10 Fun Physics Experiments to Try at Home with Kids
Getting kids involved in practical science activities is a great approach to encourage learning and pique their curiosity.
For kids of all ages, these easy experiments that use items you probably already have at home make physics approachable and enjoyable. Each one offers an opportunity for creativity and discovery while illustrating a basic physics theory.
Try these ten simple experiments: —
1. Make a Paperclip Float
The paperclip remains floating on water due to surface tension.
Requirements:
- A bowl of water
- A paperclip
- Tissue paper or a little bit of plastic
Instructions:
1. Pour water into a bowl.
2. Carefully bend the paperclip into a “boat” shape.
3. Gently place the plastic or tissue on the water’s surface.
4. Cover the tissue or plastic with the paperclip.
5. Remove the plastic or tissue gradually, leaving the paperclip afloat.
Explanation
Water molecules adhere to one another at the surface, producing tension that is sufficient to hold up the thin paperclip!
2. Build an Electromagnet
Magnetism is produced by electricity.
Requirements
Copper wire
- A small battery (AA or 9V)
- Paper clips or tiny metal objects
- A nail
Instructions
1. Tightly wrap the copper wire around the nail, leaving extra wire at both ends by a few inches.
2. To reveal the copper, remove the insulation from the wire ends.
3. Attach the wire’s two ends to a battery terminal.
4. Pick up paper clips or little metal objects to test your electromagnet.
Explanation
The nail becomes magnetized as a result of the magnetic field created by the electric current passing through the wire.
3. Create a Rainbow in a Jar
The way substances layer depends on the density of the liquid.
Requirements
- Water, sugar, and food coloring
- A transparent glass or jar
Instructions
1. Dissolve varying amounts of sugar (e.g., 1 tablespoon in one cup, 2 teaspoons in another) in many cups of warm water. Fill each cup with food coloring.
2. Gently transfer the mixtures into a transparent jar, beginning at the bottom with the most concentrated (highest sugar) solution.
3. To prevent mixing, layer each liquid gradually.
Explanation
Different, vibrant layers are formed as the denser liquid remains on the bottom.
4. The Balloon Rocket
Newton’s Third Law states that there is an equal and opposite reaction to every action.
Items You’ll Need
- Tape
- A straw
- String
- A balloon
Instructions
1. Tie the ends of a string to two sturdy objects, such as chairs, after threading the string through the straw.
2. Pinch a balloon shut after inflating it; do not tie it.
3. Attach the balloon and straw with tape.
4. Watch the balloon zoom when you release it!
Explanation
The balloon is propelled forward in the opposite direction by the leaking air.
5. DIY Compass
A magnetized object can align itself with the Earth’s magnetic field.
Items You’ll Need
- A little magnet
- A sewing needle
- A basin with water
- A piece of cork or Styrofoam
Instructions
1. To magnetize the needle, rub it in a single direction with a magnet.
2. Insert the needle into a tiny piece of Styrofoam or cork.
3. Let the needle or cork float in water in a bowl.
4. See how the needle lines up to indicate north-south.
Explanation
Like a compass, the magnetized needle points in the direction of Earth’s magnetic field.
6. The Catapult of Marshmallows
Potential energy.
Required Items
- Popsicle sticks
- Rubber bands
- Plastic spoon
- Marshmallows
Instructions
1. Attach two popsicle sticks in a “X” form using rubber bands.
2. To create a base, add another stick horizontally.
3. Attach one stick to a plastic spoon.
4. After loading a marshmallow onto the spoon, pull it back and let go to launch!
Explanation
When you pull the spoon, potential energy is stored and released as kinetic energy when you release your grip.
7. A Soap-Powered Boat
By lowering surface tension, soap helps the boat move forward.
Required Items:
- A shallow water dish
- A tiny “boat” made of cardboard or plastic
- Liquid dish soap
Directions:
1. Using cardboard or plastic, cut out a tiny boat shape.
2. Set it on the surface of the water.
3. Watch the boat move after adding a squirt of soap to the back.
Explanation
Soap pushes the boat ahead by reducing the surface tension of the water.
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8. Rising Water Trick
Suction can be produced by variations in air pressure.
Required Items
- A candle
- A shallow bowl filled with water
- A jar made of glass
Directions:
1. Put a candle in the middle of the dish and add enough water to barely cover the base of the candle.
2. Carefully light the candle.
3. Place a glass jar upside down over the candle and observe the water rising within.
Explanation
The air pressure inside the jar decreases as the flame consumes oxygen. Water is forced into the jar by the increased external pressure.
9. The Balloon of Static Electricity
Discover how light objects are drawn to static electricity.
Required Items
- Balloons
- Tiny bits of paper or your personal hair
Instructions
1. Inflate and knot a balloon.
2. To generate a charge, rub it against your wool or hair.
3. Hold it up to little bits of paper or let it float over your hair.
Explanation
Static electricity is produced when electrons are transferred by rubbing. Charges that are opposites attract!
10. Water Displacement
To demonstrate buoyancy, objects in water displace their weight.
Requirements
- A transparent water container
- Coins and marbles are examples of little items.
Instructions
1. Pour water into a transparent container.
2. As you add items, observe how the water level rises.
3. To calculate displacement, note the water levels before and after.
Explanation
Submerged items displace water equivalent to their volume by pushing it out of their way.
You can transform your house into a science lab with these straightforward experiments, which can help kids find physics engaging and uncomplicated. Give them a try and share in the wonder of exploration!
Hi, I’m Hamid Ali, an MSc in Biotechnology and a passionate Lecturer of Biology with over 11 years of teaching experience. I have dedicated my career to making complex biological concepts accessible and engaging for students and readers alike.
Beyond the classroom, I’m an avid blogger, sharing insights, educational resources, and my love for science to inspire lifelong learning. When I’m not teaching or writing, I enjoy exploring new advancements in biotechnology and contributing to meaningful discussions in the scientific community.
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