How many of these items do you already have? We’ve tried to keep it simple for you by making the majority of the items things most people have within reach (both physically and budget-wise).


This particular shopping list has many different projects on it, so we’ve broken the list into sections based on the projects. For example, the roller coaster activities are all in one area, the weather station in another, etc. You might want to view the videos before gathering your supplies.


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Materials

Materials for Sonic Vibrations Experiments


  • 3 popsicle sticks (tongue depressor size)
  • 2 index cards
  • Scissors, tape, hot glue gun
  • 2 film canisters (or plastic snap-lid M&M containers)
  • Straw
  • Three 7-9” balloons
  • 2 water balloons
  • 3’ string
  • Rubber bands (at least two are ¼” thick)
  • Disposable cup (plastic, foam, or paper)
  • Hexnut (1/4” or smaller)
  • Razor or drill to make holes in the film canister
  • Scissors, tape

Weather Station Project


  • 2 popsicle sticks
  • 1 long strand of hair
  • 1 index card
  • 12” piece of cardboard (scraps are great)
  • 4 foam cups
  • 2 popsicle sticks
  • 1 pencil with built-in eraser on top
  • 2 tacks
  • 1 nickel
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • 7-9” balloon
  • Water glass
  • Straw or wooden skewer
  • Empty water bottle
  • Funnel
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Clay
  • Straw
  • Food coloring
  • Optional: Sunprint Paper and soup can

Magic Tricks


  • Dollar bill
  • 2 small paperclips
  • 6’ of rope
  • 1 rubber band
  • 1 toilet paper tube
  • 1 egg (hard boiled) OR ball that sits on the end of the toilet paper tube without falling in
  • Aluminum pie plate or plastic dish (something not breakable)
  • Broom handle or ruler
  • Shoe with laces
  • Four bracelets (optional)

Materials for Roller Coasters Experiments


  • ¾” foam pipe insulation
  • Masking tape
  • A handful of marbles
  • Chairs and tables

Materials for Clothespin Catapult Project


  • Popsicle sticks
  • Plastic spoon
  • 3 rubber bands
  • Wood clothespin
  • Straw
  • Wood dowel that fits inside the straw
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun

Materials for Mousetrap RaceCar


  • Mousetrap (NOT a rat trap)
  • Foam block or piece of cardboard
  • Four old CDs
  • Thin string or fishing line
  • Wood dowel or long, straight piece from a wire coat hanger (use pliers to straighten it)
  • Straw
  • Two wood skewers (that fit inside straw)
  • Hot glue gun
  • Duct tape
  • Scissors
  • Four caps to water bottles
  • Drill
  • Razor with adult help