Looking to stir up some excitement in your science lessons? Hands-on experiments are the way to go! But how can you plan easy experiments for your students, gather materials without spending a lot of money, and keep things organized and not chaotic? The answer is simple: choose an experiment that is already planned out for you. Check out the experiment ideas and resources below.

Managing Science Experiments

Seashell Experiment

Ice Melting Experiment

Water Cycle in a Bag

Making Snow

States of Matter

Easily Fit Science into Your Schedule

Managing Science Experiments

A lot of science experiment opportunities are lost due to the time, materials and classroom chaos managing that is required. Hands on activities do require a bit more management and preparation, but the learning that ensues is worth it, I promise!

Teach Experiment Routines & Procedures

Just like any other classroom activity, the routines and procedures for the science experiment need to be explicitly taught. Procedures to teach include:

• Getting materials
• Following the experiment directions in order.
• Filling out experiment worksheets
• Monitor class volume and discuss the appropriate levels for the activity.
• Putting away materials & cleaning up work space
• Stick to your group role

Assign Roles

As mentioned in the above section, you should assign group (or partner) roles for students to stick to. This gives them a focus, keeps the group on task and squashes the arguments over who does what.

Use partner cards to assign roles in a snap.

Model it!

Before sending students off to complete their experiment, model how to gather their supplies. Safely hold or use them, and what each member of the group will be doing. Do not model the entire experiment, as this takes away the science magic!

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Seashell Experiment

Let’s kick off our science experiment list with one that will make you think of long walks on the beach.

Materials Needed:

• Seashells (They can be gathered, purchased at craft or dollar stores, or ordered on Amazon.)
• Vinegar
• Jars or cups

Directions:

1. Place a few seashells in a jar.
2. Fill the jar with vinegar.
3. After a day or two, observe what happens to the shell.
4. Replace the vinegar and observe for another day or two.

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Ice Melting Experiment

We all know ice melts, but are there materials that melt it faster than others? Students will get excited watching this melting “race”.

Materials Needed:

• 4 ice cubes
• 4 cups or bowls
• 1/2 cup of 3 different materials like warm water, cold water, salt, sugar, sand, flour, etc

Directions:

1. Put an ice cube in each cup.
2. Pour 1/2 cup of a material on the first 3 cubes.
3. Leave just the ice cube in the last cup.
4. Check on the ice cubes every 5-10 minutes.

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Water Cycle in a Bag

Tell your students you can make it rain inside a Ziplock bag. They will be astounded! This science experiment is a great visual of the water cycle in action.

Materials Needed:

• Ziplock gallon bags
• Sharpie markers
• Water
• Food coloring

Directions:

1. Optional: have students draw a design on their baggie, such as clouds, raindrops or waves.
2. Fill the bag 1/4 of the way with water.
3. Add food coloring.
4. Seal the bag.
5. Hang in a sunny window & observe the water cycle!

Bonus tip: a hair dryer can speed up the process, just don’t hold it too close to the baggie!

For more water cycle activities, check out our Lucky to Learn Science unit.

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Making Snow

No matter the time of year, or where you live, you can bring a little snowy magic into your classroom.

Materials Needed:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 3 tablespoons white hair conditioner
• bowl
• spoon

Directions:

1. Pour baking soda into a bowl.

2. Have students identify what state of matter the baking soda and conditioner are.

3. Predict what state of matter it will be when the two materials are mixed.

4. Stir the two together to make the snow. Identify the new state of matter.

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States of Matter

Many states list states of matter as a 2nd grade science standard. Why not use a science experiment that will last a few days and demonstrates all states of matter?

Materials Needed:

• A cup or bowl
• Ice cube

Directions:

1. Discuss the states of matter using pictures of each state. Here is a ready to go unit.
2. Start with the solid state: put an ice cube in a cup. Discuss which state of matter will occur when you leave the ice in the cup.
3. Observe when the ice cube has melted. Then, discuss which state of matter will occur as you leave the water. (Evaporation-gas!)
4. Observe how long it takes for the water to completely evaporate.

For more states of matter activities, check out our Lucky to Learn Science unit.

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See Low Prep Science Experiments in Action!

Let Katie from Team Lucky Little Learners show how quickly and easily you can fit science experiments into your schedule. This video is a quick walk through three ideas.

Easily Fit Science into Your Schedule

Having trouble fitting science into your daily schedule? Check out our solution to teaching science in just 30 minutes a day!

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Now it’s time for your little scientists to begin their experiments! Don’t forget to share pictures with us in our facebook groups for 1st grade or 2nd grade teachers.

Happy teaching!