If you’re looking for easy and exciting educational science activities to keep your kids engaged, you’re in the right place. Science Sparks is bursting with fun and free science experiments, but with so many ideas, it can be hard to find what you’re looking for. I’ve pulled together 10 of my most popular FREE science activities for kids.
All the activities are great for learning at home or school and are sure to spark a child’s curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of learning! From simple science experiments to outdoor explorations, these science activities are perfect for kids of all ages.
10 FREE Science Activities for Kids
1. Paper Science Experiments
Paper is inexpensive and easy to use. It’s flexible, absorbs water and can be drawn on, making it a great resource for many science experiments.
My free paper science booklet contains six simple science activities using paper, scissors and a paperclip.
2. Waterproof a Boot
My waterproofing a boot science activity is a simple but fun science activity that uses paper, felt-tip pens, and different materials to test whether boots are waterproof.
The boot template is free, and I also have several alternative themes.
3. Butterfly Life Cycle
Create a butterfly life cycle using my free template. Children can draw pictures of each stage or use pasta or craft items.
I also have a free butterfly life cycle spinner.
4. Gingerbread Man Science Investigation
Find out what happens to gingerbread biscuits when placed in different liquids. This is a great Christmas science activity or one you can do anytime after reading The Gingerbread Man book.
5. Straw Rockets
Build and test straw rockets using my free template. All you need is some tape, a straw and the template.
Straw rockets are great for a forces and motion topic, a space topic, or just for fun!
6. Does salty water freeze?
Find out whether salty water freezes with my free science experiment instructions and results template.
All you need for this activity is salt, water and a freezer. This is a great activity for making observations over time and learning how to set up an investigation as a fair test.
7. Paper Chromatography
Paper chromatography is a very simple science activity that requires only a kitchen towel or filter paper and felt-tip pens. The kitchen towel is placed in water, and as the water moves up the towel, the different inks in each colour separate.
You can also try chromatography using candy as an alternative to felt tip pens.
8. Test reaction time with a ruler
Testing reaction time with a ruler is another simple science activity. All you need is a willing volunteer, a copy of my instructions and recording sheet, and a ruler!
9. Search the sky
Learn about the moon, stars and constellations with my stargazing log book.
Observing and recording the changes in how the moon looks each day is a fantastic way to learn about the different phases of the moon.
10. Easy Optical Illusions
Create your optical illusions with my free template, or draw your own!
Cut out two squares of paper, draw an image on each and attach them to either side of a pencil or straw. Spin the straw quickly to see the images merge together!
More free science activities for kids
Download and print my famous scientist bookmarks.
Try one of my Fairy Tale STEM Challenges. These include building a bridge for the Billy Goats, growing a beanstalk for Jack and building a house for the witch in Hansel and Gretel.
Take a look at my full collection of science experiment instructions and printable activity sheets.
Last Updated on November 6, 2024 by Emma Vanstone
