One of the most fascinating things about science activities for kids has to be the ease in which you can set so many up, even at home! The one thing that all of these science experiments have in common is that they can be easily set up in a mason jar. How fun is that? Science in a jar is a super fun way to get those kiddos engaged in easy to understand science concepts using a simple mason jar.
Science In A Jar
Can you do science in a jar? You bet! Is it hard? Nope! What do you need to get started? How about a mason jar!
It’s not the only supply, but it will get kids asking what the next science in a jar experiment you have waiting for them!
Here are ten of my favorite mason jar science experiments for kids that are totally do-able and make sense!
These are science activities for kids that work well with many age groups from preschool to elementary and beyond.
Our activities have also been readily used with special needs groups in high school and young adult programs! More or less adult supervision depends on your kids’ abilities!
ALSO CHECK OUT: Science In A Bag Ideas
Using The Scientific Method With Kids
The scientific method is a process or method of research. A problem is identified, information about the problem is gathered, a hypothesis or question is formulated from the information, and the hypothesis is tested with an experiment to prove or disprove its validity.
Sounds heavy… What in the world does that mean?!? It means you don’t need to try and solve the world’s biggest science questions! The scientific method is all about studying and learning things right around you.
As children develop practices that involve creating, gathering data evaluating, analyzing, and communicating, they can apply these critical thinking skills to any situation.
Learn more here:
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 yourself 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
Click to get your FREE Science in a Jar activities!
Mason Jar Science Experiments
Click on each link below to see supplies, set up and process information as well as quick science behind the activity information.
Also, grab our free mini-pack above which shares the science process in a fun and digestible way for young kids as well as a journal page you can pair with each activity for the older kiddos.
Grab a mason jar and let’s get started!
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 Rain Clouds 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!
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: Discover how corn dances in a jar!
LOOK: Also try dancing cranberries
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?”!
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
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 actually do with all of 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
The one thing that all of these science activities have in common is that they can be easily done in a bag. How fun is that? Science in a bag is a great way to get children engaged 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
- Distance Learning Activities For Preschoolers
- 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
