Science Experiments to Learn More about Water

Water is one of the most essential things necessary for life. This vital ingredient takes on many roles. It’s a universal solvent, which has the ability to dissolve various substances. It is considered an invaluable life-sustaining force because it helps transport essential nutrients and oxygen through the body. Water is also an important component of the human body, about 60-75% of our body is made up of water. It plays a vital role in maintaining a cell’s shape and structure.

Water performs several other functions essential for the body to function properly. And not just the human body, water is essential for the survival of all living things. This is one of the reasons why children should learn about this life sustaining force. One of the easiest ways to help children learn more about water is by conducting science experiments for kids at home and in school. Little kids love playing with water, so they’re sure to love performing experiments with water too. In addition to being fun, this activity also improves their scientific thinking and knowledge.

Water science experiments are one of the best ways to include STEAM learning in your child’s education. Here are 6 amazing science experiments for kids to learn more about water.

6 Water Science Experiments for Kids

1. Surface tension of water: The pepper flakes, water and dish soap experiment is one of the easiest experiments for children. This science experiment helps them learn about surface tension and buoyancy. This experiment is also a great way to demonstrate the cleaning effect of soap and how it removes germs.
2. Capillary Action: Capillary action of water is the process by which it moves through a permeable substance like a spongy material without the help of external forces like gravity. So, does this mean water can climb up stairs or walk? Water is a liquid and has no legs to walk or climb, but it can still move upwards through a permeable surface. Help your child understand this concept with the walking water experiment, where rainbow colored water moves through paper towels from one cup to another. In addition to learning about capillary action, this experiment also helps children learn how new colors form when two colors are mixed together.
3. Testing Bath Bombs: Bath bombs are a fun way to help your child learn chemistry. Not only do they make bathtime more relaxing, but they also help children learn about ph, acid-base reactions and reaction rate. Make some bath bombs with your child using different ratios of the ingredients and test them using hot water to see which ratio yields the fizziest bath bomb.
4. Make a Rainbow: Rainbows are wonderful, magical things. If your child loves rainbows, help them learn to make one of their own with a rainbow in a jar experiment. This water science experiment is a great way to help your child learn about density, viscosity and volume.
5. Can it float or not: Can it float or not is another wonderful water science experiment to do with children. Gather different materials like pebbles, marbles, coins, paper straws, cotton buds, flower petals, leaves etc. Fill a tub with water and ask your child to toss one of each object in the tub of water. Then ask them to observe which objects float and which ones sink. This is a great way to introduce kids to density.
6. Ice fishing: When we say ice fishing, it doesn’t mean fishing on a frozen lake! But this activity can be as fun as fishing on a frozen lake. All you need are some fish-shaped ice, a glass bowl filled with water, fishing rods built from straws and string and salt. This fun experiment helps children understand how ice behaves when salt is added to it.

These fun experiments make science lessons more interesting and engaging and make kids look forward to learning more.