As parents, we want our children to continue learning during the summer months, although finding fun summer activities that are educational can be difficult. Here are some super cool science experiments that will fascinate and educate your child this summer.
1. Guess the amount: For this experiment, all you need is a handful of paper clips and a glass of water. First, you fill the cup with water, then you have your child guess how many paper clips it will take to make the water overflow. This experiment demonstrates surface tension, which is when the water bulges on top of the glass without overflowing.
2. Chalk Rockets: In this experiment you will be creating exploding chalk rockets. (It isn’t as dangerous as it sounds.) You first must create liquid sidewalk chalk and put it in film canisters. Then you drop alka-seltzer tablets into the canister, which creates a chemical reaction, propelling the film canister towards the sky. Your children will love this, and it teaches them about chemical reactions and propulsion!
3. Bubble Shapes: This next experiment will teach your child how and why bubbles always form a circle. What you will do is make different 2D shapes out of pipe cleaners (Squares, triangles, etc.) You then dip them into the soap, and blow a bubble. Your child will see that no matter what the shape is the bubble will always turn round.
4. Clouds in a Jar: For this one you will need shaving cream, water, clear cups, and blue food coloring. This experiment will make the effect of a rain cloud in a jar. You first fill the glass with water, then you put the shaving cream on top of the water which will resemble a cloud. Then you drop the blue food coloring on top of the shaving cream, and it will create a rain-like effect in the water. This is a perfect experiment to do on a rainy day!
5. Pencil and Baggie: This experiment brings some magic and wonder to science. All you will need is a plastic baggie, some water, and a sharp pencil. What you will do is fill the baggie ¾ of the way with water. You then stick the pencil through the baggie, and watch in amazement. No water should spill from the baggie. This teaches your child about the molecules and polymers that make up the baggie.
These experiments are sure to keep your child busy and get them learning about science throughout the summer months. In the mean time check out our website to learn more about our Fall 2015 prize program: Here Come the Minions! We are looking forward to working with you when the school year begins!
