This experiment requires direct adult supervision. Use a quart-sized bottle and a cork. Place 1/2 cup each of water and vinegar in the bottle. Place 1 tsp. baking soda in a paper towel, and twist the ends so the baking soda remains intact. Place the paper towel in the bottle, place the cork in the neck, and watch the cork fly off the bottle! Be sure to use eye protective equipment and point the cork away from people or animals.
Gather milk, a clear bowl, food coloring and dish detergent. Pour 1/2 cup of milk into the bowl. Allow the five year old to add food coloring drops. The adult will add drops of dish detergent to the center of the food coloring drops. Together, watch the colors scatter and spread!
Make slime with 1/4 cup glue, 3 quarts water, 2 tsp. borax and food coloring. Mix all the ingredients together and allow the five year old to use her hands to combine the recipe. The result will be a fun, flexible and slimy creation, easily stored in an air-tight container. The five year old will have fun not only making the creation but also playing with it.
Two tall glasses, vegetable oil, water and two ice cubes are necessary for this experiment. Fill one glass with vegetable oil and the other with water. Place an ice cube in each glass, and determine which one sinks. Talk to the five year old about why each ice cube sinks or floats, and determine a theory together regarding the differences between oil and water.