Energy

Curious kids have loads of energy, but do they know what energy really is? Explore the various kinds of energy, and learn how to harness it in these activities!

Easy

Popsicle Stick Explosion

A jumble of colorful popsicle sticks exploding into the air. Image from PBS Kids for Parents.

Woven popsicle sticks are a blend of art, math, science and just enough mischief to make the whole premise fascinating. Store up potential energy by weaving the sticks together. When released, the sticks explode up into the air! It’s an engineering feat of awesomeness!

Moderate

Energy Carousel

Horses on a paper version of a carousel. Image from PBS Kids for Parents.

Have you ever ridden on a carousel or merry-go-round at an amusement park? Usually, these types of rides are powered by electricity, but you can make your own carousel toy while exploring some basic energy concepts. Take a spin!

Challenging

Pull Back Cars

The bottom of a toy truck being converted into a pull back car with a plastic coil.

Pull back vehicles use springs to store energy. When the vehicle is released, the energy stored in the spring moves the vehicle forward. Can you make any toy vehicle into a pull-back vehicle?

Advanced

Lemon Batteries

A young girls showing off a lemon wired as a battery.

Batteries consist of two different metals suspended in an acidic solution. Is it possible to use the acid in a lemon to power a light? Try it to find out!