Children thrive when they can do—exploring, tinkering, and experimenting. Science activities in OSHC settings not only engage curious minds but also build teamwork, problem‑solving, and resilience. Best of all, many experiments can be done with everyday materials, keeping costs low while maximising fun.
Affordable Science Activities for OSHC
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Rainbow Flowers
Place white flowers in jars of water with food colouring. Children watch capillary action as petals change colour.
Outcome 4: Children and young people are confident and involved learners—observing change over time builds inquiry skills.
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Balloon Rockets
Tape a straw to a balloon, thread it on a string, and let it race across the room. Teaches propulsion and air pressure.
Outcome 4 & 5: Children and young people are effective communicators—children test propulsion and share predictions.
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Volcano in a Cup
Use baking soda, vinegar, and food colouring for a mini eruption. Great for introducing chemical reactions.
Outcome 4: Children and young people develop a range of skills and processes such as problem-solving, inquiry, and experimentation.
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Shadow Tracing
Take children outside to trace shadows at different times of day. Builds awareness of light, movement, and time.
Outcome 2: Children and young people are connected with and contribute to their world—linking science to natural cycles.
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Sink or Float Challenge
Provide a tub of water and everyday objects. Children predict and test buoyancy.
Outcome 4: Children and young people resource their learning through connecting with natural and processed materials.
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Magnet Hunt
Give children magnets and let them explore which materials attract. Encourages classification and discovery.
Outcome 4: Children and young people transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another.
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DIY Lava Lamp
Mix oil, water, food colouring, and effervescent tablets. Children observe density and chemical reactions.
Outcome 4: Children and young people develop dispositions for learning, such as curiosity and persistence.
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Disassembly Station
With safety checks, let children take apart old appliances or toys to see how they work. Builds engineering curiosity.
Outcomes 4 & 5: Children and young people use technology and tools to investigate and communicate ideas.
Challenging Experiments for OSHC
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Egg Drop Challenge
Children design protective capsules for raw eggs using straws, tape, and cotton balls. Drop from a height and test survival. Teaches engineering design and resilience.
Outcome 4: Children and young people are confident and involved learners—design, test, and redesign builds resilience.
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Solar Oven
Build a solar oven from a pizza box, foil, and plastic wrap. Melt chocolate or toast marshmallows while learning about renewable energy.
Outcome 2: Children are young people are connected with and contribute to their world—exploring renewable energy.
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Water Filtration Experiment
Layer sand, gravel, and charcoal in a bottle to filter dirty water. Sparks discussions about sustainability and clean water access.
Outcome 2: Children and young people become socially responsible and show respect for the environment.
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DIY Hovercraft
Use a CD, balloon, and bottle cap to create a hovercraft. Compare hover distance on different surfaces.
Outcome 4: Children and young people develop a range of skills and processes such as experimentation and problem solving.
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Paper Circuit Cards
Use copper tape, coin batteries, and LEDs to make light‑up cards. Introduces electricity and circuit design.
Outcome 5: Children and young people use information and communication technologies to access information, investigate ideas, and represent their thinking.
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Bottle Rockets
Launch water‑powered rockets with a bike pump. Experiment with different water levels for maximum height.
Outcome 4: Children and young people resource their learning through connecting with materials and tools.
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Bridge Building Challenge
Build bridges from popsicle sticks or spaghetti. Test with increasing loads to explore structural integrity.
Outcome 4: Children and young people develop dispositions for learning,, such as persistence and problem solving.
Tips for Educators
- Keep it simple first: Everyday items often spark the most excitement.
- Encourage prediction: Ask children what they think will happen before the experiment.
- Celebrate mistakes: Remind children that failed experiments are part of real science.
- Document discoveries: Create a “Science Wall” with photos, drawings, or reflections.
- Link to curriculum: Connect activities to STEM outcomes and inquiry‑based learning.
Science in OSHC doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. With curiosity as the driver, even the simplest experiments can ignite wonder. By offering hands‑on opportunities—from rainbow flowers to solar ovens—educators empower children to see themselves as scientists: problem solvers, explorers, and creators of knowledge.
Further Reading
Rainbow Science Experiments Photo Ideas
Creating an Inspiring Science and Nature Area Photo Ideas
Peaceful Potion Recipes for Young Scientists