Kids Science Experiments at Home

You can do Fun Science Experiments at Home! I never would have thought I could help my son make his own anemometer to measure wind speed! How cool! This easy experiment makes science fun! The cool thing about this Science activity is that young kids can experience and build background knowledge about a difficult concept and have a great time doing it.

 

Dr. Mollie Cule Reboots the Robot inspired me to give this simple science experiment a try.

This book breaks down the easy science experiments into easy to follow steps, but the best part is the language they use to explain WHY things happen.

It exposed my son to Science vocabulary in a way that was entertaining, age appropriate, and easy to comprehend! Home science experiments are fun and valuable.

Materials to Make an Anemometer (everyday household items):

For this simple experiment you will need:

• 4 small paper cups
• 2 plastic straws
• stapler
• tape
• pencil
• thumbtack

Step 1: Staple a straw to the tops of two cups. Make sure each of the cups are facing opposite directions.

 

 Step 2: The next step is to arrange the different parts of the straws in an X and tape them in the middle. Try to make sure they are level and at a 90 degree angle. 

 

Step 3: Draw a dot or shape on one of the cups. This will help you count the rotations and calculate the wind speed.

Step 4: Attach the straws to the top of a pencil by putting a thumbtack through the middle of the straws and into the pencil’s eraser.

Make sure the thumb tack is secure, but not too tight so it still allows the cups to spin.

 

Step 5: Bring your anemometer outside and let it spin.

Start a timer for one minute and count how many times the anemometer’s cups spin around by watching the one marked cup.

Keep counting until the minute is up.

You’ve measured the wind speed in revolutions per minute, or rpm.

What a great way for kids of all ages to get a first-hand look at measuring wind speed!

 

Knowing how fast the wind is blowing helps meteorologists predict the weather.

Cool Science experiments at home can be a little intimidating without the right resources like this one! Thank you to World Book and Dr. Mollie Cule Reboots the Robot for sponsoring The Activity Mom.

 

More Science Experiments at Home

Try this classic experiment – Grow a Crystal Rainbow of different colors

Give this kid-friendly experiment a try – Invisible Ink Recipe using simple ingredients to write secret messages.

Maybe you need a little help or inspiration for Science Fair Projects for Kids

Simple Experiment with Light

Baking Soda and White Vinegar Color Eruptions – A chemical reaction for young children

Make a Lava Lamp in a mason jar

The Classic Dancing Raisins Experiment  

Melt an Ice Cube Science Experiment

Magnetic vs. Non Magnetic Science Experiment for Preschoolers