superhero science experiments for preschoolers

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Superhero Science Experiments

July 21, 2021 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

If you’ve got a child who loves superheroes, you’ll really love these easy superhero science activities ! Each works brilliantly on its own, or several could be used for a special superhero science day !

You can also find these activities in my Playful Science series, which is full of simple, play-based science for kids!

Easy superhero science experiments for kids

Superhero spinners.

These superhero-themed spinners are a simple twist on our classic paper spinners . Once you’ve made them using the template, experiment with smaller and larger versions to find out how the speed of the spinner falling changes.

Make a superhero float

The idea behind this activity is that children choose from a selection of materials to find some that can help make a toy superhero float . We used bubble wrap and an old pool noodle, but you can be as creative as you want.

What’s the best material for a superhero cape?

Design, make and test superhero capes created from different materials. This is a lovely, creative science investigation that works well as an outdoor activity too.

Diving Superhero

Make a superhero dive by turning him into a cartesian diver !

Send a superhero into space

Send a superhero into space ( or high into the air, at least ) with a superhero film canister rocket !

Remember to stand back as these shoot up with a bang!

Trap a superhero

Trap a superhero in oobleck ! Oobleck is made from cornflour and water. It’s super easy to make and feels deliciously icky!

Make Ice like Elsa

It’s frost rather than ice, but this frost on a can still looks super cool!

Make a Robo Arm

A robo arm is a great STEM challenge for older children or a fun family project to do with younger kids.

We made ours Spiderman themed!

Rescue a Superhero

Investigate to find the fastest way to rescue a superhero from a block of ice.

Warm water and salt are good things to try, or you could just leave the ice in a warm place to melt.

Another idea is to find a way to keep the superhero frozen…maybe in the fridge or wrapped in bubble wrap or other insulating material.

More superhero science experiment ideas

Warm up Elsa with these melting Elsa hands from Happy Hooligans, or try this instant ice from Raising Lifelong Learners.

Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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3 Superhero Science Activities

Updated: Apr 28, 2022

Who doesn't love a superhero? I have always been particularly fond of superheroes. My long journey from 70's D.C. Comics Super Friends to today's Marvel's The Avengers has always made me say "That was so cool! How did they do that ?" Let's look 3 very different superheroes to see what we can learn from their amazing powers.

1. Does Whatever a Spider Can!

Supplies needed: a penny, straw, string, crayons, scissors, 2 small magnets, plastic spoon or craft stick.

One of the coolest things about Spider-Man is that he can walk up walls. We know he was bitten by a radioactive spider but is it really possible for someone to walk up walls? Kind of, but it's something instead of someone . Spiders do, in fact, climb up walls. Scientists have discovered that spiders can stick to almost any surface. Many spiders do this by secreting a little bit of sticky silk onto their feet as they move across the surface, anchoring their feet in place. We can't climb up walls but we can experiment with adhesion . Adhesion happens when different molecules want to stick to each other. We will also experiment with the power of magnets to make Spidey move.

Penny on your head: You can stick a penny to your head using the superpower of science! Remember we said that adhesion is the attraction between unlike molecules? Well, the molecules on your head and in the penny are different enough that they can stick to each other - just a little bit!

Breathe on a penny a few times and then press on forehead for a few seconds. Pennies should stick!

How does it work? When you breathe on the penny it gets a thin coat of moisture

that acts a bit sticky - think of how you may moisten your finger to turn a page. So now the molecules on your head and the molecules in the penny are attracted to each other and slightly “stick” to one another.

Spider-Man Flyer

Now we'll look at another kind of attraction -this time the attraction is magnetic. Some magnets can be very powerful. Some cranes use magnets to pick up huge objects like cars. Some magnets are not so powerful, and may be used just to stick the 100% on a spelling test to the fridge.

Experiment with your 2 magnets. You should find that magnets do 3 things:

Magnets can attract each other.

Magnets can repel each other.

Magnets can stick to other metals.

Let's try this:

Cut out and color Spider-Man template (below). There's two copies in case you need an extra. If you don't have a printer you can always draw one!

Cut 1" of straw and tape to his back. Also tape a magnet to his back.

Slide several feet of string through the straw. Tape each end down to a table or chair and see if you can get Spiderman to "crawl" down the string by pulling him along with a second magnet.

Tape your second magnet to a craft stick or a plastic spoon.

SpiderMan found here: SPIDER-MAN TEMPLATE

Key Terms: cohesion, attraction, repel

2. Elastigirl

Supplies needed: ruler, objects to stretch (elastics, stretchy toys, anything you want to measure to see if it stretches, really), glue, cup, borax, water, spoon, food coloring (optional).

Who is Elastigirl ? Elastigirl is Helen Parr. She is one of the Incredibles and is married to the superhero Mr. Incredible and mother to superhero children Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack. Elastigirl’s superpower is the ability to stretch into any shape she can imagine. Not only can she stretch but she can also bounce back into shape. Let's talk about that ability: elasticity.

Before we can know if something has elasticity we need to know what it looked like before it was stretched. We can take measurements before and after stretching something to find out how elastic it is or how close to the original shape it returns. Collect your items to stretch. Try some things you think may stretch (elastics, plastic bag, "sticky" toys, fabric), and some you think that won't (blocks, pencils, LEGOs).

This is easier with more than one person, so one person can stretch and the other measure.

Line up your objects to be tested. You may want to get some paper to measure them all and see where you started if you'd like to collect data. You can even take a picture of them. Predict which will stretch farthest.

Record the length of all your items before stretching stretching.

With a partner, stretch (carefully) as far as they can without breaking.

Record the length of your items when stretched.

Were your predictions right? What kinds of materials stretch best?

Stretchy Slime

ADULT SUPERVISION REQUIRED

Polymers can be very elastic. A polymer is a chemical compound formed from long chains of the same molecule group, repeating over and over. Polymers are stretchable, pliable, and flexible. Let's make a stretchy slime like Elastigirl.

To a small cup or bowl add 1/2 cup of white glue

Stir in 1/2 cup of water.

Add 2 drops of food coloring (optional). Stir.

When we add the next chemical called sodium borate, it will force the molecules in the mixture to rearrange and stick together.

Dissolve 1 tsp borax into 1 cup warm water.

Add the borax solution 1 tsp at a time and stir.

Remove putty from cup and squeeze out excess liquid. If the putty remains sticky, add a bit more of the sodium borate solution to wash off.

Play with them for a few minutes. The more you play with it, the better it works!

Now measure how stretchy your putty is! Does it shrink back after you leave it in one place for a while?

Key terms: elasticity, polymer, measurement

3. The Flash

Supplies needed: ruler, straws, scissors, plastic wrap, cup, salt

What do you know about The Flash? He’s really fast! The Flash is the fastest man on Earth! The Flash’s greatest power is his amazing speed, but we’ll also look at his amazing ability to vibrate through solid objects!

Reaction Time

What is a reaction time? It is the time it takes your body to react to a stimulus. We’d assume that The Flash would have a tremendously fast reaction time since he is the fastest person on Earth. The good news for regular humans is that by practicing a task, you can improve your reaction time. Try this experiment with a partner.

Partner 1 hold the ruler at head level with your arm stretched out. Make sure the ruler is vertical. Holding the ruler with your thumb and index finger at the end with the highest measurement. Zero should face the ground.

Ask partner 2 to catch the ruler with their fingers when you drop it.

Partner 2 should put their thumb and index finger at the bottom of the ruler, slightly open. They should not be touching the ruler.

Drop the ruler. Write down the measurement on the ruler where your friend's thumb caught it.

Try this a few times to see if you get better.

Now switch the holder and the catcher.

What do you think The Flash’s reaction time would be?

Good Vibrations

Another of the Flash’s powers is his ability to vibrate so quickly that his molecules move allowing him to pass through solid objects. But what are vibrations? We can hear sounds as objects vibrate. The vibrations travel through the air in the form of a wave. You can hear a sound as long as your ear is in range of those vibrations. Sound (vibrations) can travel through solids, liquids or gases.

Sound is caused by vibrations. We can now also try to make our own straw flute that will vibrate and produce sound.

Cut straw as shown. First, flatten out one end of the straw, and then cut off two pieces to make a point.

Take the cut end and put it in your mouth. Give it a blow. It should make a kazoo type sound.

What happens if you add on another straw to the end or if you cut your straw shorter? Experiment with straws of different lengths to produce different sounds.

Salt shakin’

Tightly wrap the top of a cup with plastic wrap

Sprinkle a little salt on top of the wrap.

Hum loudly, clap or use your straw kazoo and watch what happens (being careful not to blow on the salt).

The salt should begin to jump on the plastic as the sound vibrations begin vibrating the plastic wrap.

Key terms: reaction time, vibration, sound wave

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Superhero Science Activities: Test Your Powers!

My boys love superheroes and I love doing science experiments with the kids so superhero science activities are a match made in heaven. For previous activity time, I've harnessed the boys' ( especially my youngest son, who is obsessed with superheroes ) interest to lure them into creative comic art projects, or a superhero coding and handwriting activity and now science!

After your children have finished lounging around with their favorite comic books or one of these terrific superhero picture books , keep their wheels turning with these science experiments inspired by their favorite heroic characters. (Note: This post contains affiliate links that earn commission from qualifying purchases.)

Wonder Woman

( Let's start with the best superhero, shall we? ) While I would love to engage my boys in a project based on Wonder Woman's powers of telepathy, I'm afraid I'm going to have to steer clear of supernatural experiments. She does have that awesome Lasso of Truth, and you can remind your kids that science is the pursuit of truth !

An inquiry to my husband revealed the information that Wonder Woman flies on air currents so clearly kids should  make an anemometer to help Wonder Woman measure air speed!

Or, if you are feeling ambitious, demonstrate currents with this colorful convection current experiment .

Here's where kids learn about volcanos. Just kidding. Duh. They learn about water.

• Make an ocean in a bottle.
• Do a leak proof bag experiment
• Preschoolers love a simple sink and float science activity (be sure to include action figures!)
• Have water drop races !

Magnets are powerful! They are great for so many superhero science activities. ( Reminder: parental supervision is required when playing with magnets and kids who put stuff in their mouths should not play with magnets. They are very dangerous if swallowed. )

• My kids have gotten so much mileage out of our magnet wand -- the ultimate superhero tool!
• Create your own metal men out of a DIY magnet building set
• Make a magnet busy jar . If you use water instead of rice, both Aquaman and Iron Man will have to work together!
• Make magnetic slime
• Create electromagnetic dancers . You could design a cape, instead of a skirt to make superheros!

Oh the gadgets!

• What better way to learn about gadgets than to take some apart? Gather common household items like flashlights and small radios and give your kid a screwdriver ! Take a trip to the thrift shop to purchase cheap items for this purpose.
• A pulley is the funnest gadget ever . We set up a simple pulley in the window and it was surprisingly fun!
• Another idea would be to give your kids a DIY invention box so they can tinker and come up with their own creations.

Would your kids like to be able to control the weather just like Storm? Maybe they can....

• Make superhero lightning !
• Make fog in a bottle
• Make it rain !
• Make a cloud in a jar

Little kids can make a weather wheel to track where Storm is active!

Superman is the ultimate superhero. Flight! Super strength! Speed! We will save speed for The Flash.

Do your kids know there is an element named krypton? Introduce them to the periodic table. Ambitious and musical kids can learn this periodic table song !

Try this strength science experiment .

Kids can make all manner of things that fly, for example:

• Indoor boomerangs
• Paper airplanes (be sure to design landing strips !)
• Flying tea rocket
• Air rockets 

While your kids may not be able to violate the laws of physics, they will be able to make things go super fast!

• Zoom balls  (Oooh! Also, leave one undecorated to be Wonder Woman's invisible jet!)
• Balloon rockets
• Set up a ramp and see how tilting it makes a marble or ball roll faster and faster.

Since I don't recommend playing around with radioactivity, it's got to be all about the spiders.

• Foaming spider sensory play .
• Sticky spider web ball game .
• Turn one of these climbing critters into a spider.

Mr. Fantastic

Explore the power of super stretchiness.

• Make superhero slime .
• Make glow in the dark slime .
• Experiment with how far we can stretch things .

Whew! That should keep you and your kids busy. So, did I leave your child's favorite superhero off this list?

READ BOOKS ABOUT SUPERHEROES:

• Superhero girl books for all kids! - ages 6-14
• Early chapter books starring superheroes - ages 6-10
• Superhero picture books - ages 3-12

Reader Interactions

March 18, 2015 at 6:53 am

Great post! Science is everywhere, and incorporating it into kid's interests is a great approach to get them hooked and teach them that as long as they are curious, there is something to be learned. Thanks for sharing!

Erica MomandKiddo says

March 19, 2015 at 8:22 am

I agree, using their interests is a great hook for a new topic to explore.

May 22, 2017 at 9:20 pm

Thanks for these awesome ideas. I mentioned them on my blog for our superhero homeschool week: https://www.hunnyimhomediy.com/for-the-kids/kool-aid-slime/

Vonda Etter says

January 03, 2018 at 12:03 pm

Fantastic ideas! You are the Wonder Woman!

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Superhero STEM Activities for Kids

Is there anything more inspiring than your favorite superhero? I think not! This set of learning activities will get your kiddos excited about all things superhero STEM. Add these activities to your favorite list of superhero STEM activities for kids !

My little lady is a huge superhero fan. We have had epic battles in the backyard and lots of inviting learning activities all around our favorite superheroes. No doubt these activities will get your little creators excited about their next learning activity!

Superhero STEAM Challenges

There are so many cool ways to incorporate you kids favorite characters into learning. Our favorite superhero STEM activities start with these Superhero STEAM Challenge Cards. Kids can grow kryptonite crystals, build an Arc Reactor or Gotham City, or test their superhero speed. To have the free printable cards emailed to you, simply fill out the form below.

FREE! SUPERHERO STEAM CHALLENGE CARDS

Awesome Superhero STEM Activities

Superheroes are pretty amazing and super motivating for your creative kids. Use these themed activities to learn more about science, math, coding, and more!

Lego Rubber Band Car Superhero STEM Activity – Batman is a classic superhero who always seems to have the coolest vehicles! Create your own rubber band powered vehicle with your trusty Lego bricks and help Batman save the day.

Superhero Lighting Bolt – Storm is one of my favorite superheroes. She is courageous and has the ability to create lightning! Your kids can create their own lighting bolt with just a couple simple materials. I love that I have all the materials in my creator stash and am so excited to share this with the neighbor kids!

Math Skip Counting To 1,000 – Practicing skip counting has never been this much fun! Anytime you can make math more enticing for kids it’s a win. Create simple superhero themed clothes pins for a fun way to practice the important math skill of skip counting.

Superhero Stomp Rockets – Nothing says superpowers like something taking flight. Have fun with this engineering build that’s a sneak peek into our STEAM Explorers Superhero Ebook . We used this rig with scouts and had tons of fun.

Big Hero 6 Engineering Challenge – Have you seen Big Hero 6? I love how creativity, innovation, and standing up for your ideas is encouraged in the movie. Practice all these amazing skills with this fun take on the classic egg drop experiment.

What Makes Ice Melt Fastest? – Rider is a new superhero for the younger generation. Sometimes he gets into some tough situations and needs your help! This simple science experiment is a great way to study what make ice melt

Superhero Computer Coding Game Without a Computer – What? Coding without a computer. I’m in! Use your favorite superhero figurines for a simple coding game with bricks and tape. I can’t believe how easy it is to make this DIY coding game for kids!

A Secret Code Activity for Kids – Make your next math practice ZOOM with this super simple decoding activity. Tasks like multiplication drills are brought to life with some of your favorite superheroes. All you need is a secret to decode and your trusty sidekick to make learning fun!

More Superhero STEM Kids Activities

Batman Science: Escape from Ice Mountain! – If you have little scientists at home, this is the perfect experiment for them. Kids love saving their superhero friends from the bad guys. Freeze your favorite superhero and give your kids the tools to help him escape ice mountain.

Superhero Slime – You know we are big fans of awesome slime recipes ! Create your own superhero slime in jut two minutes with materials you already have at home. I love the addition of superhero erasers! Your kids are going to love this one!

Batman vs. Superman Lego Math Games – Batman and Superman have been rivals for as long as I can remember. This is a great spin on a classic good guy competition. Use number cards like Uno and your Duplo bricks to teach the concept of grater than and less than to little learners.

A Magnetic Superhero STEM Challenge for Kids – Spiderman never disappoints! Now your child’s favorite web slinger will use magnets to move trains to safety. All you need are some magnets and a couple figures from your toy box.

Want a Superhero Activity Plan Ready to Go?

Love superheroes? Make activity planning easy with a made-for-you activity pack! Inside the STEAM Explorers Superheroes Ebook , we're exploring STEAM with superpowers, gadgets, epic battles, and super stories. The ebook is packed with easy-to-follow instructions, real science, technology, engineering, art, and math learning, and everything else you need to make STEAM a success with your kids. And as always, it's packed with printables to make your days even easier, too. 

Kids will love creating their own comic book, showing off their light-up superpower ring, blasting rockets, making Gotham art, and so much more.

And don’t forget to grab your Superhero STEAM Challenge Cards!!

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Get a FREE! rainbow-inspired STEAM activity ebook filled with hands-on projects, printables, and recipes.

Simply fill out the form below to have this  48-page resource emailed to you! It’s a $25 value!

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20 Superhero Preschool Activities: Crafts, Games, And Experiments

September 30, 2023 //  by  Katherine Monsen

Need some superhero activities for your youngsters? Here are 20 crafts, experiments, and other activities that will fit in with any preschool-themed classroom or birthday party. Kids will get to feel like they are soaring through the air, with disguises that they create themselves, while they save their favorite heroes from danger.

1. Superhero Straw Shooters

What a cute idea. Just take a picture of each child and have them color in the cape. Then add the picture of them and attach it to the straw so they can have some superhero fun. See who can blow theirs the furthest, or turn it into a race.

Learn More:  Team Cartwright

2. Mix and Match Puzzles

Print, cut, and laminate. Easy setup for you and tons of fun for them. Kids can put them together to create their favorite superheroes or mix them up to make their own creations. It is perfect for a center activity too.

Learn More:  Schooltime Snippets

3. Superhero Yoga

A yoga series that will make those kiddos feel like superheroes. They'll be flying through the air in no time. Plus, yoga is great for young kids to practice and this is a fun way to introduce it. I wish that I had learned it at a younger age.

Learn More:  Kids Yoga Stories

4. Superhero Cuff

Cuffs seem to be a part of many superhero costumes, so naturally, kids will love this craft. Simply take some empty toilet paper or paper towel tubes, decorate them, and cut them so they can be worn by your little superheroes. The possibilities are endless, depending on what craft supplies you have on hand.

Learn More:  No Time For Flashcards

5. Icy Superhero Rescue

Here's a great activity for kids to cool off with on a hot day. Freeze their favorite superheroes and give them tools that will help them rescue their toys. It will make them feel like superheroes too when they pull their toys out of the ice. Set the scene by telling them that they need to help since Penguin froze everyone.

Learn More:  Little Bins For Little Hands

6. What Makes Ice Melt the Fastest?

This awesome superhero activity is similar to the last one but gives a list of ways to try to melt the ice. It also gives questions to ask that will help young scientists learn about experimentation. Break out those goggles and gloves to make them feel more like scientists too.

Learn More:  Raising Little Superheroes

7. Superhero Magnet Experiment

Preschoolers will have fun with superheroes and explore magnetism with this activity. There's not much setup required, but it will definitely get them wondering how magnets can make things move without them even touching. Attach magnets to their toys and let them play. Then you can ask questions to get them thinking about the power of magnets.

Learn More:  Innovation Kids Lab

8. Build a Superhero

Learn shapes and how they can make other things. You can use either paper shapes and glue them on them or use pattern blocks to create these superheroes. It's a great way to develop fine motor skills as well.

Learn More:  Sandbox Academy

9. Paperbag Superhero

A superhero craft that allows kids to create their own costumes. Once they color and glue all the pieces down and it dries, they can fly around and save the world! They would also make for a cute bulletin board.

Learn More:  Glued To My Crafts Blog

10. Egg Carton Goggles

Another important element of a superhero costume is goggles. Plus reusing those egg cartons is great too! Kids paint them whatever color matches their theme and they can select what color pipe cleaners to add, so they are even more personalized.

Learn More:  Our Kid Things

11. Superhero Gravity Experiment

Glue pieces of straw on the backs of some superhero figurines and slide them onto strings. Kids will think that they are just making their characters fly, but they'll also learn how gravity impacts objects. After letting them play for a little while, ask them why they think that the figurines don't stay in place.

Learn More:  Teaching Ideas

12. Superhero Masks

Every superhero needs to protect their identity, and what better way than with a mask? Print out these templates and the kids do the rest. Some of them mimic their favorite superheroes, while others let them have a little more creative license.

Learn More:  Itsy Bitsy Fun

13. Playdough Superhero Mats

This motor activity is sure to please. Kids get to use play-doh and recreate their favorite heroes' logos. Some require more patience than others, however only using 2-3 colors makes things easier. Play-doh is usually a good choice for preschoolers.

Learn More:  Homeschool Giveaways

14. Spider Web Painting

Painting activities are always a crowd pleaser. All you need are cut-up cardboard boxes or butcher paper and some painter's tape. Then kids can paint them with whatever colors they choose. Take the tape off before they dry completely to get the full effect.

Learn More:  Busy Toddler

15. Hulk Bears

This superhero activity will seem like magic to preschoolers. They'll love watching the gummy bears grow while they absorb whatever liquid they are placed in. It can be a fun party activity too!

Learn More:  Let's Go Live Science

16. Superhero Bracelets

If you're looking for a fun way to practice motor skills, then get out those beads and string. Kids can either follow the given ones, or they can make one that matches their invented superhero.

Learn More:  Activity Mom

17. Superhero Popsicle Sticks

Here is a cute and quick-to-assemble superhero craft. It can be used as a letter recognition activity as well. Kids will be zooming around in no time with these little cuties.

Learn More:  Premeditated Leftovers

18. Captain America Shield

Legos, paint, and paper plates are all you need to make a fun take on Captain America's shield. It also helps with motor skills and is tons of fun. I would also use the idea for kids to make their own shields. They fit in perfectly with any superhero theme event for kids.

Learn More:  Toddler Approved

19. All About Me

Let those little superheroes tell all about themselves with these printouts. Most preschool classes take the time to create some sort of All About Me posters and if you have a superhero theme in your classroom, these will fit in perfectly.

Learn More:  Speech Room Style

20. Super S

While meant to be a letter learning activity, it also makes for a cute superhero craft activity as well. It calls for using various materials that kids will love making. You can also use the same idea if you are not working on the letter S when you want to do this activity.

Learn More:  Learning And Teaching With Preschool

Hands-On Superhero Gravity for Kids

I teach a lot of science at school to young kids. They love learning about the world around them and gaining an understanding of how things work. I love finding ways to teach young children about big scientific concepts in a way that makes sense to them. Today our topic is gravity for kids!

I wanted to find some gravity experiments for kids that were science based, but also engaging. The children that I teach love talking about superheroes and had even been learning about them in class.

So, for science, I decided to mix our gravity lesson with their interest in superheroes. I used different superhero figures to show everyone a bit about gravity for kids!

There are only a few simple materials that you need for this gravity experiment. A link to purchase the materials is included at the bottom of this post.

• Small Superhero Figures
• Plastic Straws
• String/Yarn/Fishing Line

I prepared the materials ahead of time because I needed to use hot glue.

Cut each straw to be roughly an inch, or a few centimeters.

I then put a line of glue on the superheroes back and stuck the straw down and made sure that it was secure. (As pictured)

Next, I threaded string through the straw. The string you use needs to be quite long, depending how far you want your superhero to fly. I made enough so that I could give each pair of children a superhero with a string attached.

I also kept one superhero for myself to use later for my gravity for kids demonstration. The string on my superhero was really long!

Once your materials are ready, you can start the experiment with children.

Gravity for Kids Experiment Steps

I like making experiments as hands-on as possible with kids. I find when children are given the opportunity to explore the materials and test them out on their own, they are more likely to remember and learn from the activity.

Start by pairing children up and giving each pair a superhero figure that is attached to a string. The string that I used for the children was only a few meters long.

I started by giving each pair a superhero figure that was attached to a string.  Originally I used yarn (as pictured).  However, I later changed it and used fishing line.  There is less friction with the fishing line and the superhero ‘flew’ better.

In pairs I had each child hold one end of the string and move apart from each other so that the string was tight.  They both started holding the string up as high as they could. One child then moved their end of the string down to the ground.

Children quickly noticed that their superhero would ‘fly’ when one end of the string was lifted higher than the other.

I then introduced the word gravity. Children noticed that their superhero would always slide down towards the ground.

They were encouraged to move the string up or down in an attempt to make their figure move, or ‘fly’. 

I gave children some time to explore and experiment with their superheroes and trying to make them fly.

Whole Group Gravity for Kids Experiment

After partners experimented with their superhero, we then took did the experiment together.

Take one end of the long string that your superhero is attached to and move to a higher place. I climbed our playground equipment as children watched from below.

To add to the height, I tied one end of my string to a long stick so that I could lift the superhero even higher above my head.

As I stood at a higher point, I had a child at the bottom with the other end of the long string.

Based on their own experimenting with the string and superheroes, children all thought of a hypothesis for what they thought was going to happen when I let go of my superhero.

I used the stick to help easily raise the string to an even higher point. I then let go!

Because of gravity, the superhero “flew” down towards the children at the bottom. He glided from a higher, to lower point.

I then asked my volunteer at the bottom, holding the string, to send my superhero back up top to me. Despite several attempts, we all concluded that it was gravity that pulled our superhero down, but it would not help send it up.

This experiment serves as an easy introduction to gravity for young kids and a great way to get outside!

Gravity for Kids Extension Ideas

My students really enjoyed this activity and having a small superhero “fly” over them. I wanted to continue this enthusiasm and interest so there are a few extension activities you can try.

One thing that can make a difference with this experiment is the string or yarn you use. Thick, fuzzy yarn may cause a lot of friction and make your superhero not slide very well. You can compare yarn, wool, string and fishing line an any other material you have available to see which works best to help your superhero slide.

Testing out different strings could also teach kids about friction and the fact that although everything is pulled to the ground because of gravity different materials can play a role in the speed.

If you try out different strings you can also have some fun with it by racing the different superheroes. This way children will learn about gravity, but also friction. And the best part is, they will have fun as they are learning.

Although I did this experiment in a school setting, you can easily do it inside or outside at home. As long as one end of the string is higher children will clearly see that the superhero will slide down towards the ground, but never up.

That’s the basic idea that young children need to understand about gravity.

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Innovation Kids Lab

Empowering Curious Kids

A Magnetic Superhero STEM Challenge for Kids

Faster than a speeding bullet…More powerful than a locomotive…

Combine the power of magnets with the fun of superheroes in this easy STEM activity for kids or as I like to say, STEAM challenge for kids.

Superheroes are a big thing in our house right now.  Maybe you can relate?

I knew this creative STEAM challenge to explore and play with magnets would peak Lil B’s (6 years old) and M-Woww’s ( 4 years old) interest.

STEAM challenges help your child:

• develop critical and creative thinking skills
• provide opportunities to problem-solve
• give time to develop and foster essential skills for your child’s future success

This activity encourages your child to explore the force of magnets while problem-solving with creative play. Read our entire tutorial below.

IMPORTANT SAFETY TIP: Be sure to use big size magnets and use adult supervision for any child that may put objects in their mouth. Magnets can do a lot of harm if swallowed.

SUPERHERO STEM CHALLENGE FOR KIDS:

Can your superhero move a locomotive without touching it.

Materials: Superhero, 2 Strong Magnets, Tape, Magnetic Train, Blocks, Additional Small toy figures (optional)

Step 1: Layout your materials inviting your child to explore and experiment with the materials.

Be sure to include the two big magnets so your child can experiment with how the magnets attract and push away from each other.

Step 2:  Give your child time to explore how to make the train move without touching it.

At first, Lil B tried to blow the train to make it move (probably because we made Lego Wind race cars not too long ago).

Once he saw the two magnets together, he then picked them up and started to use the magnets.

Prompt your child with open-ended questions to explore how the magnets can attract or resist each other.

Step 3:  Attach a magnet to your superhero with tape and try to move the train without touching it.

Additional STEM Challenges

How fast can you move your train to its final destination?

Can you move the train uphill?

Can you move the train around obstacles?

What other objects can your superhero move with a magnet?

The Science Behind It: 

Creative Play Extension:

We set up an obstacle course for the train which included villains, dinosaurs and the “good people” our superhero was trying to rescue. The STEM challenge extended into an afternoon of creative play.

This post is part of the 28 Days of Hands-On STEM hosted on Left Brain Craft Brain.

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The Science of Superheroes

Why superheroes.

Kids love superheroes! Since the “Golden Age” of comic books (the late 1930s - 1950s) children of all ages have been fascinated by superheroes and super villains, spending countless hours reading comic books, and watching their favorite superheroes on television and in theaters. But, what makes a good superhero? Like any fictional character, good heroes are grounded in and connected to the real world around us. By making connections between the “superpowers” of these superheroes with actual, real-world scientific principles and concepts, children can learn about complex concepts in a fun, exciting and relatable way. For example, understanding the physics of Spiderman's web-slinging or the meteorology behind Storm’s powers can spark a child's interest in these fields. We call this “superhero science.” This approach not only enhances their scientific knowledge but also cultivates critical thinking skills as they unravel the plausibility of superhero abilities. The fun element of relating science to superheroes also encourages creativity, inspiring children to imagine how scientific breakthroughs can create a 'super' future. In essence, superhero science brings STEM concepts to life, making them both exciting, relatable and memorable.

 WEAVING IN THE SCIENCE

 superhero science at home, magnetism (inspired by magneto):, light r efraction (inspired by the fantastic 4’s invisible woman):, resources for further exploration, our superhero science class .

Our expert instructors, aka Professors, guide learners, igniting a spark of scientific curiosity while nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. And the best part? Your children will be having so much fun, they won't even realize how much they're learning! We can't wait for your child to join our superhero-inspired educational journey. Signing up is a breeze - simply head over to our website or give us a call. We offer both camp and after-school class options, all designed to accommodate your busy schedules. Don't let your child miss out on this remarkable journey where science meets superheroes - Enroll with Professor Egghead Science Academy today!

fun Zoom Class for Kids

by proegghead | February 1, 2021 | Blog , STEM Education | 0 Comments