Looking for fun, creative, and inexpensive ways to entertain your children? Science experiments just may do the trick. Science experiments come in all shapes and sizes. Best of all, they can be created with simple, every day items found in your home.

Let’s take a look at some of the more popular topics and projects you can do with your kids.

Magnetic Attraction: All magnets have two poles (North and South). If you put the poles of two magnets together they will either push apart or pull together. Take an item that is made of metal or steel, a paper clip for example. As you hold it close to the magnet, you will feel the magnet pulling on the paper clip with an invisible force. This is called magnetism. Conducting experiments with magnets will help you understand more about the way magnetism works.

Gravity: There is an invisible force that we are all affected by. It is the force of gravity. When you lift something up, you have to lift against gravity. If you drop a ball, for instance, gravity pulls it to the Earth. Take a pencil and place it on your index finger. If it is placed perfectly in the center, gravity will pull down equally on both side and it will balance in the air. However if the pencil is set off balance, it will fall to one side or the other.

Human Senses: A good observer uses all five senses. Observing your surroundings is an important skill that helps you to be a successful scientist. Children are naturally curious about the world and their surroundings. Try having them close their eyes and placing their hand into a bowl of something like cold spaghetti noodles. Have them describe what they feel. There are many simple activities that you can do to explore your senses.

In addition to having fun, you can help teach your children and answer many of the questions that they may ask throughout their day. Science experiments foster an atmosphere of excitement and learning, and as parents don’t we all want to encourage more of that?