Zero waste Science experiments
- Tessa Burr
- Mar 23, 2018
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 23, 2019
As "head of science" at my school, it's part of my responsibility to organize a science week every year. Since attempting zero waste, I was curious to know if I could achieve fun and meaningful science experiments without all the fuss, flash and of course the waste most kids' experiments usually have. A couple minutes into googling science experiments, I was disappointed but not too surprised to find that MOST kid's science experiments had plastic in them- from STRAWS (ugh) to plastic bags, to bottles, and balloons. For such a short lived activity, the waste just isn't worth it to me.
After some thorough searching, I was happy to find some experiments that thankfully were low to zero waste! You'll be happy to hear that kids loved them and they were a hit! A huge shout out to Cool Science Experiments Headquarters who have a ton of low waste experiments. I love their videos and step by step instructions.
This was the biggest show stopper for my kids.All you'll need is string, food coloring, water and a jug.
Paper, pen, glass, water. Simple but effective!
Clear Drinking Glass
Large Clear Bowl
Pitcher
Water
Blue and Yellow Food Coloring
All you need is pepper ( buy fair trade glass container) and dishwashing liquid ( buy in bulk or from a zero waste store. The experiment works with a soap bar too!) I used my last remaining washing up liquid in a plastic bottle so I didn't need to buy specially.
Tall empty clear glass
Water
Cooking Oil
Dish washing liquid
Ruler
6. Mini explosion!
Bicarb (buy in bulk or box) food coloring and vinegar (glass jar or bulk).
Mix the two together and voila! Bubbly reaction that impresses kids!
Below are some experiments I found but haven't tried. They have minimal materials or can be done zero waste if you buy glass containers or items in bulk. Please let me know if you try them and how they go!
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