How to Build a Fun Home Science Lab for Kids

Alpha science toys have always believed that children's science experiment kits are the only tool to help children better understand scientific knowledge and learn the mysteries, if parents can provide their children with professional and safe children's science experiment kits, they will be able to learn different scientific knowledge and become a science master quickly. Buying a large number of science experiment kits for children is difficult for the average family, so today, Alpha science classroom will teach parents how to create a home science lab for their children.

Alpha science classroom believe that a home science lab area is really essential for curious children. It's also an excellent place for kids to start their science dreams, and we have all the knowledge you need to create a home science lab! I can't tell you how much fun it is to carve out a dedicated space or even a spot on the counter for your science equipment. Kids won't get bored if they have access to materials and simple science experiments that will spark their curiosity.

Set up a kids-only home science lab

Alpha science classroom show parents that it's easy to set up a kids' science lab at home or for small groups! But you will need all sorts of things to get started. However, you will need all sorts of things to get started.

Let's keep it as budget-friendly as possible. Be sure to grab the free list below to help you plan your space and make purchases. Our goal is to create an easy-to-use science lab that gives your child the freedom to explore and experiment without too many restrictions.

How to make your own children's science lab

1. Consider the age range of children in your family

When you decide to start this project, there are several important things to consider! The most important thing is to create a science lab that is appropriate for the age of the child using it!

*Note: No dangerous chemicals were used in this article on how to set up a home science lab for kids. Taste safe, kitchen supplies are all that is needed. Adults should always supervise the use of any other materials when making slime or performing chemical reactions that require ingredients, such as borax powder, liquid starch, or hydrogen peroxide.

Different age groups require more or less supervision, more or less able to handle materials on their own, and more or less help in doing experiments.

Therefore, the space you choose for setting up your children's science lab is one in which you feel comfortable if your child needs to be left alone for a few minutes or more.

If you don't have a space that can be dedicated to a children's science lab, consider an easily accessible cabinet in a good kitchen countertop area or near a table

Note: If you don't have room for a science table, check out our DIY kid's science lab kit ideas

2. available or functional space

So we talked a little bit about available space and how it depends in part on the age of the child using it. For example, if your son is 7 years old, I would plan to use that age group. He's old enough to be independent and only needs occasional help with things.

He has a lot of his own ideas but also likes the fun stuff we have planned. Because we've done so many simple science activities together, he's used to the ingredients and science tools we use. For the most part, he can clean up his own spills, and he is respectful of his surroundings.

It is important for you to measure the following for your own children

How well do they open and close containers?

How well do they pour liquids or solids without help?

How well can they clean up small spills or put away items they take out?

How well can they handle a project from start to finish?

How long can a project hold their attention?

Whether you have a kitchen, a playroom or office, or an extra corner in the basement, you don't need a lot of space. What you need is a real science table! A folding table or desk is perfect.

A folding table or a desk is perfect. I bought a smaller wooden desk painted white for $10 on a local swap site and it has been perfect. However, it's also natural to use a kitchen counter.

Some other things to consider are lighting, windows, and ventilation. Good lighting is important for young scientists. Ventilation can also be done by a window or in a room with a window if needed. Windows are also a great way to add seed science experiments to the mix.

3. Professional science tools

When you are learning how to set up a children's science lab for kids, you need some good science experiment tools or science equipment that is ready to use. Even the simplest of science instruments can make your little one feel like a real scientist.

Some of these items are perfect for preschool, especially the learning resource kits, but also for going straight into elementary school. This year, we're adding a beautiful new microscope to our set.

4. Appropriate science experiment materials

Fun science table activities usually include the use of some essential kitchen pantry items. We always have these items in stock as well. It's up to you to decide what is appropriate to store with your science table and which items you provide based on the kids' requests.

For example, if your son is 7 years old and 7 years old, he can appropriately use our favorite kitchen science ingredients including salt, baking soda, oil, vinegar, effervescent tablets, food coloring, water, cornstarch, and any leftover candy. He can carefully pour out these ingredients and clean up any spills.

These items can be stored in clear plastic containers. They can also be placed in their own gallon-sized zip-lock bags to further prevent any tipping and spillage inside the main container. Make sure to add a few sets of measuring cups and spoons as well.

Get the printable science supply list below and you're ready to go

ADULT SUPERVISED CHEMICALS

We do love to make slime and grow crystals as well as try out thermogenic reactions, density layer experiments along with other neat experiments.

These ingredients I prefer to keep these out of the science lab. They include liquid starch, borax, hydrogen peroxide, yeast, and rubbing alcohol. Sometimes we will use lemon juice, but that stays in the fridge.

I would prefer to do these science activities with him, and I like to be the one that measures these chemicals or highly supervise his use of them so that correct practices can be followed for cleanup.

STEM Materials

First, what is STEM? STEM refers to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It includes the engineering design process. You can also find great resources here, such as a selection of STEM books, a glossary, and best practices to get started in STEM.

Other materials to consider including in your home science lab are many of the items we use in our STEM activities such as balloons, recycled items, styrofoam, toothpicks - for building structures, cookie cutters, coffee filters, and more.

Check out our Little Engineers Challenge Calendar for more fun building.

5. Clean up ideas

While kids will be careful, spills, overflows, and spurts can happen, and there's the potential for everything from small messes to big ones.

This is certainly something to keep in mind when choosing a space You can easily put a dollar store shower curtain under a table or work area to catch spills. Rinse and reuse! A dollar store mini broom and dustpan is also a great addition.

In the warmer months, you can set up an outdoor science lab in the same way. We set up an outdoor science lab last summer and had a lot of fun.

6. age-appropriate science project ideas

We've put together some great resources {listed below} for science projects that you can browse through. Pick one or two for this week's project and give them a try! We also feature new science experiments in our weekly emails. Join us here.

Otherwise, you can always set up a potion-mixing activity, a color-mixing game, a magnet tray, or just collect nature and rock samples to check out. Many kids enjoy the classic baking soda and vinegar. Parents can explore more small experiment projects about chemistry with their kids so they will love science and learning.

The above, is the Alpha science classroom, for you to share how to build a fun children's home science laboratory at home, our idea is very simple, is to use the most direct way, let children explore the discovery of scientific phenomena and scientific knowledge around, through these interesting children's science experiments, to help children grow into a love of science, love to learn Through these fun children's science experiments, we help children grow into a science-loving and learning science master, grow up healthy and accomplish their science dreams in a challenging and joyful family science lab. What are parents waiting for? Go ahead and build a fun home science lab for your kids!