3 Fun Science Experiments to Do at Home This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to spark kids’ scientific curiosity while having fun—no more boredom at home! You don’t need a lab or expensive materials: with a few everyday household items and a bit of supervision, you can turn your kitchen or backyard into a discovery zone.

Today, we’re sharing 3 easy and entertaining fun science experiments that kids can do at home this summer. Keep reading!

 

Become a Detective! Reveal Fingerprints with Cocoa Powder

Ever wanted to solve a mystery like in the movies? Today we’ll show you how to find fingerprints like a real forensic detective! All you need are items you probably already have at home… and a bit of fun science. Did you know your fingers leave invisible marks on everything you touch? With this experiment, you’ll be able to see and analyze them—just like in a real investigation! 3 Fun Science Experiments to Do at Home This Summer

What you’ll need:

  • 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder
  • A small brush or soft paintbrush
  • Clear adhesive tape
  • A glass, mug, or smooth surface
  • White cardboard or light-colored paper

To start, touch the glass with your fingers (no washing your hands first!). Then gently sprinkle cocoa powder over the area you touched—use the brush to help spread it. Blow off the excess cocoa or gently brush it away, and when you see the fingerprint, slowly press the tape on top of it. Carefully peel off the tape and stick it onto the white cardboard… and there’s your print!

Your fingers have natural oils and sweat that leave marks on surfaces. The cocoa sticks to these marks and reveals the unique pattern of your fingerprint. Did you know that no one else in the world has the same fingerprints as you? Not even identical twins.

 

Discover the Power of Science with Balloons!

You’ll need:

  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • 1 balloon
  • 1 funnel
  • 1 plastic water bottle

Start by carefully pouring 1/2 cup of vinegar into the bottle. Stretch the balloon several times to loosen it up, then use the funnel to fill it halfway with baking soda. If you don’t have a funnel, you3 Fun Science Experiments to Do at Home This Summer can make one with paper and tape.

Now, carefully place the mouth of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle—but don’t let the baking soda fall in yet!

Ready? Lift the balloon so the baking soda falls into the vinegar. Watch the science magic happen!

 

Make Your Own Solar Oven with a Pizza Box

For the more adventurous, our final experiment is a bit more complex—but super fun and practical!

You’ll need:

  • A cardboard pizza box
  • A knife or scissors
  • Aluminum foil
  • Clear tape
  • A plastic bag
  • Black construction paper
  • Newspapers
  • A ruler
  • A thermometer
  • An adult to help with cutting

First, ask an adult to cut a three-sided flap in the lid of the pizza box, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border and folding the flap upwards. Then cover the inside of the flap with aluminum foil to reflect sunlight, securing it with tape on the back side.3 Fun Science Experiments to Do at Home This Summer

Seal the opening of the box using a double layer of plastic wrap or a plastic bag, making sure it’s airtight. Line the bottom of the box with black paper to absorb heat—the size will depend on your box. Finally, insulate your oven by rolling up newspaper around the lower edges of the cooking area, creating a seal that allows the lid to close.

And you’re ready to cook!

Use your solar oven to melt chocolate and marshmallows, toast bread, cook hot dogs, or melt cheese for nachos. Place the food on a clear plate inside the oven to keep it clean, and monitor the temperature with a thermometer inside.

You can find step-by-step images of the solar oven experiment [here].

 

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