Super Fun Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 52 Family Friendly Experiments from Around the House

Join mom and kitchen scientist extraordinaire Liz Lee Heinecke for simple family-friendly activities that introduce fundamental scientific principles in a fun and accessible way.

In Super Fun Kitchen Science Experiments for Kid—adapted from Kitchen Science Lab for Kids—each activity follows clear, photo-illustrated step-by-step instructions exploring subjects as diverse as:
 

• Microbiology by growing your own microbe zoo on a homemade petri plate.
• Rocket science by making and launching bottle rockets, using water and a bike pump.
• Physics—marshmallow slingshots serve as a lesson on the transformation of energy and an egg-throwing experiment demonstrates the law of motion.
• And so much more! Other great projects explore the exciting science of crystals, static electricity, acidification, and solar energy.

Along with the experiments, you’ll find:
 

• Tips for keeping a science journal.
• Suggestions for taking your experimentation to the next level with “Creative Enrichment.”
• Accessible explanations of “The Science Behind the Fun.”
• Safety tips and hints.

The experiments can be used as part of a homeschool curriculum, for family fun, at parties, or as educational activities for groups. Many of the experiments are safe enough for children as young as toddlers and exciting enough for older kids, so families can discover the joy of science together.

Each activity contains a complete materials list, clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples. The labs can be used as singular projects or as part of a yearlong curriculum of experiential learning. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being taught or guided by adults, they are enriching for a range of ages and skill levels.

Introduce kids to the world of science all around them with these simple, yet amazing, experiments!

Liz Lee Heinecke has loved science since she was old enough to inspect her first butterfly. After working in molecular biology research for 10 years and earning her master’s degree, she left the lab to kick off a new chapter in her life as a stay-at-home mom. Soon, she found herself sharing her love of science with her three kids as they grew, chronicling their science adventures on her KitchenPantryScientist website. Her desire to share her enthusiasm for science led to regular television appearances, an opportunity to serve as an Earth Ambassador for NASA, and the creation of an iPhone app. Her goal is to make it simple for parents to do science with kids of all ages, and for kids to experiment safely on their own. Liz graduated from Luther College and received her master’s degree in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She is the author of Kitchen Science Lab for Kids, Kitchen Science Lab for Kids: Edible Edition, Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, STEAM Lab for Kids, Sheet Pan Science, and Little Learning Labs: Kitchen Science for Kids. Her namesake series, The Kitchen Pantry Scientist, pairs illustrated biographies with engaging hands-on activities inspired by their work. The books in that series include: Chemistry for Kids, Biology for Kids, Physics for Kids, Math for Kids, and Ecology for Kids.