Combining science and nutrition is one of the best ways to get kids excited about healthy habits. When they can see how food works, they’re more likely to continue that curiosity, leading to better and healthier choices in the future. At inspireU, we believe hands-on learning is the key to discovery. Here are five simple, kid-friendly science experiments that teach kids the basics of nutrition and health.
Apple Browning Experiment
The apple browning experiment teaches oxidation and how vitamin C protects our food and our bodies from damage. Before you start, discuss what happens when you cut or bite into an apple and leave it out. Why do you think it turns brown, and what can prevent it from doing so?
What You’ll Need:
- 1 apple (cut into quarters)
- Lemon juice
- Vinegar
- Pineapple juice
- 3 cotton balls
- Clear cups or bowls
Instructions
- Set one quarter of the apple off to the side. This slice will be your control for this experiment.
- Measure out a small amount of each liquid (lemon juice, vinegar, pineapple juice) into separate bowls or cups.
- Dip a cotton ball into one of the liquids and dab the juice all over the surface of one of the apple slices. Repeat with the other juices and slices.
- Set all four slices, each covered with a different liquid, on a plate and let them sit out for a day.
This experiment shows us that, just like with apples, vitamin C can protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, such as UV radiation. This protection is crucial for preventing cellular damage and reducing the risk of chronic disease.
Digestion Simulation
The digestion simulation shows us the basic steps of digestion and why it’s important to chew our food and eat fiber.
What You’ll Need:
- Crackers
- 1 Banana
- Vinegar
- Water
- 2 Zip-lock bags
Instructions
- Have your child mash the cracker a bit to represent chewing
- Add the mashed crackers, a little bit of vinegar, and some water to a zip-lock bag.
- Repeat this with the banana, vinegar, and water.
- Seal the bags and gently mash the contents to simulate digestion!
Kids can watch how food breaks down in the stomach thanks to liquid, stomach acid, and motion! Chewing starts the process, and the stomach finishes the job. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have fiber, which helps the food move through the digestive system more easily.
Milk & Vinegar Experiment
This experiment helps explain how acid changes proteins and is a simple example of how cheese is made.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of warm milk
- 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar
- Spoon
- Paper towel or coffee filter
Instructions
- Stir the vinegar into the warm milk.
- Watch as curds and lumps form almost immediately.
- Strain the mixture through a paper towel or coffee filter to separate the liquid from the solids.
Proteins help build muscles, repair tissues, and keep us strong. The experiment shows how the protein in milk reacts to acid, just like how our stomach breaks down protein so we can use it for energy.
Healthy Plate Match-Up
This experiment introduces the five food groups and how to build a nutritious plate.
What You’ll Need:
- Printable or paper plate divided into sections (fruits, veggies, grains, protein, and dairy)
- Cut-out images or plastic models of different foods
- Markers (optional)
Instructions
- Give each child a plate or a printable and a mix of food items.
- Let them sort and place foods into the correct sections.
- Discuss why each group is important and how to balance a meal.
A healthy plate includes a little bit of everything! This hands-on activity builds food group awareness and encourages kids to create meals that include a variety of nutrients. Each group gives us something different: energy, strong bones, healthy muscles, and a happy tummy!
Sugar Dissolving Experiment
This experiment shows how much sugar is in some of our favorite drinks, and why some drinks aren’t the best choice to have all the time.
What You’ll Need:
- Small cups of different liquids (water, juice, soda, sports drinks, etc)
- Sugar cubes
- Spoons for stirring
- Stopwatch or timer
Instructions
- Drop sugar cubes into each drink one at a time and stir.
- Time how long it takes for each cube to dissolve.
- Count how many cubes each drink can dissolve before it becomes saturated.
Drinks with more sugar already in them won’t dissolve as many sugar cubes. Many drinks, like soda and juice, contain more sugar than we realize. Too much sugar can affect our teeth, energy, and long-term health. This is a great visual demonstration of “hidden” sugar!
Learn More About Nutrition at inspireU!
Want to keep the learning going? Visit inspireU this summer and explore nutrition through play! Kids can stock up on healthy choices at our grocery store, pick fresh produce in the farmer’s market, dig into where food comes from on the farm, and make smart meal decisions in our cafe. Through hands-on fun, children learn how food fuels their bodies—and how to make choices that keep them growing strong.
