5 Cool Science Experiments For Kids

Googles: “How to make volcanoes with Bicarbonate Soda and other cool science-like things”… Being a parent sometimes means re-visiting your education and realising you should have paid more attention during those science lessons *sigh*.

Fear not moms and dads, if your little ones suddenly have a real interest in all things science *thanks Youtube* – we have 5 seriously cool science experiments for kids. Relax, they’re not complicated but they are loads of fun!

So grab those white lab coats, pop on a pair of goggles (the swimming and snorkeling variety will do), and let’s get experimenting!

1. Grow a rainbow 🌈

Image source: The best ideas for kids

Apart from rainbows being a really on-trend decor design for kids’ bedrooms these days, thanks to Pinterest, we also know that rainbows make for really, really cool science experiments for kids too!

Why is this science experiment so cool?

It’s a great example of chromatography. “Mommy, what is Komatwagra… crowmeetog, mommy, what is it?” *coughs, takes a sip of coffee, grabs the phone, Googles…* Aaaah yes, Chromatography – a way of separating out a mixture of chemicals.

Think of: dropping a paper towel with ink writing into some water – the ink will start to move across the page in streaks…

The capillary action makes the marker dye move up the paper towel. Water moves upward through the paper towel, lifting any washable dye molecules with it. Due to the washable markers being water-based, they disperse in water.

Remember: If you were to use permanent markers, the experiment wouldn’t work, as they are not water-based but rather alcohol-based, preventing the dye in the marker from travelling with the water.

Except, now we can make it in RAINBOW form! 🌈

What You’ll Need:

• Paper Towel
• Washable Coloured Markers
• Water
• 2 small glasses

Now all that’s left to do is to take a quick squiz at this handy video tutorial which shows you exactly how to make RAINBOWS!

2. Burning candle in water experiment

If the words cool and science were to join forces, it would absolutely be due to this experiment! “Is it magic, or is it science?” – and other cool phrases that might be spoken about after viewing it…

But a quick safety announcement first:

!! This experiment does include the use of matches and or a lighter along with a candle, so it should ALWAYS be done under adult supervision !!

What You’ll Need:

• A plate with a raised rim or a shallow bowl
• Water
• A candle
• Lighter or matches
• Drinking glass or mason jar

How To Do It:

1. Place the candle in the middle of the plate or bowl. Handy Hint: If your candle won’t stand up on its own, use a small piece of playdough to secure it.
2. Pour the water into the plate (about 1cm in depth).
3. Light the candle with the lighter or match.
4. Turn the glass or mason jar upside down and place it over the candle.
5. Watch as the water rises while the candle goes out…

What Happened?

The candle went out because it ran out of oxygen.

When the candle was still burning, the flame heated up the air inside the glass. The hot air expanded quickly and created higher air pressure inside the glass than outside the glass.

When the flame extinguished, the air inside the glass cooled down. Cooling air contracted, which then lowered the air pressure inside the glass. But for a full explanation of the entire experiment, have a read 👉🏽 here.

Aaaaaaaand, that’s science kids!

Wonderdal, is a magical, colourful world of creativity and learning. It’s the ideal venue for family-friendly adventures in the Winelands. Click 👉 here to book a spot for your family today. 

3. Turn beans into plastic

Sounds like magic, right? Nope, that’s just part of the wonderful world of science! This rather cool science experiment for kids focuses on turning soybeans into plastic and all it takes is a few simple ingredients aaaaaand a microwave *which mom and dad will assist with, won’t you mom and dad?* 

What You’ll Need:

• Corn flour
• Water
• Soya bean oil
• Ceramic dish
• Food colouring
• Cookie cutters
• Parchment paper
• Glitter

Playing with normal ol’ plastic toys… BEAN there, done that! For a full, step-by-step tutorial on how to go about this scientific experiment, just click here.

4. DIY solar oven S’mores

Image source: Desert Chica

Could there be a better way to experience science than combining an experiment with one of the world’s greatest desserts? We think not!

That’s why we were super keen to get involved and try out these DIY Solar S’mores! Yes, you read that correctly – S’mors! *this is the kind of science we came for*

We do suggest making a plan to get this one done before Winter kicks in, as you’ll need plenty of sunshine!

Scientific Elements To Discuss During This Cool Experiment:

• The sun as a heat source
• What’s the purpose of foil?
• Purpose of the plastic wrap?
• How various weather conditions would affect the result?

What You’ll Need:

• A cardboard pizza box (mini or regular-sized)
• Aluminum foil
• Black construction paper
• Tape
• Glue stick
• Pencil or wooden skewer
• Scissors
• S’mores: chocolate, biscuits, marshmallows

For a step-by-step picture guide on how to build the oven, click here. S’mor of this, please!

Now for those who are reeeeeaaaalllyyyy getting into the scientific way of life, remember that apart from Wonderdal being another fun and exciting spot to visit because of, well, all of the fun and exciting activities, the Wonderdal Shop also has an array of wonderful science toys that can be purchased too.

The ideal spot to pick up a few special birthday gifts for your little ones or their friends.

But back to those experiments!

5. How do arctic animals stay warm in icy water?

Ever had that conversation about polar bears, seals, and penguins with the kids? You know, the one about how they can swim in icy water and why we can’t do the same? That conversation.

Well if that’s the case, this experiment will be just the thing to answer all of those icy questions! Be sure to have a mug of hot chocolate ready afterwards though (it’s not part of the science experiment but things can get a little bit chilly)!

To find out for yourself how Arctic animals are able to keep warm in freeeeezzzzzing icy waters, click here!

Wonderdal 

Phew! All of those science experiments are hard work! So if a break is in order or if your little ones are even more curious than before… best you remember to book your spot at the best Edutainment Centre for kids – that happens to be us, Wonderdal. We love combining nature and scientific elements throughout our 7 Interactive Edu-Zones.

A 2-hour edutainment slot for the kids and a 2 hour (or more) relaxation slot for moms and dads to do… Well, anything you like at Hazendal: grab a coffee, sit down for breakfast or lunch or enjoy a wine tasting or Russian Tea Ceremony.

Happy Experimenting! x