So my 7yo wants to "do science" this weekend and last time that meant baking soda and vinegar EVERYWHERE. I'm looking for stuff that's actually educational but I don't need to be finding sodium bicarbonate in the cabinet hinges for six months. What are your go-to experiments that don't leave a mess? Bonus points if they don't require 47 specialty ingredients.
Those elephant toothpaste reactions are pretty cool but yeah they explode everywhere. Do it in a baking pan outside and suddenly it's contained enough to be manageable.
Honestly what if you just get her ingredients and let her be the scientist? Like here's vinegar, baking soda, salt, water, food coloring and see what she discovers. More open ended and she feels like a real scientist not just following steps.
Slime is the move. You can make it in a bowl with glue and borax and it keeps them entertained for like an hour. Minimal cleanup if you do it over a tray.
Crystal growing is actually sick and way less messy. You get those kits that grow crystals in a jar over a few days. My 7yo checks it constantly like it's the coolest thing ever.
The baking soda volcano incident. Yeah every parent knows this one. Maybe try something with actual containment like a plastic bin? Or do it outside if weather permits.
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Get a cheap aquarium and do a water cycle experiment with clear cups and plastic wrap. Teaches actual concepts and doesn't require constant supervision to keep your kitchen from becoming a disaster.