STEM activities are a great way to encourage kids to explore science concepts while having fun. These three simple experiments are perfect for hands-on learning, sparking curiosity and encouraging confidence in STEM. 

1. Floating Fish Experiment

What you will need: 

  • Dry-erase marker 
  • Glass plate or tray 
  • Measuring cup 
  • Tap water 

Instructions:  

  1. Draw a fish (or any simple shape) on the bottom of a glass plate with a dry-erase marker. Make sure the lines are connected, and retrace your drawing for better results.  
  2. Let the drawing dry for a minute or two. 
  3. Slowly pour tap water into the plate until it just covers the bottom. Be careful not to splash the water.  
  4. Watch as the drawing lifts off the plate and floats! =
  5. Tilt the plate gently and observe how the floating shape moves.  

Curiosity Questions to Explore: 

  • Why do you think the ink floats instead of sinking? 
  • What might happen if you used a different type of marker? 
  • How does tilting the plate affect the way the fish moves? 

 

2. Self-Inflating Balloon

What you will need: 

  • Balloon 
  • Empty Plastic Bottle 
  • Baking Soda 
  • Vinegar 
  • Funnel or spoon 

Instructions:  

  1. Add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the empty bottle using a funnel or spoon. 
  2. Pour vinegar into the balloon until it’s about halfway full. 
  3. Carefully stretch the balloon over the mouth of the bottle without letting the vinegar spill in.  
  4. Lift the balloon to pour the vinegar into the bottle and watch as the balloon inflates! 

Curiosity Questions to Explore: 

  • Why do you think ithe balloon inflated? 
  • How could you change the experiment to make the balloon inflate faster or slower? 
  • What would happen if you used more or less vinegar? 

3. Shaving Cream Water Cycle

What you will need: 

  • Clear glass or jar 
  • Water  
  • Shaving cream 
  • Blue food coloring 
  • Dropper or spoon 

Instructions: 

  1. Fill a glass or jar about three quarters full with water. 
  2. Add a thick layer of shaving cream on top to represent clouds.  
  3. Mix a few drops of blue food coloring with water to create “rain”. 
  4. Use a dropper to slowly add the blue water to the shaving cream clouds.  
  5. Watch as the clouds get saturated and release rain into the glass! 

Curiosity Questions to Explore: 

  • Why does the blue water stay in the shaving cream at first? 
  •  How does this experiment compare to the real water cycle? 
  • What might happen if you used a different liquid or added the water faster? 

Want to learn more about how water works?

Want to learn more about how water works? 
Visit the Water Works exhibit at the Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point! Discover how rain forms, its role in our ecosystem, and how water shapes the world around us. Dive into hands-on activities that bring these essential concepts to life! 

Get Tickets to the Museum of Natural Curiosity 

 

Final Thoughts

Science becomes even more exciting when you get to explore it hands-on! These experiments are a great way to discover how the world works while having fun. Which one will you try first? 

If you’re curious to learn more, plan a visit to Thanksgiving Point! From discovering the wonders of the water cycle to exploring the fascinating world of dinosaurs, there’s something for every young scientist to enjoy. Start your next big adventure with us—we can’t wait to see you!