This paper aeroplane launcher is very easy to build and a great simple alternative to a more complex aeroplane launcher. Paper aeroplanes are one of those activities almost everyone has tried at least once and are usually thrown by hand. How well the plane flies depends on the design of the paper aeroplane and the amount of energy the person throwing it uses. Paper aeroplanes look simple, but there’s a lot of engineering and science involved in getting one to fly well. Which forces act on a paper aeroplane? After a paper aeroplane is launched, four forces start to act on it. Gravity pulls the ..read more

What is Earth Day? Earth Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness of climate change, deforestation and other environmental challenges facing the Earth. It has taken place on the 22nd of April each year since 1970! As the threat of climate change deepens, we need to take action now more than ever. Together, we can make meaningful changes and protect the Earth for future generations. Earth Day 2024 focuses on plastic pollution, which has become one of the most challenging issues we face. Did you know that half of all plastics were made in the last 15 years? Why do we make so much pl ..read more

In this science activity, you can put a balloon into a candle flame without it popping! How is that possible? It’s all about heat transfer. A balloon filled with air will pop when it gets too close to a flame as the heat from the candle warms the balloon’s skin and weakens it. The trick to making an unpoppable balloon is to add water to it. The heat from the flame heats the water instead of the balloon, which then doesn’t burst. If you thought putting a skewer through a balloon was impressive, the unpoppable balloon science trick will blow your mind! You’ll need Two balloons Water Safety goggl ..read more

The Moon doesn’t make its own light. We see it because light from the Sun reflects off the lunar surface, but why does the Moon look white? If you could actually stand on the Moon, it would look mostly grey with areas of brown and yellow, depending on the minerals present. The Moon appears white for several reasons. The surface of the Moon is coated in a layer of dust, which consists mostly of grey basalt. This layer of dust is called regolith. The regolith reflects light from the Sun without favouring any particular wavelengths. This means our brains process the light we see reflected as whit ..read more

Rockets are a great STEM challenge in any form, as the end result is usually impressive, and success is easy to measure. This simple air rocket launcher is inexpensive and very easy to create. It’s a great STEM challenge or science activity for home or school. Once you’ve made an air rocket launcher, take a look at my other rocket ideas for kids. Easy air rocket launcher You’ll need One empty two little plastic bottle About 15 cm of PVC pipe – this needs to be about the same width as the opening of the bottle. Strong tape Sellotape Paper Instructions Use strong tape to attach the PVC pipe to t ..read more

This simple science project shows you how to make a model of an eclipse to visually demonstrate what’s happening between the Sun, Earth and Moon during a solar or lunar eclipse. A solar eclipse model is a fantastic science project for home and school, especially just before or after an eclipse! You’ve probably noticed shadows on Earth. Shadows form when the sun shines on an object, but did you know planetary bodies also cast shadows in space? What’s the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse? A lunar eclipse happens when the Moon passes into the Earth’s shadow. The Earth’s shad ..read more

A solar eclipse is when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking the sun’s light. People on Earth who are in the path of the moon’s shadow will be able to see the eclipse. The Sun is 400 times wider than the moon and 400 times farther away, which is why they appear the same size in the sky. Solar Eclipse Resources and Activities Find out how to view an eclipse safely with AAS. Earthsky also has some great tips and advice for protecting your eyes during an eclipse. Frugal Fun for Boys has a brilliant DIY Pinhole Projector for viewing a solar eclipse. Learn about the phases of the moo ..read more

This activity is a fun twist on the traditional lemon dropping into a glass inertia demonstration. It’s a simple science trick that works well with a small chocolate egg. Don’t forget to take a look at my Easter STEM challenges, too! You’ll need Small chocolate egg Cardboard tube or card rolled into a tube shape. The egg needs to fit on top without falling through. Large glass Small piece of card – A5 sized Instructions Place the A5 sheet of card on top of the pint glass. Carefully put the tube on the card. Balance the egg on top of the column. It needs to be directly above the glass. Hold the ..read more

Easter is fast approaching, so it seems like the perfect time to try some of our Easter STEM Challenges! We’ve been busy testing these for you over the last couple of weeks and would LOVE to see the creations of your little scientists, so do share photos with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I’ve also got 100s more easy everyday science and STEM activities you might like. Top tip for STEM Challenges My biggest tip for a successful STEM Challenge is to keep it simple. Simple STEM challenges are much easier for kids to complete, and as a parent, I know how difficult it can be if you need to ..read more

This simple science experiment and demonstration is a great way to show children what happens to gases when they are heated. The air around us is an example of a gas. Particles in a gas can move freely in any direction. Gases don’t have a fixed shape but fill the space they have. When a bottle with a balloon on top is placed in hot water, the air inside warms up. Warm air particles move faster and with more energy than cooler air particles, increasing the volume of the air and inflating the balloon. Hot and cold air balloon experiment You’ll need One empty 500ml plastic bottle A balloon Two bo ..read more