Fun Experiments to do with toddlers?

Question

I Babysit alot. Sometimes, im there with the kids from 5 until they go to bed which is usually 8 or 9. They dont want to sit on the couch and watch tv the whole time. So, i was wondering if anyone had any experiment type things I could do with them. The kids are usually anywhere from 2 to about 8. I would like to do something easy enough for the two year old but not babyish so that the 8 year olds would like too. Something that does not make a huge mess is ideal.

The kids are girls and boys

im looking for EXPERIMENTS not ACTIVITYS

Answer 1

This book is FULL of them!!! And kids love them all

The GIANT Encyclopedia of Science Activities for Child: Over 600 Favorite Science Activities Created By Teachers For Teachers

Answer 2

Erupting Volcano
This project is rated EASY to do. Maybe kind of messy but the kids will love to watch it.

What You Need

For the Volcano:

Large paper plate
Bathroom disposable cup (3 ounce is best)
Aluminum foil
Scotch tape
Scissors
To Make the Volcano Erupt:
Water
Baking soda
Vinegar
Tablespoon
Cup
Pan or tray


How To Make It


Attach the paper cup to the plate by taping the bottom of the cup to the middle of the plate.
Tear off a piece of foil large enough to completely cover the cup and plate.
Place the foil over the cup and plate and turn the foil under the plate edge.
Tape the foil in place.
Poke a hole through the foil into the middle of the cup.
Use scissors to make slits from the middle of the cup to the inside edge of the cup. Tape the foil to the inside of the cup. (see photo)
Now make your volcano erupt! (see below)
To Make Your Volcano Erupt:
Place the volcano on a pan or tray (or you'll get lava all over the place!)
Fill the volcano with 2 tablespoons of water and stir in a tablespoon of baking soda until it dissolves.
Measure 2 tablespoons of vinegar into a separate cup.
Pour the vinegar, all at once into the water/baking soda mixture and watch your lava bubble up!
WHY'D THAT HAPPEN??

The bubbles that are created are filled with carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is a gas that forms when the vinegar (an acid) reacts with the baking soda (a base). For all you bakers out there, this is also what makes cakes and quick breads (the no yeast kind) get all nice and fluffy.

Answer 3

Have you tried the water and oil bottles. You add about 3/4 water, a couple drops of food coloring, and 1/4 oil into plastic bottles. Put the tops on them tightly and let the kids do what they wish with them. They usually like to watch how cool it looks when you move them around.

Answer 4

This one is more wet than messy. We do it in the bathtub, but you can always do it over the sink. Have the child fill one cup of water, then transfer that water to another longer cup that they can put their fist/ forearm into. Then have them do just that. Voila: displacement!! Then you can go ahead and explain exactly what displacement is to the older ones while the younger ones just enjoy getting water all over themselves. But tell the younger ones what it is when they do it. Later on, ask them to show you displacement (the whole procedure). It'll at least keep the younger ones busy!

Answer 5

Color!