Easy Environmental Science Experiments for Homeschoolers


I’m always on the look out for easy science experiment ideas! My requirements are simple. The experiments we complete here need to be easy to prep and even easier to execute. Here’s a few simple science experiments to do with your family this spring.

Easy Environmental Science Experiments for Homeschoolers

Find out what’s in your water

Test the pH level of your water. This is so simple to do and it’s an experiment the whole family will find interesting!

All you need is an inexpensive water test kit and a few different types of water samples. Use the test strips or drops from your kit to check the pH level in your water samples. Compare tap water, a few different brands of bottled water, and water from a filtered jug.

  • How do the samples compare?
  • Is all that bottled water you’re buying really necessary?
  • What is pH in water and why should we care?

I love this science experiment because it’s something we all find interesting and it’s easy to prepare.

Under the microscope: If you have a microscope at home take it one step further and “dissect” the filter from your water pitcher to see what’s inside!

Perform a DIY home energy audit

This is a great way to see how energy is being used (or wasted) in your home. Check your appliances, seals on windows and doors, and switch old light bulbs out with energy efficient bulbs. Take it one step further and hire a professional to come out and do an inspection. You’ll likely receive a print out with results to use for your research.

Commit to conserve

After completing your home energy audit, make changes around the house to conserve energy. Commit as a family to keep each other accountable and chart your results over the next two months.

What can you do around the house?

  • Switch to energy efficient bulbs.
  • Add weather stripping to windows and doors.
  • Turn off lights when you leave a room.
  • Cut down on shower time.
  • Unplug appliances and electronics you’re when not using them.

Plant a lemon tree

I love planting these! Mainly because you can make lemonade first (yum!), but also because you get pretty quick results. It only takes about three weeks for a lemon seed to sprout. Homemade lemonade, anybody? Yes, please!

Science-y things to do with your lemon trees:

  • Chart how long it takes for your seeds to germinate.
  • Place them in varying light sources and compare the results.
  • Use different types of soil. Does this have any affect on their growth?
  • Research how planting a tree helps the environment.
  • Study photosynthesis

TIP: Your lemon trees will make excellent Christmas gifts come winter!

Eat vegan for one month

This would be challenging, but oh so interesting! Turn a journey to healthier eating into a science experiment. Have some routine blood work done before and after your month of healthier eating and see how the numbers compare.

  • Study how the food choices we make affect the environment?
  • What do you think the results of your blood work will show?

Under the microscope: Look at lettuce under the microscope. It’s pretty cool!

Adrienne Bolton

About the author

Homeschooling for twelve years and everyone's still alive. One grad down, one to go! Proof you CAN get your kids to college from the couch. Sharing homeschool truth, humor, and encouragement.

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LaraM

We absolutely love nature study in our home, however as soon as the cold weather hits it seems to get a lot harder to keep it up. The kids (OK, usually I) don’t love being out in the fierce cold for too long.  It also seems like there is just nothing to study in the winter because so much of it goes away in the colder months of the year. Nature does still live on through the winter, though! You just have to get a little more creative in how you look at it. Today I want to share with you 10 ways to study nature in the winter so you can stay motivated through the coldest months.

Karyn Tripp

Pumpkins, cooler weather, crunchy leaves…Autumn is such a fun and exciting time of the year. Now that the heat of Summer has subsided and you’re settling into a normal, daily homeschool routine, it’s the perfect time to add in something new. Hopefully this list of Autumn STEM activities will get you and your family excited!

Bethany Lake

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