Playing with test tubes as loose parts is a fun way for kids to bump up against STEM exploration and play. They offer a chance to hone small muscle, visual tracking, and hand-eye coordination skills as well as learn about fluid dynamics, colors, chemical reactions, measurement, volume, and more. Also, they come in super-handy when you’re pretending to be a potion-mixing wizard, fairy, or mad scientist.

Sourcing Tubes

Test tubes are probably scarce at your local Target, but you can find a wide variety of them online. I recommend the ones early learning science guy, Steve Spangler, sells. They are actually baby 2 liter soda bottles. They’re super durable and the perfect size for kids. I’ve used them for years. Here’s a link to a six-pack set with a stand, and here’s a link to a 30-pack set (affiliate links).

Consider Glass Test tubes

Plastic test tubes are great. They can be sent out to play with kids of all ages. But I’d also recommend that, if you’re brave of heart, you consider using glass tubes (another affiliate link) with older kids when they can be appropriately supervised. Playing and experimenting with the glass versions has all the benefits of the plastic ones, plus they provide a chance for kids to practice being careful, feel trusted and grownup, and feel powerful.

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