5 Easy Science Experiments to Do at Home During Summer Holidays: A Step-By-Step Guide

Summer holidays are the perfect time for young minds to embark on exciting scientific adventures right from the comfort of their own homes. Whether you’re a curious fourth grader or a budding scientist in ninth grade, this blog is your gateway to a world of captivating science experiments. Get ready to unleash your inner scientist and discover the wonders of hands-on learning that will make your summer break truly unforgettable!

Balloon Rocket Experiment

Step 1: Inflate a balloon and tie it off securely.
Step 2: Tape the inflated balloon to a straw, ensuring it is well attached.
Step 3: Set up two chairs a distance apart and thread a length of string tightly between them.
Step 4: Attach the balloon to the string using the straw.
Step 5: Release the balloon and observe how it moves along the string.
Step 6: Notice how the balloon’s motion demonstrates Newton’s Third Law of Motion, where the action of the air escaping from the balloon propels it in the opposite direction.

What is Newton’s Third Law of Motion?
Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that ‘for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction’. It means that whenever an object exerts a force on another object, the second object simultaneously exerts a force of equal magnitude but in the opposite direction on the first object.

Make a Solar-Powered Oven

Step 1: Take a pizza box and cut a flap on the top.
Step 2: Line the inside of the box with aluminium foil, ensuring it is smooth and shiny.
Step 3: Cover the opening of the box with plastic wrap and tape it into place.
Step 4: Cover the bottom of the box with black construction paper.
Step 5: Place marshmallows or chocolate chips on a plate and put it inside the box.
Step 6: Set the box outside on a sunny day.
Step 7: Observe how the sunlight will be reflected and concentrated by the foil, making the interior of the box hot enough to melt the marshmallows or chocolate.

Create a Rainbow in a Glass

Step 1: Fill a tall glass with water until it’s about three-quarters full.
Step 2: Place a mirror or a piece of white paper behind the glass.
Step 3: Add a few drops of food colouring to the water.
Step 4: Slowly pour vegetable oil on top of the water.
Step 5: Observe as the colours separate and create a rainbow effect, visible through the glass.
Step 6: Marvel at the fascinating phenomenon of colour separation and reflection.

Homemade Lava Lamp

Step 1: Take a clear plastic bottle and fill it with water, leaving some space at the top.
Step 2: Pour vegetable oil into the bottle until it almost reaches the brim.
Step 3: Add a few drops of food colouring to the mixture.
Step 4: Drop an Alka-Seltzer tablet into the bottle and watch as it starts to bubble and fizz.
Step 5: Observe the interaction between the oil and water and the release of carbon dioxide gas.
Step 6: Enjoy the mesmerising lava lamp-like effect created by the bubbles rising and falling.

What is an Alka-Seltzer tablet?
An Alka-Seltzer tablet is a medication commonly used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, heartburn and an upset stomach. It typically contains sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, which react with water to produce carbon dioxide.

Create an Electromagnet

Step 1: Take a copper wire and wrap it tightly around a nail several times.
Step 2: Leave a small amount of wire free at both ends.
Step 3: Connect one end of the wire to a battery terminal.
Step 4: Connect the other end of the wire to the opposite battery terminal.
Step 5: Watch as the nail becomes magnetised.
Step 6: Test the magnetism by bringing the nail close to paper clips or other small metal objects and observe how they are attracted to it.

Note: All experiments are to be conducted under adult supervision.