Did you know there were a whole slew of STEM learning that can be done with things you already have around your home?
1. Lava Lamp
Kids can learn about liquid density while creating this cool experiment at home.
Ingredients:
- Water
- Food coloring (or mix Kool-Aid pack with 1/4 cup water)
- Alka-seltzer tablet
- Vegetable oil
- A wide glass bottle or vase
Steps to Take:
- Fill glass bottle 3/4 full with vegetable oil.
- Fill the rest of the bottle with water (leaving a 3" margin at the top). Note: this step shows them how water is denser than the oil.
- Add food coloring (or Kool-Aid mixture) to the solution in the bottle. As drops are added, notice how they break through the oil and sit above the water layer.
- Wait and you will witness the water droplets to break through the oil/water line!
- Now for the bubbles! Drop your Alka-seltzer tablet in and let the fizz begin!
2. Natural Play Clay
Teach your child to make their favorite clay using these simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup corn starch
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 2 cups baking soda
- Food coloring (or mix Kool-Aid pack with 1/4 cup water)
- Cooking pan
Steps to Take:
- Pour baking soda into a pan.
- Stir in corn starch.
- Add 1 ¼ cups cold water.
- Add a very small amount of food coloring.
- Cook on medium heat for 10+ minutes, stirring constantly until thickens (similar to the consistency of mashed potatoes )
- Remove mixture and cover with a damp cloth.
- When cool to the touch, pat until smooth.
- After cooling and smoothing, it's ready for your child to play. Encourage them to shape it, prick it, and prod away!
3. Watercolor Wonders
No need to run to the store for paint when your child can make their own!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 packet of Kool-Aid
- 2 tablespoons water
Steps to Take:
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Add water and stir until fizzing stops. (Different flavors of the drink mix will yield different colors.)
- For more intense watercolor, a few drops of food coloring can be added to the mix.
- Kids should paint with them right away. To store, either place in a container with a lid or pour into a plastic tray to let them harden for future use.
NOTE: The projects above require adult supervision and are not intended for consumption.
