Best Homeschool Science Experiment Hack

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Do you open the science book and cringe when you discover there is an experiment for the day that includes searching for an empty 2-liter bottle, a dome lid, 3 balloons, and a partridge in a pear tree?

This was me several years ago. I would avoid experiments at all costs. Who has time for that mess experiments when babies need fed, someone is doodling on his math sheet, and reading lessons aren’t done? I knew that avoiding this was not what my kids needed, so I went on a search to find THE thing that would help me. I landed on this- a plastic tote.

This one actually does not have a lid, and I’m almost certain it was given to us. This free, lid-less container has brought so much relief and order to our science experiments. It IS the reason experiments get done in our homeschool.

This is how I turned a tote into saving our science experiments.

1. I made a sign and taped it to the outside of the tote. This is to let everyone know NOT to throw away the treasures inside, and it helped my kids know which tote to grab.
2. I then go through the science curriculum and books we are using for the year and make a quick list of supplies we need. I only list things that are not a usual part of our school or home life. For example, I don’t list colored pencils, pennies, or batteries; instead, I list things like balloons, 2 liter plastic soda bottles, and red jello.
3. As I collect these items, I put them in the tote. This is stored in our basement so it is out of sight, otherwise these items would most likely end up in a craft project. (If you know, you know.)

That’s it. By the time our new school year starts, all of those items needed for science experiments are in one place. We have used this system for years now, and I can honestly say that I don’t cringe at the thought of experiments anymore.

My tote measurements are 23.7 X 15.8 X 12.2 inches. Any size plastic tote will work as long as all of your items will fit. You could purchase one with a lid and store in a closet, or even under a bed. It works best if it can be tucked away some place out of sight. This ensures the supplies do not wonder off before you will need them. Each home’s container will be different. Maybe you always have balloons or maybe you eat red jello every day. I only put in those things that I don’t have on hand on a regular basis.

If you try this, let me know in the comments how it is working for your homeschool.

Happy science experimenting!