Simple science experiments at home with no fancy materials!
Looking for simple STEM activities you can do at home with your toddler or preschooler?
These easy science experiments using kitchen ingredients are perfect for curious little minds — no fancy kits, just fun learning with everyday items!
If your child is between 3 to 6 years old, these STEM activities will help boost their creativity, thinking, and confidence — all while having fun!
🧪 1. Rainbow Candy Science Experiment (GEMS + Water)
What You’ll Need:
- GEMS or M&Ms
- Warm water
- A white plate
Steps:
Place GEMS in a circle on the plate. Pour warm water in the center so it touches the candies. Watch the beautiful rainbow spread as the colors dissolve!
STEM Concept:
Solubility, color mixing, visual reaction
Why It Works for Preschoolers:
The visual magic keeps them engaged while they learn about cause and effect.
🌋 2. Baking Soda & Vinegar Volcano
What You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- A small bowl
- Food coloring (optional)
Steps:
Put 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl. Add a few drops of food coloring. Pour vinegar on top and enjoy the fizzy eruption!
STEM Concept:
Chemical reaction (acid + base)
Great for Ages:
4–6 years — they’ll love the dramatic bubbly reaction!
🌈 3. Walking Water Color Mixing
What You’ll Need:
- 3 clear glasses
- Food coloring
- Water
- 2 paper towels
Steps:
Fill the outer glasses with different colored water. Leave the middle one empty. Roll the tissue papers and connect all three. Watch colors “walk” and mix!
STEM Concept:
Capillary action and color blending
Why It’s Fun:
Teaches patience, observation, and introduces early physics.
🧲 4. Magnet Hunt in the Kitchen
What You’ll Need:
- A small magnet
- Everyday kitchen items (spoon, foil, clip, lid, rubber band)
Steps:
Let your child guess: Is this item magnetic or not? Test each one and sort them!
STEM Concept:
Properties of materials, magnetism, prediction
Skill Boost:
Sorting, hypothesizing, hands-on discovery
💨 5. Floating Raisins (The Dancing Raisins Trick)
What You’ll Need:
- A glass of clear soda (Sprite/7Up)
- A few raisins
Steps:
Drop raisins in the soda and watch them sink and float repeatedly — as if they’re dancing!
STEM Concept:
Buoyancy, gas bubbles, gravity vs. lift
Best For:
Kids aged 3 to 5 who love silly surprises!
🧠 Why STEM Activities Matter for Preschoolers
- Build curiosity and confidence
- Encourage hands-on learning
- Improve language and observation skills
- Create meaningful screen-free time
- Make learning fun and memorable!
🏠 Bonus Tip:
Keep a STEM basket in your kitchen with baking soda, droppers, cups, food color — so you’re always ready for a science surprise!
💬 Final Thoughts
Science doesn’t need to be complicated. These STEM activities with kitchen ingredients prove that all you need is a curious child and a little time!
✨ Try one of these experiments today and let me know your child’s favorite in the comments. Or tag me @momkidhub on Instagram — I’d love to feature your little scientist!
📚 You Might Also Like:
👉 Our Favorite Julia Donaldson Books – Sorted by Age
👉 STEM Activity with GEMS Candy
👉 Lessons in Responsibility & Confidence
💛 Join the Fun on Social Media
📌 Instagram: @momkidhub – I share daily DIYs, STEM ideas, and behind-the-scenes with my kids!
📺 YouTube Shorts: Subscribe to MomKidHub – Watch our experiments and activity hacks in action!
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