Easter break is the perfect time to let kids explore the world around them. Here are five experiments that work with things you probably already have at the cabin.
💡Tip
All experiments are designed for ages 4–16. Check the age tips under each experiment to adjust the difficulty!
STEAMchemical reactionsopticsengineering designcrystallographysolar energy
1. The Magic Egg in Vinegar
What you need: An egg, a glass, vinegar
How to do it
Step 1 of 4
1
Gently place a raw egg in a glass
🔬Did you know?
Vinegar (an acid) reacts with the calcium carbonate in the eggshell. The bubbles you see are CO₂ gas! You're left with a rubbery "naked egg" that bounces.
👤10-16 years
Measure and document the reaction time with different types of vinegar. Calculate how much calcium dissolves, and make a graph of the reaction over time.
2. Snowflakes Under the Magnifier
What you need: A magnifier (or phone camera with zoom), dark fabric, snow
How to do it
Step 1 of 3
1
Chill the dark fabric in the freezer for 10 minutes
🔬Did you know?
Every snowflake has six arms because water molecules (H₂O) naturally form hexagonal bonds when they freeze. No two snowflakes are ever exactly alike!
🌱4-7 years
Count the arms on the snowflakes under the magnifier — most have six. Draw what you see and compare your drawings. Are any the same?
3. Solar Cooking in a Box
What you need: An empty crisp tube or cardboard box, aluminium foil, plastic wrap, dark paper, a sausage or chocolate
How to do it
Step 1 of 5
1
Line the inside of the box with aluminium foil
🔬Did you know?
The foil reflects sunlight toward the food, the plastic wrap traps the heat (greenhouse effect), and the dark paper absorbs warmth. Same principle as a greenhouse!
🌿8-12 years
Can you build a better solar oven? Test different materials and angles! Measure the temperature inside the box with a thermometer.
4. Rainbow with Water and a Flashlight
What you need: A glass of water, a flashlight, white paper
How to do it
Step 1 of 4
1
Fill the glass with water
🔬Did you know?
The water acts as a prism and splits white light into the colour spectrum — just like raindrops create a rainbow in the sky.
🌳13-16 years
Why is the sky blue? And sunsets red? Hint: it's about which wavelengths scatter most in the atmosphere (Rayleigh scattering).
5. Build a Bridge from Sticks
What you need: Lolly sticks, toothpicks, or twigs from nature. Optionally glue or tape.
How to do it
Step 1 of 4
1
Place two boxes or chairs with a gap between them
🔬Did you know?
Triangles are the strongest shape in engineering! That's why you see triangle patterns in bridges, power pylons, and roof trusses everywhere.
🌳13-16 years
Which bridge can hold the most weight with the least material? Introduce the concept of "efficiency" — the ratio of strength to material used.
Why this matters
These experiments are the opposite of passive entertainment — they're active learning that starts with a question and ends with understanding.
🤔Think about this
Which of these five experiments would your child do again and again — and what do you think they wonder about after seeing the result?
These experiments are inspired by content from Good Atoms, a STEAM learning app for kids ages 4–16.