What would happen if I used shampoo soap in our dishwasher? Chicago STEM Camp Kids want to know...

How to Get Kids Excited about Science Summer Camps in Chicago?

Summer break is approaching, and there are so many choices. As parents, we want to give our kids the best opportunities to explore professional careers in medicine, engineering, science, and the arts, so STEAM camps make a lot of sense for Summer Camps in Chicago.

Do we have to wait until high school to help kids master Chemistry? .

The short answer is No. Chemistry is just simply understanding the relationship between materials, by understanding their properties. Even toddlers do chemistry, and in our Summer Camps in Chicago and Seattle STEM Camp, we are preparing kids for the future.

Chemistry doesn’t always make a mess, it cleans them too! Some things mix and some things don’t. Soap is a surfactant that helps things mix and it is the superhero that helps us clean. Ironically, there are literally over 1,000 types of soap, each that has its own features from thickness to order and grease fighting ability. In this camp, we explored the results and outcomes of hands-on science, by mixing and creating our own unique soaps, designed to meet the needs of rugged kids everywhere! Soap is a chemistry innovation for everyone!

In inspiring kids to think about how chemistry is used in our daily activities, our students investigated:

• the key purpose of soap, and how surfactants like soap allow otherwise immiscible liquids like oils and water to mix

• why one soap solution (laundry detergent) does not work as a hand soap, because they have very different properties

• why both hand sanitizer and soap kill germs, but only one of them actually has the power to clean and separate things from the surfaces of our skin

• how the selection of different ingredients can drastically modify the features of any liquid or bar soap

We love hands-on science, design, and innovation at Kids Science Labs and encourage every member of our community to take advantage of your member benefits, including discounts on future parties and camps, exclusive content, and becoming part of KSL Academy. Email us at support@kidssciencelabs.com or call at 773-798-2012 for more info!

Science Demonstrations That Make People Go Wow!

Great Places To Go If You're Looking for Science Demonstrations

Science demonstrations are a fantastic way to ignite curiosity and excitement in young learners. Whether they’re making slime or watching a volcano erupt, kids are naturally captivated by science in action. If you’re looking for places that offer engaging and educational science demonstrations, there are plenty of exciting options to explore. Here are five great places where you can experience thrilling science demonstrations with your child.

Science Demonstrations for Elementary Students

Science demonstrations are particularly beneficial for elementary students, as they offer a hands-on way to engage with science concepts. By watching live experiments and demonstrations, children get to see science in action, making scientific concepts more concrete and easier to understand. While watching demonstrations elementary students get the chance to ask their questions and learn more about the science of the world around them. Here are some top places to watch science demonstrations that are perfect for elementary-aged children:

1. Kids Science Labs

At Kids Science Labs, we provide dynamic, hands-on science demonstrations that will captivate your child’s attention and spark their curiosity. From exciting chemistry experiments to thrilling physics demonstrations, our teachers use interactive performances to engage kids in a variety of STEM topics. The majority of our demonstrations occur during our birthday parties, in which we create huge chemical reactions in volcanoes and make elephant toothpaste, oobleck and other things for kids enjoyment. Kids Science Labs focuses on building your child's creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Parents, children, and teachers love our summer camps, STEM Programs, engaging birthday parties, and fun science classes for kids taught by our wonderful teachers in creative learning environments. We offer demos where kids get to participate, asking questions and seeing firsthand how science works. It's a great way for children to learn about the world of science in a fun, immersive environment! 

2. Children’s Museums

Children’s museums often feature science demonstration days where kids can learn through interactive exhibits and live experiments. Many museums have science areas dedicated to showcasing different scientific concepts such as electricity, physics, and biology. These demonstrations are designed to be hands-on, giving kids the opportunity to get involved in the process and ask questions. Many children’s museums also have rotating science shows that highlight specific topics, making each visit a new and exciting experience.

3. Planetariums and Science Centers

Planetariums and science centers are amazing places to experience science demonstrations, particularly if your child is interested in astronomy and space exploration. Many science centers host live demonstrations about the universe, gravity, and light, often accompanied by visual aids like interactive displays and projections. Kids can watch demonstrations that explain complex topics in a way that is engaging and easy to grasp. Planetariums, in particular, often have shows that demonstrate how stars and planets move across the sky.

4. Science Festivals

Science festivals are held all over the country and often feature live science demonstrations that highlight the wonders of chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. These festivals can include everything from rocket launches to experiments involving fire and explosions! Festivals are a great way to expose kids to a variety of scientific topics, and many of these events have hands-on exhibits where children can participate in the experiments themselves. Check your local community calendar for upcoming science festivals near you!

5. Universities and Colleges

Many universities and colleges host public science events, which often include science demonstrations. These events are usually organized by science departments and feature live presentations that explore topics like chemistry, biology, and physics. At these events, university students or faculty members will perform experiments that demonstrate scientific principles in action. Many schools also offer summer camps and family-oriented programs that include science demonstrations, making them a perfect place to learn more about science from a professional perspective.

Science Performances That Could Be Near You 

Science performances are a fun way to experience the magic of science through live demonstrations, skits, and shows that explain scientific principles. If you find yourself searching “science performances near me”, these performances often combine entertainment with education, making learning fun and accessible for kids. Here are a few options to check out:

1. Kids Science Labs

Kids Science Labs offersr engaging science performances that blend fun with learning. Our performances cover a wide range of science topics and are designed to make complex concepts easier for kids to understand. During our camps, in their Seattle, Chicago and North Shore Summer Camp locations, they offer demos for whatever project our students are working on and demonstrations that engage and teach.

You also may want to experience science demonstrations/performances during our birthday parties are particularly a hit because they are put to a larger scale and are a favorite.  Whether it’s a unique yet simple chemistry demo or an exciting physics performance, Kids Science Labs award-winning programs create interactive experiences that encourage kids to ask questions and explore the science behind the experiments. 

2. Local Science Performers

In many communities, local science performers offer interactive shows that bring science to life. These performances often feature engaging experiments, magical science tricks, and even storytelling, where children can learn about scientific principles in a fun and theatrical way. These shows are often held in libraries, community centers, or even schools. Check with your local libraries or schools to see if they have any upcoming performances!

3. IMAX Theater Shows

Many IMAX theaters offer large-scale science performances in the form of 3D movies that explore topics such as space exploration, natural history, or environmental science. These films often feature breathtaking visuals and narrations that explain scientific phenomena in an exciting and immersive way. While not "live" performances, IMAX shows are a great way for kids to see science from a different perspective, making abstract topics more relatable.

4. Science-Themed Puppet Shows

For younger children, science-themed puppet shows are a fantastic way to introduce them to the wonders of science in a playful and entertaining way. These performances often combine storytelling with science experiments, making it fun and engaging for kids to learn about everything from the human body to the laws of physics. Look for local theaters or children's libraries that might host science-themed puppet shows or storytelling events.

5. Science Camps and Workshops

Many science camps and workshops, such as those offered by science centers and museums, include performance-style demonstrations as part of their curriculum. Kids can participate in live experiments and watch performances from educators who explain the science behind their actions. These interactive experiences are a great way to combine hands-on learning with a captivating performance.

Why Is Watching Science Demonstrations Good for Kids?

Watching science demonstrations is an incredibly valuable experience for children, offering numerous educational and developmental benefits. Here’s why:

1. Visual Learning

Science demonstrations help children understand abstract concepts by providing them with visual examples. Watching experiments unfold right before their eyes allows kids to grasp complex ideas like chemical reactions, physics principles, and biological processes in a tangible way. The visual nature of demonstrations makes learning more accessible, especially for younger kids who may struggle with traditional textbooks or written explanations.

2. Encourages Curiosity and Questions

When kids watch science demonstrations, they are naturally curious and often ask questions about what they’re seeing. This curiosity fosters a love for learning and encourages children to think critically about the world around them. Science demonstrations inspire kids to ask "Why?" and "How?", which are fundamental questions that lead to further discovery and exploration.

3. Hands-On Learning

Many science demonstrations are interactive, allowing children to participate or conduct experiments themselves. This hands-on learning reinforces concepts, giving kids a deeper understanding of the science involved. By actively engaging with the demonstration, children are more likely to retain the information and develop a deeper appreciation for the subject matter.

4. Builds Confidence

Watching science demonstrations can inspire kids to conduct their own experiments at home or in the classroom. Seeing science in action helps build their confidence, showing them that science is fun and accessible. When kids realize they can experiment and solve problems on their own, it boosts their self-esteem and encourages a growth mindset.

5. Fosters a Lifelong Interest in Science

Science demonstrations are an exciting way to ignite a lifelong interest in science. By showing kids that science is not only educational but also fun and fascinating, these performances help create a strong foundation for future learning. Children who experience the excitement of live science demonstrations are more likely to pursue an interest in science throughout their academic careers and beyond.

Science demonstrations are a powerful tool for sparking curiosity, engagement, and a love of learning in children. Whether it’s a live performance at Kids Science Labs, like the Smashing Xbox LASERs series. or an interactive science show at a local museum, these experiences make science come alive in exciting ways that kids will never forget!

What are the best ways for your child to spend their summer?

Best Ways for Your Child to Spend Their Summer

As the summer months approach, parents everywhere are thinking about how to keep their kids entertained, engaged, and learning while they’re on break. Summer is a time for kids to explore new interests, develop skills, and create lasting memories. The summer is also a time when parents are looking for things to do with kids in Chicago, Seattle, and other major cities in the U.S. But with so many options available, parents are often left wondering how do you choose the best activities for your child?

The answer is simple: Summer camps that combine fun with learning!

Whether you’re in Seattle or Chicago, we have programs tailored to help your child’s curiosity and creativity thrive this summer. Let’s dive into the best ways for your child to spend their summer, starting with our science summer camps.

At Kids Science Labs, we offer exciting summer camps that focus on STEM education—science, technology, engineering, and math—providing your child with the opportunity to discover the wonders of the world while having a blast.

Science Summer Camps

Summer is the perfect time to dive into science! Kids Science Labs is considered to be a top choice, and they are designed to make learning fun through hands-on experiments, engaging challenges, and exciting projects. If you are looking for science summer camp ideas for elementary students, Kids Science Labs is perfect for that too becuase they invite children ages 4 and up and have activities catered to each age range.

Since 2010, Kids Science Lab camps are all about discovery and hands on learning. Kids explore a range of scientific concepts by conducting experiments, building innovative projects, and solving real-world problems. The goal? To inspire the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and problem-solvers. Our teachers make learning exciting, engaging  and accessible, ensuring your child has a fun, interactive experience that they’ll remember long after summer ends.

With a focus on hands-on activities and interactive learning, our science summer camps help kids:

• Explore chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering in ways that feel like play.

• Build real-world projects like bridges, rockets, and circuits.

• Develop critical thinking skills and confidence through teamwork and problem-solving.

Seattle Summer Programs

For families in Seattle, Kids Science Labs offers the perfect way to make your child's summer both fun and educational. Our Seattle summer programs are designed to help kids discover their passions in science while engaging in exciting projects and experiments. Whether they’re interested in robotics, building structures, or learning about the natural world, there’s something for every curious mind.

Our Seattle summer programs cater to kids of all ages, from elementary school through middle school, ensuring that each child receives the right level of challenge and fun. With a range of flexible schedules, including full-day and half-day options, you can easily find a program that fits your family's summer plans. From hands-on science experiments to team-based projects, our Seattle summer camps provide a perfect balance of learning and fun.

Highlights of our Seattle summer programs include:

• Exploring technology and engineering through robotics and coding challenges.

• Learning about physics and chemistry by creating and testing experiments.

• Hands-on activities that nurture problem-solving skills, creativity, and collaboration.

Other Seattle Summer Programs Include: 

1. Seattle Childrens Theater

2. Wilderness Awareness School

3. Camp Tech Revolution

4. Seattle Parks and Recreation Camps 

Chicago Summer Programs

For families in Chicago, Kids Science Labs offers some of the best STEM camps in the area. If you’re looking for Chicago STEM camps that combine hands-on learning with fun activities, our summer programs are a fantastic choice. With a focus on science, technology, engineering, and math, our Chicago summer programs allow kids to dive deep into the world of STEM, building projects and exploring new concepts every day.

Whether your child is an aspiring scientist, engineer, or tech enthusiast, our Chicago summer camps provide a dynamic, engaging environment that nurtures curiosity and fosters a love of learning. Our camps cover a variety of exciting topics, from chemistry and biology to robotics and programming, all while providing plenty of opportunities for kids to socialize, collaborate, and grow.

Key highlights of our Chicago summer programs include:

• Engaging projects that involve building robots, creating circuits, and designing structures.

• Interactive lessons in chemistry, biology, and physics through hands-on experiments.

• Fun, social environments where kids can make new friends while learning.

Whether you’re looking for a Chicago STEM camp focused on technology and innovation or a program that explores the natural sciences, our summer programs are tailored to meet your child’s interests and help them build new skills.

Other Chicago Summer Programs Include:

1. Chicago Park District Camps 

2. Camp Tech Revolution

3. YMCA Summer Camp

4. Pedal Heads Camp 

At Kids Science Labs, we believe that summer is a time for kids to explore, experiment, and grow. Our science summer camps provide the perfect combination of fun and learning, helping children develop a lifelong love for science and discovery. Whether you’re in Seattle or Chicago, our camps offer the best way for your child to spend their summer—engaged, inspired, and excited about the world of science!

Ready to sign your child up for a summer of fun and learning? Explore our summer camp options in Seattle and Chicago today and reserve your spot before space runs out!

Is there an actual purpose of types of slime, other than making kids laugh?

Making Different Types of Slime is essential experimentation at Kids Science Labs

Slimes are fun, and slime kits even more engaging, but slime has a real function for animals to defend against attack, ridding your body of germs, and even helping make your toast sweet. Jams, sunbutters, and saliva are all types of slimes that are viscous (thick), sticky (cohesive/adhesive) and wet. On this day, our students made slimes that solve a problem, and explored the elements inside those viscous (thick) liquids in our refrigerator that make them so much fun.

Our young scientists in our Seattle Summer Camps explore the hands-on science below

• How to adjust the ratios of elements to change a chemical’s properties using hands-on science

• When a substance is or is not a slime, based a simple three-part test (Is it viscous? Is it sticky? Is it wet?)

• Comparing the relative viscosity (thickness) of any two liquids, using a simple incline plane to compare their speed rolling down a slight hill.

A Slime Kit is often a child’s second science experiment after exploring the textures of food as a toddler

Toddlers often frustrate parents by mixing beans and mashed potatoes instead of just eating these healthy foods, however, its science. Kids are curious and want to know about the textures and makeup of foods, and essentially can start a child’s science adventure into the world of Chemical Reactions. As parents, we don’t think about it often, but boiling eggs are a chemical reaction, as is burning butter and making toast, because we are changing the structure of matter. Rather than shoo kids out of the kitchen, parents can use the moment to teach them about how matter can change…and you don’t need to be a science expert to explore curiosity.

Chemical Reactions can be found everywhere in ChemBusters, one of our most popular Seattle Summer Camp experiences for Kids

If your child is always looking to explore chemistry, check out ChemBusters this summer here and boost your child’s confidence and unlock their curiosity with a Kids Science Labs Summer Camp in Seattle.

Watch the video below for an episode of Science Max for Kids about all types of chemical reactions, including real applications of slime and please don’t forget your Science Kit, which is customized by your child every Wednesday at Kids Science Labs, to enable at home science and create new neuroscience pathways that increase the fun and build real confidence with hands-on science. ….

As members, please take advantage of our KSL Rewards Program that offers benefits to our entire community. Call us at (773-798-2012 or email support@kidssciencelabs.com) and mention “KSL Blog”

• 10% off any new program registration (parties, camps, group events, field trips) after this camp

• Free access to KSL Academy Programs for gifted and enthusiastic young scientists

• Social media raffle for members to win birthday party giveaways at Kids Science Labs

• Exclusive members-only Youtube content that powers kids to outperform in STEM long-term and on NGSS tests in 3rd, 5th, and 7th grade!