Back-to-School Science Experiments – Fun, Easy, Budget-Friendly Evaporation Labs

Looking for easy, budget-friendly back-to-school science experiments? Try these evaporation labs! After learning about scientific methods, kids investigate four testable questions. Activities require only a few simple materials: water, salt, plastic cups and containers, and a graduated cylinder.

Open the preview to take a closer look at the fun science resources.

1. Teach kids how to design a science experiment. A sample lab and suggested discussion points are included.

• Ask a question.
• Hypothesize.
• Design a fair test.
• Record results.
• Draw conclusions.

Four key features of a fair test are emphasized: compare, control, measure, replicate.

2. Conduct four simple evaporation labs. You can tackle the questions one at a time or assign them to different groups simultaneously.

• Which will evaporate more quickly, water in a dark or sunny place?
• Which will evaporate more quickly, water in a wide or narrow container?
• Which will evaporate more quickly, water in a windy or still place?
• Which will evaporate more quickly, fresh water or salt water?

Two templates are provided for each lab. The one-page format focuses on steps in the scientific method. The two-page version also asks kids to list independent and controlled variables, measurement tools, and replication, as well as record data in tables.

3. As an extension, kids generate their own questions, design and conduct fair tests. An article on gravity and air pressure may be used for ideas – or students may come up with their own experiments. Blank one- and two-page templates can be used for any lab.

Three reference guides provide support.

• What Is an Experiment? - Compare, control, measure, and replicate to conduct a fair test.
• Experiment Vocabulary – Kids learn synonyms and definitions for fair test, independent variable, controlled variables, and dependent variables.
• Measurement – The chart explains tools used to measure length, volume, mass, and time.

An additional anchor chart lists steps of the scientific method.

Files include comprehensive teaching materials:

• 3 pages of lesson plans
• 6 reference guides
• Sample lab for modeling (2 versions)
• 4 evaporation experiment templates (2 versions)
• Blank templates for any lab (2 versions)
• Follow-up questions for any lab

Your third, fourth, or fifth grade students will love it – and you will too!

• These fun and easy experiments make the perfect back-to-school projects.
• Kids love hands-on learning and working in groups.
• Additionally, an example and guided labs scaffold kids to independent science projects.
• Activities address the intent of your standards. For example, they emphasize NGSS science practices, as well as the traditional scientific method.

Enjoy teaching!

Brenda Kovich