Getting kids to do their homework is hard, but getting them to love learning about science couldn't be easier! If you've got a TV-obsessed kid, introduce them to shows like like Mythbusters and Daily Planet that will certainly have them exclaiming "COOL!" every few minutes. Then, tell them it's science time in the kitchen.
These 10 experiments can all be done in the kitchen, and some of them are totally edible. Have your kids guess what the outcome will be- teach them that that's their hypothesis - and then conduct the experiment together. We guarantee that you'll end up trying all ten on this list because it's so fun to watch your kids learn and laugh at the same time.
Edible
Glow in the Dark Jell-O. The quinine that's naturally present in tonic water will make your tonic water Jell-O glow in the dark. Keep in mind that you do need a blacklight!
Growing Rock Candy. This classic treat is just as fun to make as it is to eat. It takes several days, so not only will it teach your kids about molecule formation, but it'll teach them patience.
Colorful Cabbage. This experiment shows how food coloring added to water can course through the membranes of cabbage, and you can do several different colored varieties for a very cool, colorful salad.
Shaken Ice Cream in a Bag. This ice cream won't be as perfect as the kind you buy at the store, but it'll taste better because you made it with your kid.
Making Butter in a Jar. This butter will be the freshest, best butter you've ever had, because you made it at home! It's amazingly easy to do, just takes a few minutes of shaking.
Expanding Gummy Bears (but not tasty). Soaking gummy bears for a few hours or overnight will make them grow, and you can try different concentrations of salt water to get different sizes.
Non-Edible
Egg Experiments. This series of experiments show the wear and tear that substances like Coca Cola, vinegar and coffee can have on your teeth. The results of a boiled egg soaked overnight in these liquids will amaze your kids.
Soap and Pepper Trick. This classic experiment shows how a finger dipped in soap will make pepper floating on top of a bowl of water shoot away in all directions.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloons. Instead of an overflowing volcano, contain the reaction in a 2L soda bottle and collect the emitted gas with a balloon that will fill up as if by magic.
Making Oobleck. Oobleck is the non-Newtonian fluid that you can punch, poke, and play with for hours.
