When we think about science in a homeschool setting, our minds often go to textbooks, nature walks, or microscope slides. While these are wonderful and important, hands-on science experiments bring a unique vibrancy to learning. They transform abstract concepts into tangible experiences, making science both exciting and memorable for children.Charlotte Mason herself emphasized the importance of engaging the senses in education.

I might get kicked out of the Charlotte Mason homeschool club for quoting Maria Montessori but here goes..
"What the hand does, the mind remembers."
I think Maria has something here. We know that one way children learn is through play.According to Dr. Karyn Purvis, a child needs to repeat something 10–20 times to create a new synapse in their brain through play. This is much fewer repetitions than the 400 repetitions that are needed to create a new synapse without play.
This simple yet profound truth reminds us that learning is more than just listening or reading—it’s also about doing. Experiments are an ideal way to nurture curiosity, foster critical thinking, and make the lessons of science come alive in the home classroom.

Why Hands-On Experiments Matter

After teaching Science in a 5th grade classroom for a couple of years, and doing science with my own children I can honestly tell you that science with kids is a form of magic. Science experiments are not just about proving a hypothesis; they are about nurturing wonder. When children witness baking soda fizzing with vinegar or see a seed sprout before their eyes, they experience the “aha!” moment that makes learning joyful and personal.

There are many benefits to doing simple science experiments with your children :

Deeper Understanding: Experiments help children grasp scientific principles by allowing them to see, touch, and interact with the concepts they’re learning.
Encourages Curiosity: When children see how things work in real-time, they’re often inspired to ask more questions and explore further.
Develops Critical Thinking: Designing experiments, observing results, and drawing conclusions build critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Makes Learning Memorable: Hands-on activities engage multiple senses, making the lessons stick longer.
Cultivates a Love of Learning: Experiments often feel more like play, sparking excitement rather than dread at the prospect of science.

Charlotte Mason valued the natural sciences as a means of cultivating a sense of awe in students. She wrote,
"The question is not how much does the youth know, when he has finished his education—but how much does he care?"

Simple Ideas for Hands-On Science Experiments

You don’t need a fully stocked lab or expensive kits to bring science experiments into your homeschool. Everyday materials can lead to amazing discoveries. Some of our favorite activities we’ve done in our home are:

1. Growing a Bean in a Jar

Materials: A glass jar, a damp paper towel, and a bean seed.
Steps: Wrap the bean in a damp paper towel and place it against the side of the jar. Watch as the seed germinates and grows roots and leaves.
Concept: Learn about seed germination and plant growth.

2. Making a Volcano

Materials: Baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, and food coloring.
Steps: Combine baking soda and vinegar in a bowl (or paper mache volcano) and watch the eruption!
Concept: Learn about chemical reactions and gas production.
(we made a snow volcano one year and I do not recommend this! Our dead grass still hasn’t recovered)

3. DIY Rain Cloud in a Jar

Materials: A jar, water, shaving cream, and food coloring.
Steps: Fill a jar with water, add shaving cream on top as the “cloud,” and drip food coloring to see how “rain” forms.
Concept: Understand the water cycle and precipitation.

4. Magnets and Paper Clips

Materials: Magnets and various metal objects.
Steps: Test different objects to see which are attracted to the magnet. Experiment with magnetic fields and distances.
Concept: Learn about magnetism and metal properties.

5. Sink or Float

Materials: A tub of water and various small objects (a rock, a leaf, a plastic spoon, etc.).
Steps: Guess which items will sink or float, then test your predictions.
Concept: Discover buoyancy and density.

How to Implement Hands-On Science in Your Homeschool

Set Aside Time Weekly: Just like poetry tea time, science needs a set aside time in order to make a commitment. Dedicate one day a week to experiments. “Science Fridays” are a popular choice.
Keep It Simple: Start with experiments that use household materials. Over time, you can add more complex projects.
Encourage Observation: Have your children record their observations in a notebook. They can draw diagrams, jot down questions, or write about what they learned. This is a great time for them to do a written narration.
Follow Their Interests: Let their curiosity guide you. If they’re fascinated by insects, explore topics like metamorphosis or ecosystems with hands-on activities.
Incorporate Nature Study: Combine experiments with nature walks and outdoor observations for a fuller science experience.

A World of Wonder

Science experiments may be messy at times, but they are worth the effort. They remind us that education is about more than acquiring facts; it’s about instilling wonder and a lifelong love of learning.

As you consider weaving hands-on science into your homeschool rhythm, remember the words of Charlotte Mason:
"The sense of wonder is the sense of God. It is the beginning of religion and science both."

If you want less joy in your homeschool, skip the Science