Kids' Activities: Science Fun

My youngest child thinks all science is fun, whether it's in a textbook, test or lab experiment. My other kids (and maybe me too) need a little more convincing about science fun. But I'm always looking for things to keep kids busy while I work, so I have pulled together from across the About.com network these fun science experiments and activities that don't need a lot of adult supervision. They all need some oversight, but usually an adult's presence in the room is all that is required with grade school age kids. After all, part of the learning is setting up the experiment according to the direction. Younger kids will need more help.

• Mentos and Soda Volcano - We have done this one. Our Chemistry Guide recommends using diet soda (though regular works the same) because it's less sticky. I totally concur. My kids took video and will watch it again and again.
• Rubber Egg and Chicken Bones - This science fun activity is done in steps over the course of of a few weeks, making it especially good for a summer activity. This one is easy enough for even little kids to do on their own (if you boil the egg first).
• Extract the Iron from a Fortified Cereal - Kids old enough to work the blender can do this experiment. Of course, it may make them hesitant to eat cereal again!
• Make Invisible Ink - Kids will enjoy making the inks and then writing secret messages. It's a two-fer! Some of these take a heat source or chemicals to reveal the messages, so mom may need to be involved.
• Make a Lava Lamp - No heat source or toxic chemicals needed to make this lava lamp. The light source comes from a flashlight so this one is pretty safe for kids.
• Make a Density Rainbow - Everything in this is safe for kids to handle, but younger kids could make a real mess and the directions are complicated. Save this for the older kids or stick close by.
• How Soap Cleans Demonstration - This is simple enough for a kid to perform on his or her own. And it will impart a valuable lesson!
• Uncooked Play Dough Recipes - Make it, then play with it.
• Science Kits for Younger Kids - If you're not up for coming up with the science experiments yourself, just buy a science fun kit. These kits are geared toward younger kids