Backyard Science Experiments for Kids
Outdoor time becomes even more exciting when it’s filled with hands-on science experiments! The backyard is the perfect lab for kids to explore nature, observe phenomena, and learn while having fun. These simple and engaging activities use everyday materials to teach science concepts like weather, biology, and physics. Not only do they provide a fantastic way to keep kids entertained, but they also encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking—all while soaking up some fresh air and sunshine. Whether you’re building a sundial, creating a tornado in a bottle, or watching rainbows form in mist, these activities will have your little scientists eager to learn more about the world around them. Let’s dive into five fun backyard experiments that are perfect for kids.
Tornado in a Bottle
This activity is a simple way to show kids how tornadoes form.
What You’ll Need:
- Two empty 2-liter plastic bottles
- Duct tape
- Water
- Glitter or food coloring (optional)
How to Do It:
- Fill one of the bottles about three-quarters full with water.
- Add glitter or food coloring for effect.
- Place the empty bottle on top of the full one, neck to neck, and tape them securely together with duct tape.
- Flip the bottles upside down and swirl the water in the top bottle in a circular motion.
- Watch as the water forms a vortex, just like a tornado!
What They’ll Learn:
This experiment demonstrates how rotational forces create a vortex, mimicking the spinning winds of a tornado.
DIY Sundial
Teach kids about the Earth’s rotation with this easy-to-make sundial.
What You’ll Need:
- A stick (or something to act as a gnomon)
- Rocks, markers, or chalk to mark time
- A sunny day
How to Do It:
- Place the stick upright in the ground in a sunny area.
- Every hour, mark where the stick’s shadow falls using rocks, markers, or chalk.
- Label the marks with the corresponding time of day.
What They’ll Learn:
Kids will see how the Earth’s rotation causes shadows to move throughout the day, introducing them to basic concepts of astronomy and timekeeping.
Bug Observation Station
Encourage kids to observe backyard bugs and learn about ecosystems.
What You’ll Need:
- A magnifying glass or bug viewer
- Notebook and pencil for observations
- Clear jar with air holes (optional)
How to Do It:
- Search the backyard for bugs like ants, beetles, or butterflies.
- Use a magnifying glass to observe their features, movements, and behavior.
- Encourage kids to draw what they see and write a few notes about each bug.
- If using a jar, gently capture bugs for a closer look and release them afterward.
What They’ll Learn:
Kids will develop observation skills and learn about insect anatomy, habitats, and the role bugs play in the environment.
Rainbow Water Experiment
Explore the science of light and water with this colorful activity.
What You’ll Need:
- A garden hose or a spray bottle
- A sunny day
How to Do It:
- Stand with your back to the sun and turn on the hose or spray bottle.
- Adjust the water flow to create a fine mist.
- Watch as a rainbow appears in the mist!
What They’ll Learn:
This experiment shows how sunlight refracts through water droplets to create a rainbow, introducing the concept of light refraction and the visible spectrum.
Egg Drop Challenge
Let kids explore physics and engineering with this classic activity.
What You’ll Need:
- Raw eggs
- Various materials like paper, cardboard, bubble wrap, or cotton balls
- Tape and string
How to Do It:
- Challenge kids to design a contraption to protect an egg from cracking when dropped.
- Provide materials and let them brainstorm designs.
- Once the contraptions are built, drop the eggs from a height (like a step stool) and see which survive the fall.
What They’ll Learn:
Kids will learn about gravity, impact forces, and the importance of cushioning and design in engineering.
