33 Mason Jar Science Experiments Kids Will Love

If you’ve ever stepped outside on the Fourth of July with a child who’s fascinated by fireworks but startled by the sound, you know it can be a bit of a love-hate situation. One homeschool mom faced just that and found a creative solution through something quieter and more contained: mason jar science experiments. Her first try was Fireworks in a Jar, and it was colorful, calm, and completely mess-free (a huge win when you’re cleaning up after six kids!).

That one simple activity sparked something bigger: a hunt for more science experiments that could be done inside a mason jar. Why jars? They’re clear (perfect for observation), small (great for little hands), and make cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re a busy homeschooler or just looking for some educational fun at home, mason jar science experiments are a fantastic way to explore hands-on learning with less mess.

Why Try Mason Jar Science Experiments?

Big science doesn’t need big messes! Mason jars make it easy to explore, experiment, and clean up without a hassle.

• Contained – No volcanoes erupting across the kitchen table!
• Visual learning – Transparent jars make it easy to observe reactions and changes up close.
• Simple supplies – Most of these use common household items.
• Quick setup, lasting fun – Many can be done in under 10 minutes but keep kids engaged far longer.

Fireworks in a Jar Experiment to Try

This is the very experiment that started it all! It’s safe, silent, and downright magical to watch.

You’ll need:

• A clear mason jar (or any glass jar)
• Warm water
• 2 tablespoons of oil (vegetable oil works best)
• Food coloring
• A fork
• A small bowl

Instructions:

• Fill your mason jar about ¾ full with warm water.
• In the small bowl, add the oil and a few drops of different food coloring colors.
• Stir the oil and food coloring gently with a fork to break up the drops a bit-but don’t mix it too much!
• Slowly pour the oil mixture into the jar of water and watch what happens.

What’s happening? The food coloring doesn’t dissolve in oil, so it stays in droplets. When the oil floats to the top of the water, the droplets begin to sink and dissolve-creating a colorful “fireworks” effect underwater.

Print & Go! Fireworks in a Jar Freebie

Just print, predict, and pour!

Even More Jar Experiments to Explore

Once you start experimenting in a jar, it’s hard to stop! You can make:

• A mini tornado
• A glowing lava lamp
• Salt crystal formations
• A walking rainbow

And so many more…We’ve collected 32 more amazing mason jar science experiments from other creative science moms and educators across the web. You’ll find ideas for chemistry, weather, density, biology, and beyond-all done in a humble little jar.

• How Trees Breathe Science Experiment | STEAMsational
• Winter Snow Storm in a Jar | Little Bins for Little Hands
• Upside Down Glass of Water Science Experiment | Cool Science Experiments
• Heart Pumping Human Body Science Experiment | Forgetful Momma
• Make a Hurricane in a Jar | One Time Through
• Rainbow in a Jar Experiment | Primary Playground
• Balloon Air Pressure Experiment in a Jar | Darcy and Brian
• Color Changing Flowers | STEAMsational
• Musical Jars Science Experiment | Cool Science Experiments
• Cloud in a Jar Weather Activity for Kids | Little Bins for Little Hands
• Ocean Zones in a Jar | I Can Teach My Child
• Dinosaur Salt Crystal Science Experiment | STEAMsational
• Homemade Butter Science Experiment | 123 Homeschool 4 Me
• Ocean in a Bottle | Happy Hooligans
• Make a Sediment Jar | Raising Lifelong Learners
• Viscosity of a Liquid | Cool Science Experiments
• Seed Sprouting Science Experiment | STEAMsational

• Water Temperature Science Experiments | Cool Science Experiments
• Rainbow Walking Water Experiment | Messy Little MonstersValentine’s Day Lava Lamp | STEAMsational
• Disappearing Egg Activity for Kids | Premeditated Leftovers
• Ocean Life Science for Kids | Natural Beach Living
• What Causes a Thuderstorm | Life with Moore Babies
• Oil Bubbles in Water | Cool Science Experiments
• Leaf Chromatography Science Experiment | STEAMsational
• Fizzy Balloons | I Can Teach My Child
• Science Experiment: Why Do Leaves Change Color | How We Learn
• Pick up a Ball with a Jar | Cool Science Experiments
• The Best Candy Cane Science Experiment | STEAMsational
• Glow in the Dark Storm in a Jar | Growing a Jeweled Rose
• Mixing Oil & Water Science Experiment | Cool Science Experiments
• Hot and Cold Water Density Experiment | STEAMsational

Final Thought

Whether you’re diving into a full science unit or just want something fun and educational to do on a rainy afternoon, mason jar science experiments are a smart, simple way to get hands-on. Like the homeschool mom who started with fireworks in a jar, you might find that one little experiment leads to a whole new love of learning.