20 At-Home Science Experiments for Kids

The classroom isn’t the only place that kids can learn a lesson in chemistry, biology or physics. These fun, educational science experiments are easy to do at home, many with simple items you may already have around the house. Learn about chemical reactions with our baking soda and vinegar art project (pictured above), get an introduction to robotics with a DIY drawing robot or harness the energy of the sun with a solar s’mores oven. Encourage your little scientists to make predictions, record their findings and tweak the experiments for different results. The grownups in the family may even learn something new! If you’re looking for even more mind-boosting activities for kids, shop our favorite STEM toys designed to pique their interest in science, technology, engineering and math.

Crystal-filled geodes take thousands of years to form in nature, but you and your kids can grow them in a day using supplies from the grocery store. When eggshells are soaked in a supersaturated solution of alum powder and water, the powder crystallizes on the shells.

Dating back to the 1800s, sun printing is one of the oldest forms of photography. Have your children collect flowers or other flat objects, then place them on sun-sensitive paper in direct sunlight. They'll be amazed to watch the prints develop before their eyes.

Make your own lava lamp using water, baby oil, food coloring and effervescent tablets (such as Alka-Seltzer). The water and oil will separate at first, as expected. But when you drop in the effervescent tablet, small carbon dioxide bubbles form and carry the colored water to the top. When the gas escapes from the bottle, the water droplets fall to the bottom, creating a funky lava-like effect.