Science Projects to Do With Your Family

When it comes to teaching your little ones science or expanding on the unique and interesting ideas they’re already learning in school, a hands-on approach can be effective, lasting, and fun for the whole family. Here are some easy science projects you can do right at home with the materials you already have.

Create a Germ Farm (Biology)

Biology is the discipline that focuses on living organisms and the circle of life. Germs factor into the health of our bodies, what we eat, where the food we consume comes from, and so much more. You can create a germ farm by swabbing parts of your home (or self!) placing the swabs in new and clean agar plates and putting them before a heat source. Then just watch the germ grow!

Cleaning Pennies (Chemistry)

It’s important to have a basic understanding of chemistry, even at a young age, because it will help to keep you safe, make you a better cook, improve your understanding of the world around you, and more. The penny cleaning experiment requires a handful of dirty change and some basic ingredients you have around the house, like lime juice, ketchup, salt, and soap. Soak the pennies in different products and see which cleans them most effectively, then discuss the ingredients and chemical reactions of the copper with each one.

Grow a Garden (Botany)

Kitchen and victory gardens are making a comeback, and it’s not difficult to see why. The food from a home garden is healthier, not sprayed with harsh chemicals, and less expensive to consume long-term. Consider taking seeds and cuttings from the food you eat and planting them with your little scientist, then watch the growth process and showcase the circle of life!

Make a Solar System (Astronomy)

Solar systems are a basic part of any science education, but it can be challenging for young students to grasp the size and scope of our galaxy and the celestial bodies found within. Using your favorite medium—sidewalk chalk, papier-mâché, balloons, or even pencils and paper, challenge your young learners to create a scale universe, with a huge sun and planets and moons to match.

Start a Compost Bin (Environmental Science)

Climate change is a big topic right now and it’s important to begin discussing the environment with your young learners from an early age. One great way for them to reduce their impact and learn about systems of reusing and recycling is to start a composting bin right at home. This will open discussions about what can be composted because it’s biodegradable, what can be recycled, and what must be thrown in the garbage—and the impact of each.

Simple Machines (Physics)

Simple machines utilize common types of force in order to complete a job. They include tools such as levers, wedges, pulleys, screws, and wheels. Work with your young learner to create simple machines for each of these types of force, like launchers, cars, dumbwaiters, and more. This will help to make the impact of physics real and hands on, so they have a better sense of gravity and how the world around them works.

Here at Ripplequest, we have many great educators and tutors that can help to take your young scientist’s education and understanding to the next level. Find the right fit for your family today by searching on the easiest search tool app! Find your next anything, today!