For children aged 3 to 7, curiosity, hands-on ability, and active thinking are at their peak.

Parents should avoid stifling their natural inquisitiveness and instead create a free, nurturing space for them to explore, encouraging them to ask questions and solve problems.

The goal is to cultivate their interests, nurture their perseverance, and focus on developing their divergent thinking. Here, we share 5 simple home experiments to help children develop these critical skills, so parents, let's dive in and embark on this exciting journey with your little ones.

Experiment 1: Bouncing Bubbles

Materials: Water, detergent, glue, straws, gloves

Steps:

- Prepare a mixture of water and detergent in a 3:1 ratio.

- Dip a straw into the solution and make bubbles, which are fragile and prone to popping.

- Mix glue and the solution in a 1:2 ratio, then dip a straw and make bubbles.

- Touch the bubbles with gloves, and you'll find that they not only resist bursting but also bounce when touched.

Decryption:

Adding glue to the solution reduces water evaporation, strengthening the bubble's film and enabling it to bounce on your hand.

Experiment 2: Growing Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate Crystals

Materials: Anhydrous copper sulfate, distilled water

Equipment: Triangular funnel, beaker, filter paper, glass rod

Steps:

- Create a saturated copper sulfate solution.

- Filter the solution.

- Allow the solution to stand in a well-lit but shaded area.

- After 2-3 days, if you see crystals forming at the bottom of the beaker, the experiment is successful.

- Take out some perfect-looking crystals, drain them, and prepare for the next step.

- Repeat step 1, make a saturated solution, gently place the crystals in the solution, let them grow, and remove them when ready.

Experiment 3: Making Invisible Ink

Ingredients: Baking soda, paper, water, electric bulb (light source), paintbrush, measuring cup, purple grape juice (optional)

Steps:

- Mix equal parts water and baking soda.

- Use a cotton swab, toothpick, or paintbrush to write a message on a piece of white paper with the baking soda solution.

- Let the ink dry.

- To reveal the message, gently heat the paper close to a light bulb or iron it. The baking soda will turn the writing brown.

- Alternatively, you can apply purple grape juice to the paper, which will change color in response to the pH change when it reacts with the baking soda, revealing the hidden message.

These experiments are not only a fun way to engage children but also an excellent means of nurturing their inquisitive minds and divergent thinking. Encourage your young ones to ask questions, explore, and marvel at the wonders of science, all within the comfort of your home.

Experiment 4: Magic Rainbow Milk

Ingredients: Milk, food coloring, dish soap, cotton swab

Steps:

- Pour milk into a shallow dish.

- Add drops of various food colors on the surface.

- Dip a cotton swab in dish soap, then touch the milk's surface.

- Watch as the colors burst into vibrant patterns. This simple experiment demonstrates the interplay of surface tension and chemistry.

Experiment 5: Dancing Raisins

Ingredients: Clear soda, raisins

Steps:

- Fill a glass with clear soda.

- Drop raisins into the glass.

Observe as the raisins dance, moving up and down. This showcases the effects of carbonation.