This Physics Summer Camp is a fun way to introduce science fans to physics this summer! Make sure to grab all the printable summer camp activities and get started. You can download the week’s theme and use the convenient links to learn about each project and create a supply list. Want all the work done for you, grab the full pack of instructions here.

Physics Summer Camp Tips

Setting up a summer physics science theme for kids can be both fun and educational! Here are some tips and tricks to make it engaging:

Read more about physics for kids here!

Choose Exciting Topics: Pick physics concepts that are intriguing for kids. For instance, you could focus on gravity, motion, electricity, light, or simple machines.

• Gravity Experiments for Kids
• Potential and Kinetic Energy
• Simple Machines Projects

Hands-On Activities: Kids learn best through hands-on experiences. Plan activities where they can experiment and observe physics principles in action. For example, you could create a simple pendulum to demonstrate oscillation and gravity.

Outdoor Experiments: Take advantage of the summer weather by conducting outdoor experiments. Activities like launching water bottle rockets, paper rockets, or balloon rockets can be educational and enjoyable.

Incorporate Games: Turn learning into a game to keep kids engaged. You could organize a scavenger hunt where they have to find and identify objects related to physics concepts or create a relay race that demonstrates concepts like inertia or momentum. Look through our information on Changes in Physics.

• Physical Changes
• Chemical Changes
• Phase Changes

Demonstrations and Experiments: Show kids exciting demonstrations of physics principles in action. For example, demonstrating the principles of buoyancy with a simple boat race can spark curiosity and make concepts more tangible. Check out our DIY paddle boat or soap-powered boat.

Use Everyday Objects: Make use of everyday objects to illustrate physics concepts. For example, you could use balloons to demonstrate static electricity or show how simple machines like levers and pulleys work using household items.

Encourage Questions and Exploration: Foster a curious mindset by encouraging kids to ask questions and explore the world around them. Provide opportunities for them to investigate topics that interest them within physics.

Include Art and Creativity: Integrate art and creativity into your physics theme. For instance, kids could create their own artwork using marbles or magnets.

Group Activities and Collaboration: Foster teamwork and collaboration by organizing group activities where kids can work together to solve problems or complete challenges related to physics concepts.

Make it Fun: Above all, make sure the activities are enjoyable for the kids. Incorporate fun and excitement into the learning experience to keep them motivated and engaged throughout the summer.

Physics Summer Camp Activities to Try

Summer can be a busy time, so we didn’t add any projects that will take much time or prep to make these activities possible. Most of these can be done quickly, with variations, reflection, and questions extending the activity as you have time. However, if you have the time, feel free to linger and enjoy the activities, too!

FLOATING PENNIES

Have fun with this tinfoil boat experiment! Let kids guess just how many pennies they can make float!

RISING WATER

You don’t need much to do this experiment! A candle, some water, a glass jar, and a bowl and then watch the magic water rise!

VORTEX CANNON

This Vortex Cannon you can make yourself is such a fun way to learn about physics! Kids love playing and learning with this project!

MAGIC PEPPER

Make magic pepper with a few supplies you probably already have on hand! This is such a great way to learn about surface tension!

WATER XYLOPHONE

Make your very own musical instrument with this water xylophone experiment! Kids love seeing how the water levels change the tone!

DANCING RAISINS

Compare and contrast different types of sodas and see how well they can make raising dance! This is such a fun experiment to show how buoyancy works!

CRUSHED CAN SCIENCE

This crushed can science is a great way to showcase the changing of states of matter! Watch this can crush without anyone touching it!

DIY HOVERCRAFT

This DIY Hovercraft will easily demonstrate how air pressure works in such a fun way! You don’t need much to make this awesome experiment!

PAPER CUP WINDMILL

With this easy-to-make experiment, kids can make their own windmills. Help kids channel their inner engineers to learn about this renewable energy option!

Click below to get your FREE CAMP WEEK project ideas page.