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    You are here: Home / Learn / Science / All You Need for a DIY Summer Science Camp

     

    All You Need for a DIY Summer Science Camp

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    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.

    DIY summer science camp for kids

    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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    « Why You Should Read Aloud to Older Kids
    9 Amazing Read Aloud Books for Summer »
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ambika S says

      May 07, 2015 at 4:51 pm

      Now, I know what we are going to do this summer. It is a cool list and would be perfect for my kids. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        May 13, 2015 at 1:55 pm

        I'm glad it is useful for you. Happy reading!

        Reply
    2. The Little Tourist says

      May 14, 2015 at 5:36 pm

      Can I just start off by saying how excited I was to come across this post?!
      This is so awesome. I've very excited to try these out with my little ones.
      Thank you for sharing! 😉

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        May 16, 2015 at 3:57 pm

        So glad you like it!

        Reply
    3. Jeanine says

      June 25, 2015 at 3:54 pm

      This is PERFECT! A simple outlined projects including items needed--awesome! My kind of Summer! Thank you so much for sharing

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        June 26, 2015 at 10:22 am

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Karen DeOliveira says

      April 22, 2016 at 10:15 am

      Thanks! I will be using a lot of your stuff at our museum's day camp!

      Reply
    5. Patty Z says

      June 08, 2021 at 7:33 pm

      I am sharing these ideas (actually, your entire post, with the families of my kindergartners! This is an awesome resource to get them exploring, thinking, experimenting, and learning in a fun and engaging way. You are a true gem.

      Reply
      • Erica says

        June 14, 2021 at 8:59 am

        Glad you like the ideas!

        Reply

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