DIY Science Experiments for Children Under 5

In the early years of childhood, children are learning about the world around them. This is a great time to create some science experiments at home to teach them some key concepts involving liquids, their senses, and gravity.  

Engaging in these science experiments can help spark a child’s curiosity for science and build foundational skills such as problem-solving, observation, and creativity. Here are three easy and safe DIY experiments to try at home using everyday household items.  

DIY Science Experiments for Toddler

1. Magic Milk  

This experiment is a simple way to introduce children to the concept of chemical reactions filled with fun colours to grab their attention.  

What’s needed:  

• A shallow dish 
• Whole milk  
• Food colouring (as many colours as you’d like)  
• Dish soap 
• Cotton swabs  

Instructions:  

1. Pour enough milk to just about cover the bottom of the dish.  
2. Add a few drops of food colouring into the milk.  
3. Dip the cotton swab into the dish soap, then gently touch the surface of milk with the swab. No watch all the colours swirl and curl!  

The lesson behind this experiment?  

The dish soap breaks down the fat in the milk causing the colours to swirl and move. This is a great practical lesson into how liquids can react and interact to one another.  

2. Fizzing Colours  

This experiment brings you a ton of bubbly fun for your child to learn more about chemical reactions.  

What’s needed:  

• Baking soda  
• Vinegar  
• Food colouring (As many as you’d like)  
• A shallow dish or tray  
• Small cups or bowls 

Instructions:  

1. Pour a thin layer of baking soda and spread it across the tray.  
2. Add a few drops of colouring and mix it with vinegar in a separate small bowl or cup.  
3. Use a spoon or a dropper to add the coloured vinegar to the baking soda and watch it as it begins to fizz and bubble!  

The lesson behind this experiment?  

Vinegar is an acid, when this meets with baking soda which is a base, they react with one another creating carbon dioxide gas. This leads to the amazing fizzing effect. This is a great early introduction into reactions between different substances.  

3. Floating and Sinking  

This easy and simple experiment explores the concept of density and buoyancy (floating) in a way young children can understand.  

What’s needed: 

• A large bowl of water (preferably a glass bowl for your child to see through) 
• A variety of household objects such as a coin, toy block, leaf, spoon, hair clip) 

Instructions:  

1. Gather your variety of household items, each varying in weight.  
2. Ask your child to guess which items will float, and which will sink and put the objects to the test by dropping them in water!  
3. Discuss the results with your child and ask them why they think each one sank or floated.  

The lesson behind this experiment?  

This test encourages children to think critically about a variety of objects and things like their material, weight, and how they might interact with water.  

These simple experiments that can be achieved at home are not only engaging for young children, but they are also educational. Offering opportunities for quality time while fostering a love for learning from an early age. These DIY experiments for young children are all about exploration, asking questions, and enjoying the ability to discovery new things together.  Discover educational toys to aid your child’s development and explore our learning skills range to find everything you need on their journey. 

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