It’s hard to get kids excited about science and experiments. But luckily, there are plenty of cool ideas for electricity experiments for kids that you can use to change that.
Take a look at these 25 unique science projects for kids about electricity, perfect for all ages and skill levels. You will find some easy, quick experiments that take more time and preparation. So try something new this summer.
Contents
1. Waterbending Static Electricity Experiment
The kids want to know what they can do with the electricity they get from their hairdryers, and that’s a good question. Can they turn it into the water? Can they create an electrical field and make water? The answer is yes! Follow this simple step-by-step guide to see how to do it. This experiment is fun for all ages, but children will enjoy playing with this stuff the most.
2. Make a Magic Wand
You probably know about static electricity. It’s what causes the hair to stand up on your arms and the hair dryers to get hot. But did you know that you can use that static electricity to create a magic wand? Kids will love learning how magnets work and how to make them work together.
3. Index Card Flashlight Experiment
Do the kids want to know how light works? It turns out that light is created by electricity and magnetism. In this easy experiment, the kids will learn about the basic principles of light using just a little bit of aluminum foil.
4. Potato Clock
Potato Clock is a cute little science experiment that will teach kids how electricity and magnetism work together to create a clock. The potato is the clock face; the paper is the hands; the pen is a needle, and the magnets are the wind-up key. The kids will love making this clock, and they can even make it into a working toy if they choose to.
5. Bubble Balloons
This experiment is a blast for all ages. The kids will learn how to make a bubble balloon and then how the bubble balloon becomes energized by electricity and magnetism when they touch it together!
6. Soda Can Electroscope
There are two basic ways that the human brain sees movement. One way is through color and light; the other is sound and vibration. Both of these ways are important to us as humans but at different levels of importance. If you think about it, when you see a person, they have a face or a walking motion. But when you see something move in the dark or a mirror, it can be almost unrecognizable to you.
7. Create a Motor
Creating a Motor is a great experiment to show kids how electricity works. They will learn about magnets and how they work to create motion in a simple motor. You will need some paper, a drawing, and a wire. You can make one for yourself or build one for your child.
8. Build a Power Pack
Build a Power Pack is an easy experiment that shows kids how electricity and magnets work together to create motion. They will need a paper clip, some aluminum foil, and some tape. Building a Power Pack is a fun, easy, and cheap way to teach kids to develop their primary electrical circuits. You can do this too! You will need some components.
9. Bottle Radio
You can make a bottle radio out of aluminum foil if you have a lot of it. The kids will love looking at the different sounds that come out of the bottle, and they may even be able to learn some science along the way.
10. Making a Dimmer Switch
Making a Dimmer Switch is another way to process electricity that always makes me smile. When the kids make a dimmer switch, they will learn how magnets work together to create motion and light. They can then use this knowledge to create their electromagnets!
11. Separate Salt & Pepper
Separate Salt & Pepper scientific project only requires a battery and some salt & pepper. Pour the salt and pepper into separate containers and place the mortar between them. This works because storms cause the electro-central place of batteries atoms in this works. The particles in each article are attracted to the end of the storm.
12. Butterfly Experiment
A butterfly may seem like nothing more than a pretty winged insect. But when you use electrical charge and light, you can use a butterfly to demonstrate how electricity moves around the world. The easiest way to do this is with the double-sided 4x4x4 L.E.D. Cube and a single L.E.D. that has four sections of equal lengths. Simply connect one cube side up, then place the other cube side down on top of it.
13. Homopolar Motor
Homopolar motors work by using electricity and magnets. They involve spinning a magnet at high speeds. A small wheel to propel the interest if the magnetic field is strong enough.
14. Build an Electromagnetic Train
Electromagnetic trains are a great way to investigate the properties of electromagnetism. If you have no experience with this kind of science project, you can still make your own. Only a few everyday home items and some patience are required. First, make sure that the track will be smooth and even. Next, find a material that can conduct electricity well and put it on the way so that it won’t be too small or big.
15. Electric Cornstarch
Electric cornstarch is a great way to prove that cornstarch can conduct electricity. You have to make a plastic glove by cutting the top off a bottle and filling it with cornstarch. Then, charge one end of the plastic glove with electricity, and the other side will light up.
16. Water & Electricity
Water is famous for its ability to conduct electricity. It was demonstrated in this project when in a clear glass bottle with two different electrolytes. The two electrolytes were saltwater and pure vinegar. The only difference was that one contained salt while the other contained vinegar when the saltwater with electricity becomes an electrolyte using a voltmeter.
17. Steady Hand Game
Who knew a battery, a tiny bit of metal, and two wires could provide so much entertainment? After the cables are attached to the battery and the metal, place one on each side of your hand. You will feel an electrical vibration that will make it hard for you to keep your hand steady.
18. Tiny Dancers (Homopolar Motor)
Homopolar motors are fun and easy to make. And they are also known as tiny dancers because they tend to spin around in circles. This is a great beginner project for learning about electricity, but it does require some items that you may not have lying around the house. So double-check the list before you begin!
19. Simple Lemon Battery
Simple Lemon Battery particular fun experiment has so much to offer because it is one of the most basic. But it still proves electricity is natural and how a battery works. In short, all you need are a lemon, two nails, and an alligator clip. Then, attach one pin to the opposing end of the battery and the other nail to the positive end. Finally, put the middle of each nail into a lemon half.
20. Rising Ghosts Experiment
A motion source creates electromagnetic fields. Then, they will attract electrons to it and make an electric field that acts as an antenna. In this project, you will charge a ghost with electricity, and then you will be able to see the ghost move, but it won’t be floating.
21. Play Dough Circuits
Play Dough Circuits is a straightforward project that makes it easy to see what happens in a circuit without going with the big guns of building a complete course. One course consists of two conductive rods and polystyrene balls. You can use whatever materials you have around the house–including play dough!
22. Copper Plate Coin
Use a pen going to complete a circuit and light up some L.E.D.s! It is such a fun project for kids as it is easy to set up and does not require much work–or even very many materials, for that matter. And look at how cool the lights shine through when you hold the copper plate above them!
23. Dirt Battery Experiment
Dirt Battery Experiment is a fun activity that shows kids how batteries work. You need to prepare a half cup of copper sulfate and dish soap–and then mix it all up (using your hands). Then, add half a cup of salt and another cup of warm water. It takes about five minutes to put up, and your kids will have a fun science experiment to show off to their friends.
24. Rainbow Salt Circuit
Rainbow Salt Circuit is an excellent, colorful project that your kids will love to do. It uses liquid crystals and salt to make a circuit that lights up when pouring in the salt. Rainbow Salt Circuit can be adapted to suit any age and is one of the best easy experiments for kids
25. Homemade Wigglebot
Homemade Wigglebot is a fun project that looks like a face but acts like an actual robot! This requires very few materials, so it is an excellent science experiment for kids. The Wigglerbot in a straightforward way–just some wooden craft sticks and plastic tubing. Simply attach the tubes to the tips of the wooden craft sticks, as this creates a circuit.