Fun Density Experiments for Kids

What floats, what doesn’t, and why? Density experiments for kids from Steve Spangler Science can help children have fun learning about science with easy-to-do density activities. They will learn that, in water, substances tend to float if their density (mass plus volume) is less than the density of the water or other liquid.

The element of surprise will entertain even grownups, especially when you can stump them with questions like: “Why does a regular can of soda sink, while a can of diet soda floats?” Our website’s video links will demonstrate the Sinking Soda Surprise experiment for kids. Hint: All that sugar inside a regular can of carbonated soda is what adds to the mass of the can (versus lighter-weight artificial sweeteners inside a can of diet soda).

Food Density Projects

Learn about the density of foods with our easy-to-do Sugar Rainbow Density experiment. All you need are glasses of water, food coloring, straws and sugar. Even our popular Dancing Spaghetti trick can teach kids about the science of density.

Learn the basics, and then learn more with our bonus lessons on cohesion (similar molecules attracting each other) and adhesion (different molecules attracting each other). Watch kids’ science vocabulary grow with each new experiment.

Density Experiment Lab Supplies

You can stock a science laboratory for kids at home or in the classroom with our budget prices on school lab supplies.

Our Steve Spangler science lab collection includes child-safe beakers, test tubes and other science lab essentials. Learn about density, chemistry and physics with our STEM kits for school or home. Customize your school or home STEM experiments center with our mix and match STEM experiments kits for children.