lump of protein which is also known as a cheese curd (the leftover liquid is called whey.) You can eat cheese curds on their own (they taste like ricotta cheese) or top with honey or fruit for an awesome treat.

Want to explore more kitchen science experiments? Explore the tastier side of learning with Science of Cooking: Ice Cream from the KiwiCo Store !

Normally, a cake would take an hour or more to make in an oven, but with a microwave oven, you can make one in minutes! Microwave ovens use waves of energy called – you guessed it – microwaves to cook food quickly. The microwaves go into the food and make water molecules inside move around really fast. The movement creates heat which cooks the food. But the microwave is just one part of this scientific process. First, you need to mix up ingredients. Two of the ingredients are key to making a tasty mug cake! Baking powder will make your cake spongy because it produces gas bubbles that get trapped in the batter as it cooks. The egg will help your cake rise because it has proteins that create a strong structure. Without these ingredients, your cake will look like soup! Experiment with the other ingredients to customize your mug cake. What will you add to give it a whole new flavor?!

Want to explore more kitchen science experiments? Explore the tastier side of learning with Science of Cooking: Bread & Butter from the KiwiCo Store !

(Ages 3-8 )

If you have more candy than you know what to do with, try this experiment with your little ones. Sometimes playing with food is inevitable, but with sweet science comes knowledge!

Want to learn more about chemistry without the hassle of gathering materials? Explore 11 fun chemistry experiments with a Chemistry Play Lab from the KiwiCo Store !

Has your child ever wondered how plants get water from their roots all the way to their leaves? This simple celery experiment shows how colored water travels up a celery stalk!

Looking for more kitchen learning projects to do with your young scientist? Roll and stamp your way to early math exploration with a Fun Dough Pasta Maker from the KiwiCo Store !

(Ages 5-11 )

It is time for these little bears to grow up...and out with this gummy bear science project! Watch as gummy bears grow and shrink in different liquids in this kid-friendly experiment. This project is open for exploration and discovery, so kick things off by asking your child what they will happen to a gummy bear in water. Will it dissolve? Will it shrink or grow? Will it fall apart? How long will it take? Don’t forget to grab a notebook to write down their ideas so you can compare what they predicted with what actually happens! You’ll start to see results in just a few hours, and you’ll definitely see big changes in size in just a day.

(Ages 5-8 )

Pull a couple of cereal boxes from the shelf and test their iron content with this simple experiment. It's fun to see your breakfast whiz across the surface of milk using a magnet!

(Ages 3-11 )

See how a drop of soap can create an explosion of color with this easy experiment!

Have you ever tried to harness the power of the sun to create some s'mores? Camping is the perfect time to do it. During the day, I set up my DIY solar oven and stacked up my ingredients inside. Then, I just let it sit while I went for a quick hike around the campsite. When I returned, I had a delicious, melted snack that was ready to eat thanks to my solar oven!

Can you make an egg bounce? Try this simple chemistry experiment and see the shell of an egg dissolve! You'll be left with a surprise and a fun, bouncy egg. 

Discover everything that eggs have to offer with Eggsperiments from the KiwiCo Store ! Use the scientific method with a series of egg-based experiments that explore chemistry, physics, and biology.

Fall is coming, which means apple season is right around the corner. We love eating apple slices as a healthy snack. Try out this apple experiment with some basic kitchen goods to see how you can keep your slices from browning!

Get DIYs like this delivered to your inbox!

Get inspired.

H2-Oh! Engaging Activities and Science Experiments with Water

*We’re an affiliate – we may earn a commission through qualifying purchases from the links on this page. As always, thanks!*

Water is a fascinating and versatile substance that is essential to life on Earth. It can take on many forms and can be found in oceans, lakes, rivers, and even in the air we breathe. Water is also a great medium for conducting STEM activities, as it is easy to work with and can be found in most households.

In this article, we will explore a variety of fun and educational water-based STEM activities that you can do with your kids. From exploring the properties of water density to conducting experiments on water pressure, these activities will help your kids learn about the world around them and develop their critical thinking skills.

Whether you are looking for indoor or outdoor activities, there is something here for everyone. So grab a bucket, fill it with water, and get ready to have some fun!

Water Displacement

Ever drop ice cubes in a glass and had some of the water spill out?  Or wonder why the water level in the tub goes up when you get in?  That’s water displacement at work. We’re going to do a simple water experiment to demonstrate how this works.  

Water displacement is when an object is placed in water and pushes the water out of the way as it sinks (or floats.) The amount of water that is displaced, or pushed aside, is equal to the volume of the object. Ultimately, the water level rises relative to the mass of the object.

Water displacement helps us understand how much space different objects take up. It can also help us understand why some objects float and some objects sink. If an object has a volume that is smaller than the amount of water it displaces, it will float. If an object has a volume that is larger than the amount of water it displaces, it will sink.

Light Refraction in Water

Light refraction is an interesting scientific phenomenon and can help us understand how light travels through different materials. It can also help us see things in a different way, like when we look at an object through a jar of water and it appears to be in a different place than it really is. Cool, right?

What you’re observing is refraction, meaning the light is bending as it passes through the water. This affects the what we see. The light travels in a straight line through the air. Water is a different material than air, and the light travels more slowly through water. When the light hits the glass, it will bend and change direction as it passes through the water.

The amount of bending or refraction that occurs depends on the angle at which the light hits the surface of the water and the difference in the properties of the air and the water. When the light hits the surface of the water at a shallow angle, it will bend more than it will if it hits the surface at a steep angle. Similarly, the greater the difference in the properties of the air and the water, the more the light will bend as it passes through the water.

Frozen Science

We did this with plastic dinosaurs and made some frozen dinosaur eggs – check out our full post on dinosaur activities for more!

Water freezes because the molecules, or tiny particles, in water slow down when it gets cold. When the molecules in water slow down, they don’t move around as much, and they start to stick together. When the molecules stick together, they form a solid, which is called ice.

Water is a very special substance because it can change from a liquid to a solid (ice) and back again, which leads us to our next simple science experiment:

Melting Ice

What makes ice melt?  If you’ve frozen some object in ice, it’s time to thaw them out. Have kids predict how long it will take for the ice to melt in different conditions (such as room temperature versus outside in the sun or under a hair dryer.) Then, have them measure and record the melting times for condition.

Related Post: For more on the water cycle, check out our post on experiments with states of matter and see how water moves from a liquid to a gas or solid.

Sink or Float Experiment for Kids

Fill a bowl or large container with water and provide a variety of objects, such as balls, rocks, and blocks. Predict which objects will sink and which will float, then test their predictions by placing the objects in the water.

Related Post: Learn about surface tension in our floating paper clip experiment.

Water Density Experiment

To do the water density experiment, you will need the following materials:

Water Glass Xylophone

To create a xylophone using drinking glasses filled with water, you will need a set of glasses of different sizes and a mallet or spoon to strike them with. First, fill the glasses with different amounts of water.

Form more on this (and some other cool experiments) check out our post on science experiments with sound.

Water Pressure Experiment

Fill a small plastic bottle with water and have kids predict what will happen when they squeeze the bottle. Then, have them carefully squeeze the bottle and observe the results.  

Water Absorption

We’ll use some paper towel, a dish cloth, and a sponge to see how much water each material absorbs over a set period of time.  Encourage your kids to come up with their own hypotheses about what factors will affect the water absorption of different materials, and which ones will absorb the fastest and the most water.

What did you find?  For us, the time didn’t matter too much; everything was super saturated after a minute or so.  The dishrag picked up the most (to be fair, it was the largest), followed by the sponge, and lastly the paper towel.

Now, what will you grab the next time you need to clean up a spill?

Self Contained Water Cycle in a Bag

Color mixing with water.

Kids can learn about color science with this simple experiment.

Note: You may also want to have paper towels or a sponge on hand to clean up any spills.

DIY Lava Lamp

We made ours in an empty water bottle, and you can check it out in our post on fun projects using recycled water bottles.

DIY Water Filter

Cut a plastic bottle in half and fill the bottom half with layers of materials such as gravel, sand, and charcoal. Add a few drops of food coloring to a cup of water and pour it through the filter. Observe how the water changes color as it passes through the different layers.

Here are the steps to do the DIY water filter experiment:

Wrap Up – Simple Water Science Experiments for Kids

Latest posts, kitchen science activities with food for kids: play with your food for science, how to keep pumpkins from rotting, delicious discoveries: edible science experiments for kids.

Teach Starter, part of Tes Teach Starter, part of Tes

Search  everything  in all resources

Water Experiments for Kids That Are a Big Hit in the Classroom

Written by Cassie (Teach Starter)

Are you teaching your students about water in your science classes? It’s time to pull out the water activities for kids that will wow them … while also helping your students learn about density, salinity, mass, and a whole lot more.

The teachers on the Teach Starter team have put together some water experiments for kids that can easily be done in a classroom with little prep — and without a ton of expensive items to buy. These water science activities are also easy for kids to recreate at home if they want to show off their newfound knowledge.

Water Experiments for Kids

Let me add, it’s always a great idea to try these experiments at home before you do them with your class for the first time. Just to make sure you know any little tweaks that are needed to illustrate the concepts you are exploring!

Understanding the Effects of Water Temperature

Use this water experiment for kids to explore the concept of temperature and its effect on the speed that molecules move. This science experiment for kids will quickly illustrate how molecules move faster in hot temperatures and slower in cold temperatures.

You will need:

• Room temperature water
• 3 stopwatches (or phones)

How to do this water science activity:

• Fill one glass with cold water, one with room temperature water, and one with hot water. (It is best to prepare the cold water and room temperature water earlier. Leave one glass in the refrigerator for at least an hour prior to the experiment. Leave another glass sitting out for at least an hour too, as if the water in your pipes is a bit cold this will reduce the efficacy of the experiment.)
• Place a stopwatch in front of each glass.
• Fill the dropper with food dye.
• Drop 2-3 drops of food dye in each of the glasses and observe how the food dye behaves in each different water temperature.
• Start the stopwatches when the food dye is dropped.
• Stop each watch as the food dye has mixed completely with the water.

Your students will be able to see how the food dye mixes quickly with the hot water because the molecules are moving quickly. It takes longer to mix in the room temperature water as the molecules move slower, and in the cold water, the food dye will take the longest to mix as the molecules move at the slowest speed of all three samples.

Eventually, the food dye will mix through the water in all three glasses. Students can predict how long each will take and then record the final times on each of the stopwatches.

Salt Water Density Experiments

Use this experiment to introduce the concepts of density, mass, salinity, and buoyancy.

In this experiment, you and your students will use one bowl of fresh water and one bowl of salt water to explore how salinity affects the buoyancy of different foods. For example, what happens when you put eggs in a bowl of fresh water and a bowl of salt water?

To get started, download and print the Salt Water Density Experiment resource , and prepare the materials described.

Challenge your students to guess whether they will have the same or different results if they try this same experiment using potatoes in place of the eggs.

This experiment also uses food dye to explore how liquid molecules behave differently in fresh water and saltwater.

When your students understand how water behaves differently depending on its density, they can begin to understand more about topics such as:

• the effects of freshwater runoff from melted sea ice in the Antarctic
• how different parts of the ocean have different levels of salinity
• why objects that would normally sink (like people) can float in bodies of water with high salinity like the Dead Sea in the Middle East and the Great Salt Lake in the United States
• how salinity affects the different layers of the ocean and the types of marine life that can live in each layer.

Refraction of Light Science Activity

This water experiment for kids is incredibly simple to set up, and it will help your students better understand refraction, the change of direction of light waves, when they hit water.

All you need is:

• A Glass of water

Draw something on a piece of paper. An arrow is a great visual to start this science activity as it is obvious what happens when you put the glass of water in front of the drawn arrow. But you don’t have to limit it to arrows. Get creative and draw anything you would like to see through the glass.

When the light is passing through the glass of water, it refracts or bends. The glass of water acts as a cylindrical convex lens and produces an inverted image.

Create a fair test by changing one variable. What happens if you change the size of the glass? Or what if you change the liquid variable? Does it change the result?

Teach your students more about reflection and refraction with these resources:

[resource:4701421][resource:2674282]

Create a Lava Lamp Science Activity

No need to head out to buy a lava lamp. You can make your own “lamp” with this fun water activity for kids that teaches about the changes of density as gas is added to or taken away from the water.

• Two glasses
• Vegetable oil
• Food coloring
• Alka-Seltzer tablets

Firstly, mix half a cup of water with some drops of food coloring. You can make two different batches with different colors if you wish to make more than one lava lamp.

Then, fill a glass with vegetable oil (3/4 full). Pour some of the colored mixture into the oil, being careful not to fill the glass too much.

Add one Alka-Seltzer tablet, and watch the chemical reaction…

The Alka-seltzer tablets react with the water to produce carbon dioxide gas bubbles in this fun water activity! These stick to the water droplets. The water/gas combo is less dense than the oil, so they rise to the top of the glass!

Make this a fair test by changing the amount of Alka-seltzer added. In one glass you can add one tablet, another can have two tablets, and another can have three. What happens when you change up the water experiment?

For more water density fun, try these resources:

[resource:1872818][resource:640196][resource:4680428]

Moving Water Experiment

This water activity for kids explores water movement and helps kids understand capillary action. It does take a couple of hours for the results to finalize, so it’s best an experiment that you set and forget, checking back in throughout the day with your class. Perhaps take a picture every half hour to monitor your progress!

Aim: To investigate the movement of water when it has paper towel placed in it.

• A measuring cup
• 4 pieces of paper towel
• Red, blue and yellow food dye
• 5  clear drinking cups/glasses (jars work well too!)
• water – enough to pour equal amounts into 3 of the cups
• 3  mixing spoons
• Line up 5 cups. Fill cups number 1, 3, and 5 with equal amounts of water.
• Place equal drops of food dye into each cup of water – place blue into one cup, red into another, and yellow into the final cup. Mix each cup thoroughly with a new spoon to prevent cross-contamination.
• Place a scrunched piece of paper towel so that it creates a bridge between each cup in the line. The paper towel must be quite deep in the water in each cup.
• Watch what happens over the next few hours and record your results!

This is similar to the way that the roots of a tree pull water up and out of the ground. You can observe the movement and direction of the water by watching the water move up the paper towel, and observing the empty cups filling with a ‘new’ colored water as the two primary colors on either side mix together.

Possible questions to ask:

• What will the food dye from one cup do when it mixes with the dye from another cup?
• Why do you think the water didn’t move backward once the empty cups started to fill up?
• Why do you think the water stopped moving once the cups leveled out?

Check out this fun capillary action water activity for kids using flowers or this one using paper towels and capillary action to make roses that the kids can bring home to gift to someone they love.

For more science experiments for kids and more ways to teach science to elementary schoolers, check out our full array of science teaching resources !

30 Buzzing Facts About Bees to Excite Kids About Nature

Everyone benefits from the busyness of bees which is why these bee facts will help inspire your students to appreciate and protect them!

21 Epic Last Day of School Activities to Kick Off Summer Break

Looking for easy last day of school ideas for elementary or middle school? These quick and fun end of year classroom activities will help you finish off your year just right!

70 1st Grade Books to Add to Your Classroom Reading Corner This Year

Wondering which 1st grade books you should add to your classroom library? Look no further! We have a list of 70 that are teacher (and student) approved!

22 Fun Groundhog Facts to Share With Your Class on Groundhog Day

Need fun groundhog facts to share with your students this Groundhog Day? Find out what groundhogs eat, where they live and why we let them predict the weather!

How to Teach 1st Grade — The Ultimate Guide to What to Do, What to Buy and What to Teach

Looking for tips on teaching first grade? Our comprehensive 1st grade teacher guide will answer all your questions from what to buy to how to prepare for the first day of school and what to do throughout the school year.

10 Best Pencil Sharpeners for the Classroom — Recommended by Teachers

Need new pencil sharpeners in your classroom? We've rounded up 10 best pencil sharpeners recommended by teachers to get you started.

Get more inspiration delivered to your inbox!

Sign up for a free membership and receive tips, news and resources directly to your email!

• Science Activities For Kids

Make Waves With These 15 Water Science Experiments for Preschoolers

• FirstHeading

Why I Love Water Science Experiments For Preschoolers

How i chose these water science experiments for preschoolers, 15 of my favorite water science experiments for preschoolers, 1. alka seltzer experiment, 2. what absorbs water, 3. playmonster science4you – water science kit, 4. egg float activity, 5. oil & water experiment, 6. penny boat challenge, 7. crayola liquid science kit for kids, 8. does it float- soda can edition, 9. magic pepper experiment, 10. skittles in water, 11. doctor jupiter my first science kit for kids, 12. walking rainbow, 13. what holds more, 14. water displacement experiment, 15. salt melting ice activity, submit a comment cancel reply.

With every puddle jump, and every splash in the bath, I saw my son’s fascination with water and science grow.

I want to encourage him to channel this natural curiosity, and to do this I realized the need for science to be more than just textbook lessons.

Seeking the perfect blend of fun and learning, I embarked on a mission to discover the best water science activities for preschooler s.

Join me as I make waves with hands-on experiments that truly captivate young minds!

For preschoolers, water isn’t just for play—it’s a mesmerizing mystery waiting to be unraveled. Supporting your child’s water science experiments is similar to opening a door to nature’s most fluid element.

These experiments not only stimulate their innate curiosity but also foster foundational skills in observation and prediction. For parents, joining in this aquatic exploration reinforces the notion that learning can be immersive and fun.

Dive in with your little one, nurturing their scientific spirit with each splash and ripple.

Embarking on a quest for the best water science experiments, I plunged into renowned activity sites, seeking experiments that promised more than a fleeting moment of fun.

I paid special attention for activities that immersed kids for over 20 minutes, evoked boundless joy, and added a splash of movement.

The true test, however, was my son’s sparkling eyes and infectious giggles. Only those water wonders that passed our fun-test flowed into this curated list.

Dive in and discover the joy of water science with us!

Discover the magic of water with these 15 handpicked experiments specially curated for young learners.

Dive in and make waves with your eager little scientist!

Engage your preschooler with a delightful dance of colorful bubbles in the Alka Seltzer experiment.

This easy pre-k science experiment offers a captivating glimpse into the world of chemistry, revealing the fascinating interactions between oil, water, and effervescence. With just a few household items, watch as the dance unfolds, making learning both enchanting and hands-on.

• Main Materials : Alka Seltzer tablets, oil, water, and a clear container.
• Duration : About 15-20 minutes.
• Ideal Age : Preschoolers (3-5 years old).
• Science Discipline : Chemistry.
• Science Skills Focus : This experiment encourages observation, understanding of chemical reactions, and the exploration of liquid densities in an engaging manner.

Ever watched a child’s eyes light up when they witness the magic of absorption? Our “What Absorbs Water” experiment is a delightful journey into understanding how different materials react with water.

These types of questions and activities make for a great addition to other nature science experiments for preschoolers to help your little ones learn more about the world around them.

Using everyday items, kiddos can witness firsthand which objects soak up water and which repel it. It’s a tactile, visual feast of science at its simplest and most profound!

• Materials Needed : Assorted objects (cotton, sponge, plastic toys, etc.), bowls, water.
• Science Discipline : Physical science.
• Science Skills Focus : This experiment strengthens observation, comparison, and prediction skills, providing a hands-on exploration of absorption properties.

The Egg Float Activity is a delightful fusion of both! With PlayMonster Science4you’s Water Science kit, little ones will be both amused and amazed as they witness the buoyancy mystery unfold. Through simple materials, this activity offers an inviting gateway into the world of water science, ensuring your preschooler is both entertained and enlightened.

• Main Materials : Egg, water, salt, and the PlayMonster Science4you – Water Science kit.
• Ideal Age : Preschoolers (3-6 years old).
• Science Discipline : Density and buoyancy.
• Science Skills Focus : This experiment encourages kids to hypothesize, observe changes in buoyancy, and understand density in an interactive and fun manner.

Every kitchen holds a treasure trove of science, and the Egg Float Activity is a testament to that. With just an egg, some water, and salt, transform your kitchen into a vibrant learning hub where the whimsical world of buoyancy and density unfolds.

This simple yet captivating experiment not only amazes preschoolers but instills a sense of wonder about the magic in everyday materials.

• Main Materials : Fresh egg, tap water, salt, and a clear glass.
• Duration : About 10-15 minutes.
• Science Discipline : Physics – Buoyancy and Density.
• Science Skills Focus : This activity nurtures observation, prediction, and an understanding of buoyancy and density through hands-on experimentation.

Every kitchen houses the ingredients for a captivating science experiment, and the oil and water dance is no exception!

Witness the enchanting play of these two liquids, offering preschoolers a vivid peek into the world of density and immiscibility.

I love working on this winter science experiment for pre-k with my son when we are stuck indoors due to cold weather. It’s a simple yet powerful demonstration of nature’s rules, all within a single glass!

• Main Materials : Cooking oil, water, food coloring (optional), and a clear glass or jar.
• Science Discipline : Density and Immiscibility.
• Science Skills Focus : This experiment encourages observation, understanding of liquid density, and immiscibility, sparking questions and discussions in a tangible, visual way.

Ahoy, young sailors! Set sail on a whimsical voyage of discovery with the Penny Boat Challenge.

Using just a few household items, our preschoolers become budding engineers, crafting boats and guessing how many pennies they can hold before sinking.

This is a fun pre-k science experiment because my son can test it during bathtime or in our kitchen during the day.

It’s an exhilarating blend of playful experimentation and hands-on learning that brings buoyancy and balance concepts to life.

• Main Materials : Aluminum foil, pennies, a tub of water.
• Duration : 20-30 minutes.
• Science Discipline : Physics (Buoyancy).
• Science Skills Focu s: Encourages hands-on experimentation, predictions, and understanding buoyancy and balance in a fun, tangible manner.

Ignite your child’s scientific curiosity with the Crayola Liquid Science Kit. Merging the vibrancy of colors with the magic of science, this kit offers a delightful palette of hands-on learning. Let your little one’s creativity flow, blending art with discovery, while mastering fundamental scientific principles. A vibrant, captivating experience awaits!

• Main Materials : Crayola color tablets, test tubes, pipettes, and instruction booklet.
• Duration : Varies, but most experiments take 20-30 minutes.
• Ideal Age : 4-10 years old.
• Science Discipline : Chemistry and physics of liquids.
• Science Skills Focus : Encourages hands-on exploration, observation, hypothesis making, and understanding liquid behaviors in a colorful context.

Ever wondered about the buoyancy of your favorite soda? This delightful experiment invites preschoolers to predict, observe, and draw conclusions about floating soda cans.

Using simple household items, your young scientist will be intrigued by the unexpected results, as they decipher the mystery behind why some cans float and others don’t.

• Main Materials : Unopened soda cans (variety), a large container, and water.
• Duration : About 20-30 minutes.
• Science Discipline : Physics – Buoyancy.
• Science Skills Focus : This experiment fosters prediction, observation, and analytical skills, cultivating a deeper understanding of buoyancy and density.

Delight your little one with the enchanting dance of pepper specks on water. This simple yet magical experiment unveils the secrets of surface tension in a way that’s both captivating and enlightening.

Transform your kitchen into a wonder lab, where everyday ingredients create scientific marvels, leaving young minds both amazed and curious.

• Main Materials : A bowl of water, pepper, and dish soap.
• Duration : Approximately 5-10 minutes.
• Science Discipline : Surface tension and fluid dynamics.
• Science Skills Focus : This experiment accentuates observation, hypothesis-making, and understanding the wonders of surface tension through hands-on engagement.

Ever wondered how to turn simple Skittles into a mesmerizing dance of colors? This delightful experiment invites preschoolers to witness the magic of colors swirling and merging in water.

You can use other candy for this activity, and I like to use Halloween candies to make this the perfect fall science experiment for preschoolers !

A visual treat, it seamlessly combines learning with wonder, proving that sometimes, the most educational moments are hidden in our everyday candies.

• Main Materials : Skittles, a white plate, and water.
• Science Discipline : Chemistry and Color Theory.
• Science Skills Focus : This activity enhances observation skills, understanding color diffusion, and the science behind candy dissolving in water.

Ignite young imaginations with the Doctor Jupiter My First Science Kit. Thoughtfully curated, this kit transforms ordinary afternoons into captivating science adventures right at home.

Each experiment invites little hands and minds to explore, ask questions, and revel in the joy of discovery.

• Main Materials : Science tools, ingredients for experiments, and an instructional booklet.
• Duration : Varies per experiment, typically 20-30 minutes.
• Ideal Age : Recommended for children aged 4-8.
• Science Discipline : General science introduction across multiple disciplines.
• Science Skills Focus : This kit emphasizes observation, prediction, and hands-on exploration, fostering a foundational love for scientific inquiry.

Who knew colors could walk? Introduce your little one to the enchanting Walking Rainbow experiment.

With a playful twist, watch vibrant hues journey between jars, defying boundaries and creating a mesmerizing spectrum. It’s more than just a visual treat; it’s a lesson in color blending and capillary action made simple and engaging!

• Main Materials : Clear glasses or jars, water, paper towels, primary color food coloring.
• Duration : Setup in 10 minutes, full observation up to 48 hours.
• Science Discipline : Color theory and capillary action.
• Science Skills Focus : This activity cultivates observation, prediction, and an understanding of color blending and how liquids move through materials.

At first glance, this experiment might seem simple, but it’s a delightful dive into volume and capacity. Using everyday containers, your little one can predict, observe, and deduce which container holds more water.

The tangible, hands-on experience makes abstract concepts like volume tangible, turning ordinary playtime into a fascinating lesson.

• Main Materials : Assorted containers (cups, bowls, jars) and water.
• Science Discipline : Physical science (Volume and Capacity).
• Science Skills Focus : Enhances skills in prediction, observation, and understanding volume through hands-on comparison and exploration.

This fun activity beautifully marries the charm of Valentine’s trinkets with the wonder of water science, revealing how objects can displace water in the most captivating ways.

It’s a delightful blend of festivity and discovery, perfect for little hands and big curiosities.

• Main Materials : A clear container, water, Valentine-themed items (like heart erasers or gems).
• Duration : 15-20 minutes.
• Science Discipline : Physics (Fluid Dynamics).
• Science Skills Focus : This experiment hones a child’s observational skills, teaching them about water displacement through hands-on, playful exploration.

With the Salt Melting Ice Experiment, watch as crystals work their magic, revealing the mesmerizing process of how salt impacts ice.

This simple yet enchanting experiment offers a chilly twist to your preschooler’s scientific exploration, all while nestled warmly indoors.

• Main Materials : Ice cubes, salt, colored water, droppers.
• Science Discipline : Chemistry and Thermal Properties.
• Science Skills Focus : This experiment enhances observation skills, understanding of melting processes, and the interaction of substances in temperature changes.

Our little ones are born explorers, and every splash and ripple holds a lesson. Through these water science experiments, we’ve journeyed into the world of curiousity and discovery, nurturing their budding curiosity.

If you and your little ones are looking for even more great activities, then check out my full list of STEAM science experiments for kids!

As parents, our joy is in seeing them marvel at the wonders around. Here’s to many more splashes, giggles, and eureka moments in your home’s very own aquatic lab! Happy experimenting!

Hi there, I’m Ayasha

I’m a mom of an energetic son and the creator of Wonder Noggin. I write about educational parenting tips, simple parenting ideas, and many activities to help parents nurture young minds.

Blogs You May Like!

From Bridges to Bots: Top Engineering Shows for Kids

by Ayasha Giarratana | Jun 24, 2024

Curious about sparking your child's interest in engineering?...

8 Math Shows For Kids That Your Little Ones Will Love!

by Ayasha Giarratana | Jun 21, 2024

As a mom, I’m always on the lookout for ways to teach my little...

My 12 Favorite Math Books For Kids (My Son Loves #4)

by Ayasha Giarratana | Apr 24, 2024

Ready to turn math time into fun time? My son had a hard time...

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Submit Comment

Rainbow Walking Water Science Experiment for Kids

This walking water science experiment is so much fun and super easy to do! My kids absolutely loved it! It even comes with free printable recording sheets for kids as young as preschool! Check out the video to see how easy this walking water experiment really is. This rainbow activity is perfect for spring science!

Walking Water Science Experiment

Ok, this might just be our favorite science experiment! The whole family (adults included) were completely mesmerized with process. We all couldn’t believe how quickly the water traveled up the paper towel and neat it was to watch the colors mix together.

We have wanted to try it out for a long time now and I am kicking myself for waiting so long. I don’t know why, but I thought it might be difficult to do or take a long time. I was way wrong. It was very easy and we started seeing results right away!

Related: Simple Spring Science and STEAM Activities

The walking water science experiment is great at any time of the year, but it is especially perfect for spring. I love doing rainbow activities in the spring, so this was a great addition to our rainbow theme activities.

If you are looking for simple science to do with the kids and something that will really WOW them, this is definitely one to try.

You only need a few simple supplies that you probably already have around the house.

Setting Up the Rainbow Science Experiment

Supplies Needed:

• Printable walking water recording sheets (button to download at the bottom of the post)
• Small plastic cups or glasses
• Paper towels (*read my tips below for picking the right ones)
• Food coloring in primary colors

* The pick-a-size paper towels are best because then you just use half sheets for each cup. If you only have full sheets, then cut them in half. I’ve also heard that more absorbent paper towels work better too. I buy the cheap store brand ones, and our water moved pretty quickly from cup to cup, so I am not sure how important that is. It may have went quicker with something more absorbent though.

1. Print out the recording sheets and make copies, if needed.

2. Place 7 cups in a row and pour water in the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th cup. My cups were about 3/4 full. I have since heard that fuller is better.

3. Add 5 drops of red food coloring to the 1st cup and the 7th cup.

4. Add 5 drops of yellow food coloring to the 3rd cup.

5. Add 5 drops of blue food coloring to the 5th cup.

Doing the Walking Water Experiment

You want to try to use the same amount of food coloring in each cup. When I did this with my kids they did drop an extra one or two in since they can’t control it well, but I just added a drop or two more to the others to even it out.

6. Take a half sheet of paper towel and fold it in half lengthwise and in half again lengthwise.

7. Trim off some of the length so that there isn’t too much excess paper towel that will stick up in the air between each cup. This will make the water walk more quickly.

8. Place one half of a rolled paper towel in the 1st cup and place the other half in the cup next to it. Then another paper towel from 2nd cup and into the 3rd cup. This continues until you have placed the last paper towel that drapes over from the 6th cup to the 7th cup.

9. Stare at the cups and watch what starts happening. You should quickly be able to see the colored water begin to crawl up the paper towel.

10. Don’t forget to do the first part of the recording sheet. Students will predict what they think will happen.

This walking water experiment is AWESOME!

Keep checking back every couple of minutes. Soon you will be able to see that the water has crawled all the way up the paper towel and is beginning to walk back down into the empty cup next to it.

Since the cup on either side of an empty cup has colored water in it, the two colors begin to mix in the empty cup. So cool!

Keep coming back throughout the two hours or soon and observe what is happening.

Question to Ask

What do you think will happen to the water?

What is happening now?

Why do you think the colors are changing?

Why might the water be able to move up against gravity like that?

How this Science Experiment Works

The water moves up the paper towels through a process called capillary action. The paper towel is made from fibers and the water is able to travel through the gaps in the fibers. The gaps in the paper towel act like capillary tubes and pull the water upward. This is what helps water climb from a plant’s roots to the leaves at the top of the plant or tree.

The water is able to move upward against gravity because of the attractive forces between the water and the fibers in the paper towel.

I even removed one of the red cups and made a color wheel so I could introduce the kids to that as well.

I hope your kids have a great time with this super cool walking water science experiment!

Other Cool Science Experiments for Kids

This rainbow  Walking Water Science Experiment  is one of our most popular science activities!

Try this super simple  Oobleck recipe  that only requires two household ingredients!

This  rainbow skittles experiment  is sure to WOW the kids!

You can also make a rainbow of flowers with this super cool  color changing flowers experiment !

This pepper and soap experiment is very simple to do, but always engages the kids!

Did you know you can put paper under water and it will stay dry? Give it a try with this keep paper dry under water experiment . The kids love this cool trick!

Explore Newton’s color wheel while making colors disappear with this totally awesome science activity!

Explore chromatogography with this super fun STEAM activity that combines science and art!

This  rain cloud jar science experiment  give children a chance to explore clouds and rain in a hands-on and engaging way

The kids will get a kick out of this super cool  dancing raisins science experiment !

Check out these other science experiments and activities for kids.

This lava lamp science experiment is always a hit with the kids!

If you haven’t tried this magic milk science activity , you have to! It is so awesome and super easy to do.

This leak proof bag science experiment will make your kids jaw drop! It’s hard to believe, but it works.

STEM Water Projects and Science Experiments For Kids

50+ STEM Water Science Experiments and STEM Projects for Kids in Elementary – play, educate and grow with nature’s favourite drink

Water is one of the greatest mediums for exploring science. It’s easy to work with, it’s readily available, it’s safe and kids love playing with it. It is impossible not to have fun while learning with water. Are you looking for some great ideas for water projects in your class, homeschool or home? Find inspiration on this list of over 50 fun science experiments and water projects for kids!

The Best Water Science Experiments for Kids

What you will discover in this article!

Disclaimer: This article may contain commission or affiliate links. As an Amazon Influencer I earn from qualifying purchases. Not seeing our videos? Turn off any adblockers to ensure our video feed can be seen. Or visit our YouTube channel to see if the video has been uploaded there. We are slowly uploading our archives. Thanks!

To make navigating this resource easier, I have divided all of our water projects and STEM activities into some general categories.

CHEMISTRY WATER EXPERIMENTS

Bath Bombs or Bath Fizzies are the ultimate in bath time fun! They are also an exceptional chemistry experiment. You can simply make a bath bomb and see how water is the magic ingredient to trigger the reaction, or do a science experiment exploring the effect of water temperature on bath bomb reactions .

Water Lab Exploring Safe Drinking Water is a science experiment that turns students into water testers with an eye for safety. Using water sources around your home or school you can easily set up this activity and in the process learn a valuable lesson about how precious safe water is for families everywhere. For more testing ideas you can check out this article .

What’s the difference between baking soda and baking powder? Learn the answer in this experiment. Take water and add sodium bicarbonate or baking powder. Watch the results to see something spectacular!

Super Simple Chemistry is a kid favourite activity that explores how different substances mix with water. Not everything dissolves, start exploring these ideas with this simple activity.

Learn about pH (acidic and basic) properties with this fun fluids experiment that uses items from your kitchen to create a fascinating lab study.

Elephant Toothpaste might not seem like a water science experiment at first, but this activity is actually really cool because one of the by products of the chemical reaction is water!

WATER PROJECTS EXPLORING DENSITY

Skittles Experiments require only two things – Skittles and Water. It may be simple, but this is one water experiment that is stunningly gorgeous and will have kids begging for more science time! With our study we brought in Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night as a way to see fluid dynamics in action.

The classic oil and water experiment is a fascinating way to introduce students the density, and in this experiment the results are beautiful!

Marble Run Density Project is a simple activity that explores the density of different liquids using marbles. It’s fun and accessible for all ages. Everyone loves a good race!

Does It Float – Pop Can edition is a fascinating activity that demonstrates how the density of different canned drinks affects whether they float or not. The results are fun and this makes for a great activity during camp outs.

Teaching The Scientific Process With Water Balloons – This is a fantastic idea for learning how to create scientific proof by exploring the science behind the “does it float pop can edition” experiment.

COLOURFUL WATER PROJECTS

Chromatography Flowers is a super easy activity that even little kids will be able to do with minimal adult help. Watch how water helps colours travel through the coffee filter making pretty designs. For older kids, take the challenge up a level and light up your flowers with a simple circuit building activity.

Walking Rainbow – This was our attempt at the walking rainbow experiment but when things went wrong it became a whole new and exciting water science lesson.

WINTER THEMED WATER PROJECTS FOR KIDS

It’s time to get chilly with this mind bending experiment. In Snow and Ice Simple Science – Melting Magic we ask kids to predict the outcome of a test that will have them saying WOW! when they see the outcome.

Why does salt melt ice? This STEM activity dives into some great winter science as it explores how salt affects ice.

Live somewhere cold? Explore the Mpemba Effect in a spectacular way as you create snow.

Bottle Crush is a project that will have kids asking to go outside on a cold winter day over and over again. Like magic, kids will learn how to crush a plastic bottle without touching it, astounding their friends and family.

Ice Fishing Science Experiment – What is more winter than Ice Fishing? In this fun, hands on science, kids learn how salt and water interact as they go fishing for the big catch! A great challenge for a classroom or summer camp.

SWEET WATER SCIENCE

Slurpee Science Continue exploring the power of salt and water with states of matter changes with this experiment that ends with a tasty treat.

Layered Lollipops is a fascinating study into density. Makes a beautiful experiment that smells amazing!

Lego Gummy Mummies is a project that explores what happens when water is removed, also known as desiccation which is part of the mummification process. It’s also an experiment using candy minifigs, so kids love it!

ENGINEERING WITH WATER PROJECTS

Build A Water Clock and learn a bit about history with this easy STEM project. This project can be scaled for use by kids of all ages.

Ice STEM Projects explore all the amazing things you can do when water enters a solid state, better known as ice! The dinosaur ice sculpture is just too cute and kids will love engineering their own ice creations.

Build a Compass and embrace your inner Einstein! Witness the invisible forces that captured a young Einstein’s imagination and led to a lifetime of incredible discoveries.

Build a Heart Model filled with water (aka blood) and explore how the blood moves around the heart.

Engineer An Ice Lantern , perfect for the holidays.

WATER PROJECTS THAT ARE LIKE MAGIC

Chasing Hearts – This science experiment is like magic as you explore science and physics principles, all while playing a fun game!

Keep it Dry – A slight of hand activity that kids of all ages love to take a turn at. Become a magical scientist!

Why Does Water Rise? is an activity that is like magic! Kids love this STEM Activity that involves a little tech in the investigative process.

Build a Leak Proof Bag that is filled with water and pierced through with tons of pencils? Sounds impossible, but it’s not if you know the science!

ENVIRONMENTAL WATER PROJECTS FOR KIDS

Students get hands on with a major threat to our marine environments in this Oil Spill Cleanup Experiment .

Learn about the Water Cycle in this simple science experiment in a jar. Perfect for students or as a classroom demonstration.

In this experiment, explore how acid rain affects plant life . It is a simple experiment with powerful results.

Next, we explore how water pollution affects plants . This is a simple experiment exploring the effects of water pollution in two different ways. Students learn about osmosis, pH and the scientific method.

The Water Desalinization Project is a interesting activity that explores how to remove the salt from salt water making it safe to drink.

This Fish Diving Activity is a neat way to explore how fish use air to help them move around underwater. A similar activity involves creating a Cartesian Diver .

SENSORY WATER PROJECTS

DIY Play Dough Bubble Bath is not a water project exactly, but it’s an inexpensive way to create some bubble bath play dough. Perfect for doing water projects with kids in the bath tub or at a water table.

Oobleck is a captivating activity to explore the difference in liquids. With the addition of one ingredient to water you create the most bizarre substance. Oobleck projects are an excellent addition to the study of states of matter and the senses. We LOVE playing with Oobleck and have created dozens of fun ways to explore this non-Newtonian Fluid.

DIY Soap Projects , especially Soap Jellies are a fantastic sensory experience that will encourage kids to get clean! They are so much fun, and super easy to make. For an incredible cross study, make our DIY Layers of the Ocean soap and learn about the ocean with this gorgeous and easy soap making project.

More Water Science Experiments

Explore why the Sky Changes Colour in this fascinating and simple science project demonstrating how the skies change colour during sunrise and sunset.

Another great project is the Rainbow Rain Project . Students will create a stunning display of colour in a jar to explore how clouds (made with shaving cream), hold and release moisture, creating rain! This project is GORGEOUS and so simple.

Magic Glitter is a cool experiment that is also a powerful demonstration on how soap works and why it is so important to wash your hands with soap.

Have fun learning with nature’s most valuable liquid – water!

5 Days of Smart STEM Ideas for Kids

Get started in STEM with easy, engaging activities.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

• FREE Experiments
• Kitchen Science
• Climate Change
• Egg Experiments
• Fairy Tale Science
• Edible Science
• Human Health
• Inspirational Women
• Forces and Motion
• Science Fair Projects
• STEM Challenges
• Science Sparks Books
• Contact Science Sparks
• Science Resources for Home and School

Colour mixing with food colouring and water

March 29, 2017 By Emma Vanstone 4 Comments

Colour mixing is a great activity for learning about primary and secondary colours as well as fantastic fine motor control practice if children use a dropper or pipette. Once children have made secondary colours they could then experiment by mixing primary and secondary colours to make tertiary colours or try to make as many different shades of one colour as they can.

Plastic plates

Food colouring

Pipettes  or droppers

Instructions

Add a small amount of red, yellow and blue food colouring to separate beakers and then top up with a little water.

Use the pipettes or droppers to drop different colours of water onto a plastic plate and record which new colours are created.

What is a primary colour?

Primary colours cannot be created by mixing other colours together. These are:

Red, Yellow and Blue

What is a secondary colour?

Secondary colours are made by mixing primary colours.

Yellow + Blue = Green

Red + Yellow = Orange

Blue + Red = Purple

What is a tertiary colour?

Tertiary colours are made by mixing a primary colour with a secondary colour.

Questions to ask about primary colours

What do you think would happen if you used a paper plate instead of a plastic plate?

Do you think the colours would still mix if you used filter paper or kitchen roll?

Which colours do you think are warm and which cold colours?

Watch the video

More colour mixing activity ideas

Steve Spangler has a brilliant spinning wheel !

Rainy Day Mum has a great mess free colour mix activity.

How about colour mixing with lights like Teach Beside Me?

Try our easy  primary and secondary colour wheel  or how about our colour mixing water wall ?

This dropper painting activity is lovely from Imagination Tree and the kitchen towel would be great for allowing colours to mix.

Red Ted Art has some lovely colour mixing tissue hearts.

Did you know light can be split into  all the colours of the rainbow? Find out how to make a rainbow here.

Science Concepts

Primary colours

Secondary colours

Contains affiliate links

Last Updated on September 12, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

March 29, 2017 at 10:19 am

I love simple experiments like this. Thank you so much for including our mess free colour mixing experiment as well.

March 29, 2017 at 11:10 am

Such a fun post! Thanks for including my color mixing with lights activity!

April 05, 2017 at 4:34 pm

Thank you so much. Glad you benefited from the post!

April 24, 2017 at 4:22 pm

Simple and easy to understand. Share with you about Seven Layer Density and other science tricks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRYOYgGoZak

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *