One of the best things about hands on science is that you probably don’t need to leave your house. You could go to the store and pick up a crystal growing kit, but if you have sugar and water, you can create crystals without a kit. In fact, you can complete many experiments with things you already have in your kitchen, bathroom, and even garage! Gathering these supplies and stocking a science kit can make spontaneous experiments in your classroom or home even easier. As a science teacher, here are some “go-to” items you can use over and over!

1. Measuring cups and spoons
   You will use these repeatedly for comparing ratios and volumes, measuring liquids and solids, stirring and transferring materials, and even filtration. Easy-to-use metric labels make it easy to convert units, compare to the English system of measurement, and familiarize students with the measurement system used in most of the world.
2. Other measuring tools
   Gather equipment like rulers, thermometers, and scales. Use them comparing mass, measuring the temperature of a solution, or estimating distance.
3. Pantry items
   The obvious players here are baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid). But yeast produces enzymes that act as a catalyst, oils can be used in density investigations, and salt and sugar are crystals that can demonstrate solubility. Consider also keeping dish soap, toothpicks, and food coloring.
4. Household recyclables
   As much as it pains me to say this (HA!), cardboard boxes and paper towel tubes are useful tools! Instead of throwing them out, consider keeping them in your science kit, with baggies, rubber bands, foil, straws, and candles. Include these in experiments about static electricity or pressure, cleaning chemistry, or absorption.
5. Craft supplies
   You can use yarn or string, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, clothespins, balloons, and tape; they are useful in science experiments to fix or adhere, build a simple machine, engineer a bridge, or demonstrate force.

There might also be science items you could use that are inexpensive to purchase and frequently found at garage sales. Look for…

• Magnets
• Safety goggles
• An apron
• A magnifying glass
• Medicine droppers
• Batteries

What You Don’t Need

You have so many resources for finding science experiments, from books, to Pinterest, to the internet. Find experiments that use the items you already have to teach the same science concepts as an elaborate kit. You don’t need to have a dedicated science room, fancy supplies and equipment, or a chemistry set (although those would be fun things to have!).

How to Organize Them

You can keep your materials all in one place for easy use. You don’t have to have every item—when you come across an experiment that calls for something special, add it then. Place clean items in a box or clear bin. Store glassware at the top of the bin in protective wrapping. Place all liquid items in tightly sealed containers or plastic storage bags to prevent leaks and contamination. Store your kit in a cool, dry place that’s easy to access when you need it.

If your container is large, consider keeping a list of supplies at the top of your bin so you know what you have. When you run out of an item, or something breaks, it’s easy to repair or replace it.

The Mystery of Science makes gathering supplies for an experiment easy! Each lab manual includes a handy, printable checklist, and we intentionally use mostly items you can find around your house. You can easily gather what you need at the beginning of the month or semester, so you’re not left scrambling on experiment day!

Let’s get started!

Take a walk around your home and look at ordinary objects with a scientist’s eye! Involve your classroom or your family if it’d make the process easier. You’ll begin to see that baking soda isn’t just used in baking and that a straw can be the beginning of an entire scientific investigation.

Have some fun and start the school year by preparing for science!