Awesome Seasonal Outdoor Science Experiments for Kids

Science isn’t just for the classroom—it’s all around us! Doing fun seasonal outdoor science experiments with your kids throughout the year is a great way to spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and develop a deep understanding of the natural world. Whether it’s a warm day in spring, a hot day in summer, or a crisp autumn afternoon, the great outdoors provides the best place for hands-on learning.

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Awesome Seasonal Outdoor Science Experiments for Kids

These experiments do more than teach scientific concepts—they help young minds build problem-solving skills, nurture a love for environmental science, and promote physical health by keeping kids active outside. Plus, science experiments can turn everyday play into meaningful learning experiences. From exploring the power of water to understanding the greenhouse effect, these awesome outdoor science experiments are a fun way to bond with your child while fostering a love for discovery.

Ready to turn your backyard into an outdoor science lab? Let’s dive into these cool outdoor science experiments that use simple supplies and household items to create memorable learning experiences throughout the seasons!

From ice volcanoes to film canister rockets, this guide will introduce awesome outdoor science experiments using simple supplies and household items. Perfect for an outdoor science lab, these activities help kids develop a deep understanding of science concepts while enjoying summer fun.

Film Canister Rockets: A Blast-Off into Chemistry 

One of the best ways to introduce kids to chemical reactions is with film canister rockets. This fun science experiment demonstrates the power of gas expansion.

Materials Needed:

• Film canisters with tight-fitting lids
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Fill the film canister with one teaspoon of baking soda.
2. Pour in about one tablespoon of vinegar.
3. Quickly snap the lid on, place the canister lid-down, and step back!
4. Watch as the chemical reaction creates gas, launching the canister into the air.

Science Behind It: The baking soda and vinegar react to create carbon dioxide, increasing pressure until the lid pops off!

Water Balloon Parachutes: Learning About Gravity and Air Resistance 

This outdoor science project is a fun way to teach kids about different materials and their effect on air resistance.

Materials Needed:

• Water balloons
• Plastic bags (grocery or sandwich bags)
• Duct tape
• String
• Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Fill water balloons with water and tie them securely.
2. Cut a plastic bag into a large square.
3. Tape strings to the four corners of the bag and attach them to the water balloon.
4. Drop the parachute from a height and observe how it falls.

Science Behind It: The plastic bag slows the balloon’s descent by increasing air resistance, mimicking how real parachutes work!

Chalk Rockets: Exploring Centrifugal Force

This cool outdoor science experiment combines art and physics.

Materials Needed:

• Cornstarch
• Water
• Food coloring
• Plastic bottles
• Effervescent tablets (like Alka-Seltzer)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix cornstarch, water, and food coloring in a bottle.
2. Drop in half of an effervescent tablet and seal the bottle.
3. Turn the bottle upside down and place it on the ground.
4. Step back and watch the centrifugal force launch colorful chalk paint!

Science Behind It: The effervescent tablet releases carbon dioxide, creating pressure that forces the chalk mixture out in an artistic explosion!

Ice Volcanoes: A Cool Science Experiment for a Hot Day 

This fun experiment is perfect for summer and teaches kids about chemical reactions.

Materials Needed:

• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Food coloring
• Ice cube trays

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix baking soda, water, and food coloring in an ice cube tray.
2. Freeze overnight.
3. Place the frozen volcanoes outside on a tray.
4. Pour vinegar over the ice cubes and watch them fizz and bubble!

 Science Behind It: The vinegar reacts with baking soda to create a bubbly eruption, just like a real volcano!

The Power of the Sun: Greenhouse Effect Experiment 

This environmental science activity helps kids understand the climate change concept.

Materials Needed:

• Two identical glass jars
• Thermometer
• Plastic bag
• Stopwatch

Step-by-Step Instru​ctions:

1. Place two glass jars outside in direct sunlight.
2. Cover one jar with a plastic bag and leave the other uncovered.
3. Use a thermometer to measure the temperature inside both jars at regular intervals.

Science Behind It: The plastic bag traps heat, demonstrating how greenhouse gases warm our planet.

Water Table Fun: The Power of Water Pressure

This simple experiment is a great way to explore the power of water using a water table or a large tub.

Materials Needed:

• Water bottles
• Straws
• Duct tape
• Water

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Fill a water bottle with water and make a small hole in the side.
2. Insert a straw into the hole and seal it with duct tape.
3. Squeeze the bottle and observe how water shoots out.

Science Behind It: This demonstrates how water pressure builds up and escapes through the straw, similar to how pipes work!

Direction of the Wind: A DIY Wind Detector 

This weather activity teaches kids about cardinal directions and wind patterns.

Materials Needed:

• Leaf blowers or natural wind
• Streamers or ribbons
• Compass

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Hold the ribbon in the air and observe which direction it blows.
2. Use a compass to identify the cardinal directions.

Science Behind It: Wind direction helps meteorologists predict weather changes.

Food Waste Science: Decomposing Experiment

This environmental science activity teaches kids about decomposition and sustainability.

Materials Needed:

• Food waste (banana peel, apple core, etc.)
• Soil
• Plastic bottle

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut the plastic bottle in half and fill it with soil.
2. Place food waste inside and cover with more soil.
3. Observe how it changes over weeks.

Science Behind It: Organic material decomposes over time, turning into nutrients for plants, making it a perfect outdoor science lab experiment.

These outdoor STEM activities provide little explorers with an exciting way to learn about the natural world. Whether you’re studying the power of the sun, the effects of different types of plants, or the physics of centrifugal force, each fun outdoor science experiment encourages critical thinking and a deep understanding of scientific concepts.

Looking for more activities? Try a free printable scavenger hunt or turn these experiments into a fair project!

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