Simple Biology Experiment Ideas for Kids

Biology is a fascinating subject, however in order to get the students interested in the subject, you can make use of some simple experiments to peak their interest. Putting biology into action is a far more interesting way to engage kids instead of sticking to theorized classes. It builds on their keen learning abilities to explore what biology as a subject offers. In case you are looking for some simple biology experiment ideas for kids at school or even at home, here are some suggestions to help you with this.

Simple Experiments for Kids

Experiments need to be simple, in terms of the apparatus used as well as the concepts explained. Generally, you can start with experiments that deal with plants, flowers or even the observation of insects, soil / food samples and so on.

Experiment #1 - Colored Flowers

This is a very simple and fun biology experiment, which will serve to teach children about water absorption systems in plants.

Things Required:

• A cup of water
• Food color
• A flower with an intact stalk
• Empty clean flask

Procedure:

• First of all, mix the food color in the water. Make sure there are no lumps and that the color dissolves completely in the water.
• Now pour the colored water into the flask. Make sure that the flask is clean and doesn't have any impurities on its surface.
• Now, take the flowers (with intact stalks) and place them in the flask, so that half of the stalk is submerged under water.
• Place the flask on a window sill or any other surface that gets sufficient sunlight.
• Tell the children to observe the color of the flowers over a period of time.

Experiment Results

Plants need water for sustenance; this simple experiment demonstrates how water is absorbed by the stalk, and distributed throughout the plant to its leaves and flower.

Experiment #2 - Observing Bacteria

Well, although the title might give a notion that the experiment is too advanced - it is not! It is a simple and easy experiment to introduce the children to some species of bacteria.

Things Required:

• A compound microscope
• Yogurt
• Clean empty cup
• Water
• Unused ink dropper
• Microscope slide
• Cover slip/glass

Procedure:

• First of all, take a small quantity of yogurt (half a teaspoon) and drop this into the cup, adding two teaspoons of water to it.
• Mix the yogurt and water with a spoon, so as to create a homogeneous suspension.
• Using the ink dropper, place a drop of this yogurt suspension on the clean, sterilized microscope slide. Make sure you don't take more than a drop.
• Place the cover slip on the drop of suspension. Now, the slide is ready to be observed under the microscope.
• Now simply allow the children to observe the sample under the microscope.

Experiment Results

Usually the commercially manufactured yogurt include Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. You can tell the children about these bacteria which are in fact helpful to our systems, and not harmful like other kinds of bacteria.

Experiment #3 - Flexible Bone

This experiment will show kids how calcium is an important mineral that bones need in order to keep them sturdy and strong. It'll also encourage them to drink lots of milk and make a habit out of it.

Things Required:

• Drumstick bone (per student; they can each bring one after they're done with a meal at home)
• White vinegar (ordinary)
• Plastic containers with lids

Procedure:

• It is wise to have the students (or their parents) clean the bones thoroughly before wrapping it up in a plastic bag and placing it in the refrigerator for the experiment the following day at school.
• Have students place their drumstick bones in a plastic container.
• Submerge the bones in vinegar, enough to let it cover the entire bone's surface.
• Place the lids on the containers, making sure they're on tight.
• Leave the bones in vinegar in the school lab for about 3 days.
• Have students drain the vinegar out, gently wiping down the bone.

Experiment Results:

Students will notice that the bone has a rubber-like texture to it, being extremely malleable when touched. This is because the vinegar's acidic content was able to break down calcium over time, thus resulting in baring the bone's tissue. That is why it is important to make sure the body gets sufficient calcium to keep bones brittle-free and strong.

Kids will be drawn to such experiments if you dedicate a time of the week during school hours to expose them to such interesting practical classes. Have them try similar experiments at home with help from their parents, and have them bring to class their feedback about what they learned from the experiment.