fun science experiments 2nd graders

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70 Exciting Experiments and Science Projects for 2nd Graders

These simple ideas will help kids fall in love with science.

Kids love science, especially when it involves hands-on experiments. These science projects for 2nd graders, experiments, and activities are guaranteed to bring excitement and enthusiastic vibes into your classroom. Your students will learn basic concepts about physics, chemistry, biology, and more while having a blast!

To make it even easier to find the best science projects for 2nd graders, we’ve given each a rating based on difficulty and the materials you’ll need.

Difficulty:

• Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much anytime
• Medium: These take a little more setup or a longer time to complete
• Advanced: Experiments like these take a fairly big commitment of time and/or effort
• Basic: Simple items you probably already have around the house
• Medium: Items that you might not already have but are easy to get your hands on
• Advanced: These require specialized or more expensive supplies to complete

Nature and Earth Science Projects for 2nd Graders

Food activities and science projects for 2nd graders, more experiments, activities, and science projects for 2nd graders.

Explore animals, ecosystems, geology, plate tectonics, and more with these interesting and interactive science projects for 2nd graders.

Pollinate like a bee

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic

Use pipe cleaner bees to discover how these pollinators pick up and move cheese powder “pollen” from one juice box flower to the next. Simple, fun, and adorable!

Learn more: Cheese Powder Pollination Activity

Make a rain cloud in a jar

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic ADVERTISEMENT

Use a jar to show your students how clouds form in the sky. Mix ice cubes, hot water, and hairspray to make it all happen. This demonstrates condensation and evaporation in one simple experiment!

Learn More: Make a rain cloud in a jar

Make your own rain gauge

Make a rain gauge and compare your collection with local weather reports to see if they are accurate. You may even inspire some future meteorologists with this one!

Learn more: DIY Rain Gauge

Turn white flowers into a rainbow of colors

Demonstrate the power of flower stems with this beautiful experiment! Fill some mini vases with water mixed with food coloring. Then, drop some white carnations in them and watch the magic occur!

Simulate a landslide

This NASA video shows you how to create an indoor landslide in a milk carton, showing students the power of weather, erosion, and nature in action.

Grow a sprout house

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

This two-part science project first challenges kids to use their engineering skills to construct a miniature house made of sponges . Then, they plant chia, alfalfa, or other quick-sprouting seeds and keep the sponges moist until they start to grow.

Learn more: Sponge Garden at The STEM Laboratory

Re-create the water cycle in a bag

This simple but effective experiment explores the water cycle. Fill a plastic bag partway with water and set it on a sunny windowsill to see how the water evaporates up and eventually “rains” down.

Learn more: Water Cycle Bags

Create an earth model from play dough

Play-Doh has so many uses in the classroom! Use it to teach 2nd grade science students about the layers of the earth by building a fun and colorful model.

Learn more: Layers of the Earth

Explore erosion with sugar cubes

Simulate the effects of erosion by shaking sugar cubes in a cup with some pebbles to see what happens. Get more ideas for 2nd grade science activities about erosion and weathering at the link.

Learn more: Weathering and Erosion

Find out which liquid is best for growing seeds

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium

As you learn about the life cycle of plants , explore how water supports their growth. Plant seeds and water them with a variety of liquids to see which sprout first and grow best.

Learn more: Watering Experiment

Build a folded mountain

This clever demonstration helps kids understand how some types of mountains are formed. Use layers of towels to represent rock layers and boxes for continents. Then pu-u-u-sh and see what happens!

Learn more: Towel Mountain

Explode a balloon seed pod

After you learn about pollination, take the next step and explore how plants disperse their seeds far and wide. One way is with exploding seed pods. Use a balloon to see how it works.

Learn more: Seed Dispersal Activity

Watch a leaf “breathe”

Plants “breathe” through transpiration, and you can see the process in action simply by submerging a leaf in water.

Learn more: Leaf Transpiration

Grow a self-sustaining ecosystem

Plant seeds inside a sealed plastic bottle and observe both the water cycle and the plant life cycle in one simple 2nd grade science experiment.

Learn more: Plastic Bottle Planter

Compare and contrast animal habitats

Build a variety of habitats (woodland, arctic, savanna, etc.). Then have kids compare to see how they are similar (all have water) and how they are different (trees, temperatures, etc.).

Learn more: Animal Habitats

Discover plate tectonics with graham crackers

Use graham crackers as the Earth’s crust floating on a bed of whipped topping “mantle” to learn about how tectonic plates interact.

Learn more: Graham Cracker Plate Tectonics

Collect and classify rocks

Take a nature walk to pick up rocks of all kinds. Bring them back and have kids examine them closely and sort them into groups by properties (color, size, shape, texture, and so on). This is a fantastic lead-in to learning about the types of rocks.

Learn more: Classifying Rocks

Make edible dirt cups

Help your students remember the four types of soil with this tasty 2nd grade science experiment. Layer pudding, graham crackers, and Oreos for a mouthwatering, memorable lesson.

Learn more: Edible Soil Cups

Raid the pantry and try these kitchen science experiments and projects for 2nd graders! They all use common food items to explore all sorts of fascinating science concepts.

Power up a lemon battery

Here’s another classic science experiment every kid should try. They’ll be amazed to learn a citrus fruit can generate an electric current!

Learn more: Lemon Battery

Conduct a cookie dunk experiment

Introduce or review the scientific method with a fun and easy experiment to determine which cookies float or sink when dunked in milk. Then you can eat the results! ( Find more great edible science experiments here. )

Learn more: Milk and Cookies Scientific Method Experiment

Use bread to learn about handwashing

There’s never been a better time for an experiment involving the importance of washing your hands! All you need for this one is bread, plastic bags, and some dirty hands.

Learn more: Moldy Bread Experiment

Drink root beer floats to learn about states of matter

What’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and demonstrates all three states of matter at once? Root beer floats! This will easily be your students’ favorite science lesson of the year.

Learn more: Root Beer Float Science

Mix flavors in a lollipop lab

Candy science experiments are always a hit with kids! In this one, they’ll dissolve sugary lollipops in water, then mix flavors to make something new.

Learn more: Lollipop Lab

Learn about osmosis with gummy bears

This is one of those classic experiments your 2nd grade science students will love to see in action. Soak the gummies in water to watch them grow through the power of osmosis.

Learn more: Osmosis Gummy Bears

Freeze and observe liquid expansion

As you explore the states of matter, experiment to see if some types of liquid expand more than others when frozen.

Learn more: Freezing Liquids Experiment

Use crackers to learn about properties of matter

Practice sorting, comparing, and classifying using properties of matter in this tasty experiment. All you need is a variety of snack crackers and inquiring minds! (These magnifying glasses would be fun too.)

Learn more: Properties of Matter Cracker Lab

Demonstrate heat energy with chocolate kisses

Give each student two chocolate kiss candies to hold onto for five minutes. Students should keep one palm open, while closing their other around the kiss. See what happens simply from our body heat.

Learn more: Chocolate Kiss Experiment

Explode a watermelon

How many rubber bands does it take to make a watermelon explode? Find out while observing the concepts of potential and kinetic energy with your students.

Learn more: Exploding Watermelon Science

Turn an egg into a bouncy ball

Simply soak an egg in vinegar for 48 hours for this amazing chemical reaction. This is guaranteed to blow your students’ minds!

Learn more: Bouncy Egg Experiment (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

Build a solar oven to make s’mores

Observe the power of solar energy while baking a delicious, gooey dessert in the process. Yum!

Learn more: Solar Oven Project (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

Conduct an egg drop

In this STEM project, your students will create a protective egg holder from simple materials. They will love seeing if their contraption keeps their egg in one piece during the competition.

Learn more: Egg Drop Challenge (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

Drop a Mento in soda and watch it erupt

Here is another 2nd grade science experiment that will make your students explode with excitement. Drop a Mento candy in different types of soda, and see which one causes the tallest geyser.

Learn More: Mento Soda Eruption

Build marshmallow-and-pretzel structures

Get creative while practicing engineering skills by building structures with marshmallows and pretzels. Sweeten the deal by eating them afterwards!

Learn more: Pretzel Marshmallow STEM Challenge

Watch popcorn dance

Learn about density and acid based reactions while watching popcorn kernels dance around! Vinegar and baking soda mix together, creating carbon dioxide to make it all happen.

Learn More: Dancing Popcorn (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

Make magic milk

Add food coloring and dish soap to milk to create a rainbow of colors. The soap interacts with the milk fat molecules, making colorful, magical swirls. Whoa!

Learn More: Magic Milk Experiment (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

Make ice cream in a bag

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Demonstrate changes in matter while creating everyone’s favorite frozen treat!

Learn More: Make Ice Cream in a Bag

Create rainbows out of candy

Use Skittles to teach your students about diffusion. By simply pouring hot water onto the candy, the colored sugar coating dissolves, creating a tie dye effect! Groovy!

Learn More: Skittles Candy Rainbows

Keep apples from turning brown

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but nobody wants to eat apples once they turn brown! This experiment will provide the best method to keep those sliced apples looking nice and appetizing. For even more fun, try out different varieties of apples for a taste test!

Learn more: Apple Science

Kids will love these science projects for 2nd graders, from making their own slime to projecting stars on their ceiling, and everything in between!

Blow up a balloon with baking soda and vinegar

Amaze your students by watching a balloon blow up without any air! This fun experiment shows how different states of matter transform when combined.

Learn More: Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

Make a volcano erupt

This classic experiment may be old school, but it still blows kids away every time!

Learn More: Baking Soda Volcano (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

View a solar eclipse with a shoebox

We all know that it is dangerous to look up at solar eclipse with a naked eye. This simple contraption solves the problem. Safety first!

Learn More: View a Solar Eclipse with a Shoebox (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

Make elephant toothpaste

While brushing an elephant’s teeth sounds silly, your students will love seeing this foamy chemical reaction!

Learn More: Make Elephant Toothpaste (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

Create gigantic bubbles

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

Kids of all ages love bubbles, and this experiment creates enormous ones! Easily whip up the best bubble solution and DIY bubble wands to make it all happen. 

Learn More: Create Gigantic Bubbles (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

Make a lava lamp

Your students will love making their own lava lamp! By combining water, oil, and an Alka-Seltzer tablet, students can observe density differences as the oil floats and bubbles move. Plus, it’s just super cool! Learn More: Make a Lava Lamp

Make sidewalk chalk paint

Sidewalk chalk is always fun to for kids of all ages. Step things up a notch by creating your own sidewalk chalk paint! It dries and washes away just like the old fashioned stuff. 

Learn More: Make Sidewalk Chalk Paint (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

Watch a bag with holes remain leakproof

Difficulty: Basic/ Materials: Basic

See what happens when you poke a pencil through a sealed baggie of water. This experiment demonstrates the magic of polymers. Your students will be amazed!

Learn More: Leakproof Bag With Holes (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

Build your own bottle rocket

Follow these step-by-step instructions to build a bottle rocket. Take them outside after construction and have a contest to see whose goes the farthest!

Learn More: Build Your Own Bottle Rocket (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

Craft smartphone speakers

Make your own smartphone speakers from simple everyday objects that you already have at home! All you need are paper cups and toilet paper tubes, and then you are ready to jam!

Learn More: DIY Phone Amplifier and Stand

Blow up a balloon without air

Difficulty: Basic / Materials: Basic

Here is another experiment where a mix of vinegar and baking soda creates a magical scene. Inflate a balloon by placing it over a bottle filled with this acid and base combination  and blow your students’ minds!

Observe giant fingerprints

We know that every human has a different set of fingerprints, but it is tough to see this with the naked eye. Have your students blow up their fingerprints for a closer look! All you need is a balloon and ink to investigate!

Clean old coins

We have all seen how dirty pennies can get over time due to oxidation. Test out which solution works best to clean coins using various common household items. Your students will be surprised at the result!

Learn more: Cleaning Coins

Brew up tie-dye slime

Slime is more than just an ever-popular toy. It’s also got a lot of great science behind it. Mix up some eye-popping tie-dye slime and take the opportunity to learn about polymers and non-Newtonian fluids.

Learn more: Tie-Dye Slime at I Heart Arts and Crafts

Dissect a seed

Soak a large seed (beans are ideal) in water, then carefully take it apart to see what’s inside. Draw a diagram to label parts like the seed coat and plant embryo.

Learn more: Seed Dissection

Use cereal to learn about states of matter

Learn how atom arrangements affect the states of matter with this easy 2nd grade science activity that doubles as a snack!

Learn more: Cereal States of Matter

Make a bouquet of chromatography flowers

Use chromatography to split secondary paint colors into their original hues. The results are both pretty and fascinating!

Learn more: Chromatography Flowers

Concoct a foaming rainbow

Every kid loves the classic baking soda and vinegar chemical reaction experiment. This version makes a foamy rainbow, thanks to some added food coloring.

Learn more: Foamy Rainbow

Sculpt pipe cleaner constellations

Help kids find the constellations in the night sky by making these models from pipe cleaners . The little star beads are such a clever touch!

Learn more: Pipe Cleaner Constellations

Tell time with a sundial

How did people tell time before clocks and watches? Help 2nd grade science students find out by making their own sundials from paper plates.

Learn more: DIY Sundial

Race clothespin cars

Explore simple machines by building race cars from basic supplies like clothespins and drinking straws . It’s a really fun way to learn about wheels and axles.

Learn more: Clothespin Cars

Build a body from play dough

Play-Doh activities are always fun to do! Visit the link below for free printable mats to use as you have your 2nd grade science students sculpt the bones, organs, and muscles of the body.

Learn more: Play-Doh Body

Turn pom-poms into crystal balls

Every kid loves making crystals! They’ll learn about supersaturated solutions as they make these cute little crystal pom-pom balls.

Learn more: Crystal Pom-Poms

Test sunscreen for effectiveness

Kids might wonder why they need to wear sunscreen when they’re at the park or playing soccer. This experiment shows them the power of the sun’s rays and the protection sunscreen provides.

Learn more: Sunscreen Experiment

Design and build an index card tower

Challenge your 2nd grade science students to a little early engineering. Given only index cards , how tall and/or strong of a structure can they build?

Learn more: Index Card STEM Challenge

Repel glitter with dish soap

Every teacher knows that glitter is just like germs … it gets everywhere and is so hard to get rid of! Use that to your advantage, and show students how soap fights glitter and germs.

Bend objects to test flexibility

Explore one of the properties of matter with this easy experiment. Kids plan how to test flexibility, then try it out with a variety of basic objects.

Learn more: Flexibility Experiment

Discover density with saltwater solutions

This simple experiment covers a lot of 2nd grade science concepts. Learn about solutions, density, and even ocean science as you compare and contrast how objects float in different water mixtures.

Learn more: Water Density

Blast off drinking-straw rockets

Engineer rockets from drinking straws and have a blast when you send them flying! Kids can tweak the design to see whose can fly the highest.

Learn more: Straw Rockets

Create a solar system out of play dough

This is a perfect culminating project for your space unit. Your students can display their models at home when the project is complete.

Learn more: Play Dough Solar System

Count how many water drops will fit on a penny

How many water drops fit on a penny? Find out with this fun and easy experiment that focuses on surface tension. Your students will be amazed by the results!

Learn more: Drops on Coins

Project stars on the ceiling

Everyone loves visiting a planetarium. Turn your very own 2nd grade science classroom into one with this simple DIY star projector.

Learn more: Star Projector

Write secret messages with invisible ink

Make your own invisible ink from just baking soda and water, then have your students write messages to one another. Reveal the secret messages with a flashlight once the ink is dry.

Learn more: Invisible Ink

Looking for more science projects for second graders? Try these Second Grade STEM Challenges To Help Kids Think Creatively .

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76 Fabulous 1st Grade Science Projects That Little Learners Will Love

Hands-on science is a surefire way to connect with every kid. Continue Reading

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All Science Fair Projects

1000 science fair projects with complete instructions.

67 Second Grade Science Experiments

We believe in the importance of early exposure to science. A hands-on activity or science experiment is the best way to introduce kids to science! We've handpicked a variety of second grade science experiments that will teach kids science and ignite their curiosity to the world around them.

2nd Grade Science Project FAQ

What are some easy 2nd grade science fair projects.

Each of these second grade science experiments are easy to do with household items. They make a lasting impression on kids, from the classic baking soda volcano to making Oobleck from the Dr. Seuss' book. An easy second grade science experiment is a great way to teach kids about chemical reactions and nature!

Changing the Color of Flowers

Rocket Film Canisters

Popping Popcorn

Make Your Own Fossil

Magic Milk Painting

Sparkling Rainbow Crystal

Making Oobleck: Liquid or Solid?

Baking Soda Volcano

Explosive Elephant Toothpaste

Growing Mold

Science fair project details right above the FAQ!

What is the best 2nd grade science project ever?

We love the Changing the Color of Flowers science fair project for 2nd graders! It's a fun project for 2nd graders to explore transpiration, the way water moves from a plant's stem to its flowers and leaves. Plus, you'll get to make any colored flower you choose!

If you're looking for more 2nd grade science experiments, check out the 2nd grade science fair projects at the top of this page! 

Check out more Best Science Fair Projects →

What are some cool 2nd grade science fair projects?

Get ready to be amazed by these super cool science projects for 2nd graders! With just a few simple things, you can be fascinated by science and have tons of fun with these cool 2nd grade science projects!

What are 5 testable questions for 2nd grade?

A testable question is a question that we can answer through a science experiment. To do this, we do a control science experiment, then we change one thing in the experiment to see how it affects what happens. This is how we can discover the answer to our question!

What makes a cloud form?

Can drink and food taste different just by changing its color?

Does the color of light affect photosynthesis?

Does temperature affect seed sprouting?

What makes popcorn pop?

Here are more testable questions along with their science projects →

What are the top 10 science projects for 2nd grade?

These are our top 10 science projects for 2nd grade, with projects from Biology, Chemistry and Earth Science. These projects can be used as science fair project ideas or as a fun experiment to explore different areas of science!

Watering Plants: Does it Make a Difference?

Powering Up with Potatoes

Sprout Success: Soil Temperature Experiment

Does Milk Help Plants Grow?

The Greenhouse Effect in a Jar

How Much Water is in an Orange?

Science project details right above the FAQ!

Can I do a 2nd grade science fair project in a day?

Yes! Quick experiments can be a great option for a science fair project! If you want to explore quick reactions, we have science project ideas on various topics to get you started.

Acid-base reactions: Mixing acids with bases quickly makes carbon dioxide gas!

Make a rocket fly sky high with just baking soda and vinegar! Rocket Film Canisters

Chromatography reactions: Separate out colors!

Did you know that some Skittles have a secret rainbow hiding inside them? Colors of Skittles Experiment

Heat reactions: Heat speeds things up!

Do you want to find out which color candle burns the fastest? Which Candle Burns the Fastest?

What are some hands-on ways to find inspiration for my science fair project?

There may be free admission days or free passes to a science museum near you! Check your local library for free museum passes, nearby science museums for free entrance days and your credit card for offers.

Find a science museum near you and prepare to be awed by all that you can learn there! I always learn something new and am inspired whenever I go to a science museum!

How do I start a science fair project?

What should I do after I have a science fair project idea?

How do I make a science fair board?

What is the scientific method?

What is the engineering design process?

Where can I find a science fair competition?

The www Virtual Library: Science Fairs website also has a collection of science fairs from all over the world, as well as national, state, regional, local, and virtual competitions!

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53 2nd Grade Science Projects: Experiments, Model Building, And Explorations

December 14, 2023 //  by  Sean Kivi

Science can easily become your students’ favorite class with these exciting hands-on projects! These lessons are a surefire way to get your kids thinking like scientists as they grasp concepts related to the earth, chemistry, conservation, plant life, and more! Some of these experiments involve growing plants, while others have your pupils create tools to track weather patterns. The fun continues when you pull out the magnets, slime, and invisible ink! Get ready to shock your 2nd-grade learners as they test their hypotheses on this long list of 53 science projects. Let the experimentation begin! 

1. The Amazing Growing Gummy Bear 

This fun science project doesn’t take long to set up, but your students will be able to observe the process of osmosis over 48 hours as they watch their gummy bears expand! Start by asking them to formulate a hypothesis about how the gummy bears will change over time before placing them in water. Then, get them to record their findings as they remove them from the glasses and measure their size every 12 hours. 

Learn More: Love To Know

2. Make a Model Steam Engine

Here’s a great earth science project that will help your students come to an understanding of how temperature works! All they’ll need to do is design a model steam engine using a few materials like bamboo sticks, plastic bottles, straws, and balloons. Their new engines can also serve to teach them about the water cycle once complete and operable.

Learn More: Steam Sci Proj

3. Dig Up Bones

Get your little archaeologists ready to do some excavating! You’ll need a sandbox and some toy bones to bury. After you’ve set up, provide your students with brushes and shovels so that they can carefully up the bones. Once found, ask them to compare and record the differences in the bones; playing out the process of a real archaeological dig!

Learn More: BrightHub

4. Learn How Leaves Get Water

Take your little learners outside to teach them how plants absorb nutrients and water through their roots! Task them with finding any tree or bush where they can secure a Ziploc bag around its leaves. Next, they’ll check the humidity in the bag each day; noticing how much water collects over time. This is a great example of plant adaptations and the perfect opportunity to teach the life cycle of various greens.

Learn More: Learn Play Imagine

5. Jumping Goop

This lesson in static electricity is sure to surprise your kids! They’ll begin making slimy goop by mixing ¼ cup of cornstarch and ¼ cup of vegetable oil. Then, they’ll blow up a balloon and bring a spoonful of the slime close to the balloon. As a result, the goop will start to move toward the balloon; displaying friction in action!  

Learn More: Frugal Fun For Boys

6. Kool-aid Rock Candy

Candy meets chemistry in this awesome project idea! Your students will follow the instructions to prepare a sugar solution mixed with Kool-Aid that’ll grow on bamboo sticks placed in a glass jar. After 2 weeks, they’ll be ready to try their home-grown treats! 

Learn More: Growing A Jeweled Rose

7. Magnetic Field Sensory Bottle

Invite your kiddos to bring the magnetic field to life! To do so, your students will need a plastic bottle with a child-proof cap, some special MICR magnetic ink, and water. They’ll also need to build a magnetic wand with a large straw, colored duct tape, and a strong magnet. Once designed, they’ll have hours of fun exploring magnetic fields as they draw the shards of ink together with their wand! 

Learn More: Left Brain Craft Brain

8. Learn How Water Moves Through Leaves

This simple project will help your kids visualize a plant’s food process in action and learn how nutrients are transported via their roots- through the xylem tubes to the leaves. By collecting leaves and placing them in water with red food coloring, they’ll be able to observe how the veins of the leaves begin turning red after a few days!  Don’t forget to have them record their daily discoveries in a science journal.

Learn More: Buggy and Buddy

9. Make a Water Rocket

If you haven’t tried water rockets, it’s sure to be a class favorite! Your students can build them using a plastic bottle, a nose cone, and some fins. Once designed, your kiddos will have the perfect model to see aerodynamics at play! How does it work you ask? – A reaction is forced out of the vessels because of pressurized gas; sending the rockets hurtling toward the sky! 

Learn More: Science Sparks

10. Rock Classification

We suggest this project be completed as a classroom demonstration as you’ll need to purchase a rock testing kit. In this geological lesson, your class will conduct different tests on rocks to classify which type of rock it is; igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic. To do so, they’ll need to look at the properties of the rock by analyzing elements such as texture, color, or hardness. 

Learn More: Pile Buck

11. Sprout House

This awesome project combines engineering with science by having your students create a miniature house from sponges and seed pods. First, task them with cutting sponges and attaching them in the form of a house using toothpicks. Then, they can mix chia and alfalfa seeds in some water before spreading the gummy substance along the roof, while wheat berries can be used to make the perfect lawn to spread along the bottom sponge. After a few days in the right temperature, with the proper amount of moisture- those babies will be sprouting new life!

Learn More: The STEM Laboratory

12. Build a Solar Oven

Take advantage of the heat by helping your kiddos build a solar oven to cook some s’mores and explore the effects of temperature! Your students will construct their ovens by placing black construction paper on the bottom of personalized pizza boxes, aluminum foil on the lids to reflect the sun, and some plastic wrap over the bottom of the box to trap the air. Once constructed, they’ll load their oven with s’mores and place it in the direct sun to watch their treats melt! 

Learn More: Solar Desert Chica

13. Egg-based Chalk

Your kids will lose their minds when they discover that they can make chalk out of eggshells! To do just that, get them to grind up 10 dried eggshells into a fine powder. Next, they can mix 2 teaspoons of flour, a food dye of their choice, and enough hot water to make a thick paste. Finally, get them to place the mixture in a paper towel and roll it into a cylinder-shaped mold before leaving it to dry for a few days and then putting it to the test. 

Learn More: Kidspot 

14. Hotdog Mummification

Definitely not an edible science experiment, but one to incorporate into your Egyptian unit is this hotdog mummification experiment! Your students will be able to conceptualize the process of ancient Egyptian mummification by covering a raw hotdog in baking soda and placing it in a sealed box for over a week. Once the time has gone by, get them to record how it has changed, before placing the same hotdog in fresh baking soda and letting it sit for another 7 days. They’ll be shocked to see how their hotdogs have been mummified!

Learn More: Science Buddies

15. Weathering Rocks

Breaking down rocks is an ocean science activity that will aid your students in learning about weathering rocks. Using a piece of chalk as a “rock”- they’ll swirl it around in a glass for 2 minutes and notice what has happened. Then, they’ll compare it to the chalk that’s been sitting in a 2nd glass of still water. 

Learn More: Science 4 Us

16. Create an Ecosystem

Show your kids how to build terrariums that don’t require any additional watering for their bean plants to grow! This can be done with just a water bottle, soil, bean seeds, and water. Depending on how long you let this experiment run, you can use self-sustaining ecosystem plant seeds to teach about the plant life cycle , too.

Learn More: Carly and Adam

17. Rainbow Jar

Different liquids have different weights, and you can demonstrate this fact to your students with rainbow jars! Looking through your pantry, gather liquids like olive oil, honey, dish soap, and a few others. The variety of colors will help portray the way that different molecules have different densities as the colors layer and settle in their jars.

Learn More: Playdough Plato

18. Polar Bear Blubber

Does blubber help arctic animals stay warm in cold weather? Your students will be able to answer this question for themselves with this experiment! Fill up a tub of ice water and let your kids test how cold the water feels to their bare hands. Then, give them a protective latex glove and have them stick their hand in a jar of shortening (the blubber). To avoid a mess, they wrap their hands in plastic. Lastly, encourage them to dip their hand into the ice bucket and notice how the temperature has changed! 

Learn More: I Can Teach My Child

19. Fireworks in a Jar

Create a firework spectacle for your class by filling a glass jar with water, some food coloring, and oil! As the color droplets dissolve, they’ll sink and resemble a tiny firework display;  the perfect project for exploring the idea of density with the use of liquid.

20. Magnetic Slime

Who doesn’t love slime? Your students will need to add iron to this mix, but they’ll be sure to enjoy learning about magnetic properties through slimy play thereafter.

21. Lemon Volcano

An alternate take on a traditional project, here’s a lemon volcano to teach your kids about chemical reactions! Mixing baking soda and dish soap with citric acid from a lemon will create a small, frothy eruption that your kids won’t be able to take their eyes off of! 

Learn More: Babble Dabble Do

22. Homemade Playdough

Here’s our favorite, long-lasting playdough recipe that your kids will be able to play with for months to come! This non-toxic dough can be made in under 5 minutes with just a few simple ingredients; educating your students about mixtures while they have fun!

Learn More: Living Well Mom

23. Fingerprint Patterns

Who doesn’t want to be a detective for a day? Introduce your students to their unique fingerprint patterns by having them press their fingers into ink and onto a piece of white recording paper. Next, have them investigate the whirls, loops, and arches that make each one uniquely theirs. 

24. The Egg Density Project

Let’s make eggs float—or sink! Challenge your students to discover the science of density by floating eggs in salt water and plain water. Extend the activity by discussing concepts like buoyancy and concentration with your students. They’ll be amazed at how a little salt can defy gravity!

Learn More: Gift of Curiosity

25. The DIY Lava Lamp Project

Unveil the magic of chemistry and art with these mesmerizing lava lamps! Watch your students’ eyes sparkle as they learn about density and chemical reactions when they mix oil, water, food coloring, and Alka-Seltzer tablets in a jar! 

Learn More: Inspiration Laboratories

26. The Shadow Tracking Adventure

Step outside with this real-time Earth science lesson about shadows! Using building blocks or other structures that can produce a unique shadow on a white background- your kids will study how the shadow changes throughout the day based on the sun’s movement. 

Learn More: Hands On As We Grow

27. A Race Against Heat

Which substance makes ice melt the fastest? When other substances are mixed with water, it can affect an ice cube’s freezing and melting points. Your students will enjoy discovering this principle as they experiment with adding sand, salt, and sugar into different bowls of ice cubes. 

28. Nature’s Weather Forecasting Tool

Engage your students in predicting the weather with a natural forecaster! By hanging a pinecone outside with yarn, they can look at its physical properties to conclude how the weather will be that day. If the pinecone is open, it’s generally a telltale sign of a fair-weather day. On the other hand, if it’s going to rain- that pine cone will appear more closed! 

Learn More: YouTube

29. A Static Electricity Experiment

Your class will be captivated by the marriage of science and art in this electrifying experiment. They’ll first create a tissue paper butterfly with the center of its body glued to cardboard. Then, they’ll hover a blown-up balloon over its loose wings and watch as static electricity takes effect!  

Learn More: I Heart Crafty Things

30. Timekeeping with the Sun

Here’s a lesson in the ancient methods of timekeeping that’s sure to help you solidify an understanding of Earth’s rotation in your learners. Guide them in crafting their own sundials by puncturing a straight stick or straw into a white circle cutout that’s pasted to cardboard. Each time they go outside they’ll see how the shadow line moves around like a clock and changes position depending on the time of day!  

Learn More: PBS

31. Exploring Aerodynamics

Ready, set, fly! Unleash your students’ creativity by having them design and race paper airplanes. Along with the fun, this simple paper project will help them dive into the intriguing physics of aerodynamics. 

Learn More: Science Friday

32. Exploring Buoyancy

Your kids will surely love this hands-on water play project that’ll help them explore the concept of buoyancy! Ask them to predict and test which objects will sink or float; allowing them to bring in some items from their homes to test their hypothesis!  

33. Invisible Ink Experiment

Ready for some spy action? Have your students write secret messages using lemon juice on paper before letting it dry completely. Then, they’ll reveal the secrets when they apply the heat of a blow dryer to their sheets. 

Learn More: Seven Oaks

34. Surface Tension in Action

Time to break some barriers—surface tension, to be exact! In this fascinating experiment, your students will test what happens to pepper in a bowl of water when a variety of other liquids are introduced into the same bowl. If there’s surface tension when they dip a toothpick with oil or dishwashing soap into the bowl- the water molecules will clump together because of the bonds in their hydrogen atoms. They’ll write their observations after testing 5 different liquids in fresh bowls of water and pepper; exploring the magical world of fluid dynamics.

Learn More: Scientific American

35. Finding Direction

We’ve chosen this DIY compass project to help your students grasp the magic of the Earth’s magnetic poles. This activity requires some water in a shallow bowl, a sewing needle attached to a piece of paper labeled with North and South, and a magnet! To experiment, they’ll rub a magnet onto the needle 20 times before placing it in the water and allowing it to align with the North and South poles. Have them check its accuracy with an actual compass!   

36. The Homemade Rain Gauge Project

Your students can learn how to track rainfall with a DIY rain gauge. They’ll need to apply their knowledge of measurement to accurately write inches along the side of their upcycled plastic bottles. Once designed, they can be placed outside and your littles can report the amount of rainfall each day! 

Learn More: Steam Powered Family

37. Chromatography Butterflies

Chromatography is the separation of chemicals from a mixture. Teach your 2nd graders how this works with this fun butterfly art project! They’ll begin by using dark, felt-tip pens to draw lines and dots at the base of cut-open coffee filters. Then, they’ll dip those into a shallow glass of water and watch as the color moves up the filter. Finally, they’ll use craft sticks, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners to form their colorful butterflies! 

Learn More: Small Science Club

38. Dancing Raisins Experiment

Here’s another lesson on buoyancy, but this time your kids will delight as raisins dance in a carbonated drink! With this experiment, your students will learn that different liquids can have a changing effect on solids! 

Learn More: Simple Living Creative Learning

39. Visualizing Evaporation, Condensation, and Precipitation

This self-contained ecosystem offers your students a microcosmic view of the Earth’s water cycle. Your kids will simply observe a miniature water cycle by collecting water in a plastic bag; gaining a hands-on understanding of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. 

Learn More: Mobile Ed Productions, Inc.

40. DIY Water Filter Project

We love this fantastic project that’ll foster conversations about water conservation and environmental responsibility in your classrooms. In this DIY water filter project, your students will purify water through the top half of a plastic bottle that’s layered with coffee filters, sand, and 2 types of gravel. They’ll pour dirty water into the opening and let the clean water drip through to the 2nd bottle, or the base; providing a practical lesson on the process of filtration.  

Learn More: A Mom’s Tale

41. Food as Battery: Powering a Clock with a Lemon

Tick-tock goes the lemon clock! Here, your students will power up a clock using 2 citrus fruits, copper wires, copper pennies, and nails. Guide them to follow the instructions and watch as they are amazed when their clock powers up!  

Learn More: Scout Life

42. Homemade Glue Project

This project invites your students to make their own glue to delve into the chemistry of adhesion and cohesion. Simply mix corn syrup, vinegar, cornstarch, and water and your 2nd graders get ready to apply it to their next project! 

Learn More: One Little Project

43. Mold Exploration: Watching Fungi at Work

This moldy experiment offers a biology lesson that your students can watch unfold day by day. Your students will simply observe bread mold over time; learning about the fascinating process of decay and fungi. 

44. Winter Wonders: Snowflake Catching and Study

Let’s catch a frozen masterpiece! Weather permitting; your students will collect and study snowflakes to reveal the magical symmetry of ice crystals. Begin by letting dark pieces of construction paper sit in the freezer for 2 hours. When the snow begins to fall, have your kiddos catch a few snowflakes on their papers. Next, take them inside and get them to observe the shapes under a magnifying glass! 

Learn More: Lemon Lime Adventures

45. Solar Power in Action: Magnifying Glass Experiments

Your class will need adult supervision and a lesson on safety before playing with fire! Invite them to explore solar energy by using magnifying glasses to burn various objects, like candy and pickles. Your class can then choose which objects to burn and predict if it will actually do so under the sun’s rays! 

46. Smell Science: Olfactory Recognition with Scented Jars

Stimulate your students’ senses and observational skills with the use of their little noses! First,  cover a few glass jars so that your kids can’t see the contents inside. Then, place different items in each- like onions, bananas, oranges, and flowers. Finally, blindfold your kiddos and have them sniff each jar; guessing what’s inside each one as they move along from one to the next! 

Learn More: Things To Share And Remember

47. Bug Observation: Exploring Insect Life

Bug lovers will enjoy this fun science project! Ask your students to build small environments for insects by making holes in a sealed container, and replicating the outside world. Once they’ve put sticks, leaves, and cotton balls soaked with water inside- they’ll be ready to start the bug hunt! Let them capture bugs with a net and place them in their new environments; studying their features and classifying them before releasing them back into the wild!  

Learn More: Home Science Tools Resource Center

48. Soap Clouds: Heating Up to Expand

This experiment is sure to bubble up discussions on molecular motion and states of matter. Begin by placing a bar of Ivory soap in the microwave for 90 seconds. Your students can watch as the soap heats up and expands into a cloud-like formation. Let your little scientists then record the changes while it cools before digging their hands in!

Learn More: A Dab of Glue Will Do

49. Churning History: Making Butter in Class

For this project, your pioneers will learn how to make butter! Begin by pouring some heavy cream into a container and tightly sealing it shut. Then, pass the container around your class and ask each of your students to shake, shake, shake! Finally, open it up and show your class the solid formation they’ve created. You can even spread the butter on crackers for your students to enjoy! 

Learn More: Play to Learn Preschool

50. Feather Study: Soaring into Bird Learning

We chose this tactile venture because it plays with aerodynamics in a fun way! Provide your students with a variety of feathers and lengths of straws. They should then be tasked with sticking the quill into the straw and blowing until they take flight!

Learn More: Life Ov er C’s

51. Exploring Sound Waves with a Homemade Kazoo

Let the classroom resound with homemade kazoos! Your students will build their own musical instruments by covering one side of an empty paper towel roll with wax paper and a rubber band. Then, they’ll poke a hole in the roll and get ready to explore sound waves by blowing into the open end of their kazoo! 

52. DIY Wind Vane for Weather Prediction

This functional craft turns your students into meteorologists; forecasting the weather like pros! First, provide them with the required materials and allow them to craft these awesome cardboard wind vanes! Once complete, gather your class outside and let them discover the concept of wind direction using their new tools. 

53. Static Electricity and Salt & Pepper Separation

Shock your kids with this static electricity lesson! To start, they can simply combine 2 tablespoons of salt and a tablespoon of pepper on a dry plate. Then, they’ll take a comb and run it through their hair a few times before running it over the plate; watching what effect static electricity has on the spices!

Learn More: Cool Science Experiments HQ