10 Ways to Turn the Kitchen Into a Science Lab

Homeschool families are used to turning the kitchen into a science lab! It’s just part of the way we learn from home. The great part about kitchen science experiments is that the materials are usually readily available in your cupboards. No need to find some unusual ingredient. Here’s a list of 10 hands-on science projects you can try with your kids in the kitchen.

 

Food Chemistry

Try a Cabbage Chemistry experiment to test the pH of different substances. You may already have the materials in your kitchen. Here’s the list:

• sandwich bags
• large bowl
• red cabbage
• hot water 
• measuring cup
• lemon juice 
• baking soda
• permanent marker, felt-tipped
• the ph scale printable is included in the KiwiCo post!

Your kids can turn milk into cheese as they discover that curds and whey are a product of cheesemaking! Or, how about tasting how the science of polymers works? Seriously, you can discuss polymers while making these Yummy Polymer Gummies.

Finally, the Potato Chip Patina Experiment will show your kids how oxidation works – and why the Statue of Liberty is green! You’ll just need to check your cupboards for a few ingredients:

• copper sheet – about 1″ square
• dish soap
• paper towels
• bowl
• white vinegar
• potato chips
• salt

Experiment with Food Coloring

Your kids can learn about the chemistry between oil and water as they create this Bubble Lamp in a Bag. This popular kitchen science experiment takes a few materials:

• sandwich bag
• water 
• food coloring
• vegetable or baby oil
• effervescent antacid tablet 
• highlighter 

Or, what about trying the Magic Water Barrier experiment? This project will teach your kids how the density of water changes with different temperatures.

Maybe they’d understand the concept of differences in density by creating the Underwater Fireworks project. By using four different liquids with four different densities, your kids will be wowed by the final underwater “explosion!” All you need is an empty bottle, oil, water, food coloring, and salt water. In true scientific fashion, your kids can try the experiment again with additional ingredients and see what happens.

Kitchen Science with Straws

The Pumping Heart Experiment uses straws, jars, and balloons to give a visual model of how the heart works. Build your own model to learn about the right atrium and ventricle!

Or, you kids could build a Lung Model and learn about the physics of air pressure. They will see it in action as they inflate and deflate balloon lungs with this model. 

Finally, the Pythagoras Cup almost looks like a magic disappearing water trick! Using only a straw, cups, and water, your kids will experiment with syphons.

Experiment with Temperature

Instead of making a hot air balloon, your kids can experiment with a Flying Tea Bag to learn about temperature and air density. 

Or, maybe they’d like to try the classic Eggs in a Bottle project. Your kids ages 9-16 will be able to impress friends and family with this simple, quick, and super-cool science trick! You’ll learn how to harness the power of expanding and contracting gasses to suck an egg into a bottle in which it would never normally fit. 

Finally, Hot Ice Hand Warmers are a practical kitchen science project to try on those chilly mornings. All you need is baking soda and vinegar to create this little chemistry experiment.

Additional Science Resources

• Take a look at more Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids Ages 9 & Up from KiwiCo
• Resources to Teach Kids About Temperature
• 5 Engineering Projects Teens Can Do At Home
• Fun and Edible Food Science for Kids
• Free Science Lab Notebook & Printables
• Kitchen Science Fun for Your Littlest Learners
• Easy Science Experiments for Learning About Chemistry