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65 Amazing Chemistry Experiments for Kids
Chemistry is so much fun, and we have tons of cool chemistry experiments to share with you. Like our awesome physics experiments , we decided we needed to put together a list of fun chemistry projects kids can do at home or in the classroom. Check out these examples of easy chemical reactions below!
Chemistry Experiments You Want To Try
We have divided our chemistry experiments below into chemical reactions, acids and bases, chromatography, solutions, polymers, and crystals. Some chemistry experiments also explore concepts in physics .
Chemical Reactions
A chemical reaction is a process where two or more substances react together to form a new chemical substance. This might look like a gas formed, cooking or baking, milk souring, etc.
Sometimes a physical change occurs, like our popcorn experiment or melting crayons, rather than a chemical change . However, these experiments below are all great examples of chemical change, where a new substance is formed.
CHECK OUT: Examples Of Physical Change and Chemical Change Examples
Can chemical reactions happen safely at home or in the classroom? Absolutely! This is one of the most fun parts of chemistry for kids, and you will find lots of ideas below for safe chemical reactions you can do with your junior scientists.
Acids And Bases
Acids and bases are important for many chemical processes in everyday life. An acid has hydrogen ions and can donate protons. Acids taste sour and have a pH from 0 to 7. Vinegar and citric acid are examples of acids.
Bases are molecules that can accept hydrogen ions. They have a pH higher than seven and can taste bitter. Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda and ammonia are examples of bases. Learn more about the pH scale.
Vinegar and baking soda experiments are classic acid-base reactions. You’ll also find experiments that use an acid such as vinegar or lemon juice. We have so many fun variations that your kids will love to try! Check out these acid-base chemistry experiments below.
Chromatography
Chromatography is a technique that involves the separation of a mixture into its parts so you can see each one individually.
A solution is a mixture of 2 or more solutes dissolved in a solvent up to its solubility limit. It most often refers to liquids, but solutions, gases, and solids are also possible. A solution will have its components evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Chemistry experiments involving solutions are great for kids. Gather liquids you commonly find in your kitchen, oil, water, detergent, etc., and explore what dissolves.
A polymer is a huge molecule made of many smaller molecules layered together in repeating patterns called monomers. Putty, slime, and cornstarch are all examples of polymers. Learn more about the science of slime polymers .
Making slime is great for at-home chemistry! It’s also a classic middle school science demonstration for the classroom. Here are a few of our favorite slime recipes to get you started.
non-Newtonian Fluids
Learn how to make oobleck ! Explore polymers with a simple cornstarch and water mixture.
A crystal is a solid material with a highly ordered internal structure of atoms, molecules, or ions held together by chemical bonds. Grow crystals and observe them by mixing a super-saturated solution and leaving it for several days to let the crystals form.
Simple to grow and taste-safe, a sugar crystals experiment is more accessible for younger kids, but you can also try growing borax crystals for older kids.
Check out our fun theme variations of growing crystals too!
Chemistry For Preschoolers
Let’s keep it basic for our younger or junior scientists! Chemistry is all about how different materials are put together and what they are made up of, like atoms and molecules.
What can you do with your youngest scientists? While working 1-1 or in a very small group is ideal, you can explore chemistry in a few fun ways that don’t require a lengthy setup or a lot of directions to follow. Do NOT overcomplicate the ideas!
Take, for example, our very first baking soda science experiment (age 3). So simple to set up, but so lovely to watch the amazement on my son’s face.
Check out these fun ways for preschoolers to explore science…
- Make liquid mixtures! Mix water and oil in a jar, let it rest, and observe what happens.
- Make solid mixtures! Mix two solid items and observe the changes!
- Mix a solid and a liquid! Add ice to a drink and observe the changes!
- Make a reaction! Set up a tray with baking soda in small cups and colored vinegar in small cups with pipettes. Mix and observe!
- Make oobleck ! Mix cornstarch and water for a weird and messy science activity.
- Explore characteristics of things! Use new science words to describe how different materials feel. Explore squishy, hard, rough, smooth, wet, etc…
Much of preschool science is about you sharing new experiences with them that are relatable and simple. A sk questions, share new words, and offer verbal prompts to get them to communicate with you about what they see!
Chemistry Science Fair Projects
Science projects are excellent tools for older kids to demonstrate their knowledge of science. They can also be used in various environments, including classrooms, homeschools, and groups.
Kids can take everything they have learned about using the scientific method , stating a hypothesis, choosing variables , and analyzing and presenting data.
Want to turn one of these fun chemistry experiments into a science project? Then you will want to check out these helpful resources.
- Easy Science Fair Projects
- Science Project Tips From A Teacher
- Science Fair Board Ideas
More Helpful Science Resources
Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
- Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
- Science Vocabulary
- 8 Science Books for Kids
- All About Scientists
- Free Science Worksheets
- Science Supplies List
- Science Tools for Kids
- Scientific Method for Kids
- Citizen Science Guide
- Join us in the Club
Printable Science Projects For Kids
If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!
- 90+ classic science activities with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information. NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
- Best science practices posters and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
- Be a Collector activities pack introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
- Know the Words Science vocabulary pack includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
- My science journal writing prompts explore what it means to be a scientist!!
- Bonus STEAM Project Pack: Art meets science with doable projects!
- Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics
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