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All Activities|STEM & Science

Kitchen Chemistry Experiment Cards

A set of 8 printable experiment cards, each featuring a safe kitchen chemistry experiment using everyday household ingredients. Children follow the scientific method: question, hypothesis, experiment, observe, conclude.

Ages 5-1030-45 minutes per experimentMedium

Materials Needed

  • Printed experiment cards
  • Vinegar
  • Bicarbonate of soda
  • Food colouring
  • Dish soap
  • Cooking oil
  • Salt
  • Milk
  • Lemon juice
  • Various cups and containers

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Choose an Experiment

    Let your child pick an experiment card that interests them. Read through the card together before starting.

  2. 2

    Gather Materials

    Each card lists exactly what you need. Gather everything before starting so the experiment flows smoothly.

  3. 3

    Make a Prediction

    Before starting, ask your child: "What do you think will happen?" Write their hypothesis on the card.

  4. 4

    Conduct the Experiment

    Follow the steps on the card. Let your child do as much as safely possible — pouring, mixing, measuring.

  5. 5

    Record and Discuss

    Write or draw observations on the card. Discuss: Was the hypothesis correct? Why did this happen? What would happen if we changed something?

What Your Child Will Learn

  • 1Scientific method — forming and testing hypotheses
  • 2Chemical reactions — understanding cause and effect
  • 3Measurement skills — pouring, counting, comparing
  • 4Observation skills — noticing and describing changes
  • 5Scientific vocabulary — acid, base, reaction, dissolve, mixture

Tips for Parents

Always supervise experiments, even though all ingredients are safe household items.

Encourage your child to repeat experiments with variations — "What happens if we use warm water instead of cold?"

Keep a science journal alongside the cards to build a record of experiments over time.

Printable Worksheet Preview

KITCHEN CHEMISTRY EXPERIMENT CARDS

Experiment 1: VOLCANO ERUPTION
You need: Vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, food colouring, dish soap, container
My hypothesis: _______________
What happened: _______________

Experiment 2: LAVA LAMP
You need: Water, cooking oil, food colouring, fizzy tablet
My hypothesis: _______________
What happened: _______________

Experiment 3: MILK RAINBOW
You need: Full-fat milk, food colouring, dish soap, cotton bud
My hypothesis: _______________
What happened: _______________

Experiment 4: INVISIBLE INK
You need: Lemon juice, cotton bud, white paper, heat source (adult only)
My hypothesis: _______________
What happened: _______________