Campers
There’s no better way to nurture a child’s curiosity than through engaging science experiments. These hands-on activities not only make learning fun but also encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Make your raisins dance!
Supplies needed:
– A clear glass or plastic container
– Carbonated water (club soda)
– Raisins
Step-by-step instructions:
Fill the clear container halfway with carbonated water.
Drop a few raisins into the container and observe what happens.
As the raisins sink to the bottom of the container, tiny bubbles of carbon dioxide from the carbonated water stick to their rough surface. These bubbles make the raisins buoyant, causing them to rise to the top. As the raisins reach the surface, the bubbles pop, and the raisins lose their buoyancy, sinking back down again. This cycle continues, making the raisins dance up and down in the water.
Get groovy with a lava lamp experiment!
Supplies needed:
– A clear plastic bottle (500ml or larger)
– Vegetable oil
– Water
– Food coloring
– Alka-Seltzer tablets
Step-by-step instructions:
Fill the plastic bottle about two-thirds full with vegetable oil.
Add a few drops of food coloring to the oil and let it settle.
Pour water into the bottle, leaving some space at the top.
Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into smaller pieces.
Drop one piece of the tablet into the bottle and watch the mesmerizing lava lamp effect.
Oil and water don’t mix, so the colored water forms separate droplets in the oil. When the Alka-Seltzer tablet reacts with water, it produces carbon dioxide gas, which forms bubbles. These bubbles attach to the colored water droplets, making them less dense than the oil and causing them to rise. When the bubbles reach the top, they pop, and the colored water sinks back down. The process repeats until the Alka-Seltzer is completely dissolved.
Write a secret message!
Supplies needed:
– Lemon juice
– Watercolor paper or plain white paper
– Cotton swabs or paintbrushes
– Heat source (hairdryer or iron)
Step-by-step instructions:
Use the cotton swabs or paintbrushes to write a secret message on the paper using lemon juice.
Allow the lemon juice to dry completely to make the message invisible.
To reveal the message, gently heat the paper using a hairdryer or iron on the lowest heat setting.
Lemon juice contains organic compounds that oxidize when exposed to heat. As you heat the paper with the lemon juice message, the oxidized compounds turn brown, making the hidden message visible.
For more science fun, watch “Episode Ten – Mad Science Camp: Inflate Your Fun!” of Happy Camper Live: 365 Days Of Camp, free on Kidoodle TV.
Tagged:- activities for kids, kidoodle tv, science camp
Activities
Outdoor adventure
When the sun’s blazing and you need to cool off, nothing beats water games! Here are 9 quick and easy water games that are perfect for camps, backyards, or beach days: #1 Water Balloon Toss Pair up and toss a water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each catch. Last dry […]
Activities
Parents
Summer camp is one of the most exciting rites of passage for kids across the United States. Whether it’s a rustic sleepaway in the woods or a vibrant day camp filled with games and crafts, the experience is more than just fun—it’s developmentally rich. In fact, a 2024 Gallup poll found that more than 60% […]
Read More...
Activities
At Happy Camper Live, we believe that self-care isn’t just for grown-ups—it’s for kids too! Learning to take care of their minds and bodies helps kids build emotional resilience and healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Here are a few simple self-care activities your child can try at home, at camp, or anywhere in […]
Read More...
Activities
Arts and crafts
Campers
Outdoor adventure
One of the best parts of camping is the creativity it inspires! Whether you’re gathered around the campfire, hanging out in a cozy cabin, or enjoying nature at a local park, camping crafts are the perfect way to engage young minds and make lasting memories. These fun and easy projects are ideal for kids of […]
Read More...
Activities
Arts and crafts
STEM
Summer is all about sunshine, adventure, and making unforgettable memories with the kids. Looking for a fun way to keep your kids active, engaged, and smiling all month long? Whether you’re at home, on vacation, or at summer camp, this challenge is full of easy-to-do activities that will make each day feel like a brand […]
Read More...
Read More...
Read More...
Read More...
Read More...
Activities (246)
Arts and crafts (76)
Camp stories (11)
Camp traditions (23)
Campers (93)
Cooking (41)
Education (6)
Family activities (85)
Featured camps (12)
Gift Guides (12)
Music (9)
Outdoor adventure (34)
Parents (64)
Podcast (25)
School (15)
Science (15)
Sports (32)
STEM (10)
Water sports (1)