In an age of rapid technological advancement and digital distraction, the importance of hands-on experimentation in science is more relevant than ever. The wonders of science can be mesmerizing and educational—engaging minds young and old in the quest for knowledge. Below, we’ve curated a list of the top 100 science experiments that encapsulate the beauty of scientific inquiry, ignite curiosity, and make learning fun.
Table of Contents
- DIY Volcano
- Invisible Ink
- Egg in a Bottle
- Oobleck
- Elephant Toothpaste
- Rocket Balloon
- Homemade Lava Lamp
- Slime Chemistry
- Crystal Growing
- Alka-Seltzer Rockets
- Density Rainbow
- Soap-powered Boat
- Static Electricity Experiments
- Color Changing Milk
- Water Filtration System
- Potato Battery
- Pendulum Wave
- Sound Waves in a Cup
- Baking Soda and Vinegar Rocket
- Magnetic Slime
- Invisible Gas
- Sugar Chromatography
- Homemade Compass
- Fizzy Tablets Experiment
- Balloon with Baking Soda
- The Classic Mentos and Soda
- Fruit Battery
- Paper Airplane Physics
- Homemade Circuit
- Butterfly Life Cycle
- Why Leaves Change Color
- Potato Planting Experiment
- Eggshell Geodes
- Simple Electric Motor
- Rain in a Jar
- Wind Vane
- Water Cycle in a Bag
- Candle in a Jar
- Foam Art
- Chromatography with Markers
- Crystal String Experiment
- Eggshell Strength
- Balloons and Static Electricity
- DIY Magnet Compass
- Plant Growth Experiment
- Soda Bottle Rocket
- Homemade Weather Station
- Fruit and Veggie DNA
- Crystal Rock Candy
- DIY Solar Oven
- Friction Experiment
- Hydrophobic Sand
- Microbial Fuel Cell
- The Speed of a Sugar Cube
- Balloon Powered Car
- Simple Machines
- Sound and Vibration Experiment
- Make Your Own Ink
- Sinking and Floating Experiment
- Thermal Expansion
- Your Own Solar Cell
- Robot Hand
- Germination Experiment
- Indoor Rainbow
- Power of a Magnet
- Elephant Toothpaste Variation
- Water Density Challenge
- Coconut Milk Experiment
- Chemiluminescence
- Soap Bubble Experiment
- DIY Gyroscope
- How Do Plants ‘Breathe’?
- Fruit Batteries Recharged
- Wire Walking Experiment
- Balloon Science
- Solar Water Heater
- Environmental Change
- Plastic Waste Experiment
- Simple Electric Circuit
- Viscosity Experiment
- Plant Food Experiment
- Homemade Geodes
- Paper Chromatography
- Heat Conduction
- Natural Indicators
- Mold Growth Experiment
- Human Anatomy Model
- Capturing Air
- Magnetism and Gravity
- Foam and Gas
- Eggshell Experiment
- Static Electricity in Water
- The Incredible Stretchy Balloon
- Shadows and Light Experiment
- Physics of a Tornado
- Thermal Energy Experiment
- DIY Water Filter
- Constructing Rain Gauge
- Measuring pH with Cabbage
- What is Air Made Of?
1. DIY Volcano
Summary: Create an erupting volcano using simple materials.
Materials: Baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, a bottle, and clay.
Instructions: Shape the clay around the bottle. Pour baking soda into the bottle, add food coloring, then pour in vinegar for an eruption.
More info: Learn how to enhance the experience here
2. Invisible Ink
Summary: Write secret messages that will only appear when exposed to heat.
Materials: Lemon juice, a cotton swab, and a lamp.
Instructions: Write with lemon juice, let dry, then hold the paper near a lamp to reveal the message.
Watch the demonstration here.
3. Egg in a Bottle
Summary: Demonstrate air pressure using an egg and a glass bottle.
Materials: Hard-boiled egg, glass bottle with a neck slightly smaller than the egg, and matches/lighter.
Instructions: Light a small piece of paper and drop it in the bottle. As it burns, place the egg on the neck; the egg will be sucked into the bottle.
Full experiment guide here.
4. Oobleck
Summary: Make a non-Newtonian fluid that acts like a solid and a liquid.
Materials: Cornstarch and water.
Instructions: Mix 2 parts cornstarch with 1 part water, then experiment with it!
Dive deeper into the science here.
5. Elephant Toothpaste
Summary: Create a colorful foam explosion that resembles toothpaste large enough for an elephant!
Materials: Hydrogen peroxide, liquid dish soap, yeast, and food coloring.
Instructions: Combine the ingredients in a bottle for a bubbling reaction.
Watch the explosive results here.
6. Rocket Balloon
Summary: Explore the principles of thrust and propulsion with balloons.
Materials: Balloons, string, tape, and a straw.
Instructions: Thread string through the straw; inflate the balloon, tape it to the straw, and release!
Instructions can be found here.
7. Homemade Lava Lamp
Summary: Create a chilling lava lamp effect using oil and water.
Materials: Clear bottle, water, vegetable oil, food coloring, and Alka-Seltzer tablets.
Instructions: Fill the bottle with water and oil, add color, and drop in Alka-Seltzer for bubbles!
Check out the experiment here.
8. Slime Chemistry
Summary: Explore polymers by making your own slime!
Materials: White glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution.
Instructions: Combine glue and baking soda, then add contact solution to create slime.
See more details here.
9. Crystal Growing
Summary: Develop crystalline structures through saturation.
Materials: Sugar, hot water, and string.
Instructions: Dissolve sugar in hot water, suspend a string in the solution, and watch crystals form.
Learn more about this fascinating process here.
10. Alka-Seltzer Rockets
Summary: Create a mini rocket powered by chemical reaction.
Materials: Film canister, Alka-Seltzer, and water.
Instructions: Fill the canister with a small amount of water, add Alka-Seltzer, secure the lid, and watch it launch!
See it in action here.
The experiments continue through to our 100th pick, each offering a unique experience in the realms of chemistry, physics, biology, and earth science. Whether you’re an educator, a student, or just a curious mind, these experiments provide a platform for exploration, creativity, and scientific understanding.
In conclusion, the world of science is a treasure trove of opportunities for curiosity and discovery. Each of these top 100 experiments engages hands-on learning and encompasses key scientific concepts, making them ideal for classrooms, science fairs, or at-home exploration.
For a deeper dive into each experiment and to encourage scientific inquiry, visit Science Buddies, where you’ll find resources spanning multiple scientific disciplines, fostering the next generation of innovators and thinkers.