Sunday Science with the Kids

It is a rainy Sunday afternoon and we are stuck inside with the kids. It is the perfect time to bust out the science experiments and teach the kids a thing or two about density and non Newtonian fluids. I love both of these activity as they can be done with things we have around the house and clean up is sooo easy.

First Experiment - Rainbow Density Jar
Supplies: Jar (preferably with a lid), Food Coloring, Honey, Corn Syrup, Dish Soap, Water, Vegetable Oil, Mixing Dishes and Spoons
Instructions: Color your liquids then then layer them in the jar as follows - honey, corn syrup, dish soap, water, vegetable oil. Allow to separate and put on display as long as you want. 

Second Experiment - Is it Liquid or is it Solid?
Supplies: Work surface you don't mind getting wet/dirty (we use wax or parchment liners), Corn starch, Water
Instructions: Knead together 1 cup cornstarch with 1/2 cup water. It will become a solid that acts like a liquid. Dribble it around, roll it up; try adding water from a dropper to see how it changes. Dig holes in it and let them fill back in. Punch it to see how it acts.

My kids are currently 5, 3, and 1. The 5 year old and 3 year old played with the cornstarch substance for a good hour while the 1 year old napped. Happy Sunday!