Fun science projects using packaging supplies

Jan 25th, 2023

DIY

5 Easy Science Projects for Students & Kids Using Packaging Supplies

DIY science projects can be a great source of fun and learning for your little Einsteins.

If you’re looking for some out-of-the-box science projects for kids, we’ve rounded up a handful of experiments featuring everyday packaging supplies you probably already have at home.

DIY Spectroscope

DIY spectroscope made of cardboard

Image Credit: Exploratorium.edu

First things first…what in the world is a spectroscope?!

A spectroscope is a device that analyzes an object's light spectrum by dissecting its many wavelengths, which we see as the rainbow's various hues.

Spectroscope Materials

Ready to make your own rainbow? To recreate this easy DIY version, you’ll need:

  • A cardboard roll (we recommend a paper towel roll or empty mailing tube)
  • Utility knife
  • An old CD
  • A small piece of cardboard
  • Pencil
  • Tape
  • Add a little extra fun to this project by painting your spectroscope. If you’re going to decorate it, complete that step first and let it dry.

    ⚠️WARNING: Do not look directly at the sun through your spectroscope, as this could permanently damage your eyes.

    Spectroscope Experiment Questions

    To make sure your little scientist understands spectroscopy, ask them some questions while they use it, like:

  • What do you notice when you use the spectroscope?
  • Did any colors appear lighter or darker on each indoor light source?
  • Solar Ovens

    DIY cardboard solar oven

    Image Credit: Flickr

    Is it a little toasty in your neck of the woods? Take advantage of the heat with a fun experiment, courtesy of your new cardboard solar oven!

    Solar Oven Materials

    We love this fun science project from NASA that harnesses the power of the sun to make desserts. To start, all you need are:

  • Shallow corrugated boxes (pizza boxes work nicely!)
  • Tin foil
  • Black construction paper
  • Plastic wrap
  • Tape
  • Glue
  • Scissors and/or a utility knife
  • One wooden skewer
  • How to Use Your Cardboard Solar Oven

    Once you assemble the oven, add your s'mores and watch them melt. Science experiments don’t get any more delicious (or eco-friendly) than that!

    While the majority of this project is safe for kids, we recommend adults help with the creation of the oven door since it requires sharp scissors or a utility knife.

    Solar Oven Experiment Questions

    While your s’mores are baking, keep your kids interested in their experiment with some questions and facts about solar energy, like:

    1. Why do we use black construction paper instead of other colors?
    2. How do the aluminum foil and plastic wrap help melt the s’mores?

    There are a ton of kid-friendly solar energy resources available if you want to pack in a little reading time while the chocolate melts!

    Cardboard Boat

    DIY cardboard boat

    Image Credit: Flickr

    Give little sailors an introduction to physics with this fun, interactive experiment in the splash zone!

    You can create smaller cardboard boats for action figure passengers or go all-out and create a usable cardboard kayak like BernardoTech.

    ![cardboard boat.jpeg](http://images.supplyfront.io/cms-uploads/cardboard_boat_d64882b269.jpeg)

    Cardboard Boat Experiment Objectives

    Whichever size boat you decide to create, this project will have kids working on a variety of skills, including:

  • Math skills: Learning scale, measuring pieces, etc.
  • Science skills: Learning about buoyancy, how materials react when wet
  • Team building skills: Working as a group to create a boat will help kids improve communication and delegation skills
  • While discovering a way to keep the boat buoyant will score you an A+, get a little extra credit by naming your vessel.

    ⚠️WARNING: If you are creating a large-scale cardboard boat, only take it into the water with an adult present. Avoid large bodies of water.

    Starch Packing Peanut Towers

    starch packing peanut towers

    Image Credit: Raising Global Kidizens

    We’ve talked about more sustainable void-fill options before, and compostable packing peanuts are a great, eco-friendly option because they dissolve in water.

    However, these environmentally friendly packing peanuts also make a great science experiment! Challenge your family to a contest to see who can build the tallest, free-standing tower of packing peanuts that can hold a quarter on the top.

    Packing Peanut Tower Materials

    Not only is this experiment easy to clean (thanks, dissolving peanuts!), but it only requires five materials.

  • 30 compostable packing peanuts (per person)
  • A piece of corrugated cardboard to use as a base
  • Ruler
  • Quarter
  • Water
  • How to Make a Packing Peanut Tower

    To build your tower, figure out the structural design you will use. Then, run a bit of water on your finger to make the packing peanut sticky, and start building!

    Packing Peanut Tower Experiment Questions

    Prior to building the towers, ask your kids to prepare by researching different tall towers researching different tall towers. Some good questions to ask are:

  • What structural similarities do the towers share?
  • What are the differences between the towers?
  • Cardboard Newton’s Balloon Car

    cardboard newton's balloon car

    Image Credit: SC ProLab

    Accelerate your little one’s love of science with this DIY cardboard car experiment that takes 30 minutes to make!

    Cardboard Balloon Car Materials

    What makes this experiment even better? You can create this DIY car with materials you probably have lying around the house.

  • Cardboard box
  • Balloons
  • Plastic straws
  • Wooden skewers
  • Plastic bottle lids
  • Tape
  • Glue
  • Balloon Car Experiment Objectives

    These DIY cardboard cars function as more than just a toy. They help your kids learn about Newton’s Third Law of Motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

    When the air is released from the balloon, it pushes the air in a single direction. The air then will push back on the balloon, causing the car to roll in the opposite direction.

    Get Crafty with Packaging Supplies

    These science projects for kids using packaging supplies are a great way to maximize fun while helping kids learn the fundamentals of science.

    When it comes to providing the best wholesale packaging products for your business, there’s no experiment needed. Trinity Packaging Supply offers packaging’s largest catalog, with 80,000+ standard and custom packaging supplies available at the best prices and quickest lead times.

    Contact us today at (856) 520-8332 or drop us a message to discover how we can take your business to the next level.