Science is one of those subjects that can easily be adapted to be play-based and accessible. You don’t need expensive lab equipment or fancy kits to spark a child’s curiosity. All you need are a few household items, a little creativity, and the freedom to let kids explore, experiment, and learn through play.
John Holt, an educational pioneer, believed that children thrive when they are encouraged to learn in ways that engage their natural curiosity. Science is the perfect subject to inspire that curiosity, and you can do it without spending a lot of money!
Here’s a list of budget-friendly science activities that will make your homeschool or classroom feel like a mini laboratory—complete with wonder and discovery.
1. DIY Lava Lamp (Learning about Density)
Lava lamps may seem like a retro decor item, but they are also a fantastic way to teach kids about density and liquids! You can make your own at home using a clear bottle or cup, vegetable oil, water, food coloring, and Alka-Seltzer tablets. As kids watch the bubbles rise and fall, they can learn about the different densities of the liquids and how they interact. It’s science in motion—and totally mesmerizing!
Tip – draw a design on the cup to suit whatever theme! I made Halloween ones.
2. DIY Volcano Eruption (Exploring Chemical Reactions)
This classic science experiment is a favorite for a reason: it’s messy, exciting, and full of learning! You only need a few simple materials: baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring (optional). Let kids create a “volcano” using a small bottle or cup, add the baking soda, and watch their faces light up as the vinegar causes a fizzing eruption! It’s a fun introduction to chemical reactions and how different substances interact.
Tip – add clear dish soap for a more dramatic eruption!
3. Plant Growth Experiment (Studying Photosynthesis)
You don’t need a fancy greenhouse to grow plants! Grab some seeds, soil, and containers (like empty yogurt cups), and set up a small plant growth station. Kids can track how the plants grow by measuring their height, observing the changes in leaves, and noting the amount of sunlight they receive. This activity can introduce concepts like photosynthesis, the life cycle of plants, and how plants use sunlight to grow.
Alternatively, go for the opposite and study decomposition! I created a nifty life cycle observation journal to use alongside leftover jack-o-lanterns following Halloween. The only other materials you need are a jumbo plastic container (hello Costco cheddar balls) and soil!
4. Sink or Float? (Exploring Buoyancy)
This simple yet fun experiment helps kids understand the concept of buoyancy. All you need is a container of water and a variety of small objects—rocks, toy boats, leaves, plastic cups, etc. Kids can predict which items will sink and which will float, then test their ideas. This is a great activity for discussing why some objects float and others don’t, and it works well with basic physics principles.
Tip – throw in some math by creating simple bar graphs to track student predictions.
5. Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloons (Exploring Gases and Pressure)
Who doesn’t love a good balloon science experiment? By adding baking soda and vinegar to a bottle, and attaching a balloon to the top, kids can watch the balloon slowly inflate as the chemical reaction creates gas. This fun, hands-on experiment helps explain gases, pressure, and chemical reactions in a way that kids can literally see and feel.
Tip – use different kinds of balloons! Besides your traditional nine inch round, try long, skinny twisting style balloons.
6. Saltwater Density (Learning about Oceanography)
Did you know that saltwater is denser than freshwater? You can demonstrate this principle with a simple density experiment using salt, water, and a few food coloring drops. Have kids mix salt into one glass of water and keep the other one as is. Then, slowly pour the saltwater into the clear water and watch as the colors mix (or don’t!). This is a fun way to explore the concept of ocean currents and the science of water density.
7. Shadow Play (Understanding Light and Shadows)
Grab a flashlight and some toys, and let’s explore the science of light and shadows! Set up a dark space, turn on the flashlight, and have kids move objects in front of the beam to see how shadows change but always travel in straight lines. It’s an easy way to introduce concepts of light sources and the way light interacts with objects.
Tip – try shadow drawing! Kids will love tracing the shapes of the shadows on a piece of paper.
8. Nature Scavenger Hunt (Exploring Local Ecosystems)
Sometimes the best way to learn about science is by stepping outside. A nature scavenger hunt is a low-cost (or even free) activity that gets kids moving and observing the world around them. Create a list of natural items to find—like different types of leaves, insects, rocks, or flowers—and then head outdoors. This is a great way to talk about ecosystems, plant identification, and the science of local habitats.
Grab a free Butterfly Scavenger Hunt here!
Tip – fall is a great time of year to look for different colored leaves!
9. Ice Excavation (Learning about Freezing and Melting)
Create an “ice excavation” adventure by freezing small toys, plastic animals, or other objects inside blocks of ice. Give the kids tools like salt, warm water, and spoons to help them “excavate” the objects. This activity is a fun and hands-on way to explore the properties of ice, freezing, and melting. Plus, kids get to be little scientists as they chip away at the ice to discover their hidden treasures!
10. Water Cycle in a Bag (Understanding the Water Cycle)
Have you ever wanted to show kids how the water cycle works—without the need for a trip to the weather station? All you need is a resealable plastic bag, some water, and a marker. Fill the bag with water, seal it, tape it to a sunny window, and watch as condensation forms and evaporates. Kids will see how water moves through the cycle, all from the comfort of your home!
Science doesn’t need to be a costly, complicated subject. With just a few simple materials and a spirit of curiosity, you can create hours of fun, hands-on learning. Children learn best through exploration and play—so why not turn your classroom (or kitchen) into a science wonderland?
The best part? These activities are designed to engage kids’ imaginations, spark their natural curiosity, and most importantly—let them learn while having a blast. So, grab that vinegar, find a few jars, and get ready to make some science magic on a budget!