Is your elementary classroom looking for some cool science experiments to try in the month of January? Look no further! Here are 5 awesome science activities that will get your students excited to learn.
Experiment 1 – Layers of Ice
This fun experiment is all about watching how temperature affects density. Fill a jar with warm, colored water, then slowly add different colors of cold water until you have four distinct layers. Test out different temperatures for each layer to see which ones stay separated, and challenge the students to guess what’s happening before learning the science behind it.
Experiment 2 – Instant Snow
This one is as much fun as it is educational! All you need for this experiment is instant snow powder, which can be found at most stores or online. Pour some of the powder into a container and slowly add water, watching as the powder expands and makes “snow”! Once complete, look at it under a microscope and discuss each crystal’s unique shape and texture.
Experiment 3 – Hot Off the Presses
In this experiment, students can explore how certain materials hold heat better than others by replicating a press with their own hands. Cut two circles out of construction paper—one black and one white—then put them in separate cups filled with room-temperature water. Put one cup in direct sunlight and let both cups sit for 10 minutes. Then have your students feel both sides of each circle: they will find that the black, darker-colored paper is warmer than the white paper! Discuss why this could be related to light absorption vs reflection.
Experiment 4 – From Liquid to Solid
To do this experiment, fill two glasses a quarter full with hot water and place an ice cube in each glass. Add food coloring for extra fun! The goal here is to observe how quickly (or not so quickly) does the ice melt when exposed to hot water compared to cold water? Challenge your students to make predictions before starting the experiment and discuss their theories afterward!
Experiment 5 – Edible Slime
This isn’t necessarily a science lesson but it sure is fun! In this activity, students can work together or individually mix equal amounts of cornstarch and plain yogurt until they create an ooze-like slime that kids love playing with (and eating)! Be aware that this isn’t an activity all kids will enjoy because of its messy nature, so make sure you know who wants in on it before diving right into it.
These five experiments are just some ideas you can use in your classroom during February; there are so many other ways you can explore science together with your class while having lots of fun!