4 Summer Science Projects to do with the Kids

We are well into summer now, but that doesn’t mean we’ve stopped learning. In fact we’re still doing quite a lot – I just don’t call it “school”. Instead I just ask the kids if they want to do an activity with mommy and they’re sold.

Science is the favorite subject in my house so we are doing a lot of mini-experiments and crafty projects that allow me to slip some scientific education into the day. We’ve dyed celery, made a seashell display box, and skinned an onion to see plant cells. Today we started a compost experiment using one of the small plastic fruit containers and some of the food that I was going to throw away. This is a test to see if they will participate if I make a full size compost bin. If you’re interested in learning more about composting with your kids take a peek at my compost post over at bookworm homeschool.

Here are a few more fun and easy science activities you can try at home.

Magic Flower:

Plants drink water with their roots and the water flows up the stem and is evaporated through holes in the leaves and flowers of the plant. Pick a light colored flower (white or yellow) with a thick stem. Carefully slice the stem in half starting from halfway up the stem working down to the bottom. Wind a bit of tape around the top of the cut so the rest of the stem does not split. Fill two glasses with water. Add food coloring to one glass. Place half of the stem in each glass. Soon, half of the flower will begin to show signs of color as the water evaporates through the pores in the petals. For more plant-based experiments check out the book Science with Plants.

Seashell Showcase:

If you live near a beach (or a shell shop) head out and start a collection. Use the lid of a shoebox (we used an old fold-over box from a subscription service) to create a frame for your shells. Glue down your specimens and label them. Talk with your child about what types of creatures once called these animals home. What did they eat? Where did they live? How did they move from one place to another? Want to learn more about life under the sea? Grab a copy of the First Encyclopedia of Seas & Oceans or See Under the Sea.

Make Your Own Glue:

Milk contains a protein called casein, which is a sticky, binding substance. Note: Casein is the protein that often triggers milk allergies. Today, casein is used in paints and cosmetics but even the ancient Egyptians used it as glue. Ready to make your own? Pour 100ml of skim or low fat milk into a glass. Add 25ml of white vinegar to the cup and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. Soon you will see goopy slime on the top of your milk. Spoon out the slime and place it into a dry bowl or cup. Pour the slime onto a paper towel (double layer if you’d like) and dry it off a bit. Use the sticky casein to try gluing a few pieces of paper together.

You can have so much fun with science experiments and crafts, many with items you find already in your home. Want more fun science? Try these science activity books (Click on the books to learn more about them!):