Many kids think that science is challenging or boring, but it doesn’t have to be. When you bring fun, hands-on activities into your home, you can turn science into an exciting adventure that sparks curiosity. Teaching kids about the wonders of science can be simple and, most importantly, enjoyable. Plus, the historic lack of Black representation in the STEM field makes it important for Black children to engage with these subjects at a young age. If you’ve struggled to keep their attention during homework time, discover some fun ways to get kids interested in science at home.

Create DIY Science Experiments Together

Kids are naturally curious, and nothing excites them more than hands-on experiments. There are many fun activities that teach Newton’s laws of motion and other challenging concepts, so why not try some out?

Balloon Rocket Experiment for Newton’s Third Law (Action and Reaction)

For this fun activity, all you need is a balloon, some string, tape, and a straw. String a piece of yarn or string between two chairs, thread a straw through it, and tie the string tightly. After inflating the balloon (but without tying it), tape it to the straw. Then, release the balloon and watch it zoom across the string!

This experiment perfectly demonstrates Newton’s Third Law of Motion—every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Have a quick discussion about real-life examples of this law, such as how rockets work or why we feel pushback when jumping off a boat onto a dock.

Marble Run To Teach Newton’s First Law (Law of Inertia)

Take some cardboard tubes, toy tracks, and marbles to create a marble run with twists and turns. Encourage your kids to test how marbles behave when they roll through different parts of the track. For example, a sudden curve or slope clearly shows the law of inertia—an object stays at rest or moves in the same way unless acted upon by an external force.

Ask your kids open-ended questions like, “What made the marble stop?” or “How can we make it move faster?” These questions encourage them to think critically about the science behind the experiment.

Foster a Love for Discovery & Exploration

Include books, documentaries, or videos that showcase Black scientists like Dr. George Washington Carver, Dr. Mae Jemison, or Katherine Johnson to show how science has been shaped by Black innovators. You can even use this time to emphasize the importance of having Black representation in the STEM field.

Additionally, engage in everyday science discussions, like why the sky changes color during sunset or how plants grow. Go on a nature walk and try to identify different plants, collect soil samples, or watch bugs at work. Experiencing the natural world can transform science into something tangible and exciting.

Build Lasting Curiosity Together

Making science fun doesn’t require expensive materials or complicated lessons—it’s about spending time with your kids, exploring their interests, and letting them drive their curiosity. With these fun ways to get kids interested in science at home, you open the door to a lifelong love of learning.

Are you ready to get messy, creative, and scientific with your kids? Start this week with a balloon rocket or marble run and see how their faces light up with wonder!