Hands-on science
Cheap experiments for your school
20 experiments you can run with everyday materials. Most cost under ₹500 and several are free. Each one has a materials list, clear steps with pictures, and the science behind it.
20 experiments 5 free or almost free 5 themes
Mini solar panel circuit
A small solar panel lights an LED or spins a toy motor. Test it in sun, in shade and at different angles.
Solar cooker
A cardboard box, foil and plastic wrap trap the Sun's heat. Melt chocolate, warm water or cook rice.
Paper or plastic bottle wind turbine
Blades cut from a bottle spin a small DC motor that works as a generator and lights an LED.
Water wheel generator
Spoons or bottle caps on a wheel catch falling water and turn a motor to make electricity.
Lemon or potato battery
Zinc nails and copper wire pushed into lemons make a battery that lights an LED.
Biogas in a bottle
Cow dung and water in a bottle make gas that slowly inflates a balloon. A taste of rural biogas plants.
Solar water heater
Black-painted bottles or pipe in the Sun heat water. Measure the temperature as it rises.
Home energy audit
List the appliances at home, work out the daily units used and find ways to save.
Shadow-tracking solar map
Track shadows on the school roof through the day to find the best place for solar panels.
Solar-powered phone charger
A small panel, a USB booster module and a battery charge a phone, handy where power cuts are common.
Pedal-powered generator
An old bicycle turns a DC motor to light bulbs and shows how much effort electricity takes.
Bicycle dynamo lamp
A cheap bike dynamo lights an LED. A great way to see how a generator works.
Solar water purifier (SODIS)
Clear bottles of water left in the Sun for 6 hours link energy to clean drinking water.
Solar dryer
A box with a black base and mesh tray dries mango slices, chillies or grains. Very useful for farming families.
Thermos and insulation test
Wrap identical cans of hot water in cloth, paper, husk or sawdust and compare how fast they cool.
Smokeless chulha model
Compare fuel use and smoke between a traditional stove and a clay or tin improved stove model.
Saltwater battery
Copper and aluminium strips in salt water light an LED.
Solar-powered fan or toy car
A small panel drives a motor for a fan or a car. Good for class competitions.
Wind speed meter (anemometer)
Paper cups on sticks, counting spins per minute, show whether your school site suits a wind turbine.
Energy-use survey of the school
Count the bulbs, fans and hours used, then work out how much solar the school would need.
No experiments match that filter.
Before you start
- Read the whole experiment through first, then gather everything you need.
- Work in small teams and give each person a job.
- Change one thing at a time, and write every result down.
- Ask a teacher or an adult for anything involving hot water, fire, knives or batteries.