Simple Science Experiments For Kids: States Of Matter

Have you ever wanted to do science experiments for kids, but were unsure about where to start? Are you intimidated by the idea? Whether you are excited or nervous about doing science with your kids, I’m here to help. I’ve put together some simple and educational science experiments for kids you can easily replicate at home. These experiments explore states of matter.

Below is the sequence I used when I did this exploration as part of one of our recent Kids’ Night In events. If you’re new to The Simplified Parent, this blog was started as part of my work with my husband to start Kids’ Night In. We are a licensed in-home childcare facility in the Denver metro area that offers after hours and occasional weekend childcare options for parents. Additionally, all of our events incorporate fun and educational activities.

So here is the sequence for these science experiments for kids that explore of states of matter:

1. Introduce States of Matter
2. Slime and Oobleck
3. Bouncy Balls
4. Let’s Get Cooking

Let’s jump into the activities!

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Introduce States of Matter

You will want to start this exploration by introducing your kids to the different states of matter. Start by placing a balloon over the opening of a freshly opened liter of soda (preferably something clear as it will help in the next step). As you wait for something to happen, discuss your kids’ predictions about what they think will happen and why. In time, you will slowly start to see the balloon fill with gas. Explain that kids are observing two states of matter right now – a liquid and a gas. Normally, we cannot see the gas from a liter of soda, but the balloon is helping us to see it.

In order to continue with this idea of the different states of matter, pour some of the soda into a glass and drop some raisins in it. Discuss the three states of matter kids can now see: liquid, gas, and solids. Start observing how each of the states of matter interact with one another. The gas bubbles are visible in the liquid. They also will make the raisins rise and then they drop as the gas bubbles disperse on the surface of the liquid.

Now that you’ve observed each of the states of matter, start coming up with working definitions of each. How would you define a solid? A liquid? A gas? Jot down all ideas that come up and you will refine them as you continue through your science experiments.

Slime and Oobleck Science Experiments for Kids

This next science experiment will cause your kids to have puzzled looks on their faces because their definitions of states of matter will be called into question.

Have you made slime before? If you’re new to it, be sure to check out my Slimy Wonders post providing a basic introduction to the world of slime.

Gather all of your ingredients and discuss which states of matter each of them are; for example, the borax is a solid while the glue is a liquid. As you start mixing the ingredients for the slime, continue to discuss what state of matter they are. When it’s complete, your kids will really start to wonder (and hopefully debate) whether it’s a liquid or a solid. As you work, you’ll likely find that some of your definitions need to be adjusted as slime is neither a solid nor a liquid.

An alternative to the slime is play dough. Check out my blog post all about Simple Play Dough Recipes to Make at Home.

Next, try making oobleck. This is super easy if you haven’t done it before! All you do is mix 1.5 cups of cornstarch with 1 cup of water (add food coloring to the water before you mix if you want it to be colorful). It’s relatively hard to mix, but will eventually get there.

Let your kids explore the oobleck. The craziest thing is that this substance will sometimes act like a liquid and sometimes like a solid. Use this to continue to debate and refine your definitions of each of the states of matter.

Bouncy Balls

This activity was a new one for me, but was super fun. It uses all the same ingredients as slime, making it an easy follow-up science experiment. I got this idea from One Little Project. You ultimately will make a bouncy ball that can continue to refine your definition of what is the line between a liquid and a solid.

Let’s Get Cooking

Cooking is an amazing way to continue to explore lots of science concepts, states of matter being just one of them. 

States of Water Science Experiments for Kids

Through all of the activities thus far, we have ultimately been exploring how states of matter can change. Water is a great example of this. Take some time to explore the difference in ice and liquid water. Also, place the water on the stove and watch it turn to gas! You can use the ice here to make ice cream below and the hot boiled water pizza dough below.

Ice Cream

This is a fun, and tasty way to explore how states of matter can change. Mix cream, vanilla, and sugar in a ziploc bag, drop it in a gallon sized ziploc with ice and ice cream salt, then let your kids shake it until it turns into ice cream!

Pizza Dough

Use the slightly cooled boiling water to activate the yeast and make some pizza dough.

Let’s Wrap Up These Science Experiments for Kids

I hope you have enjoyed this science exploration and are excited to try it out with your kids. Comment below and let me know how it goes!