Fun, Simple STEM Experiments for Young Explorers

For me, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) — fields that drive innovation and help us understand the world around us — is more than just a collection of subjects; it shaped my journey as a broadcast meteorologist for more than a decade and continues to be a part of my life as I explore opportunities beyond the green screen. Sharing the science of weather has always been a passion, and today, I love passing that curiosity on to my kids, watching their little minds light up every time we dig into STEM experiments together.

STEM is all around us, even in the simplest activities. Here are four easy STEM experiments that bring science to life, whether you’re exploring with toddlers or working with older kids ready to expand their understanding.

READ: Simplifying Science With Fun At-Home Experiments

Oil and Water Fireworks (ages 2+)

What You’ll Need:

• A clear glass or jar
• Warm water
• Oil (any kitchen or cooking oil will work)
• Food coloring (multiple colors if you have them)

Instructions:

1. Fill the glass with warm water.
2. In a small bowl, mix a few tablespoons of oil with several drops of food coloring.
3. Pour the oil mixture slowly into the water and watch the colorful droplets slowly sink through the oil, creating beautiful “fireworks” when they finally reach the water!

For Older Kids:

• Science Concepts: Density and polarity. Oil is less dense than water, so it floats. Because oil molecules are nonpolar, they repel water molecules. The food coloring (water-based) sinks through the oil and disperses once it hits the water, creating bursts of color.
• Exploration Questions: Why don’t oil and water mix? How does temperature affect the reaction?

Check out our Oil and Water Fireworks experiment here!

Baking Soda Volcano (ages 3+)

What You’ll Need:

• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Dish soap
• Food coloring (optional, but highly recommended for added fun!)
• Small container or bottle

Instructions:

1. Place baking soda in the container.
2. Add a small squirt of dish soap and a few drops of food coloring for extra effect.
3. Pour vinegar over the baking soda and watch the eruption!

For Older Kids:

• Science Concepts: Acid-base reactions. When vinegar (an acid) combines with baking soda (a base), it produces carbon dioxide gas, creating bubbly foam that looks like lava.
• Exploration Questions: What happens if you add more baking soda or vinegar? What other acids and bases might produce a similar reaction?

Check out our Baking Soda Volcano experiment here!

Paper Towel and Food Coloring Rainbow (ages 2+)

What You’ll Need:

• 6 clear cups
• Water
• Food coloring
• Paper towels

Instructions:

1. Arrange six cups in a row. Fill every other cup with water, leaving the others empty.
2. Add a few drops of food coloring to each water-filled cup — try red, yellow, and blue.
3. Take paper towel strips, folding each one lengthwise, and place them between the cups (one end in a cup with water, the other end in an empty cup).
4. Watch over the next few hours as the colors “walk” along the paper towels and start to blend, creating a rainbow effect!

For Older Kids:

• Science Concepts: Capillary action. Water travels through the fibers of the paper towel, carrying the food coloring and demonstrating how plants absorb water from soil.
• Exploration Questions: Why does the water “walk”? How could you create new colors by mixing different food colorings?

Sink or Float Test (ages 2+)

What You’ll Need:

• A large bowl or tub of water
• Various small household objects (e.g., spoon, coin, leaf, small toy, cork, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Gather a variety of objects and have your child guess whether each will sink or float.
2. Drop each item into the water one by one and observe what happens.

For Older Kids:

• Science Concepts: Density and buoyancy. Objects more dense than water sink, while those less dense float.
• Exploration Questions: Why do some objects float and others sink? How does the shape of an object impact whether it sinks or floats?

Shadow Play with Flashlights (all ages)

What You’ll Need:

• Flashlight
• Household objects or toys
• Blank wall

Instructions:

1. Turn on a flashlight and shine it on a blank wall.
2. Place objects in front of the flashlight to cast shadows. Experiment with moving them closer to or farther from the light to see how the shadows change.

For Older Kids:

• Science Concepts: Light and shadow. Light travels in straight lines, so when an object blocks the light, it creates a shadow. Moving the objects helps kids understand how distance affects shadow size.
• Exploration Questions: How does the shadow change when you move the object? Why do shadows appear differently depending on the time of day?

Bonus: Weather Observation Fun

Since my love of STEM blossomed through meteorology, we have to include some weather observation activities! These can help little ones start exploring the wonders of weather. For the big kids and adults, I’d recommend a personal weather station (Christmas present idea, maybe?).

Cloud Gazing Binoculars

Create simple binoculars from toilet paper rolls taped together, decorated however you like, and head outside to observe cloud types.

• Concepts for Older Kids: Learn basic cloud types — cumulus (fluffy), stratus (layered), and cirrus (wispy). Discuss how different clouds can predict the weather, like rain or clear skies.

Magnetic Weather Tracker

Use a magnetic weather chart on the fridge to track daily weather conditions.

• For Older Kids: Track additional details like temperature, wind, and precipitation. Over time, compare daily weather patterns to learn about seasonal changes.

Rain Gauge

Use an empty container to create a rain gauge and place it outside on rainy days.

• Science Concepts: Measure rainfall and discuss how meteorologists track precipitation to predict weather patterns. This experiment can turn into a science journal project to see how much rain falls over time!

Why STEM Matters

STEM is an opportunity to foster curiosity, exploration, and hands-on learning. It equips kids to understand and impact the world, whether they’re observing the weather, learning how plants grow, or discovering how objects interact. For me, my love of STEM turned into a career in meteorology, allowing me to blend science and creativity to connect with people in meaningful ways.

With these simple experiments, I hope to inspire even one next-generation thinker, problem solver, or explorer. You don’t need fancy equipment — just a few household items and the willingness to explore.

Here’s to nurturing curious minds and discovering the wonders of STEM together!