Unicorn Science & Make-Believe STEM
Inspire students to explore science and engineering with activities related to unicorns.
Creative Science for Unicorn Fans
This set of science and engineering activities helps kids explore STEM as part of unicorn-themed imaginative play and storytelling.
Unicorn Science: Experiment | Watch | Kits | Ask | Careers | Read
EXPERIMENT: Unicorn Science Experiments
Light-Up Unicorn Horn
With your own magical unicorn horn, you'll fit right in with the unicorn herd! Use copper tape and paper circuits to make your own headband with a light-up unicorn horn. You can make the headband as sparkly and magical as you want. When you take the headband off, unclip the battery from the circuit to turn the light off until you are ready to head out with your unicorn again. (For more paper circuit activities, see Paper Circuits Science Projects.)
Colorful Unicorn Slushies
What kind of snack can you feed your unicorn? Make a homemade slushy in your unicorn's favorite colors for a whimsical afternoon treat. As you freeze your slushy mixture, you will find out why salt is used in the freezing process.
Unicorn ArtBot
Unicorns can be artists, too! Turn a plastic cup into a unicorn artbot robot that draws in multiple colors of marker as it shuffles around on marker legs. This robot is an introductory-level robotics activity with a simple circuit. How many colors can you use? What shapes will the unicorn artbot draw?
Unicorn Snot
What happens when your unicorn sneezes? Make your own unicorn slime in magical colors for icky fun with science. You can even mix in a bit of sparkle! DIY Slime is easy to mix up, and with a bit of science, you can create a recipe with the properties you want.
Unicorn Trailer
If your unicorn is going on a journey or vacation with you, it can travel in style with a special unicorn trailer. Use the directions for the rubber-band car and customize the shape of the car to make a unique trailer or car for your unicorn.
Rainbow Candy
Making lollipops at home is fun, but when you want to make something extra special for your unicorn, try making these rainbow lollipops. Turn them just right in the light to reveal sparkly rainbows on the surface!WATCH: Videos
KITS
The following Science Buddies Kits are related to the science experiments highlighted above and unicorn-themed storytelling:
Bristlebot Kit
The Bristlebot Kit contains specialty parts for the following introductory robotics experiments:Note: Educator lesson plans are available to explore introductory robotics with vibrobots and junkbots.
Spherification Kit
Use the Spherification Kit to make your own popping boba or juice-filled balls. With different colored liquids or food coloring, you can mix up a batch of boba for a tea party with your unicorn and friends!See also: Robotics Projects, Lessons, and Activities for Teachers.
To learn about other Science Buddies Kits, see our 12 Science Kits for Summer Science Experiments and Discovery recommendations.
ASK: Questions
Use these questions to prompt conversation and reflection about the science behind the Pirate Science activities:
- Why is it important to think about the "properties" you want a product to have? How is this related to science and engineering?
- When building paper circuits, what is the role of the copper tape (or aluminum foil)? What does it mean for a circuit to be closed?
- Does the color of food change how someone thinks it tastes? How can you use science to explore this question?
- When making a balloon-powered car (or trailer), what difference does the size of the balloon make?
- In a simple robot like the unicorn artbot, what makes the robot move?
CAREER: Make Connections with STEM Careers
Learn more about related science and engineering careers, like:
- Materials Scientist and Engineer
- Food Science Technician
- Chemist
- Chemical Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- Robotics Technician
- Electrical & Electronics Engineer
READ: Books
For other picture and story books you can pair with the Unicorn Science and Make-Believe STEM theme, see titles like these:
For more suggestions for science-themed summer reading, see our Summer Reading List. Also, don't miss this roundup of creative STEM activities for storytelling and imaginative play.
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More Make-Believe STEM
This collection is part of a series of Make-Believe STEM resources at Science Buddies.
For additional resources to support connections between science and engineering and literacy, imaginative play, storytelling, visit Make-Believe STEM Science Experiments and Storytelling Activities.
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