5 Science Experiments to Try With Kids during COVID-19 Lockdown

When you make learning a fun activity, kids tend to enjoy more, gauge information in a better manner and look forward to learning more and new stuff. One way to do this by performing simple and easy science experiments at home during COVID-19 lockdown.

We have put together a list of 5 experiments that can be conducted using items lying around the house and with no fuss of creating a mess. They are fun, they explain different science concepts in a relatively easier and simpler manner and will be fun family activities that gets everyone

#1 Pepper & Soap

Required: Small bowl, ground pepper, water and dish soap

Add water to the bowl and sprinkle some pepper on top. Get your child to stick a finger in that bowl. What happens? Nothing, except getting a few pepper flakes on the finger. Wipe it and this time, dip the finger in the dish soap before dipping it in the pepper water. As soon as you do that, all the pepper will quickly disperse to the edge of the plate. The understanding from this experiment in two-fold - first, you understand how soap has the ability to break the surface tension of water and why it iis used for washing greasy utensils. Second, when you consider the pepper flakes as germs, it will help children understand why it is essential to wash hands with soap to get rid of germs.

Also Read: 5 Tips for Senior Citizens to Remain Healthy During Coronavirus Lockdown

#2 Density of Liquids

Required: A tall glass, water, oil, dish soap, milk and honey

This is a super-easy experiment to teach kids during COVID-19 lockdown about the concept of density and how all liquids do not mix together. In a tall glass, start with pouring some water into the glass. Next, slowly add in the same quantity of oil from the side. You will notice that instead of getting mixed with the water, the oil floats on top since its less denser than water. Similarly, add in other liquids like dish soap, milk and honey to see what floats, what sinks and what mixes together!

#3 Photosynthesis

Required: Magnifying glass, large glass bowl, water, small rock and large green leaf

In the large glass bowl, place the leaf, pour in water till bowl in half full, place the small rock on top of the leaf and leave the bowl in a sunny spot for a few hours. When you come back to check on the bowl, you and your children will notice small bubbles have formed which were created due to the oxygen released during the process of photosynthesis. This way, children can learn how plants release oxygen that is essential for humans and animals to live and in return, how we release carbon dioxide that is an essential element in the process of photosynthesis.

Also Read: Online Multiplayer Games to Enjoy During Covid-19 Lockdown

#4 Homemade Glue

Required: Flour, water and saucepan

If you have kids at home during the home quarantine, a good way to keep them engaged is with arts and crafts. What’s one one basic item that is needed? Glue, of course! But what if you run out of the store-bought glue? You can always make some at home for the kids. What you need to do is mix flour and water till it has a pancake batter-like consistency. You can also beat it with a whisk to get rid of any lumps and make it completely smooth. Pour this into a saucepan and heat it on medium flame. Constantly stir and bring this to a boil before taking it off the heat. Let it completely cool down before using it. The glue is not a strong adhesive but is good enough for sticking decorations together that will last for a few hours.

#5 Invisible Ink

Required: Small bowl, cotton swab, lemon juice, white construction paper and blow dryer

Ever wondered why apple slices get brown when left in the open or metal objects get rusty? It’s all about oxidation and here is how you can teach kids about the process in a super simple way. Fill a small bowl with lemon juice. Dip a cotton swab in this and then start writing or drawing on the white construction paper. You will notice that everything gets absorbed by the paper and hence, ‘disappears’. Now, to bring this invisible ink back to life, use a blow dryer on the paper. The words or drawing will start appearing in a slightly brown tint. This is due to oxidation. The blow dryer heats the lemon juice which in turn releases carbon dioxide. When the carbon dioxide comes in contact with the air, it activates the process of oxidation and that’s how you end up seeing the things on the paper.

Make sure to try these super cool experiments one of the fun things to do with kids!

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