second grade science experiments

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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

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Awesome Science Activities For 2nd Grade

Engaging second graders in science can be an exciting adventure. Hands-on activities not only make learning fun but also deepen understanding and retention. Here’s a list of fun and easy science activities perfect for the classroom or at home.

2nd Grade Science Curriculum

Second graders cover foundational science topics that help them understand the natural world and develop critical thinking skills. Here are some key topics typically included in a 2nd grade science curriculum:

1. Life Science

• Plants and Animals : Study of basic needs, life cycles, and habitats.
• Animal Habitats : Understanding different environments (forests, oceans, deserts, etc.) and the animals that live there.
• Plant Growth : Learning about plant needs, parts of a plant, and the growth process.
• Animal Adaptations : How animals adapt to their environments to survive.

2. Earth Science

• Weather and Seasons : Understanding different types of weather, weather patterns, and the seasons.
• Earth’s Resources : Learning about natural resources (water, soil, rocks, minerals) and their uses.
• Rocks and Soil : Identifying different types of rocks and soil, their properties, and how they are formed.

3. Physical Science

• States of Matter : Introduction to solids, liquids, and gases, and how they change from one state to another.
• Force and Motion : Understanding basic concepts of force, motion, gravity, and simple machines.
• Sound and Light : Exploring how sound is produced and how light travels and affects what we see.

4. Space Science

• Sun, Moon, and Stars : Basic introduction to the solar system, the sun’s role, and the phases of the moon.
• Day and Night : Understanding the Earth’s rotation and how it leads to day and night.

5. Environmental Science

• Recycling and Conservation : Learning about the importance of recycling, conserving resources, and taking care of the environment.

6. Scientific Inquiry and Experimentation

• Scientific Method : Introduction to making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting simple experiments, and drawing conclusions.
• Simple Experiments : Hands-on activities and experiments to explore and understand scientific concepts.

These topics provide a broad base of scientific knowledge and help build curiosity and interest in the natural world. Through hands-on activities and simple experiments, second graders can develop a solid understanding of fundamental science concepts.

Free printable Junior Scientist pack!

Grab this fantastic free science challenge calendar and get started today! Join the library club for instant access to extra observation pages and hundreds of projects!

2nd Grade Science Activities

Life science.

Plant Life Cycle : Grow seeds in a clear container to observe roots and sprouts.

Butterfly Metamorphosis : Raise caterpillars and watch them transform into butterflies.

Butterfly Life Cycle: Use soft candy to make the different parts of the butterfly life cycle.

Bug Hunt : Create a bug hotel and observe insects in their natural environment.

Insect Observation : Use magnifying glasses to observe insects.

Leaf Rubbings : Place leaves under paper and rub with crayons to reveal patterns.

Butterfly Life Cycle : Observe caterpillars as they grow and transform into butterflies.

Bird Watching : Make bird feeders and observe local birds.

Senses Exploration : Conduct experiments to explore the five senses.

Fossil Impressions : Create fossil imprints using clay and small objects.

Food Chain : Create a food chain mobile with drawings or pictures.

Dinosaur Dig : Bury and excavate toy dinosaurs in “mud”.

Earth Science

Weather Journal : Keep a journal to track daily weather conditions.

Make A Rain Gauge : Make a rain gauge from a bottle and measure local rainfall over time.

Cloud in a Jar : Create a cloud inside a jar using warm water, ice, and hairspray to learn about how clouds form.

Wind Vane: Create a wind vane to measure wind direction.

Rock Collection : Collect and identify different types of rocks.

Erosion Experiment : Create a mini landscape to observe erosion.

Volcano Model : Build a baking soda and vinegar volcano.

Water Cycle : Create a water cycle in a bag.

Cloud Identification : Learn about and identify different types of clouds with a cloud viewer.

Tornado in a Bottle : Create a tornado in a bottle.

Earth Layers : Make a model showing the layers of the Earth.

Make A Sundial: Learn about the Earth’s rotation by observing how the shadow on a paper plate sundial changes throughout the day.

Solar System Model : Create a model of the solar system using paper planets.

Moon Phases : Create a moon phase chart.

Star Gazing : Use our printable constellation cards to identify constellations.

Day and Night Simulation : Understand the Earth’s rotation and its effect by using a flashlight and a world globe to demonstrate day and night.

Moon Crater Experiment : Drop marbles into easy to make moon dough to simulate how craters are made on the moon.

Physical Science

Sink or Float : Predict and test whether everyday objects sink or float in a bowl of water.

Balloon Rocket : Create a balloon rocket and observe how it moves along a string to explore force and motion.

Ice Melting Race : Observe which ice cube melts fastest under different conditions. A fun to explore states of matter!

Magnet Exploration : Have a variety of everyday objects and test which objects are attracted to magnets.

Simple Machines : Learn about simple machines like pulleys, levers, wedges, screws. Create and experiment with simple machines.

Homemade Lava Lamp : Explore density and chemical reactions by mixing water, oil, and Alka-Seltzer to make a homemade lava lamp.

Static Electricity : Use balloons to explore static electricity.

Rainbow in a Jar : Create a liquid rainbow using different densities.

Shadow Play : Use a flashlight and our printable animal puppets to create and explore shadows.

Sound Jars : Set up jars with different amounts of water to experiment with sound.

Light Refraction : Use a prism to explore light refraction.

Friction : Test how different surfaces affect the speed of a toy car.

Floating M&M Experiment : Place M&Ms in water and observe the ‘M’ float off as the candy shell dissolves.

Oobleck Creation : Explore non-Newtonian fluids with cornstarch and water.

Baking Soda and Vinegar : Conduct various experiments with baking soda and vinegar.

Color Mixing : Mix primary colors to see how new colors are formed.

Homemade Slime : Conduct an experiment with different types of slime.

Oil and Water : Explore how oil and water do not mix.

Dissolving Candy : Test how jelly beans dissolve in different liquids.

Invisible Ink : Write messages with lemon juice and reveal them with heat.

Milk Fireworks : Create colorful patterns in milk with food coloring and soap.

Rock Candy : Grow your own rock candy crystals.

Bubble Science : Experiment with different bubble solutions and wands.

Elephant Toothpaste : Observe how yeast and peroxide react to produce gas.

Crystal Growing : Grow crystals using salt or borax.

Salt Painting : Create art with glue, salt, and watercolors.

Ice Cream in a Bag : Make ice cream using simple ingredients.

Glow Stick Chemistry : Explore how glow sticks work.

Environmental Science

Recycling Relay : Learn about recycling by sort a sample of recyclables in a relay race format.

Composting Bin : Create a compost bin and observe decomposition over time.

Water Filtration : Build a simple water filter and test it.

Solar Oven : Create a solar oven to melt chocolate or cheese.

Nature Scavenger Hunt : Go on a scavenger hunt to find various natural items.

Recycled Art : Create art projects using recycled materials.

Seed Bombs : Make seed bombs to plant in your garden.

Nature Walk : Take a walk and document different plants and animals you see.

Bee Hotel : Build a small house to attract native bees.

Garden Planting : Plant a small garden and take care of it.

Engineering and Technology

Egg Drop Challenge : Design a contraption to protect an egg from breaking when dropped.

Bridge Building : Build bridges with different materials and test their strength.

Marble Run : Create a marble run with household items.

Lego Structures : Build various structures with Lego blocks.

Parachute Experiment : Make and test different parachute designs.

Balloon Car : Build a car powered by a balloon.

Catapult : Create a small catapult and test how far it can launch objects.

Spaghetti Tower : Build the tallest tower possible using spaghetti and marshmallows.

Helpful Science Resources To Get You Started

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
• All About Scientists
• Free Science Worksheets
• DIY Science Kits
• Science Tools for Kids
• Scientific Method for Kids
• Citizen Science Guide
• Join us in the Club

Science Activities By Age Group

• Elementary Science by Season
• Science for 1st Grade
• Science for 3rd Grade
• Science for 4th Grade
• Science for 5th Grade
• Science for 6th Grade
• Science for Middle School

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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True leadership is in short supply on modern college campuses, university of richmond expands richmond’s promise to virginia, china reshaping higher education with focus on quantum, deep tech workforce, anti-dei law shuts university of alabama black student union office, queer resource center, leadership models in higher education: insights from 2 arab university leaders, ai upskilling: future-proofing careers and bridging the skills gap, opinion | the roots of stem excellence, opinion: how innovative higher education models can benefit students, benefits and limitations of ai in corporate learning: a comprehensive overview, 18 of the best 2nd grade science projects and experiments.

Are you looking for science activities to do with your 2nd graders? No sweat. We have you covered. Check out our list of 18 science projects and experiments that you can try with your 2 nd graders this month.

• Hand-Eye Coordination and Age | All-Science-Fair-Projects.com – Grades 2-5, Use a stopwatch and ping-pong ball to find out how hand-eye coordination changes as children get older.
• What Do Yeast Eat…and How Can You Tell? | Education.com – Grades 2-5, The objective of this project is to examine which foods yeast cells eat.
• Can plants be nourished with juice, soda, or milk instead of water? | Education.com -Grades K-3, Learn whether plants can live and grow when ‘watered’ with juice, soda, or milk.
• How Does Color Affect Eyesight? | Education.com – Grades 1-5, Find out which colors are easier and more challenging to read at a distance. This super simple project requires volunteers and color charts you can print from the web.
• A Battery That Makes Cents | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 1-2, Can you make a battery from 24 cents? Make a battery from a pile of coins and find out how different amounts of coins affect the amount of energy produced.
• Sandwich Test: Wrap it Up | Easy-Science-Fair-Projects.net -Grades 1-2, Play with your food by testing how well different kinds of sandwich wraps keep bread fresh. Is the most expensive one the best? Or does the cheapest work just as well?
• How Many Letters? | ScienceBuddies.org – Grades 1-4, How much memory does a computer use to “remember” a series of letters? Find out how much memory a computer uses to remember 1000 letters.
• Jumping For Geodes: Can You Tell the Inside from the Outside? | ScienceBuddies.org Grades 1-4, Can you tell what’s inside a geode from looking at the outside? Learn more out these unique rocks and crack some open to discover the surprises inside.
• How Water Beats Rock | Education.com – Grades 1-5, Discover how water is more potent than rocks.  Experiment with ways that water can break the stone.
• Soil Type and Liquefaction | All-Science-Fair-Projects.com – Grades 1-5, Experiment with sand, clay, and loam and find out which type of soil dissolves most easily.
• Effects of Temperature and Humidity on Static Charges | Education.com – Grades 1-5, Use balloons, a rubber ball, and a scarf to investigate why those socks stick together when you take them out of the dryer and how conditions in the air affect static electricity.
• Ready, Set, Search! Race to the Right Answer | ScienceBuddies.org – Grades 2-5, Find out how Internet search engines work and how you can get different results depending on the type of information you request.
• Paper Airplane Science | Easy-Science-Fair-Projects.net – Grades 2-5, Put your paper airplane making and flying skills to the test. Design and fly a variety of different planes and determine which design flies the farthest.
• Mag-nificent Breakfast Cereal – Grades 2-5, Use a blender and a magnet to find out how much iron is in different kinds of breakfast cereal.
• The Big Dig | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 2-5, Find out which materials are biodegradable, and which ones are not. How can you use this information to help the environment?
• Weather-Related Science Projects | Hubpages.com – Grades 2-5, Learn more about the weather and other aspects of meteorology by using instruments you build. Make a barometer, hygrometer, anemometer… even lightning!
• Hero’s Engine and Newton’s Third Law | Education.com – Grades 2-5, Build an aeolipile(Hero’s Engine) to explore Isaac Newton’s Third Law – for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.  Can you predict the movement of the Hero’s Engine?
• Rocky Secrets: Where Does Oil Hide? | ScienceBuddies.org -Grades 2-5, Can you get petroleum oil from a stone? Find out which kinds of rocks can soak up and store the most fat. Learn how petroleum geologists and engineers use this information to find the best places to get oil from the earth.

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Middle School Science Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

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29 Great 2nd-Grade Science Projects Ideas

By Beth Roberts | Last Updated May 4, 2022

This blog post will find over a dozen 2nd-grade science project ideas for children. The best part is that you don’t need any special equipment to complete these projects! If you’re looking for fun and educational science or arts and crafts activities for your kid, why don’t you try out one of these excellent 2nd-grade science project ideas today?

So without further ado, here are 29 great 2nd-grade science project ideas to inspire kids’ creative thinking.

1. Brew Up Tie-Dye Slime 

Brew up tie-dye slime is a simple science activity for kids to explore colors and color mixing. This slime is easy to make, it’s a fun activity for kids to do at home or in school, and it’s a great way to involve them in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning.

2. Make A Bouquet Of Chromatography Flowers 

If your kid loves flowers, this bouquet of chromatography flowers is the perfect project. It’s a fun and easy science activity with kids at home or school. You’ll just need some household items to do this project. This bouquet is a great way to introduce kids to plants, and they will love it!

3. Concoct A Foaming Rainbow 

Concoct a foaming rainbow is a fun science activity that you can do with kids at home or in school. This is an easy DIY project, and kids will have loads of fun creating it. This science experiment on the concept of foaming and mixing colors to make different colors. You can use this concept to teach kids how colors mix to create different colors.

4. Sculpt Pipe Cleaner Constellations 

Sculpt pipe cleaner constellations are a fun science activity for kids to explore the night sky. You can complete this project at home or in school with very few materials. It’s a fun way to get kids interested in astronomy, and it’s also a great way to introduce kids to scientific tools like the telescope, compass, protractor, and leveler.

5. Tell Time With A Sundial 

Tell time with a sundial is a simple science activity to teach kids how to read the time. It’s a fun way to get your kids interested in clocks, and it teaches them how to tell time correctly. You can make this sundial at home or in the classroom with materials you probably already have. This project will also introduce some of the scientific tools that scientists use, such as the compass, protractor, and leveler.

6. Power Up A Lemon Battery 

Power up a lemon battery is an instructive science project that provides a fun way to introduce kids to the world of batteries. It’s also a fantastic approach to engaging kids in science and engineering. This project requires some household items you probably already have around your house. It’s easy to set up, and kids will enjoy doing it!

7. Race Clothespin Cars 

Race clothespin cars is an exciting science project that involves kids in the process of understanding how to manage energy and force. It’s an excellent project for kids interested in science, technology, or engineering. You can complete this project at home or school with limited materials. This is also a great way to teach kids how to use gravity to move things.

8. Learn How Leaves Get Water 

Learning how leaves get water is a simple science project that’s fun to do with kids at home. It’s a great way to teach kids how trees get the water they need to survive. You’ll need some household items such as a paper cup, a pencil, a straw, and some toothpicks to complete this project. This is also an excellent project for showing kids the importance of sharing and caring for nature.

9. Build A Body From Play-Doh 

Build a body from Play-Doh is a fun science activity that you can do at home. It’s an excellent way to expose your children to the fascinating world of biology, and it’s easy enough for them to complete on their own. To achieve this project, you’ll need Play-Doh and some household materials and supplies like glue, toothpicks, markers, and paintbrushes.

10. Grow A Sprout House 

Grow a sprout house is a fun science project to do at home. It’s a fantastic method to get kids involved in food production. This is also an excellent project for teaching kids about caring for the environment, and it allows them to learn about biology, nutrition, and agriculture. To complete this project, you’ll need household materials such as coffee filters, water, paper towels, paintbrushes, and seedlings.

11. Re-Create The Water Cycle In A Bag 

Re-create the water cycle in a bag is another fun and engaging science project. It’s also a fun method to teach youngsters about rainfall and hydrology, the water cycle, and how to draw a water cycle diagram. You’ll need a plastic bag, plastic wrap, toy animals, and food coloring to complete this project.

12. Turn Pom-Poms Into Crystal Balls 

Turning pom-poms into crystal balls is a fun and creative idea for your child to do in the summer. It’s also an excellent technique for teaching children chemistry, electromagnetism, and crystallography. To complete this project, you’ll need water and salt.

13. Conduct A Cookie Dunk Experiment 

Conducting a cookie dunk experiment is an exciting science project that you can do with kids at home. It’s also a fun method for kids to learn about chemistry while spending time with their families. To complete this project, you’ll need some cookie dough, cookie cutters, frosting, and aluminum foil.

14. Test Sunscreen For Effectiveness 

Test sunscreen for energy is a fun and engaging science project with kids. It’s also a fun approach to teaching youngsters about the sun’s dangers while also allowing them to learn about biology. This 2nd-grade science project involves testing different sunscreen brands to see which one is the most effective. 

15. Create An Earth Model From Play-Doh 

This is a fun science project that you can do with your kids at home . It’s easy, doesn’t cost much, and most importantly, you’ll have fun creating your artwork! For this project, all you need is to roll the Play-Doh into small balls and then press it flat, so it looks like the earth. You can use food coloring to color different parts of the earth model to add details.

16. Design And Build An Index Card Tower 

When making an index card tower , it’s important to remember that the design should be simple. This way, your kids will be able to easily understand and build upon it as they progress. For example, use colors to illustrate the index card tower’s height, width, and length. ITake a look at these 50 humorous and educational ways to display your cards if you’re unsure how to do it.

17. Use Bread To Learn About Hand-Washing 

Using bread to learn about hand-washing is a hands-on activity that helps kids understand the importance of hand-washing. It can be in preschool and kindergarten classes as a science project for young kids. Because it is slightly more involved than the other projects listed here, This 2nd-grade science activity should be in the presence of an adult.

18. Explore Erosion With Sugar Cubes 

Corrosion is one of the most exciting and fascinating topics involving the earth, and it can use sugar cubes. This fun science project involves sprinkling sugar cubes on different surfaces such as sand, gravel, and dirt. Then, observe what happens over time.

19. Find Out Which Liquid Is Best For Growing Seeds

Finding out which drink is best for increasing sources has several benefits. First, it’s a fun science experiment for kids. Second, it helps to raise vocabulary. Third, it’s an educational activity that helps kids understand more about plants and the biology of seeds. One of the methods used is to measure the amount of water inside different containers.

ttps:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMJlx19DUzU

20. Repel Glitter With Dish Soap 

Repel glitter with dish soap is an interesting 2nd-grade science project. You’ll need a plastic bottle, dish soap, and glitter to do this. First, fill the bottle with dish soap and then gently put in glitter. Next, let the mixture settle for about 30 minutes. Then, using clear glass, examine the different glitter particles on top of the bottle and those at the bottom. You’ll notice fewer particles of glitter on top because they are from the dish soap.

21. Build A Folded Mountain 

Build a folded mountain is a tremendous 2nd-grade science experiment where kids learn how to fold paper. You need to take a flat sheet of paper, cut out a hill and fold it in half. Then have kids glue it back together again.

22. Drink Root Beer Floats To Learn About States Of Matter 

Root beer floats are a classic party game to play with kids. However, not everyone is aware of the science that underpins the game. You can teach a child about the different states of matter: Take a root beer float and put it on a plate. Put the container in a bowl filled with water. Another root beer float when you take it out of the water!

23. Learn About Osmosis With Gummy Bears 

Learning about osmosis with gummy bears is a great art and crafts activity for kids. It’s also a great science lesson about osmosis and how some things are dissolved in water while others can’t.

24. Build Magnet-And-Paper Clip Trees 

Building magnet-and-paper clip trees is a great science project for kids to teach them about magnetism. It’s a fun and easy project that kids will love. It is a decorative piece in a classroom or a child’s room.

25. Jumping Goop 

Jumping Goop is a fun science experiment for kids. It’s a fun project that kids can do to learn about the chemistry of baking soda and vinegar and how it reacts to Carbon Dioxide. Kids will love playing with this goop. It’s also a great science activity for the classroom.

26. Freeze And Observe The Liquid Expansion 

Freezing and watching fluid expansion is a great science project for kids. It’s a fun experiment that will help them learn about the states of matter, namely solid, liquid and gas. You need to place an ice cube in a glass with water and see how it melts over time.

27. Discover Density With Saltwater Solutions 

Discover density with saltwater solutions is a great science project for kids to learn about density. It’s a fun experiment where they could also make some homemade slime. It also helps teach kids to be careful when mixing concoctions.

28. Egg-Based Chalk Paint

Egg-based Chalk Paint is a fun experiment where kids can learn about drawing with chalk using egg whites. It’s also a terrific way to repurpose those overripe eggs in the fridge that you’d otherwise discard.

29. Magnetic Field Sensory Bottle 

A magnetic field sensory bottle is a fun DIY project for kids to teach them about magnetism. It’s also a great science experiment for the classroom. It allows children to learn about the appeal, the separation of forces, and how to create a mathematical model of the occurrence.

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72 Easy Science Experiments Using Materials You Already Have On Hand

Because science doesn’t have to be complicated.

If there is one thing that is guaranteed to get your students excited, it’s a good science experiment! While some experiments require expensive lab equipment or dangerous chemicals, there are plenty of cool projects you can do with regular household items. We’ve rounded up a big collection of easy science experiments that anybody can try, and kids are going to love them!

Easy Chemistry Science Experiments

Easy physics science experiments, easy biology and environmental science experiments, easy engineering experiments and stem challenges.

1. Taste the Rainbow

Teach your students about diffusion while creating a beautiful and tasty rainbow! Tip: Have extra Skittles on hand so your class can eat a few!

Learn more: Skittles Diffusion

2. Crystallize sweet treats

Crystal science experiments teach kids about supersaturated solutions. This one is easy to do at home, and the results are absolutely delicious!

Learn more: Candy Crystals

3. Make a volcano erupt

This classic experiment demonstrates a chemical reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid), which produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate.

Learn more: Best Volcano Experiments

4. Make elephant toothpaste

This fun project uses yeast and a hydrogen peroxide solution to create overflowing “elephant toothpaste.” Tip: Add an extra fun layer by having kids create toothpaste wrappers for plastic bottles.

5. Blow the biggest bubbles you can

Add a few simple ingredients to dish soap solution to create the largest bubbles you’ve ever seen! Kids learn about surface tension as they engineer these bubble-blowing wands.

Learn more: Giant Soap Bubbles

6. Demonstrate the “magic” leakproof bag

All you need is a zip-top plastic bag, sharp pencils, and water to blow your kids’ minds. Once they’re suitably impressed, teach them how the “trick” works by explaining the chemistry of polymers.

Learn more: Leakproof Bag

7. Use apple slices to learn about oxidation

Have students make predictions about what will happen to apple slices when immersed in different liquids, then put those predictions to the test. Have them record their observations.

Learn more: Apple Oxidation

8. Float a marker man

Their eyes will pop out of their heads when you “levitate” a stick figure right off the table! This experiment works due to the insolubility of dry-erase marker ink in water, combined with the lighter density of the ink.

Learn more: Floating Marker Man

9. Discover density with hot and cold water

There are a lot of easy science experiments you can do with density. This one is extremely simple, involving only hot and cold water and food coloring, but the visuals make it appealing and fun.

Learn more: Layered Water

10. Layer more liquids

This density demo is a little more complicated, but the effects are spectacular. Slowly layer liquids like honey, dish soap, water, and rubbing alcohol in a glass. Kids will be amazed when the liquids float one on top of the other like magic (except it is really science).

Learn more: Layered Liquids

11. Grow a carbon sugar snake

Easy science experiments can still have impressive results! This eye-popping chemical reaction demonstration only requires simple supplies like sugar, baking soda, and sand.

Learn more: Carbon Sugar Snake

12. Mix up some slime

Tell kids you’re going to make slime at home, and watch their eyes light up! There are a variety of ways to make slime, so try a few different recipes to find the one you like best.

13. Make homemade bouncy balls

These homemade bouncy balls are easy to make since all you need is glue, food coloring, borax powder, cornstarch, and warm water. You’ll want to store them inside a container like a plastic egg because they will flatten out over time.

Learn more: Make Your Own Bouncy Balls

14. Create eggshell chalk

Eggshells contain calcium, the same material that makes chalk. Grind them up and mix them with flour, water, and food coloring to make your very own sidewalk chalk.

Learn more: Eggshell Chalk

15. Make naked eggs

This is so cool! Use vinegar to dissolve the calcium carbonate in an eggshell to discover the membrane underneath that holds the egg together. Then, use the “naked” egg for another easy science experiment that demonstrates osmosis .

Learn more: Naked Egg Experiment

16. Turn milk into plastic

This sounds a lot more complicated than it is, but don’t be afraid to give it a try. Use simple kitchen supplies to create plastic polymers from plain old milk. Sculpt them into cool shapes when you’re done!

17. Test pH using cabbage

Teach kids about acids and bases without needing pH test strips! Simply boil some red cabbage and use the resulting water to test various substances—acids turn red and bases turn green.

Learn more: Cabbage pH

18. Clean some old coins

Use common household items to make old oxidized coins clean and shiny again in this simple chemistry experiment. Ask kids to predict (hypothesize) which will work best, then expand the learning by doing some research to explain the results.

Learn more: Cleaning Coins

19. Pull an egg into a bottle

This classic easy science experiment never fails to delight. Use the power of air pressure to suck a hard-boiled egg into a jar, no hands required.

Learn more: Egg in a Bottle

20. Blow up a balloon (without blowing)

Chances are good you probably did easy science experiments like this when you were in school. The baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment demonstrates the reactions between acids and bases when you fill a bottle with vinegar and a balloon with baking soda.

21 Assemble a DIY lava lamp

This 1970s trend is back—as an easy science experiment! This activity combines acid-base reactions with density for a totally groovy result.

22. Explore how sugary drinks affect teeth

The calcium content of eggshells makes them a great stand-in for teeth. Use eggs to explore how soda and juice can stain teeth and wear down the enamel. Expand your learning by trying different toothpaste-and-toothbrush combinations to see how effective they are.

Learn more: Sugar and Teeth Experiment

23. Mummify a hot dog

If your kids are fascinated by the Egyptians, they’ll love learning to mummify a hot dog! No need for canopic jars , just grab some baking soda and get started.

24. Extinguish flames with carbon dioxide

This is a fiery twist on acid-base experiments. Light a candle and talk about what fire needs in order to survive. Then, create an acid-base reaction and “pour” the carbon dioxide to extinguish the flame. The CO2 gas acts like a liquid, suffocating the fire.

25. Send secret messages with invisible ink

Turn your kids into secret agents! Write messages with a paintbrush dipped in lemon juice, then hold the paper over a heat source and watch the invisible become visible as oxidation goes to work.

Learn more: Invisible Ink

26. Create dancing popcorn

This is a fun version of the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment, perfect for the younger crowd. The bubbly mixture causes popcorn to dance around in the water.

27. Shoot a soda geyser sky-high

You’ve always wondered if this really works, so it’s time to find out for yourself! Kids will marvel at the chemical reaction that sends diet soda shooting high in the air when Mentos are added.

Learn more: Soda Explosion

28. Send a teabag flying

Hot air rises, and this experiment can prove it! You’ll want to supervise kids with fire, of course. For more safety, try this one outside.

Learn more: Flying Tea Bags

29. Create magic milk

This fun and easy science experiment demonstrates principles related to surface tension, molecular interactions, and fluid dynamics.

Learn more: Magic Milk Experiment

30. Watch the water rise

Learn about Charles’s Law with this simple experiment. As the candle burns, using up oxygen and heating the air in the glass, the water rises as if by magic.

Learn more: Rising Water

31. Learn about capillary action

Kids will be amazed as they watch the colored water move from glass to glass, and you’ll love the easy and inexpensive setup. Gather some water, paper towels, and food coloring to teach the scientific magic of capillary action.

Learn more: Capillary Action

32. Give a balloon a beard

Equally educational and fun, this experiment will teach kids about static electricity using everyday materials. Kids will undoubtedly get a kick out of creating beards on their balloon person!

Learn more: Static Electricity

33. Find your way with a DIY compass

Here’s an old classic that never fails to impress. Magnetize a needle, float it on the water’s surface, and it will always point north.

Learn more: DIY Compass

34. Crush a can using air pressure

Sure, it’s easy to crush a soda can with your bare hands, but what if you could do it without touching it at all? That’s the power of air pressure!

35. Tell time using the sun

While people use clocks or even phones to tell time today, there was a time when a sundial was the best means to do that. Kids will certainly get a kick out of creating their own sundials using everyday materials like cardboard and pencils.

Learn more: Make Your Own Sundial

36. Launch a balloon rocket

Grab balloons, string, straws, and tape, and launch rockets to learn about the laws of motion.

37. Make sparks with steel wool

All you need is steel wool and a 9-volt battery to perform this science demo that’s bound to make their eyes light up! Kids learn about chain reactions, chemical changes, and more.

Learn more: Steel Wool Electricity

38. Levitate a Ping-Pong ball

Kids will get a kick out of this experiment, which is really all about Bernoulli’s principle. You only need plastic bottles, bendy straws, and Ping-Pong balls to make the science magic happen.

39. Whip up a tornado in a bottle

There are plenty of versions of this classic experiment out there, but we love this one because it sparkles! Kids learn about a vortex and what it takes to create one.

Learn more: Tornado in a Bottle

40. Monitor air pressure with a DIY barometer

This simple but effective DIY science project teaches kids about air pressure and meteorology. They’ll have fun tracking and predicting the weather with their very own barometer.

Learn more: DIY Barometer

41. Peer through an ice magnifying glass

Students will certainly get a thrill out of seeing how an everyday object like a piece of ice can be used as a magnifying glass. Be sure to use purified or distilled water since tap water will have impurities in it that will cause distortion.

Learn more: Ice Magnifying Glass

42. String up some sticky ice

Can you lift an ice cube using just a piece of string? This quick experiment teaches you how. Use a little salt to melt the ice and then refreeze the ice with the string attached.

Learn more: Sticky Ice

43. “Flip” a drawing with water

Light refraction causes some really cool effects, and there are multiple easy science experiments you can do with it. This one uses refraction to “flip” a drawing; you can also try the famous “disappearing penny” trick .

Learn more: Light Refraction With Water

44. Color some flowers

We love how simple this project is to re-create since all you’ll need are some white carnations, food coloring, glasses, and water. The end result is just so beautiful!

45. Use glitter to fight germs

Everyone 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 kids how soap fights glitter and germs.

Learn more: Glitter Germs

46. Re-create the water cycle in a bag

You can do so many easy science experiments with a simple zip-top bag. Fill one 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

47. Learn about plant transpiration

Your backyard is a terrific place for easy science experiments. Grab a plastic bag and rubber band to learn how plants get rid of excess water they don’t need, a process known as transpiration.

Learn more: Plant Transpiration

48. Clean up an oil spill

Before conducting this experiment, teach your students about engineers who solve environmental problems like oil spills. Then, have your students use provided materials to clean the oil spill from their oceans.

Learn more: Oil Spill

49. Construct a pair of model lungs

Kids get a better understanding of the respiratory system when they build model lungs using a plastic water bottle and some balloons. You can modify the experiment to demonstrate the effects of smoking too.

Learn more: Model Lungs

50. Experiment with limestone rocks

Kids  love to collect rocks, and there are plenty of easy science experiments you can do with them. In this one, pour vinegar over a rock to see if it bubbles. If it does, you’ve found limestone!

Learn more: Limestone Experiments

51. Turn a bottle into a rain gauge

All you need is a plastic bottle, a ruler, and a permanent marker to make your own rain gauge. Monitor your measurements and see how they stack up against meteorology reports in your area.

Learn more: DIY Rain Gauge

52. Build up towel mountains

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

Learn more: Towel Mountains

53. Take a play dough core sample

Learn about the layers of the earth by building them out of Play-Doh, then take a core sample with a straw. ( Love Play-Doh? Get more learning ideas here. )

Learn more: Play Dough Core Sampling

54. Project the stars on your ceiling

Use the video lesson in the link below to learn why stars are only visible at night. Then create a DIY star projector to explore the concept hands-on.

Learn more: DIY Star Projector

55. Make it rain

Use shaving cream and food coloring to simulate clouds and rain. This is an easy science experiment little ones will beg to do over and over.

Learn more: Shaving Cream Rain

56. Blow up your fingerprint

This is such a cool (and easy!) way to look at fingerprint patterns. Inflate a balloon a bit, use some ink to put a fingerprint on it, then blow it up big to see your fingerprint in detail.

57. Snack on a DNA model

Twizzlers, gumdrops, and a few toothpicks are all you need to make this super-fun (and yummy!) DNA model.

Learn more: Edible DNA Model

58. Dissect a flower

Take a nature walk and find a flower or two. Then bring them home and take them apart to discover all the different parts of flowers.

59. Craft smartphone speakers

No Bluetooth speaker? No problem! Put together your own from paper cups and toilet paper tubes.

Learn more: Smartphone Speakers

60. Race a balloon-powered car

Kids will be amazed when they learn they can put together this awesome racer using cardboard and bottle-cap wheels. The balloon-powered “engine” is so much fun too.

Learn more: Balloon-Powered Car

61. Build a Ferris wheel

You’ve probably ridden on a Ferris wheel, but can you build one? Stock up on wood craft sticks and find out! Play around with different designs to see which one works best.

Learn more: Craft Stick Ferris Wheel

62. Design a phone stand

There are lots of ways to craft a DIY phone stand, which makes this a perfect creative-thinking STEM challenge.

63. Conduct an egg drop

Put all their engineering skills to the test with an egg drop! Challenge kids to build a container from stuff they find around the house that will protect an egg from a long fall (this is especially fun to do from upper-story windows).

Learn more: Egg Drop Challenge Ideas

64. Engineer a drinking-straw roller coaster

STEM challenges are always a hit with kids. We love this one, which only requires basic supplies like drinking straws.

Learn more: Straw Roller Coaster

65. Build a solar oven

Explore the power of the sun when you build your own solar ovens and use them to cook some yummy treats. This experiment takes a little more time and effort, but the results are always impressive. The link below has complete instructions.

Learn more: Solar Oven

66. Build a Da Vinci bridge

There are plenty of bridge-building experiments out there, but this one is unique. It’s inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s 500-year-old self-supporting wooden bridge. Learn how to build it at the link, and expand your learning by exploring more about Da Vinci himself.

Learn more: Da Vinci Bridge

67. Step through an index card

This is one easy science experiment that never fails to astonish. With carefully placed scissor cuts on an index card, you can make a loop large enough to fit a (small) human body through! Kids will be wowed as they learn about surface area.

68. Stand on a pile of paper cups

Combine physics and engineering and challenge kids to create a paper cup structure that can support their weight. This is a cool project for aspiring architects.

Learn more: Paper Cup Stack

69. Test out parachutes

Gather a variety of materials (try tissues, handkerchiefs, plastic bags, etc.) and see which ones make the best parachutes. You can also find out how they’re affected by windy days or find out which ones work in the rain.

Learn more: Parachute Drop

70. Recycle newspapers into an engineering challenge

It’s amazing how a stack of newspapers can spark such creative engineering. Challenge kids to build a tower, support a book, or even build a chair using only newspaper and tape!

Learn more: Newspaper STEM Challenge

71. Use rubber bands to sound out acoustics

Explore the ways that sound waves are affected by what’s around them using a simple rubber band “guitar.” (Kids absolutely love playing with these!)

Learn more: Rubber Band Guitar

72. Assemble a better umbrella

Challenge students to engineer the best possible umbrella from various household supplies. Encourage them to plan, draw blueprints, and test their creations using the scientific method.

Learn more: Umbrella STEM Challenge

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15 Simple and Fun 2nd Grade Science Experiments and Activities

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Science experiments and activities are a great way to engage and inspire 2nd grade students in the fascinating world of science. Here are 15 simple and fun experiments that you can try with your 2nd graders:

1. Sink or Float: Fill a tub with water and gather various objects like a rock, a feather, a coin, etc. Have the students predict whether each object will sink or float, and then test their predictions.

2. Rainbow Walking Water: Fill three glasses with water and add different food coloring to each glass. Place a paper towel strip from one glass to another, creating a bridge. Watch as the colored water travels up the paper towel, creating a rainbow effect.

3. Balloon Magic: Blow up a balloon and rub it against a woolen cloth. Then, hold it near a wall or your hair. Observe how the balloon sticks to these surfaces due to static electricity.

4. Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano: Create a volcano by molding a cone shape out of clay or playdough. Add baking soda to the volcano’s crater and pour vinegar on top to create a volcanic eruption.

5. Magic Milk: Pour whole milk into a shallow dish and add drops of different food coloring. Dip a cotton swab into dish soap, then touch it lightly to the milk. Watch as the colors swirl and mix together.

6. Walking Water: Fill three clear glasses with water and add different colors of food coloring to each one. Place an empty glass between them. Fold paper towels and connect the glasses, making sure the towels touch the water. Observe how the colored water travels and “walks” through the paper towels to fill the empty glass.

7. Floating Egg: Fill a glass with water and gently place an egg in it. Note how the egg sinks. Then, add salt to the water and stir until it dissolves. Watch as the egg starts to float due to the increased density of the water.

8. Oobleck: Mix cornstarch and water in a bowl until you have a gooey mixture. Let the students experiment with it, observing how it behaves as a solid when pressure is applied and as a liquid when left alone.

9. Magnetic Objects: Provide various objects made of different materials, such as plastic, wood, and metal. Give the students a magnet and let them explore which objects are attracted to it, noting that only certain materials are magnetic.

10. Solar Oven: Have the students build a simple solar oven using a cardboard box, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and tape. Place a snack like a s’more inside and leave it in the sun. Observe how the sun’s heat melts the chocolate and marshmallows.

11. Color Changing Flowers: Cut the stems of white flowers, such as carnations or daisies, and place each stem in a different cup of colored water made with food coloring. Over time, observe how the flowers change color as they absorb the colored water.

12. Invisible Ink: Have the students write secret messages on a white piece of paper using lemon juice as ink. Let the messages dry and then hold the paper near a light bulb or heat source to reveal the hidden messages.

13. Popcorn Science : Conduct an experiment to determine which conditions (microwaving, air-popping, stove-popping) result in the most popcorn kernels popping. Let the students make predictions and record their observations.

14. Exploring Shadows: Provide various objects and a flashlight. Have the students shine the light on the objects to create shadows. Ask them to experiment with changing the distance between the object and the light source to observe how it affects the size and shape of the shadow.

15. Germination Maze: Give each student a small pot, a seed, and a maze-shaped paper with a clear path. Instruct the students to plant the seed and observe how it grows while following the maze’s route. Measure the growth over time.

These 15 science experiments and activities are sure to engage and excite your 2nd grade students while teaching them valuable scientific concepts. Have fun exploring the wonders of science!

50 Fun and Easy 2nd Grade Science Experiments & Activities

Kids love science, especially when it involves hands-on experiments. These 2nd grade science projects, 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 2nd grade science projects, 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 2nd Grade Science Projects

Explore animals, ecosystems, geology, plate tectonics, and more with these interesting and interactive 2nd grade science activities.

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 at Around the Kampfire

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 at Grade School Giggles

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 at The Crafty Classroom

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 at The First Grade Roundup

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 at Lessons for Little Ones

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 at The Chaos and the Clutter

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 at Around the Kampfire

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 at KC Edventures With Kids

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 at Carly and Adam

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 at KC Edventures With Kids

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 at Playdough to Plato

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 at Rhythms of Play

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 at The Kitchen Is My Playground

Food Science Activities and Projects for 2nd Graders

Raid the pantry and try these kitchen science experiments with your second 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 at Education.com

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 at Around the Kampfire

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 at Parenting Isn’t Easy

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 at Learning Lab Resources

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 at Fantastic Fun and Learning

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 at Nurture Store UK

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 at Education.com

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 at Around the Kampfire

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 at Sandy Fiorini/TPT

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 at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

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 at Cool Science Experiments Headquarters

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 at Desert Chica

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 at Buggy and Buddy

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.

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 at The STEM Laboratory

More 2nd Grade Science Experiments and Activities

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

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 at The Applicious Teacher

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 at The First Grade Roundup

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 at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

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 at Messy Little Monster

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 at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

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 at Paging Supermom

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 at The Primary Brain

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 at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

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 at A Dab of Glue Will Do

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 at JDaniel4’s Mom

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 at Education to the Core

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 at Around the Kampfire

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 at The Science Kiddo

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 at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

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 at Good to Know

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: Penny Surface Tension at Little Bins for Little Hands

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 at Mystery Science

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 at ThoughtCo

Looking for more? Try these 25 Second Grade STEM Challenges To Help Kids Think Creatively .

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9 Fun Plant Activities for 2nd Grade

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The lifecycle of plants has always been one of my favorite topics to teach in 2nd grade. My students love all of the hands-on activities, especially when we get to grow our own plants right in the classroom! My students are always amazed that plants can grow using a ziplock bag, a wet paper towel, and some sunlight! Today, I want to share with you nine fun and engaging plant activities for 2nd grade.

Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate plants into our 2nd grade curriculum!

1. Use books!

I love using books when I begin teaching about a new topic. I’ve found that the more books I have available, the more my kiddos want to read! Books are also great for building vocabulary and comprehension. Try using one of the recommended books listed here to get your plant unit started!

2. Make a Seed Journal

As part of our plant study, my students complete a plant experiment. During our experiment, we make journals to keep records of how our seeds were growing. Seed Journals are a great way for your students to document their observations. At the end of your plant experiment, students can share their observations and what they learned!

3. Plant Stimuli Experiment

This  experiment  will help teach your students how plants respond to their environment. For this activity, you will plant three seeds in individual cups. You will also change the environment for each seed. For example, we used a rock to block the seed’s growth path in one cup and placed another in full light. The last seed was covered in black paper to block out the light. We followed the scientific method to guide us as we completed the experiment.

4. Plant Needs Activity

This resource is not only great to use in the classroom with your students, but also includes digital versions of each activity so it will work for however you prefer to use it.

This mini-lesson includes an engaging plant-themed reading passage and tons of activities to go with it. Your students will build their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency, all while learning about what plants need to survive. Here is what is included:

• Science Passage – Plant Needs
• Vocabulary Practice
• Quick Questions
• Reading Strategy – Author’s Purpose
• Written Response
• Interactive Activity – Charting Up

5. From Seeds to Plants Activities

Looking to combine your plant life cycle curriculum and reading together? This  resource  is the perfect addition to your plant life cycle unit.

The 5-day unit is designed around the book “From Seed to Plant” by Gail Gibbons. Use it as part of your core reading routine! The lessons are very easy to follow and will keep your students engaged the entire time! Bonus! They include printable and digital versions of all the activities. This unit includes tons of plant activities for 2nd grade

Create a Window Garden

This activity was a classroom favorite! Did you know plants can grow without soil? Well, they definitely can! To create your soilless garden , you will need sandwich-size ziplock bags, individual paper towels, seeds, and tape.

Applicious Teacher Note: If you soak the seeds in water for a few hours, it will help speed up the germination process. Every day your students can make observations using their Seed Journal. My class would always be excited to check on their plants and loved watching them grow.

6. Conduct a Seed Dissection

For this activity, it’s best to use large seeds such as lima beans. Soaking the seeds in water for a few hours will help your students dissect them more easily. This activity is a great way to teach your students the different parts of a seed.

After dissecting, students can complete a diagram of the inside of a seed, and that can be added to their Seed Journal .

7. How to Plant a Seed Sequencing Activity

Are you looking for ways to easily incorporate your plant unit into literacy centers?

This Plant a Seed Sequencing Activity is the perfect way to do that! This resource contains cards with the steps to planting a flower. Your students will place the cards in the correct order. When they are finished organizing the cards, they will record the steps on their “Plant a Flower” sheet. This is a great way to check if your students are mastering the skill of sequencing.

8. Create a Flower Parts Diagram

When teaching about flower parts, this diagram is a great resource to use with your students. They will label the different parts of the flower and color the parts accordingly.

Down “below” the soil tab students, will label and color the roots as well. I found it to be very helpful to have my students use their science books as a resource during this activity.

9. The Great Seed Mix Up Game

Your kiddos will love being “seed detectives” as they work through this seed inferencing activity . Students will use the clues to match each seed to the correct packet. They will then use evidence from each clue to record their answers.

Plant Activities Mega Bundle

I hope all these ideas will help inspire you when teaching your unit on plants with your 2nd-graders. If you are unsure where to start, don’t worry, I have got you covered!

This  Plant Mega Bundle  includes 5 of my most popular plant and Spring resources! This bundle has it all, and you won’t have to dig around trying to find multiple resources. It takes very minimal prep, and it will not only save you time but money, too. That’s a win in my book!

So, tell me which plant activities for 2nd grade will you be using in your classroom? Comment below and share your thoughts!

Check out these other ideas!

• 10 Must Read for Your Plants and Seeds Unit
• Plants and Spring Center Fun!
• We’re Sproutin’!
• Planning Made Easy- Spring Activities!
• Categories: 2nd Grade , Plants

Hi, I'm Leigh.

The Applicious Teacher is all about creating hands-on and engaging lessons that align with the standards while still having time for your life. This is your place for ideas, tips, and resources for the REAL teacher!

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Second Grade Science

45 Easy Science Experiments for Kids

Hello, STEM! These simple DIY activities can be done at home or in school.

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Imagine blowing the biggest bubbles imaginable — or even making bubbles within bubbles. Or sending vessels — rockets, tea bags, airplanes — soaring through the sky for impossible distances. Now imagine making things explode, or change colors, or reveal hidden messages with just a few simple mixtures.

None of this is magic. It's all science that you can do at home, most likely with ingredients you already have in your house. So, next time you need a boredom-busting indoor activity on a rainy day or a DIY project to get their minds humming, try one of these best at-home science experiments for kids , which cover topics like cover magnetism, surface tension, astronomy, chemistry, physics and more.

First off, it's good to start them off with the scientific method. Give them a journal to record their observations, questions, hypotheses, experiments, results and conclusions. As always, safety counts: wear goggles and coats or aprons if need be (sometimes kids get a kick out of how scientific the protective gear makes them look), and always make sure that the kids are supervised when doing them. (Warning: Some of these are messy!)

These experiments are mostly designed for preschoolers through elementary schoolers — with a couple that are either demonstrations or better for older kids — but if you have a younger one, you can check out these 1-year-old learning activities , toddler learning activities and preschool/kindergarten learning activities , some of which also cover STEM subjects.

Floating Fish

Here's another one that deals with solubility and density.

• Draw the outline of a fish on the bottom of a glass plate or tray in dry-erase marker. Retrace your drawing to make sure all the lines are connected. Let dry for a minute or two.
• Fill the measuring cup with tap water. Place the pour spout just inside the corner of the dish and add water very slowly until it just covers the bottom. Be careful not to pour water directly onto your drawing or make splashes near it. The water will move toward your drawing, eventually surrounding it. Observe what happens. If the water splashes or it doesn’t work on your first try, empty the dish, erase the drawing with a paper towel, dry off the dish, and try again.
• Tilt the dish slightly from side to side. What happens? Jot it down.

The ink in dry erase markers is engineered to be slippery. It’s made with a chemical that causes it to easily release from surfaces. (Permanent markers are made with a chemical that makes the ink stick to surfaces, so be sure not to use these in your experiment!)

The easy-release ink lets go from a surface, but why does it float? There are two reasons. First, dry erase ink isn’t soluble, which means it won’t dissolve in water. Second, dry erase ink is less dense than the water, so it becomes buoyant, meaning it can float. When you tilt the dish, the fish moves around on the water’s surface.

From Good Housekeeping Amazing Science: 83 Hands-on S.T.E.A.M Experiments for Curious Kids! See more in the book »

Brush, Brush!

This one will really get them into brushing their teeth once they scientifically prove all the good things that toothpaste can do.

• Write on sticky notes: Soda 1, Soda 2, Juice 1, and Juice 2. Place them in a row on a counter.
• Fill two glasses halfway with brown soda and place behind the Soda 1 and Soda 2 sticky notes. Fill two glasses halfway with lemon juice and place behind the Juice 1 and Juice 2 sticky notes.
• Carefully place one egg in the bowl. Squeeze a big dollop — about one tablespoon — of toothpaste on top of the egg and gently rub the toothpaste all around with your hands until the egg is completely covered in a thick layer of toothpaste. Repeat with a second egg.
• Gently submerge the toothpaste-covered eggs into the liquids: one egg in the glass labeled Soda 1 and the other egg in the glass labeled Juice 1. Wash and dry your hands.
• Gently submerge the remaining eggs, without toothpaste on them, in the remaining glasses: one in the glass labeled Soda 2 and the other in the glass of juice labeled Juice 2. Wash and dry your hands. Leave the eggs in the glasses for 12 hours.
• After 12 hours, remove the eggs from the glasses of soda one at a time. Rinse them in cool water and pat them dry with the towel. Place each egg by the sticky note of the glass it was in. Are the eggs the same or different colors?
• Remove the eggs from the glasses of juice one at a time. Rinse them under the faucet and pat them dry. Place each egg by the sticky note of the glass it was in. Feel the eggs gently. Does one feel stronger or weaker than the other?
• Write down your observations in your science notebook.

The eggshells in this experiment represent the enamel (outer coating) on your teeth. Toothpaste cleans your teeth and prevents stains: it removes food and drink particles that are stuck on your teeth. Teeth can be stained easily by dark-colored liquids like cola, coffee or tea. The egg without toothpaste will be brown and discolored. The egg covered in toothpaste was protected from turning brown.

Toothpaste also protects your pearly whites from decay (breaking down). The egg without toothpaste left in the lemon juice was worn down and soft to the touch, while the egg that was protected with toothpaste is stronger. The lemon juice is acidic, and those acids broke down the shell just as acidic drinks can wear away your tooth enamel. When a tooth is worn down, a cavity can form more easily. But the fluoride in toothpaste mixes with your saliva to create a protective coating around your tooth enamel. It helps keep your teeth strong and cavity-free.

Grow an Avocado Tree

For an easy lesson in Earth Science, your family can grow an avocado tree from a pit. You can buy an AvoSeedo kit , or just peel the seed and suspend it over water with toothpicks.

Get the tutorial »

Milk Bottle Xylophone

No for an experiment in sound!

• Arrange six glass jars or bottles, all the same size with no lids, in a line. What will each jar sound like when you tap it with a spoon? Make a prediction, then tap each jar. Record your observations.
• Next, put water in each of the jars. Pour 1⁄4 cup (60 ml) of water into the first jar. Add 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of water to the second jar. Continue in 1⁄4-cup increments, adding 3⁄4 cup (180 ml) of water to the third jar, 1 cup (240 ml) of water to the fourth jar, 11⁄4 cups (300 ml) of water to the fifth jar, and 11⁄2 cups (360 ml) to the sixth jar. Add a couple of drops of food coloring to each jar.
• What will each jar sound like? Will they sound the same or different than when the container was empty? Will they sound the same or different from one another? Record your predictions.
• Tap each jar with a metal spoon. Write down your observations about each jar’s pitch (how high or low a sound is) in your notebook.

Sound waves are created by vibrations, which are back-and-forth movements that are repeated again and again. Pitch depends on the frequency of the waves — how many are created each second. A high pitch is created by high-frequency sound waves, and can sound squeaky. A low pitch is created by low-frequency sound waves, and sounds deep and booming.

When you tapped the jar, it vibrated. The vibrations traveled from the jar to the water to the air and eventually to your ears. The jars with more water had a low pitch. The sound waves vibrated more slowly because they had more water to travel through. The jars with less water had higher pitches. The sound waves vibrated faster because they had less water to travel through. A jar with no water in it makes the highest pitch because it has the least substance to travel through.

"Elephant Toothpaste"

Okay, elephants don't really brush with this stuff, which is made from a chemical reaction between hydrogen peroxide, yeast, dish soap and a few other simple ingredients. But this experiment has a big "wow" factor since, when the substances are mixed, the "toothpaste" foams out of the bottle. You can use it to teach kids about catalysts and exothermic reactions.

Get the tutorial at Babble Dabble Do »

DIY Compass

Explore the way magnetism works, and how it affects everyday objects, by magnetizing a needle and making a DIY compass. You can even spin the compass in the water, and it'll end up pointing the right way again.

Get the tutorial at STEAM Powered Family »

Craft Stick Chain Reaction

Kids can learn about the differences between potential and kinetic energy with this chain reaction. It makes a big impact: Once the tension is released, the pom poms go flying through the air!

Get the the tutorial at Science Sparks »

Color-Changing Invisible Ink

Kids will feel like super-spies when they use this heatless method to reveal pictures or colors written with "invisible ink." You can try different acid/base combinations to see which one makes the most dramatic result.

Get the tutorial at Research Parent »

Paper Bridge

Get the engineering back into STEM with this activity, which challenges kids to create a paper bridge that's strong enough to hold as many pennies as possible. How can they manipulate the paper to make it sturdier? (Hint: Fold it!)

See the paper bridge tutorial at KidsActivities.com »

Challenge your little scientist to lift up an ice cube with just a piece of string. It's possible ... with a little salt to help. Salt melts the ice and lowers the freezing point of the ice cube, which absorbs the heat from the water around it, making the water cold enough to re-freeze around the string.

Get the tutorial at Playdough to Plato »

Marshmallow Catapult

Another lesson in potential and kinetic energy, kids will love sending mini marshmallows flying in the name of science. Change some of the variables and see how that affects the marshmallow's trajectory.

Get the tutorial at Hello, Wonderful »

Leaf Breathing

It's hard for kids to picture how plants and trees "breathe" through their leaves — until they see the bubbles appear on a leaf that's submerged in water. You can also teach them about photosynthesis by putting different leaves in different spots with varying levels of sunlight.

Get the tutorial at KC EDventures »

Hoop-and-Straw Airplane

We all remember how to fold those classic, triangular paper airplanes, but these hoop-and-straw airplanes fly way better (and straighter). Experiment by changing the length of the straw and the size of the hoops and see how it affects the flight.

Get the tutorial at Mombrite »

Film Canister Rocket

Blast off! You don't need jet fuel to make these rockets go, just Alka-Seltzer tablets and baking soda, but they'll be amazed when they achieve lift-off! (Note: If you can't find old film canisters, tubes of Airborne work, too.)

Get the tutorial at Raising Lifelong Learners »

Coin Inertia

Stack up about five or so coins on a piece of cardboard and place it over a glass of water. Then, flick the cardboard out from on top of the glass. Do the coins drop into the water, or ride with the cardboard? Due to inertia, they drop into the water — a very visual (and fun!) demonstration of Newton's First Law of Motion.

Get the tutorial at Engineering Emily »

Apple Oxidation

What works best for keeping an apple from turning brown? Test to find out! Slice up an apple, and let each slice soak in a different liquid. Then take them out, lay them on a tray, and check the brownness after three minutes, six minutes and so on. Not only does this test the properties of different liquids, it also helps students practice the scientific method if they create hypotheses about which liquids would be most effective.

Get the tutorial at Jennifer Findley »

RELATED: 50 Fun Activities for Kids Will Keep Them Entertained for Hours

Coffee Ground Fossils

By making a salt dough with coffee grounds and pressing various shapes into it (toy dinosaur feet, seashells), kids can get a better understanding of how fossils are made. If you poke a hole in the top before it dries, the kids can hang their "fossils" up in their rooms.

Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »

Chromatography Flowers

Chromatography is the process of separating a solution into different parts — like the pigments in the ink used in markers. If you draw stripes around a coffee filter, then fold it up and dip the tip in water, the water will travel up the filter and separate the marker ink into its different pigments (in cool patterns that you can display as a craft project). This family made the end-result even brighter by adding an LED circuit to the center.

Get the tutorial at Steam Powered Family »

Water Walking

You'll need six containers of water for this one: three with clear water, one with red food coloring, one with blue coloring, and one with yellow coloring. Arrange them in a circle, alternating colored and clear containers, and make bridges between the containers with folded paper towels. Your kids will be amazed to see the colored water "walk" over the bridges and into the clear containers, mixing colors, and giving them a first-hand look at the magic of capillarity.

Get the tutorial at Fun Learning for Kids »

Sunscreen Test

This experiment puts the A (art) in STEAM: Paint different designs on construction paper with different sunscreens, leave the papers out in the sun and compare the results. Then, hang your "conclusions" on your fridge.

Get the tutorial at Tonya Staab »

Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

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Last updated by Linda Kamp on December 9, 2022 • Leave a Comment

Properties of Matter Science Experiments for Second Grade

This post is a roundup of hands-on and fun properties of matter science experiments and STEAM activities that address second grade science standards. All of the materials used are easy to find and available at the dollar store.

Properties of Matter Science Experiments

It is essential when teaching science that our students learn to ask questions, make observations, and be able to communicate what they observe. We want our students to learn how to plan and carry out investigations and be able to interpret their results.

As you encourage your students to ask questions, guide them to see how their questions can be investigated. In the primary grades, we may need to provide the questions as a starting point.

The following are questions for students to investigate while learning about the structure and properties of matter. These investigations address:

• describing matter
• properties of objects
• the effects of temperature on matter
• combining matter
• solid, liquid, gas STEAM project

How can I describe matter?

Matter has observable, physical properties that are different shapes, colors, textures, materials, and sizes. 

This highly engaging lab calls students’ attention to small details so that they can describe the properties of a variety of crackers. Click the link to read more: Properties of Matter Cracker Lab

What materials make an object flexible?

As students learn that the structure and properties of matter can be observed, give them experience in planning and conducting simple investigations. 

Hardness, magnetism, and flexibility are properties that are easily tested. Gather a variety of objects so that students can test their flexibility. Click the link to read how we explored flexibility: Exploring Flexibility Lab

How does temperature change matter? 

Did you know that ice cream is a solid, a liquid, and a gas all at once? This ice cream in a bag lab is a favorite science activity that is easily done in the classroom. 

Students observe the effect of temperature on matter as a liquid mixture turns to a solid. Click the link to read the science behind t ice cream and see how it’s done:  Ice Cream in a Bag Lab

What solids and liquids will create a gas?

This carbonation exploration uses Pop Rocks candy to investigate how combining a solid and a liquid can form a gas. 

Learn how carbonation is made and how to do the lab: Pop Rocks Experiment

How can I design a toy using a solid, liquid and gas?

In this fun STEAM challenge students use a variety of materials to design a toy. Students plan the materials for their toy so that they use at least one solid, one liquid, and one gas. 

 Design a Toy lab source

The creative possibilities are endless! This lab is part of a second grade Properties of Matter science unit available HERE.

All of these labs are part of a complete Properties of Matter science unit for second grade. 

These properties of matter science experiments are hands-on, fun and easy to do in the classroom.

For more second grade science activities visit these posts:

Properties of Matter Activities for Second Grade 

18 Awesome States of Matter Books for Kids

Landforms & Earth Changes Activities

Activities to Teach the Engineering Design Process

Happy teaching!

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I’m Linda Kamp, a 20 year primary grade teacher with a passion for creating educational materials that excite students and make learning fun! I'm so glad you're here!

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10 Easy Science Fair Experiments for Kids, Parents and Teachers

Welcome to our collection of 10 easy science fair experiments for kids ! These hands-on activities are perfect for sparking curiosity and making learning fun. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or young scientist, these experiments—from erupting volcanoes to DIY lava lamps—are designed to be simple, engaging, and educational. With a little help from an adult, you can dive into the world of science and discover how exciting it can be.

1. Erupting Volcano Experiment

Introduction: Welcome to our exciting science fair project—creating your very own erupting volcano! This experiment is perfect for first and second graders to learn about chemical reactions in a fun and spectacular way. You’ll need an adult to help with some steps, so make sure to have a grown-up nearby!

Objective: To observe and understand the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar that causes a volcanic eruption.

• 1 small plastic bottle (500 ml)
• Baking soda (60 grams)
• Vinegar (200 ml)
• Dish soap (5 ml)
• Red food coloring (a few drops)
• Modeling clay or playdough (enough to cover the bottle and form a mountain)
• A tray or shallow container (to catch the overflow)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Safety goggles (optional, for extra fun and safety)

Hypothesis: Predict what will happen when you mix baking soda, vinegar, and a few other ingredients in your model volcano. Do you think it will erupt like a real volcano?

• Place the plastic bottle on the tray. This is your volcano’s “magma chamber.”
• Use the modeling clay or playdough to shape a mountain around the bottle. Leave the top open so you can add your ingredients.
• Get creative with the shape and details of your volcano!
• In a separate cup, mix together 200 ml of vinegar, 5 ml of dish soap, and a few drops of red food coloring to create your “lava.” This will help make the eruption more colorful and bubbly.
• Pour the vinegar mixture into the bottle in your volcano.
• Add 60 grams of baking soda to the bottle and quickly step back to watch your volcano erupt!

Observation: Watch closely what happens when the baking soda meets the vinegar mixture. You should see a foamy and fizzy eruption that looks like lava flowing down the sides of your volcano.

Results: Record what you observed. Was the eruption slow and steady, or quick and explosive? How high did the “lava” flow?

Conclusion: Explain why the reaction happened using simple science. When baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) mix, they create carbon dioxide gas, which builds up pressure until it forces the liquid out in an eruption. This is similar to what happens in a real volcano, where gases build up pressure underground.

Further Experimentation:

Try the experiment again using different amounts of vinegar or baking soda. Does changing the amounts change how your volcano erupts?

This experiment not only teaches you about chemical reactions but also lets you create a mini spectacle at home or at your science fair. Have fun being a young scientist and remember to clean up after your experiment!

2. Floating Egg Experiment

Introduction: Dive into the fascinating world of density with the Floating Egg Experiment! This simple yet intriguing project is perfect for first and second graders to explore how different solutions affect whether an object sinks or floats. This experiment will need a bit of adult help, so make sure you have a grown-up to assist you!

Objective: To understand how the addition of salt to water changes its density and affects the buoyancy of an egg.

• Tap water (about 500 ml)
• Table salt (about 60 grams)
• 1 large clear glass or jar
• Measuring spoons
• Stirring spoon

Hypothesis: Before you begin, think about whether you believe the egg will float in plain water and what might happen when you add salt to the water. Write down your guess.

• Fill the glass or jar with 500 ml of tap water.
• Gently place the raw egg into the glass of plain water and observe what happens. Does it sink or float?
• Remove the egg carefully.
• Add 60 grams of salt to the water. Stir well until the salt is completely dissolved.
• Once the salt is dissolved, gently place the egg back into the saltwater solution. Observe what happens this time.

Observation: Note down what you see. How does the egg behave in plain water compared to the saltwater?

Results: Record your findings. Did the egg float in the saltwater? Was there a difference in how it behaved in the plain water compared to the saltwater?

Conclusion: Explain why the results occurred based on density. In plain water, the egg sinks because its density is higher than that of plain water. When you add salt to the water, it increases the water’s density, making it denser than the egg, which now floats.

You can experiment further by changing the amount of salt added to the water or trying different liquids like sugar water. See how these changes affect the egg’s buoyancy.

This experiment not only teaches you about the principles of density and buoyancy but also shows you how different solutions can change the behavior of objects in water. Have fun experimenting, and remember to ask questions and think about why things happen the way they do!

3. Rainbow Milk Experiment

Introduction: Get ready to create a swirling rainbow with the Rainbow Milk Experiment! This visually stunning project is ideal for young scientists in the first or second grade to explore the effects of soap on milk and food coloring. You’ll need some help from an adult, so be sure to have one nearby!

Objective: To observe how dish soap interacts with the fat in milk, causing movement in the food coloring that creates a rainbow effect.

• A shallow dish or plate
• Whole milk (enough to cover the bottom of the dish)
• Food coloring (various colors)
• Cotton swabs
• A dropper or small spoon

Hypothesis: Think about what you expect to happen when you add dish soap to the milk with food coloring. Do you think the colors will move, mix, or stay still? Write down your guess.

• Pour enough whole milk into the dish to just cover the bottom.
• Carefully add drops of different food coloring to the milk. Place them around the dish but not too close to each other.
• Dip a cotton swab into dish soap, ensuring it’s not dripping but wet with soap.
• Gently touch the soaped swab to the surface of the milk in the center of the dish or near one of the food coloring drops.

Observation: Watch what happens when the soapy cotton swab touches the milk. Look for any movement of the food coloring and how it interacts with the milk.

Results: Record what you see. Describe the movement and mixing of the colors. How did the dish soap affect the behavior of the food coloring in the milk?

Conclusion: Explain the science behind what you saw. The soap breaks the surface tension of the milk and reacts with its fats, creating movement that pushes the food coloring around. This movement shows how substances like soap can change the physical properties of other liquids like milk.

Try the experiment again using different types of milk (like skim or 2%) to see if the fat content affects the reaction. You can also use different detergents or soaps to see if they cause different patterns or movements in the milk.

This experiment is not only a beautiful display of colors but also a great lesson in chemistry and physics, showing how different substances interact in surprising and colorful ways. Enjoy creating your milk art, and don’t forget to clean up when you’re done!

 4. Baking Soda and Vinegar Rocket

Introduction: Blast off into the world of chemical reactions with the Baking Soda and Vinegar Rocket Experiment! This exciting activity is perfect for first and second graders eager to see science in action. You’ll need some adult supervision, so make sure a grown-up is ready to help with the fun!

Objective: To demonstrate the reaction between baking soda and vinegar and observe how this reaction can propel a homemade rocket.

• 1 small plastic film canister with a tight-fitting lid (or any small container with a pop-on lid that seals well)
• Baking soda (5 grams)
• Vinegar (30 ml)
• Tissue paper
• Safety goggles (to protect your eyes)
• An open space for launching your rocket (like a backyard or park)

Hypothesis: Predict what will happen when baking soda and vinegar mix inside your rocket canister. Think about how it might affect the canister and what the reaction will be like. Write down your prediction.

• Go outside or to a well-ventilated area where you can safely launch the rocket.
• Wrap the 5 grams of baking soda tightly in a small piece of tissue paper. This packet will help delay the reaction, giving you time to close the lid.
• Pour 30 ml of vinegar into the film canister.
• Quickly drop the baking soda packet into the canister with vinegar.
• Snap the lid on tightly and quickly place the canister on the ground, lid side down.
• Step back and watch what happens!

Observation: Observe the canister as the reaction happens. What do you see and hear? How high does the rocket go?

Results: Record the outcome of your experiment. Was the launch successful? How high did your rocket fly? Did it happen as you predicted?

Conclusion: Explain why the rocket moved. The reaction between baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas builds up pressure inside the canister until the lid pops off, pushing the rocket into the air. This is an example of Newton’s Third Law of Motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Experiment with different amounts of vinegar and baking soda to see if it affects how high your rocket goes. You can also try different sizes of containers to see how they change the reaction.

This experiment is not only a thrilling demonstration of a chemical reaction but also a fun way to learn about forces and motion. Make sure to conduct it in a safe environment and wear your safety goggles to protect your eyes. Enjoy your scientific journey into rocketry!

5. Magnetic Magic – Magnetic Poles and Fields Experiment

Introduction: Explore the invisible world of magnetism with this engaging experiment! Perfect for first and second graders, this activity will help you understand how magnets work, focusing on the poles and the magnetic fields they create. You’ll need some common items from home or school and the help of an adult to guide you through.

Objective: To explore and visualize the magnetic field lines around bar and horseshoe magnets and understand the interactions between the different poles of magnets.

• 1 bar magnet (with North and South poles labeled)
• 1 horseshoe magnet (with North and South poles labeled)
• Iron filings
• A sheet of white paper
• A tray or cardboard to contain any mess
• A compass (optional, for further exploration)

Hypothesis: Before you start, think about what you might see when you sprinkle iron filings around the magnets. What do you think will happen when the North pole of one magnet is near the South pole of another? Write down your guess.

• Place the sheet of white paper on the tray or cardboard to keep your workspace clean.
• Lay the bar magnet and the horseshoe magnet on the paper. Start with them a good distance apart so their fields don’t overlap immediately.
• Gently sprinkle iron filings around and between the magnets. Be careful not to bump the table as the filings align themselves along the magnetic field lines.
• Look at how the iron filings arrange themselves around each magnet. Notice the patterns they form. These lines show the magnetic fields emanating from the poles.
• Slowly move the North pole of one magnet towards the South pole of the other. Observe how the iron filings react. Do the same with like poles (North to North or South to South) and note any differences.

Observation: Record what happens to the iron filings as you move the magnets. How do the patterns change? What does this tell you about how the magnetic poles interact?

Results: Describe the arrangement of iron filings and what it indicates about the magnetic fields. Note any changes when different poles are near each other.

Conclusion: Explain your observations in terms of magnetic poles and fields. Magnets attract when opposite poles are near each other and repel when like poles are close. The iron filings align themselves along the lines of magnetic force, visibly showing the shape of the magnetic fields.

Try using a compass to see how the needle aligns with the magnetic fields. You can also test different materials to see if they are influenced by the magnets, like clips, aluminum foil, or copper wire.

This experiment not only teaches you about magnetism but also lets you see the invisible forces at play. Have fun exploring and always make sure to clean up your space when you are done!

6. DIY Lava Lamp Experiment

Introduction: Ready to light up your curiosity with a colorful DIY Lava Lamp? This experiment is fantastic for young scientists in first or second grade to explore the interactions between oil, water, and effervescent tablets. This safe and simple project is sure to dazzle and teach important scientific concepts with a bit of adult help.

Objective: To understand the effects of density and chemical reactions by creating a homemade lava lamp.

• 1 clear plastic bottle (1 liter)
• Water (about 400 ml)
• Vegetable oil (about 600 ml)
• Food coloring (any color you like)
• Effervescent tablets (like Alka-Seltzer)
• Flashlight (optional, for effect)

Hypothesis: Think about what will happen when you mix oil, water, and the effervescent tablet in the bottle. Predict how the ingredients will interact and what will happen when you add the tablet.

• Fill the clear plastic bottle with 400 ml of water.
• Slowly pour 600 ml of vegetable oil into the bottle, allowing it to layer on top of the water.
• Add a few drops of food coloring to the bottle. The drops will pass through the oil and mix with the water below.
• Break an effervescent tablet into a few pieces.
• Drop one piece into the bottle and watch as the lava lamp effect begins. The tablet reacts with the water to create gas bubbles that rise and fall through the oil.
• Shine a flashlight through the bottom of the bottle to enhance the visual effect, especially in a dim room.

Observation: Watch the bubbles of colored water rise and fall in the oil as the gas bubbles form and pop. Note how the oil and water do not mix.

Results: Describe what you see when the effervescent tablet reacts in the water and how it affects the oil and water mixture.

Conclusion: Explain the science behind the lava lamp. The water and oil separate due to their different densities, with oil being less dense and sitting on top of the water. The effervescent tablet reacts with the water to create carbon dioxide gas, which carries the colored water up through the oil until the gas escapes at the top.

Try using different amounts of oil or water, different colors of food coloring, or different types of effervescent tablets to see how it changes the reaction.

This experiment not only makes for an eye-catching display but also helps understand concepts like density, solubility, and gas formation. Have fun watching your very own lava lamp glow!

 7. Dancing Raisins Experiment

Introduction: Get ready to watch raisins dance in this fun and simple science experiment perfect for young students in first or second grade. This activity demonstrates the principles of buoyancy and gas production in a way that’s both entertaining and educational, with just a bit of adult supervision needed.

Objective: To observe and understand why raisins move up and down in a fizzy liquid due to the formation of gas bubbles.

• 1 clear glass or transparent plastic cup
• Plain water (enough to fill the glass three-quarters)
• Carbonated clear soda (enough to fill the glass)
• Several raisins (4-6)
• A stopwatch or timer (optional, to record the duration of the dance)

Hypothesis: Before starting, predict what will happen when you drop raisins into the soda. Do you think they will sink, float, or dance? Write down your guess.

• Fill the glass three-quarters with plain water and top it off with carbonated soda to make the liquid fizzy.
• Carefully drop 4 to 6 raisins into the glass of fizzy liquid.
• Watch what happens to the raisins for the next few minutes. Observe how they move in the glass.

Results: Record your observations. Do the raisins sink, float, or dance up and down? How long do they continue moving?

Conclusion: Explain the results using the concept of buoyancy and gas production. The carbon dioxide bubbles from the soda attach to the rough surface of the raisins, making them buoyant enough to rise to the surface. Once they reach the top, the bubbles pop, and the raisins sink again. This cycle repeats, causing the dancing effect.

Experiment with different carbonated drinks or try other small, dried fruits or objects like corn kernels or small pasta shapes to see if they also dance. Explore how temperature affects the rate of dancing by using cold versus room temperature soda.

This experiment is a fantastic way for kids to visually grasp scientific concepts and enjoy the magic of simple chemical reactions. It’s perfect for a science fair project or a classroom activity!

8. Color-Changing Carnations

Introduction: Discover how flowers drink water with the Color-Changing Carnations Experiment! This visually stunning activity is perfect for first and second graders to learn about plant biology and capillary action in a fun and colorful way. It’s a simple experiment that requires some adult supervision.

Objective: To demonstrate how plants absorb water and nutrients up through their stems, using carnations and colored water.

• White carnations (several, depending on how many colors you want to test)
• Clear glasses or vases (one for each color)
• Food coloring in various colors
• Scissors (to be used by an adult)

Hypothesis: Predict what will happen when the carnations are placed in colored water. Which colors do you think will show up best in the petals?

• Have an adult trim the stems of the carnations at an angle to allow them to absorb water more efficiently.
• Fill each glass or vase with water and add about 20 drops of food coloring to each, choosing different colors for each container.
• Stir the water to evenly distribute the color.
• Place one carnation in each colored water vase.
• Observe the carnations daily to see how the color travels up the stem and changes the color of the petals.

Results: Record your observations over several days. Note the changes in the color of the petals and how quickly each color appears.

Conclusion: Explain how capillary action works in plants, drawing water and nutrients up through tiny tubes in the stem. The food coloring shows this process visually, changing the color of the carnations’ petals.

Try using different liquids like sports drinks or diluted inks to see if they affect the flowers differently. Experiment with other white flowers to see if they absorb colors faster or slower than the carnations.

9. Invisible Ink

Introduction: Send secret messages with the Invisible Ink Experiment! This project is a fantastic way for first and second graders to learn about chemical reactions and the properties of acids and bases, with just a bit of adult supervision for safety.

Objective: To use a natural acid (lemon juice) to write invisible messages that appear only when heated.

• Spoon or brush
• White paper
• Heat source (light bulb or hair dryer; an adult should handle this part)

Hypothesis: Guess what will happen when you heat the paper that has lemon juice on it. How do you think the message will appear?

• Squeeze lemon juice into a bowl and add a few drops of water.
• Dip the spoon or brush into the lemon juice mixture and write a message on the white paper.
• Allow the paper to dry completely, making the message invisible.
• Have an adult help you heat the paper using a light bulb or hair dryer. Watch as the message slowly appears.

Results: Record what happens when the paper is heated and how clearly the message shows up.

Conclusion: Explain why the lemon juice message appears when heated (lemon juice, being acidic, weakens the paper fibers slightly and caramelizes when heated, making it visible).

Experiment with other natural acids like orange juice or vinegar. Try different heating methods or papers to see which reveals the message most effectively.

10. Homemade Slime Experiment

Introduction: Get ready for gooey fun with the Homemade Slime Experiment! This engaging and tactile project is great for first and second graders to learn about polymers and non-Newtonian fluids. Adult supervision is recommended, especially when handling chemicals.

Objective: To create slime using simple household ingredients and explore its unique properties.

• White school glue (about 120 ml)
• Borax powder (2 teaspoons)
• Water (two cups)
• Food coloring (optional)
• Mixing bowl

Hypothesis: Predict what will happen when you mix glue, borax, and water. What kind of texture do you think your slime will have?

• In a mixing bowl, combine 120 ml of white glue and one cup of water. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired.
• In another container, dissolve 2 teaspoons of borax in one cup of warm water.
• Slowly add the borax solution to the glue mixture, stirring continuously.
• Keep stirring until the slime begins to form and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
• Take the slime out and knead it with your hands until it reaches the desired consistency.

Results: Describe the texture and behavior of your slime. Is it stretchy? Does it bounce?

Conclusion: Discuss the chemical reaction between the glue and borax that creates a polymer, which gives the slime its unique properties.

Try adding different amounts of borax or glue to see how it changes the slime’s properties. Add glitter, beads, or small toys to create different types of slime.

Each of these experiments offers a fun, educational way to engage with basic scientific concepts, perfect for young learners eager to explore the world through science.

That’s a Wrap!

Science is all about curiosity, discovery, and having fun while learning how the world works. Through these 10 experiments, young scientists have not only created colorful reactions and gooey slime but also gained a deeper understanding of important scientific principles. Whether it was watching a volcano erupt, making an egg float, or exploring the magnetic fields, each experiment has shown that science is everywhere—even in the simplest things around us. As you continue to explore and experiment, remember that the journey of discovery is just beginning. Keep asking questions, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep having fun with science!

Science Printables for your First Graders

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