Science experiments are a great way to get children interested and engaged in discovering different ways about how the world works. However, a lot of experiments can be a bit messy or noisy, presenting some barriers for kids with behavioral issues. Even so, there are still plenty of experiments you can try with your child with behavioral issues that can suit their needs and get them interested in wanting to learn more. Here are four simple experiments you can try at home.
- Paint with Ice:This activity is perfect for little ones who love art and may just be starting to learn about the different states of matter. All you have to do is fill an ice cube tray with different colors of paint, cover it with plastic wrap, and insert a craft stick for them to use as a handle. When you get to painting with your new tools, use the opportunity to explain to your child how the paint acts in different temperatures, going from solid to liquid form. Your child will be drawn in by how simple, yet fun this project is, allowing them to learn with ease.
- Liquid Fireworks:Here is an activity that will be exciting for your child to watch and engage in while teaching about how the density of liquids works. Start by filling an empty jar or bottle with water. Next, mix some vegetable oil with food coloring in a separate small container. When you have different colored mixes completed, pour the colored oil mix into the water. The oil will stay on top since it is less dense than water, and the food coloring will begin to separate, creating a shower of colors resembling fireworks.
- Solar-Powered Pinwheel Tower:You can help demonstrate how energy can be easily cultivated from the sun with a simple homemade tower. Take two or three tin cans with the top and bottom removed and tape them together. Then, use a paperclip to make an upside-down U to attach to the top. Using a thumbtack, carefully attach a paper pinwheel to the top, making sure it's loose and easy to spin. Find two books of the same thickness, or two wooden blocks perhaps, and prop up your tower to allow free airflow throughout the structure. Place the final product in direct sunlight, and the hot air will rise, causing the pinwheel to spin.
- Play a game of Sink or Float:Children with behavioral issues tend to find water activities calming and fun. You can use this to help teach your child about the principles of buoyancy. You can do this with almost anything you have at your house currently. Experiment with different objects, such as rocks, toothpicks, or even fruits. Take turns dropping the items your collected into a container of water and have your child guess which ones will float or sink. Be sure to explain how objects have varying densities and will float if they are less dense than the water, and will sink if they are denser than the water.
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