Forces of Nature: Physics Experiments for Kids

A balloon and a bit of static charge are all you need for this fun physics trick. We show kids how rubbing a balloon on their hair can create enough static electricity to attract and lift their hair.

This student is learning about Pascal's law by using a hydraulic press. He's discovering how a small amount of force applied to the syringe can be multiplied to easily crush a ball.

Why do some things float and others sink? This young scientist is demonstrating the concept of density by showing how a lemon sinks in plain water but floats in salt water.

Which car will be the fastest? These boys are learning about friction by racing cars down ramps with different surfaces, from smooth plastic to bumpy bubble wrap, and predicting the outcome.

Have you ever seen a windsock at an airport? After learning the theory in class, this student built his own and is testing it out, learning how we measure wind direction and speed.

This 4-year-old is explaining how the barometer he made works. He understands that changes in air pressure, caused by weather, will make the straw indicator move up for sunny and down for rainy.

Exploring the invisible power of magnetism! This student is using a strong magnet to pull paper clips right through a solid surface, learning about magnetic fields and attraction.

How strong is a magnetic field? This student is carefully building a bridge with magnetic blocks, testing how many coins can be suspended in mid-air by the force of the magnets.

This young physicist is testing the limits of his magnetic structure. These experiments encourage critical thinking, patience, and a deeper understanding of magnetic forces.