Here are ten fun and age-appropriate science fair experiment ideas for a curious five-year-old. Each one is simple, uses common household items, and offers plenty of “wow” factor to keep a young scientist’s attention:
Materials
- Dried beans (like lima beans)
- Ziploc plastic bag
- Damp paper towels
What to Do
- Help your child dampen a paper towel and place it in the bag.
- Put a few beans on the towel.
- Seal the bag and tape it to a sunny window.
Observation
- Watch how the beans sprout and grow roots. Your child can check each day to see changes in the roots and shoots.
Materials
- Clear glass or cup
- Clear carbonated drink (like club soda or lemon-lime soda)
- A few raisins
What to Do
- Pour the fizzy drink into a clear cup.
- Drop in a few raisins.
Observation
- The raisins will “dance” (float up and down) because bubbles form on their surfaces. A five-year-old can note how the bubbles lift the raisins and then pop, causing the raisins to sink again.
Materials
- Celery stalks with leaves (or white flowers like carnations)
- Clear cups or jars
- Water
- Food coloring
What to Do
- Fill each jar halfway with water.
- Add a few drops of different food coloring to each jar.
- Place a celery stalk (or flower) in each colored water jar.
Observation
- Over time, the color travels up the stalk and tints the leaves (or petals). Kids can see how plants “drink” water.
Materials
- Large container or tub of water
- A variety of small objects (plastic toys, rocks, coins, corks, etc.)
What to Do
- Fill a container with water.
- Have your child drop each object into the water to see if it sinks or floats.
- Make a chart with “sink” on one side and “float” on the other.
Observation
- Encourage your child to guess first (a “hypothesis”!). Then see if the results match their guess.
Materials
- A simple magnet (like a fridge magnet)
- A variety of small household objects (paper clips, coins, plastic spoons, wooden craft sticks, etc.)
What to Do
- Gather objects made of different materials.
- Have your child test each object with the magnet.
Observation
- Sort into two piles: “magnetic” and “not magnetic.” Encourage them to look for patterns (e.g., metals tend to be magnetic).
Materials
- A small container (like a paper cup or plastic cup)
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Food coloring (optional)
- Tray or outdoor area to catch spills
What to Do
- Place the small cup on a tray.
- Put a spoonful of baking soda in the cup.
- Add a few drops of food coloring.
- Pour in vinegar and watch it fizz!
Observation
- The reaction forms bubbles and foam, imitating lava. Ask your child what happens if you add more baking soda or vinegar.
Materials
- Ice cubes
- Trays or small plates
- Salt, sugar, and plain water (in separate cups)
What to Do
- Put three ice cubes on three separate trays or plates.
- Have your child sprinkle salt on one, sugar on another, and leave the last one as it is.
- Observe which one melts fastest.
Observation
- Ask why the salt or sugar might change how quickly the ice melts. It introduces the idea that substances can affect freezing and melting points.
Materials
- A flashlight (or sunny window)
- Small objects/toys or your own hands
- Blank wall or white sheet
What to Do
- Dim the room or find a spot with a white wall.
- Shine a flashlight on a small toy or use hand shapes to cast shadows.
- Move the toy or your hand closer to and farther from the light source.
Observation
- Notice how the shadow changes size and shape. This is a simple way to explore light and shadows.
Materials
- Clear glass or jar
- Water
- Sugar
- Food coloring
- Dropper (optional)
What to Do
- Make several cups of colored water: each should have a different amount of sugar dissolved in it (e.g., 1 tablespoon in one cup, 2 in another, etc.).
- Gently pour or use a dropper to layer the heaviest sugar water at the bottom, then the next heaviest, and so on.
Observation
- If done gently, you’ll see layers of color! Your child can see how liquids of different densities can stack on top of each other.
Materials
- Inflated balloon
- Small pieces of paper or tissue
- Your own hair or a wool sweater
What to Do
- Rub the balloon on your hair or on wool for a few seconds.
- Hold the balloon near the small paper bits.
Observation
- The paper will jump toward the balloon. Ask your child to try rubbing the balloon on different materials to see if it changes the effect.
- Safety First: Always supervise a five-year-old around water, small objects, or when using any kitchen ingredients.
- Encourage Questions: Prompt your child to predict outcomes, then help them compare their predictions to what actually happens.
- Keep It Visual: Take photos or draw simple pictures in a notebook to track changes and results. This helps develop observational skills.
These experiments are simple yet spark curiosity. They’re meant to let a young learner ask questions like “What’s happening?” or “Why did that change?”—all while having fun. Enjoy exploring science together!