We do a lot of science experiments for kids and STEM activities around here, and one common theme I noticed recently is that we do a lot of science experiments in a jar.
Glass jars are amazingly versatile and most people have several sitting in their kitchen. You don’t need fancy beakers or other expensive science equipment to do these fun STEM activities.
All of these ideas are clever, simple, and fun science experiments in a jar. Kids will love these creative ideas and parents and educators will love the affordable cost!
These jar science projects are so much fun and will keep kids talking about the lesson long after the science jar is cleaned up.
And go here for more mason jar sciene experiments!
Try these fun science jars today!
Why Do Science Experiments in Jars?
You may be wondering?
Why jars?
Why are science experiments in a jar a thing?
Well, mason jars are typically made of glass. This makes them similar to science flasks and beakers- except, that most of you have at least a few mason jars in your house.
So, a jar is the perfect starting science tool for children just getting into science who may not have a full set of “official” science tools.
With mason jar science projects, children can get started with science right away, and they don’t need to get any special tools.
As a parent, it’s nice to have a list of screen-free activities that you can offer up to kids when they declare boredom, as is inevitable during summer and other school breaks.
And as a teacher, mason jars are easy to use in the classroom because they are less expensive than “real” science tools and you can even ask parents to donate mason jars to use in the classroom for science experiments.
You can teach everything from geology to chemistry in a jar- and even learn about space in a jar, too!
What do you need to get started with science experiments in a jar?
You don’t need much to get started with science experiments in a jar! Just a few things, like:
- Mason jars
- Thermometer
- Food coloring
- pH strips
- Pencils
- Oil
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Magnifying glass
- Magnets
Learning Resources Super Magnet Lab Kit, STEM Toy, Critical Thinking, 119 Pieces, Ages 5+Ball Glass Mason Jar with Lid and Band, Regular Mouth, 12 JarsThe Mason Jar Scientist: 30 Jarring STEAM-Based ProjectsMagnifying Glass 3X Handheld Reading Magnifier – 100MM Large Magnifying Lens with Non-Slip Soft Handle for Book Newspaper Reading, Insect and Hobby Observation, Classroom Science (3X-100MM)Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, 80 Ounce30% Pure Vinegar – Home&Garden (1 Gallon)Lucy’s Family Owned – Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon 128oz. (Pack of 2)Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil, 64 OunceAmazonBasics Pre-sharpened Wood Cased #2 HB Pencils, 150 PackLitmus pH Test Strips, Universal Application (pH 1-14), 2 Packs of 100 StripsFood Coloring Liqua-Gel 12 PK (9 oz, 264 mL) – 12 Bold Primary Color Kit in .75 fl. oz (22mL) Bottles – For Baking, Decorating, Fondant, Cooking, DIY Slime, Crafts and MoreEtekcity Lasergrip 774 Non-contact Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun -58℉~ 716℉ (-50℃ ~ 380℃), Yellow and Black
With these simple supplies, plus a few extra from the classroom or home, you’re all set to teach tons of scientific concepts, all inside of a jar.
Click on each project listed below to be taken to instructions and a list of supplies necessary for each project.
Spectacular Science Experiments in a Jar
This post contains affiliate links.
If you have some old jars lying around (our favorite jars to use are mason jars) then you’re all ready to try these science experiments you can do in a jar!
It’s so easy to get started with Mason jar science experiments!
Don’t Miss: Even More Science Experiments in Jars
And if you can’t get enough of these science experiments in a jar, check out The Mason Jar Scientist!
Weather Science Experiments in a Jar
Kids will love these weather science experiments. All you need to get started is a jar! Learn about weather patterns, temperature, why weather happens, and more!
Density Science Projects in a Jar
Learn all about density inside of a jar! Learn about density versus mass, how to calculate density, how you can “see” density, and more!
Egg Science Projects in a Jar
Nothing is more fun than learning about eggs! Jars make it even more fun. Learn about osmosis and acids and bases!
Chemistry Science Experiments in a Jar
Chemistry has never been as fun as it is inside of a jar! Learn about crystals, chemical reactions, non-Newtonian fluids, and more!
Plant and Earth Science Experiments in a Jar
Earth science experiments? Check. In a jar? Check again! Learn what colors are in leaves, what soil is best for seeds, how plants drink and breathe, and much more!
Leaf Chromatography Experiment
Light Science Experiments in a Jar
These light science experiments are all done in a jar and are super fun for kids! Bend water and explore color theory in these experiments!
