All You Need for a DIY Summer Science Camp

Last summer the boys and I created our own DIY summer science camp. It was very casual and so simple, and the boys always asked, “What are we going to try this week?” Every week, we did a new science experiment and shared them in collaboration with Megan at Coffee Cups and Crayons.

For your convenience, so you don’t have to hunt them all down, I’ve collected all of the science projects right here in one place so you can have your own do-it-yourself summer science camp with the kids. Whether you will try these experiments with just your kids or invite neighborhood friends, you will have so much fun with these projects.  Each week below includes one post from What Do We Do All Day? and one from Coffee Cups and Crayons.

This summer we will definitely be doing many of the extension ideas included in our much loved Tinker Crate (That’s an affiliate link — see our post about it here.) but I know we will spend time doing a few of Megan’s ideas which we didn’t get to last summer.

I’ve also included a brief list of supplies so you can see how simple the ideas are. For more information and and the full instructions, click on the link for each title below.

Week 1:

• Lift up an ice cube with a string. Our first project for science camp conveniently taught us a few valuable lessons about how failure teaches us to think like scientists. Supplies: ice cubes, water, plastic container, string
• Create a backyard geyser. Supplies: Mentos, Diet Coca-Cola

Week 2:

• Solar Oven. Supplies: foil, box, sun, something to cook
• Dancing Raisins. Supplies: seltzer, raisins, glass

Week 3:

• Homemade compass. Supplies: magnet, needle, cork, water, tray
• Density experiment. Supplies: Jar, various liquids from your kitchen cabinets, dropper

Week 4:

• Balloon rockets. Supplies: balloons, straws, string, tape
• Homemade silly putty. Supplies: Elmer’s glue, liquid starch, food coloring

Week 5:

• Leak proof bag. Supplies: plastic bag, pencil, water
• Magic milk. Supplies: mile, food coloring, dish soap

Week 6:

• DIY science lab. Supplies: various jars, liquids and powders from your kitchen
• Exploding bag. Supplies: baking soda, vinegar, plastic bag

Week 7:

• Create a pulley for simple machine play. Supplies: cord, wheel, hook
• Walking water. Supplies: jars, paper towels, water, food coloring

Week 8: 

• Science YouTube channels. Got a rainy day? Need a short break? We share our favorite science video channels kids will love. Supplies: internet connection, computer/smart phone.
• Make rock candy. Supplies: skewers, jar, water, sugar

And finally, you didn’t think Megan and I invented all these science experiments ourselves, did you? These are two of our favorite books which will give you and the kids more ideas to keep them busy every day of the summer!

Of course you don’t have to limit yourself to these ideas! Go on a nature walk, dig in the sand, fly a kite. Once you and your children start looking, you will see science in everything!

BONUS IDEAS:

• Make a simple circuit
• Design a zoom ball
• Dissolve candy

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