Summer Science Bucket List Part 1: Screen Free Summer Fun For Kids

Summer always starts with big plans. More sunshine. More outdoor adventures. And a goal for less screen time. Let's add in some science and STEM fun! 


At Kimberly Scott Science, we aren't afraid when kids say, "I'm bored." Boredom is an opportunity to give kids a spark they can take further. It can feel hard to come up with activities that are fun, meaningful, and expand into explorations that keep them occupied.

That's where this Summer Science Bucket List comes in.


This series is packed with simple, hands-on science activities kids can actually do at home, at camp, in daycare programs, or during summer family time. Most activities use easy-to-find supplies, encourage curiosity, and create memories kids talk about long after summer ends. For older kids, it can lead to independent exploration or deeper investigation with friends.


The Best Part?

Kids won't even realize how much science learning is happening while they play, build, splash, explore, and experiment.


This is Part 1 of the Summer Science Bucket List series, and we're starting with one of my favorites:


Marble Roller Coaster STEM Challenges


🟡Medium Mess 🌧 Rainy Day Friendly and For Hot Days


Kids Explore:

Gravity

Mass

Friction


💓Why Kids Love it:

They get to design, build, and test. It feels more like play. They can build and rebuild all they want.


💕Why Parents and Teachers Love it:

Uses simple supplies that can be used over and over. There are endless ways to build the roller coaster.


Try This:

Can you create a marble roller coaster using insulation tubing that contains one loop? How about a marble roller coaster that travels from the 2nd floor to the first floor?


Materials:

Purchase pipe insulation tubing from the hardware store. Cut each piece lengthwise to make two sections. They are so inexpensive, you won't believe how much tubing you get for $10.00. Gather some marbles, duct tape, and large binder clips. You can modify with other types of tape for attaching tubes. Kids can use chairs, books, blocks, tables, the wall, and more to get creative. 


Want More Marble Roller Coaster ideas?

Check out the different ways you can create marble roller coasters that are great for multiple ages.





Looking for a full activity, head over to our Teachers Pay Teachers store. This is our number one resource and great for summer camps, force and motion units, fun at home, and as an end-of-year activity.



Check out the rest of our summer science bucket list series to get kids moving, exploring, creating, and asking questions about the world around them. Be sure to save this post to find quick activities for every week of summer.



Let's get started!


Go to Part 2

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