Science Magic Tricks for Kids

1. Mix a small pinch of salt and pepper together on a plate.
2. Rub the balloon or comb quickly against a wool sweater or your hair for about 15 seconds to build up static charge.
3. Hold the charged balloon just above the mixture, not touching it.
4. The lighter pepper flecks will jump up and cling to the balloon, leaving the heavier salt behind.

Why it works: static electricity attracts light objects more easily than heavy ones, so the pepper “magically” separates itself.

1. Hold the egg lengthwise in the center of your palm, with your fingers wrapped evenly around it.
2. Squeeze evenly with your whole hand rather than pressing with just your fingertips.
3. Because the egg's curved shape spreads out the force evenly across the whole shell, it is much stronger than it looks.
4. Let a friend try it for themselves — as long as they squeeze evenly in the center, the egg should hold.

Safety note: do this one over a sink or with a towel underneath, and never squeeze from one small point or with rings on — that concentrates the force and can crack the shell.

1. Fill the glass completely full of water, right to the very brim.
2. Place the card flat on top, fully covering the opening.
3. Press your palm flat against the card and quickly flip the glass upside down over the sink.
4. Slowly take your hand away from the card — air pressure holds the card in place and the water stays inside.

Safety note: always practice this one over a sink, with an adult nearby, before trying it anywhere else — it takes a couple of tries to get a full seal.