3 science activities to do with the kids
Here are some fun ideas to try with the kids that will help develop their curiosity and sense of exploration.
What's the cure for boredom? If only adults had the time...
Kids, on the other hand, often declare their boredom – especially when screen time isn’t an option. One young girl recently shared how, after her mother insisted she stay bored, she ended up discovering a creative side she never knew she had.
If you're looking for ways to spark that same creativity, we’ve got a few fun activities using everyday household items.
These will not only keep your child engaged but also nurture their curiosity, observation skills, and problem-solving abilities.
1. Colourful volcano
This fun experiment (an oldie but goodie) is a great way to explore chemical reactions.
Start by filling jars or bottles with water and adding vinegar. Next, place a few drops of paint inside the lids. Let your little ones shake the bottles to mix the colours into the water.
Once done, open the bottles and put them on a tray to contain any mess. Then, give your child a container of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and let them scoop some into each jar – watch as a magical, colourful volcano erupts.
Watch the TikTok below.
@tinyrobin_kids Let’s Make a Colorful Volcano! 🌋🎨 It’s a classic science activity for toddlers to explore chemical reactions. Step 1: 🎨 Paint and Shake! Parents, fill jars or bottles with water and add a bit of sour stuff (lemon acid or vinegar). Then, put colors on the lids. Let your little one grab the jars and give them a good shake. Watch the water inside turn into a magical mix of colors. It’s like a magical surprise! Step 2: 🍋 Fizz and Bubble! Open the lids, and help your child pour in soda. Wow! See the water transform into a bubbly, colorful volcano. ✅ Tip: Make it even more exciting by adding a bit of dish soap for extra bubbles! #kidsscience #scienceexperiments #scienceforkids #preschoolscience #toddlerscience #educationalactivities ♬ In the Mood - Glenn Miller
2. Magic powder shield
This experiment will amaze your kids. Normally, dipping hands in water means getting wet – but not this time.
Sprinkle baby powder on the water’s surface, then have your child dip their hand in. Like magic, their skin stays dry.
The powder forms a hydrophobic barrier, repelling the water and creating a fun way to explore chemistry and surface tension.
It's a simple, hands-on science trick for little scientists to try at home.
Watch the video below – courtesy of TikTok.
@tinyrobin_kids Did you know you can make water repel your hand using just baby powder? Try this cool experiment with your kids! Sprinkle some powder on the surface of the water, then dip your hand in and watch the magic happen. Your skin stays dry because the powder creates a hydrophobic barrier that pushes the water away. A simple, hands-on way to explore chemistry and surface tension with little scientists at home!🤩🧑🔬 ✅ Follow for more science experiments! #kidsscience #kidsscienceexperiments #scienceforkids #preschoolscience #toddlerscience #educationalactivities #experimentsforkids ♬ (I Dream Of) Jeannie - The Hit Crew
READ MORE: Three engaging activities for toddlers
3. Handwashing experiment
Kids pick up germs easily, especially at school. This simple experiment visually teaches them the importance of using soap.
Place a printed image of two hands under a clear glass dish, then fill the dish with water and sprinkle in ground black pepper.
Pour some soap into a separate container, then have your child dip their finger into the soap, then into the pepper water – watch as the "germs" scatter!
The way it works is fairly simple: the water’s surface tension keeps the "germs" in place. Soap breaks that tension, causing them to disperse – just like when you wash your hands.
It's a really fun, simple, hands-on way to teach kids the importance of hygiene.
Watch the video below from TikTok.
@tinyrobin_kids How it works👇 ❤️Double tap if you want to try this with your kids! In this experiment, the pepper represents germs, and the water has a ‘skin’ called surface tension that holds everything in place. When we add soap, it breaks the surface tension, and the ‘germs’ scatter! This shows how soap works to remove germs from our hands by breaking the bonds that keep them stuck. It’s a fun and visual way to teach kids why washing hands with soap is so important! #kidsscience #scienceforkids #preschoolscience #sensoryscience #sensoryplayideas #experimentsforkids #handwashchallenge ♬ son original - matiii
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Image Courtesy of TikTok