Science Experiments for Kids

By Donna Bankey

There are a few things you need to think about when choosing science experiments for your kids, such as if it is age-appropriate, and does it fit their interests. Sometimes what you think would be just perfect does not interest your child, so don't get too invested in your chosen science experiment. The only bribe you should offer your child for completing the science experiment is the fun of experiencing the end result. Especially when working with small children it is important to take your time and be flexible. You might think you know what the end result should be, but things can turn out differently, so be willing to accept any results of the experiment as a fun lesson learned.

Here are four easy experiments to get you started.

(You probably already have all that is necessary to do the experiments in your home.)

1 Taste:

For this experiment you will need cotton swabs, water, several cups, unsweetened baking cocoa, lemon juice, salt, honey, and pens and paper, and a partner. One partner will be the one tasting and the other partner will be the one testing, and then switching places later. Different areas of your tongue have taste buds that taste sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. The point of this experiment is to find out firsthand what part of your tongue tastes these different things. To start this experiment first make sure the different foods are all in liquid form. You can do that by mixing the powders with water to make them liquid. First the tester should dip the cotton swab into one of the liquids and brush it on different areas of the taster's tongue. Repeat this with each of the other liquids. The taster should frequently sip water to cleanse their palette. As each item is tasted, take your paper and pen and map out where the different foods taste the strongest on the tongue. When both partners take turns being tasters then you can compare notes. Have fun finding out exactly where these areas are on your tongue.

2. Reaction time:

To do this experiment you will need a standard ruler, table, and paper and pencil, and a partner. The object of this science experiment is to find out how fast your reaction time is. The reaction time is the time it takes for your eyes to see what is happening and your brain to register and tell your hand to grab the ruler. One partner will need to sit with their arm resting on a table with the wrist hanging slightly off the edge with both the thumb and index finger on top with the hand a little bit open, like holding a mug handle. The other partner will stand nearby with the ruler hanging over the seated partner's hand slightly. The partner holding the ruler will, without warning, drop the ruler so it will fall straight down between the partner's thumb and fingers. The partner that is having their reaction time tested should try to grab the ruler as fast as they can after it is dropped. Record the centimeters under the fingers were the ruler is gripped, and record those numbers on paper. Try this experiment a few more times and record your results. Then let your partner try to catch the ruler. It is fun to see if your reaction time gets better with practice or one of you has a faster reaction time than the other.

3. Peripheral vision:

For this experiment you will need three different colored pieces of paper, three different colored markers, and a big piece of butcher paper or newspaper, and a partner. The object of this experiment is to test your peripheral vision. Cut each colored paper into a different basic shape. Then use a different colored marker on each shape to write a different letter. One partner will stand on the butcher paper and the other partner should draw a semi-circle in front at arms length. The partner standing on the paper should stay still with eyes looking straight ahead as the other partner holds up one of the pieces of paper and walks from one end of the semi-circle to the other. The partner on the paper should say when they first see the color of the paper, then the shape of the paper, and finally the letter written on the paper. Note these findings. Now switch partners. Repeat as before. Compare the two charts to see the differences between the two partners' peripheral vision.

4. Perception:

For this experiment you will need a clear cup, several pennies, pen and paper, table, and chairs, and a partner. The object of this experiment is to see if using two eyes is better than just using one. Have each partner sit on a chair at the table with the cup between them. One partner will hold their hand over the cup with a penny. The other partner will watch and tell the partner with the penny to move forward, back, left, or right. When it looks like the penny is over the cup tell your partner to drop it. See if the penny goes into the cup. Then try the experiment again with one eye closed. Write down your results. Then trade jobs with your partner. Compare your results to see if two eyes are better than one.

The most important thing to keep in mind while deciding on what science experiments for kids to do is to pick experiments you and your kids can have a good time doing together.

DJ Bankey is a mother of 3 with inquiring minds, and runs a blog that focuses on science experiments for kids. This blog can be found at http://scienceexperimentsforkids.blogetery.com