Fight summer boredom with science to go!

“I’m bored.”

If you have kids, you know you’re going to hear this phrase at least a few times, if not more, this summer. Before you resort to letting your little ones park themselves in front of a screen every time they can’t think of something to do, why not stack the deck in favor of creative fun?

A science box is one way to do that.

Start with a kid-friendly science book, like this one, or this one. Scan the various experiments and make a list of all the supplies needed to carry them out. (Feel free to skip adding supplies to your list for experiments with which you are not comfortable. I’ll let you judge which ones those are.) Your list will most likely include things like baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, food coloring and other things that are sure to make a mess.

Don’t worry about the mess. Just go with me on this.

Once you’ve gotten your book and gathered your supplies, put them in a sturdy tote with a secure lid. You wan that lid secure because you’re going to keep this tote outside all summer and you don’t want all of your science supplies getting wet if we happen have one of those rare summer storms.

Then, when you hear those old familiar words, “I’m bored,” direct your kiddos outside to the science box and let them go to town. When they choose a fun experiment to try, all the ingredients should be within hand’s reach. And the best part? Any mess stays outside. Clever, no?

Older kids can self-direct their experimentation, but younger kids will probably need a little help and guidance. Encourage really bored kids to attempt every experiment in the book for a fun summertime challenge.

Make sure to replenish items that are used up so the science fun can last all summer.