A person is never too young to delve into the world of science. For kids and toddlers, fun science experiments could be key to this exploration, as long as they are executed with caution and supervision. Here are some of the best science experiments that parents can try out with toddlers and kids.
Making Huge Bubbles
Making giant bubbles is a classic activity for kids that actually has some science to explain it. To pull this off, the only needed materials are plastic straws, a cotton string, a bubble solution, and a shallow container.
To start the experiment, the two straws should be cut into roughly six inches. A string should then be threaded into the straws, from one end to the other. The exact string length would determine the bubble size. With this, a length of 30 inches is recommended in order to produce big bubbles.
After threading the strings, the ends should be tied together for a large loop to form. After this, the knot should be moved to be covered by one of the straws.
Two more straws should be taken and inserted to other straws. These two other straws will serve as handles.
The bubble solution can then be poured into the shallow container, where the string-and-straw craft is to be submerged. After submerging it, the child can slowly lift up the craft with its handles. If necessary, one may assist with pulling the handles apart until the tautness of the string is evidence. The child's movement in the wind can aid in shaping the big bubble.
The Science of Bubbles
A bubble is actually a water layer that gets sandwiched between two soap layers. The pairing leads to an air pocket in the middle which allows bubble formation and floating.
The exact shape of the bubble is based on surface tension, which also holds the bubble together.
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Floating and Sinking
A sink or float activity is also another child-friendly activity that allows the exploration of the concept of floating or sinking. With this activity, children can freely play, explore, and find out which objects float or sink in water.
To execute the activity, the materials needed are two containers for the floating and sinking items, a big container of water, and objects at home that either float or sink. Each item can be gradually placed into the water. The child can then observe if the object floats or sinks.
The Science of Floating and Sinking
Different factors determine whether an object floats or sinks. For one, an object's weight could play a role. Objects that are heavy tend to sink, while lighter ones usually float.
Buoyancy, which refers to the upward force of the liquid that acts on the object, could also affect this. When buoyancy is greater than gravity, the object ends up floating.
Density is another factor that plays a role in this. Objects that are less dense compared to water end up floating, while objects that are denser end up sinking.
Water Dissolving
This experiment mainly focuses on observing whether an item does or does not dissolve in water. Materials for the activity include some ingredients from the kitchen, a couple of spoons and glasses, and water.
Each glass could be filled halfway through with water. Different ingredients can then be added to the water to see if they will dissolve or not. These ingredients could be salt, sugar, flour, or even vegetable oil.
The Science Behind Items Dissolving in Water
When something dissolves in water, it is referred to as a solution. The dissolved substance is called the solute, while the water or liquid the solute is dissolved in is known as the solvent.
Dissolving takes place when the solute breaks from larger to smaller molecule groups or individuals. For instance, when it comes to a solution of salt water, when salt dissolves into the liquid, large salt crystals get broken down by the water molecules.
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