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Science Activities for Students

by Ann Hudson

Overview

From learning about polymers with homemade Silly Putty to creating an exploding volcano using baking soda and vinegar, hands-on science activities captivate young minds. Parents and teachers can use these activities to introduce preschool children to the wonders of the universe or help older students maintain a curiosity about science all the way through high school.
Preschool

A basic tin-can phone teaches preschoolers about the properties of sound waves and how vibrations cause sound. A windsock made of crepe paper streamers gives young children visual evidence of air currents. Fill several clear plastic containers with sand, marbles, chick peas or buttons and encourage children to listen closely and compare the sounds that the different materials make.

Kindergarten

Kindergartners can understand and process a surprising amount of scientific information. Visual activities are especially effective. Density can be clearly seen by pouring water, syrup and oil in a clear container and watching the fluids separate. Let young children learn about color by mixing two primary-color paints to create a new color. Do molecules move faster in hot water or cold? Drop a food-coloring tablet in a glass of cold water and one in a glass of hot water, then wait to see which one dissolves first.
Primary Grades

As with kindergartners, seeing is believing for this age group. Balloons are an effective and visual way to help primary-grade kids understand air pressure. Put a latex balloon inside an empty plastic 2-liter bottle and secure the end of the balloon around the neck of the bottle. Prepare a second bottle in the same manner, but this time use a tack to poke a small hole in the bottom of the bottle. Challenge two students to try to blow up the balloons. The balloon in the bottle with no hole will not inflate since there is no way for the air to escape. But the bottle with the hole in the bottom allows air to escape and the balloon to inflate.
Middle school

Middle school students can begin to experiment with materials that require a little more care in handling. The elephant's toothpaste experiment is an impressive visual demonstration of a powerful chemical reaction. Make sure that anyone conducting this experiment is wearing safety goggles. Combine hydrogen peroxide, eight drops of food coloring and 1 tbsp. of liquid dish soap in an empty 16 oz. plastic soft drink bottle. In a separate container, mix 1 tbsp. dry yeast with about 3 tbsp. of warm water. Wait 30 seconds and pour the water and yeast mixture into the bottle using a funnel. A mountain of foam will erupt from the bottle within seconds.
Science Fairs

Science fairs allow students to pursue their areas of interest in the world of science. Most science fair projects involve an investigation that sets out to answer a hypothetical question. These fairs provide the opportunity for students to enjoy independent study while also offering education and enlightenment to fellow students who attend the event.