Kitchen Science: 30 Awesome STEM Experiments to Try at Home
Awesome STEM Experiments Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Kitchen Science is a collection of 30 STEM-themed activities for children, making use of everyday materials found in the kitchen. Forget about sterile laboratories and stuffy classrooms, there are oodles of awesome science experiments waiting to be done, right under your nose – in the kitchen! Learn about how microwaves work, why honeycomb is full of bubbles, how to make plastic out of milk and much more. With the added bonus of making some yummy treats as part of some experiments, what’s not to love? Ideal for parents/carers who have experienced home-schooling fatigue and cupboard-raiding children who want to inject some practical fun into their learning, this book provides an accessible and stimulating way to explore STEM themes at home. Each experiment is accompanied by an illustrated explanation of the science behind it and how it works.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite experiment from the book and why?
How do you think science helps us in our daily lives?
Can you think of your own experiment inspired by something you learned from the book?
Which experiment would you like to try next, and what do you think will happen?
How do you think the ingredients or items in the experiments work together to create reactions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the experiments to real-world scenarios, helping them see the practical application of science.
Ask follow-up questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage deeper thinking and conversation.
Share personal experiences or stories related to the themes or science concepts discussed in the book.
Create a 'science diary' where your child can jot down their predictions, observations, and learnings from each experiment.
Celebrate successes and discuss what might have gone wrong in experiments to foster a growth mindset.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Experimentation
Explanation: The book encourages children to explore scientific concepts through hands-on activities, fostering a sense of curiosity and a willingness to experiment.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach questions and challenges with a problem-solving mindset, whether it's figuring out how something works or trying out a new way of doing things.
Example Lesson: Observation and Analysis
Explanation: Each experiment requires careful observation and analysis, helping children to understand the importance of paying attention to details and assessing outcomes.
Real-World Application: This skill is transferrable to academic settings and everyday life, encouraging children to be more mindful and detail-oriented in their observations.
Example Lesson: Patience and Resilience
Explanation: Science experiments often require multiple attempts to succeed, teaching children the value of patience and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.
Real-World Application: Understanding that not every attempt yields immediate success helps children develop resilience and a positive attitude towards learning and problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Importance of Following Instructions
Explanation: The experiments in the book come with step-by-step instructions, emphasizing the need to follow directions to achieve desired outcomes.
Real-World Application: Following instructions is a fundamental life skill that impacts a child’s ability to perform tasks accurately in school, in extracurricular activities, and eventually in their careers.