Science in a Jar is a simple and fun way to explore science with kids! You only need a mason jar to set up easy science experiments. It’s a great way to teach kids basic science concepts with just a few materials, making learning fun and hands-on!
Mason Jar Science Experiments
Click on each link below to see information on supplies, set-up, processing, and the quick science behind the activity.
ALSO CHECK OUT: Science In A Bag Ideas
Also, grab our free mini-pack above, which shares the science process in a fun and digestible way for young kids and includes a journal page you can pair with each activity for older kids.
Tip: Dollar stores and grocery stores both carry mason jars or generic brands! I highly recommend having six on hand but one will do fine as well.
Make a Rain Cloud In A Jar
Explore clouds with easy-to-set-up rain models in mason jars! One cloud model uses a jar and a sponge; another uses shaving foam! You can even make a cloud inside a jar or a tornado. Basically, you can explore a bunch of weather science activities using a mason jar.
- LOOK: How Does Rain Form
- LOOK: Shaving Foam Rain Cloud
- LOOK: Cloud in a Jar Model
Make A Rubber Egg In A Jar
Grab a jar, vinegar, and an egg to make the classic bouncy egg or rubber egg experiment. It’s one of the coolest experiments to set up with the kiddos because it’s a raw egg with a dissolved shell that actually bounces. This egg and vinegar experiment is sure to WOW!
- LOOK: Make a rubber egg in a jar!
- LOOK: Rubber Egg Osmosis
Create Ocean Layers In A Jar
Have you ever explored the 5 unique layers of the ocean? Did you know you can recreate them in a jar and explore liquid density at the same time? It’s a very fun way to not only explore marine biomes but also explore simple physics for kids! You can also try this non-ocean theme liquid density jar activity.
- LOOK: Create the layers of ocean science activity in a jar!
- LOOK: Also, try creating ocean waves in a jar!
Homemade Lava Lamp In A Jar
A mason jar is a really great option for setting up a homemade lava lamp science activity. Simple supplies that include water, cooking oil, food coloring, and generic (or regular) Alka Seltzer tablets. You can redo this one over and over again in the same jar so stock up on tablets.
LOOK: Set up your own homemade lava lamp in a jar!
Make Butter In A Jar
Get shaking! You are going to need strong arms and maybe several pairs and a good 15 minute stretch of time to turn cream into whipped cream and finally into whipped butter and then solid butter! All you need is a mason jar with a lid and cream!
LOOK: Whip up homemade butter in a jar!
Fireworks In A Jar
Fireworks aren’t just for the sky or for a holiday! Recreate your own version of fireworks in a jar with food coloring, oil, and water. A fun lesson in physics that will be eagerly enjoyed by all kiddos!
LOOK: Recreate fireworks in a jar!
DIY Rock Candy In A Jar
You’ve bought rock candy from the store before, but have you ever grown your own sugar crystals in a jar? Well, all you need is a mason jar, sugar, water, and a few other items to start making rock candy in the kitchen today. This will take a few days, so get started today!
LOOK: Grow your own rock candy in a jar for edible science!
Grow Crystals In A Jar
Borax crystals are a classic science activity that actually does best in a glass jar such as a mason jar. You’ll get better crystal formation with glass than plastic! All you need is a jar, water, borax powder, and pipe cleaners.
LOOK: Grow borax crystals in a jar!
Watch Dancing Corn In A Jar
Is it magic? Maybe just a little at least in the eyes of the kiddos. However, it’s also a bit of chemistry and physics too. Popping corn, vinegar, and baking soda is all you need to get started, and you’ll also find an alternative method included as well.
- LOOK: Dancing Raisins
Set Up A Seed Jar
One of my all-time favorites, a seed jar! Grow seeds in a jar, identify the parts of a plant and get an underground look at the roots! This one is a great project for everyone to enjoy. Put it on the table and use it as a fun conversation starter too.
LOOK: Grow seeds in a jar!
Red Cabbage Experiment
In this chemistry experiment, kids learn how you can make a pH indicator from red cabbage and use it to test liquids of varying acid levels. Depending on the pH of the liquid, the cabbage turns various shades of pink, purple, or green!
LOOK: Cabbage PH experiment in a jar!
Do Oranges Float or Sink?
Investigate whether an orange floats or sinks in water. Set up this simple floating orange experiment in a jar and find out “do oranges float?”!
Free Science in a Jar guide
More Science Projects In A Jar
- Thermometer in a Jar
- Tornado in a Jar
- Rainbow Jar Experiment
- Snowstorm in a Jar
- Oil and Vinegar Salad Dressing
- DIY Barometer for a Weather Station
Using The Scientific Method With Kids
The scientific method is a way scientists solve problems and learn new things. It starts by identifying a question or problem. Then, information is gathered to better understand the problem. Next, a hypothesis is made based on that information. Finally, an experiment is conducted to test whether the hypothesis is correct.
It may sound complicated, but don’t worry! You don’t have to solve huge science mysteries. The scientific method helps us learn about things we see every day!
When kids practice the scientific method, they learn to observe, gather information, test ideas, and communicate their findings. These skills help them think critically and solve problems in many areas of life.
Learn more here:
- Using The Scientific Method with Young Kids
- Variables In Science
- Observation In Science
- Write a Hypothesis for Kids
🔎 Note: The use of the best Science and Engineering Practices is also relevant to the topic of using the scientific method. Read more here and see if it fits your science planning needs.
Helpful Science Resources To Get You Started
Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
- Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
- Science Vocabulary
- 8 Science Books for Kids
- All About Scientists
- Science Supplies List
- Science Tools for Kids
- Join us in the Club
More Science Projects To Do At Home
Need more at-home science projects that are actually do-able? Check out the last two in our series of Easy Science with Kids at Home! Make sure to download the science process journal and each of the handy guides!
COLORFUL CANDY SCIENCE
Fantastic candy science that you can do with all your favorite candy! Of course, you might have to allow for taste testing too!
SCIENCE YOU CAN EAT
Can you eat science? You bet! Kids love tasty, edible science, and adults love inexpensive and easy-to-set-up experiments!
SCIENCE IN A BAG
All of these science activities have one thing in common: They can be easily done in a bag. How fun is that? Science in a bag is a great way to engage children in easy-to-understand science concepts.
More Fun Things To Do At Home
- 25 Things To Do Outside
- Easy Science Experiments To Do At Home
- Virtual Field Trip Ideas To Go On An Adventure
- Fantastic Math Worksheets For Kids
- LEGO Landmark Challenges
Printable Science Projects For Kids
If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!
- 90+ classic science activities with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information. NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
- Best science practices posters and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
- Be a Collector activities pack introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
- Know the Words Science vocabulary pack includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
- My science journal writing prompts explore what it means to be a scientist!!
- Bonus STEAM Project Pack: Art meets science with doable projects!
- Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics
