Children’s curiosity is boundless, and experiments are a great way to spark their interest in science and research. Lab jars are extremely versatile tools in this regard and can be used in many experiments. In this blog post, we would like to share 5 simple experiments for kids that can be done with lab jars. These experiments are not only entertaining, but also educational and allow children to discover basic scientific principles.
Experiment 1: Density layers in a glass
Materials:
- A glass with water
- Food coloring in different colors
This experiment allows children to investigate the density of different liquids and observe how they layer in a glass. Fill the glass about halfway with water and then carefully add a few drops of food coloring in different colors. The colors should not mix, but should form layers, with the denser liquid on the bottom and the less dense liquid on top. This experiment helps children understand the concept of density and see how different substances behave in a glass.
Experiment 2: Lava Lamp Effect
Materials:
- A glass of water
- Vegetable oil
- Food coloring
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
This experiment allows children to recreate the fascinating effect of a lava lamp. Fill the glass about one-third full with water, then carefully add vegetable oil until the jar is almost full. Add a few drops of food coloring to enhance the effect. In a separate container, mix baking soda and vinegar until it begins to bubble. Pour the mixture into the jar and watch as small bubbles rise to create the lava lamp effect. This experiment demonstrates the effect of gas formation and shows children how chemical reactions can occur.
Experiment 3: Tornado in a bottle
Materials:
- A large glass jar with a screw cap
- Water
- Dishwashing liquid
- Glitter (optional)
With this experiment, kids can create a tornado in a bottle. Fill the jar one-third full with water and add a splash of dishwashing liquid. You can also add some glitter to enhance the effect. Screw the lid tightly onto the jar and spin it quickly in a circular motion. As soon as you stop spinning, a small tornado will form in the jar. This experiment explains the principle of centrifugal force to children and allows them to observe the movement of liquids.
Experiment 4: The magic writing
Materials:
- A glass
- Lemon juice
- A cotton swab
- An oven or a hair dryer
Description: This experiment introduces children to the secrets of invisible ink. Have children write their own secret message on a piece of paper using lemon juice as the ink. Once the juice dries, the writing becomes invisible. To make the message visible, children can carefully hold the paper over a heat source such as an oven or hair dryer. The lemon juice reacts with the heat and the writing magically appears. This experiment explains the basics of chemistry to the children and shows them a simple way to encode secret messages.
Experiment 5: Rain cloud in glass
Materials:
- A large glass
- Hot water
- A plate or bowl with ice cubes
- A spray bottle with water
With this experiment, children can simulate a rain cloud in a glass and learn to understand the water cycle. Fill the glass about halfway with hot water. Place the plate or bowl with ice cubes on top of the glass to condense the water vapor. Wait a few minutes for water droplets to form on the inside of the glass. Then spray water from the spray bottle onto the top of the cold plate or bowl. Observe how the water droplets fall as rain from the „cloud“ in the glass. This experiment illustrates the water cycle and helps children understand how rain is formed.
Conducting experiments with laboratory jars can be an exciting and educational experience for children. The experiments presented allow children to explore and understand basic scientific principles. By experimenting with density layers, chemical reactions, centrifugal force, invisible ink, and the water cycle, kids can satisfy their curiosity and discover their enthusiasm for science. So grab some lab jars and get ready for fun and learning with these 5 easy experiments for kids.
On our blog, you’ll find many more craft ideas that are also great for kids, such as this homemade cork pinboard. Have fun exploring and crafting.
