Science Activity for Kids: Water

Your child's interest in the natural world around her can be stimulated by conducting simple science experiments like the ones in this article. These explorations can be set up quickly and require only the use of items which you probably already have in your home.

Experiment with "bloomers". You will need several different kinds of paper (construction paper, cardstock, photocopy paper, newspaper, paper towels, etc.) , a pair of scissors, and a large tub or pan and water. Cut the paper into four petaled flowers (no artistic ability required). Fold the petals inward and drop a single flower onto the surface of the water. As the water saturates the paper, the petals will unfold and appear to "bloom". As you place each flower into the water, note how long it takes for the different kinds of paper to bloom.

A variation of the bloomer experiment can be done with coffee filters. Several bowls, water, food coloring, coffee filters and a pair of scissors are required. Cut coffee filters into four petaled flowers and fold the petals inward. Fill a few large bowls with water and add several drops of food coloring to each bowl. Have your child drop a coffee filter flower into each bowl and watch as white "flowers" change into colored bloomers.

Make a rain machine. Gather an empty dishwashing detergent bottle with 4-6 small holes poked in the bottom with a nail or ice pick, and a sink filled with water or a large tub of water. Remove the cap on the bottle, fill the bottle to the top with water and quickly replace the cap before the water runs out of the holes. When your child holds the bottle above the water, the water in the bottle remains inside. When they pull the pop-up top, the water runs out of the rain machine's holes. (When the bottle top is open, the water flows out because air can then flow in to fill the space left by the water.)

This activity requires a sink or bathtub full of water (or a large bowl or tub of water), paper towels or scraps of paper and a glass or plastic cup. Crumple paper towels or paper scraps and push them deep inside a cup or glass. Have your child push the cup upside down straight down into the water and then lift the glass straight up again. Examine the paper when done. It will be dry! (Because air occupies space, it will push other things out of the way. In this experiment, air is trapped inside the glass and prevents water from reaching the paper.)

These simple science explorations are fun for the whole family.