When it comes to science experiments for kids, we’ve tried a lot. Science experiments are one of my kids’ favorite things to do.
During the summer, we like to kick things up a notch with summer science experiments.
My kids are active learners. They don’t like worksheets, and they definitely don’t like sitting still. But what they do love is hands-on learning.
Anything that my kids can get into physically while learning, they love.
That is why science experiments have become such a big part of our summer.
Each summer, we spend several weeks trying new science experiments for summer and STEM activities that are both educational, and tons of fun.
We’ve gathered a list of our favorite summer science experiments below.
You’ll also want to check out the ultimate list of summer STEM activities.
Don’t miss the list of summer slime recipes!
WHAT ARE SUMMER SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS?
A summer science experiment is a lot like any other science experiment, except these have a summery twist!
All of these science experiments for summer include fun summer themes, like bright colors, kitchen science, ice, tie dye, space, the ocean, and more!
One of my favorite things to do in the summer with my kids is to try fun STEM activities and science experiments with them, because my kids love learning hands on, and I love learning right along with them.
Summer science experiments are one of our favorite summer traditions and have been for the past five years.
You may also like: Creative STEM Activities for Kids
WHAT DO KIDS LEARN WITH SUMMER SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS?
Today, science experiments for kids are more important than ever. Science and technology are huge parts of our world today, and the future will be even more science and tech-focused.
Kids who aren’t immersed in the world of science and STEM exploration from a young age will be left behind their peers, and may struggle to find work in the fast-changing landscape of future careers.
Science experiments are usually basic, but they can help spark a love of science and discovery in a child that will follow them throughout their life.
The simple science experiment that a child does today may spark their desire to discover something that will change the world in the future.
Don’t Miss: The Ultimate List of Summer STEM Activities
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD FOR KIDS
When you do your summer science experiments, try to include every step in the scientific method.
Every science experiment contains four elements:
A Question
Kids should start every science experiment with a question, even if that question is just “what will happen?”
A Hypothesis
Before doing any experiment, children should record what they believe will happen.
An Experiment
This is where the fun part comes into play. Test the hypothesis to determine if it answers the question fully.
A Recording and Analysis
As the test is completed, record what happened and analyze why.
A Re-test
Try different variables and try a new test to see if the original answer is confirmed or disproved.
WHAT DO KIDS NEED TO DO SUMMER SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS?
These books will help make your summer science experiments easier!
This post contains affiliate links.
The Mason Jar Scientist: 30 Jarring STEAM-Based ProjectsNational Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything
The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book: Boil Ice, Float Water, Measure Gravity-Challenge the World Around You!
Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work
The Science Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained)
THE ULTIMATE LIST OF SUMMER SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS
Add these science experiments for summer to your summer bucket list!
If these science experiments aren’t enough, try Five Minute Science, Mason Jar Science Experiments, Science Experiments in Jars, and Science Projects for Active Kids.
WATER SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
Make a Tornado in a Jar and learn about how tornadoes form.
Try the Hot and Cold Water Density experiment and learn about density (and color mixing!).
Walking Rainbow in a Jar will show kids just how color theory works, and how surface tension works!
Make Color Changing Flowers and learn how plants drink water!
Try this fish version of the cartesian diver experiment and learn why fish can rise and sink in the water!
Learn how to remove salt from water in the Desalinization Science Experiment.
ICE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
These science experiments all feature ice.
Can you get ice to burn? Learn how in the Burning Ice Science Experiment.
Did you know you can make a magnifying glass from ice? Ice Magnifying Glass Science
You don’t need cold to make ice! Try the Hot Ice Science Experiment.
Experiment with temperature and states of matter in the Icy Oil and Water Science Experiment.
SPACE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
Want to learn about space? Try these fun space science experiments!
Learn about crystals in the Galaxy Sugar Crystal Science Experiment.
Make a whole solar system of slime with this Planet Slime recipe!
Make your own at-home Backyard Space Camp.
Build a Solar System Model.
Try this super fun Solar System Suncatcher project this year.
SLIME SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
You can learn with slime! These summery versions will please any kid!
This Fluffy Ice Cream Slime is fun for kids to play with.
Ocean Slime is bright and colorful, just like the real ocean!
Give the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment a twist when you make an Erupting Slime Volcano.
Tie Dye Slime is perfect for this year, with tie dye trending everywhere!
Make your own Beach Slime, even if you can’t visit the beach!
All you need is some sand to make this fun Sand Slime.
Try the Galaxy Slime Recipe.
Fluffy Patriotic Slime is perfect for the 4th of July!
Mermaid lovers will love this Mermaid Tail Slime.
KITCHEN SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
These science experiments can all be done in the kitchen!
Make a bee life cycle from play dough!
Make a galaxy from oobleck with this Galaxy Oobleck Science experiment.
Explode Patriotic Paint Bombs (safely) in your back yard!)
Try this classic Magic Milk Science Experiment to learn about surface tension.
The Turning a Penny Green Science Experiment is a must-try for any science lover.
Make Epsom Salt Crystals!
Build a Desert Biome inside of a jar!
Try these Exploding Paint Rockets for a fun STEAM project this year!
Give a mermaid a light-up flower in this Squishy Circuit Mermaid project.