Fourth Grade, Chemistry STEM Activities for Kids (36 results)

Test Your Foods for Starch

STEM Activity

63 reviews

Have you ever heard about starchy and non-starchy foods? What is the difference? Starchy foods contain the carbohydrate starch, which is converted to sugar (glucose) inside our body for energy production. How do we know which foods contain starch and which do not? There is a simple chemical test that you can do to detect starch, which involves an iodine solution. The iodine solution turns any food that contains starch dark blue. Try this activity and watch it in action yourself! Read more

Blowing the Best Bubbles

STEM Activity

42 reviews

If you have ever tried to make bubbles using plain water, you may have seen that it does not work. This is because the surface tension of water is too high. When detergent is added to water, it lowers the surface tension so that bubbles can form. Other things can be added to this mixture, such as corn syrup or glycerin, to make a solution that is even better for creating bubbles. In this science activity, you will find out which solution creates the best bubbles! Read more

Stacking Liquids

STEM Activity

56 reviews

Did you know that not only can solid objects sink or float, but liquids can, too? It is actually possible to stack different liquids on top of each other in layers. The key is that all the different layers must have different densities. You can stack them by either picking several liquids with a range of densities, or by varying the density of one liquid by adding chemicals like sugar or salt to it. If you choose colored liquids, or add food coloring to each layer, you can even create a whole… Read more

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Make String from Algae

STEM Activity

215 reviews

Did you know that the seaweed you've seen in the ocean or even eaten as a snack is inspiring innovators to imagine new materials? Large brown algae, like kelp, contains polymers—long chains of molecules—that are more environmentally friendly than the ones in most plastics. These natural polymers (alginates) could eventually be used to create sustainable everyday objects. Try your hand at using a bit of chemistry to turn biodegradable polymers from algae into your own custom… Read more

Underwater Color Bursts

STEM Activity

129 reviews

Summertime often brings beautiful fireworks displays. Whereas you normally look up into the sky to see fireworks, in this activity we will take the bursts of color underwater—with chemistry. Although it is not exactly the same as real fireworks, you will be amazed by the color explosions you will see. Curious about what that looks like? See for yourself in this activity! Read more

Candy Rainbow

STEM Activity

108 reviews

Here is a fun project you can try with leftover candy you have. You will make some amazing art using nothing but colored candy and hot water—and a little bit of science. Save some of your candy and get started! Read more

Use Chemistry to Lift Ice Cubes

STEM Activity

33 reviews

Have you ever wondered why salt is used to de-ice roads? Did you know that snow sticks more readily to pavement that has been treated with salt? Why would this be the case? In this activity, you will use the same principles to hoist ice cubes with a piece of string. Is it possible to do this without getting your hands cold? Try the activity and see what a pinch of salt can do! Read more

Colorful Patterns in Melting Ice

STEM Activity

112 reviews

Have you ever wondered why ice cubes in your cold drink become gradually smaller, or why their surface becomes smoother as they melt? Does ice always melt this way? In this activity, you will use water balloons to create giant ice balls and observe how they melt. Can you predict the effect a bit of salt will have on your giant ice ball? Read more

Homemade Rice Paper

STEM Activity

7 reviews

Have you ever encountered "paper" on your plate—perhaps in the form of thin paper for spring rolls, or cake decorating? Did it make you wonder how this paper relates to the paper you write on? You will find out in this activity! In addition, you can discover the recipe to make the edible paper you like best. Read more

Make a Sunprint Using Objects from Nature!

STEM Activity

10 reviews

Have you ever wondered how artists are able to replicate intricate details in nature on paper or canvas? In this activity, you will depict these details in a different way! Using Sunprint® paper and sunlight, you too can make breathtaking representations of objects found in nature. Read more

Milk Curdling with Enzymes!

STEM Activity

43 reviews

Have you ever gone to pour yourself a cup of milk, and all you get is clumps? What happened to the milk is called coagulation, which is the mechanism that occurs when proteins in the milk clump together. While you do not necessarily want this in your milk, without coagulation (or curdling), there would be no cheese or yogurt, which is why it is a very important process in the food industry. Wonder how you can make milk curdle? Do this activity to find out! Read more

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