If your students love science, Lego, and Star Wars, they are going to go bananas for the Rescue Han science experiment! Be sure to add this to your list of science activities for preschoolers and kindergarten kids.
Rescue Han Solo is a simple Lego science idea that involves chemical reactions, cause and effect, and more. It’s perfect for curious young children ready to ask questions, experiment, and find answers to their questions.
And kids don’t need to have seen the movies to enjoy this Star Wars science activity. In fact, they can use any small toys they like in place of Han Solo. They’ll still explore the scientific method and engage in some sensory play along the way.
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Related: Star Wars Activities
My son has been very interested in Star Wars for years, ever since his aunt took him to the Jedi Academy. He’s always been into Lego, so imagine his reaction when he discovered Lego Star Wars!
I originally created this Lego Star Wars science experiment for his 7th birthday party. He and his buds absolutely loved it, and we’ve recreated it many (many!) times over the years. I can attest that preschool and elementary aged kids really enjoy it.
The Scientific Method with Lego Star Wars
I keep referring to this as a science experiment rather than a science activity. What’s the difference, you ask? Yes . . . the scientific method!
And yes, even young children can be taught the scientific method. If you want to include it in your Rescue Han science experiment activity like we did, here’s what to do:
- First, ask a question. Perhaps something like, “How do you think we’ll be able to free Han Solo from the carbonite?”
- Then record each hypothesis from the kids.
- Next, it’s time to test.
- While the children are doing the experiment, ask them what they observe. You can record these observations as desired.
- Analyze what’s happened.
- Finally, discuss the data and observations from the Lego Star Wars science fun.
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It sounds super fancy, but it’s really pretty easy to integrate the scientific method into ideas like this one! You can make it as formal or informal as you and the kids prefer.
Rescue Han Science Experiment
Engineer’s friends requested an “activity” for his birthday party, as they love the random experiments we do. As I was striving to come up with something, I remembered Han Solo being encased in carbonite. That, coupled with how much I loved our exploding treasure chests pirate experiment, inspired this science activity.
Rescue Han Solo Science Materials
Here’s what we used for our Star Wars science experiment (I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post):
As I mentioned earlier, though, you don’t just have to use Star Wars themed items. Any small toys you have should be fine, as long as they’re waterproof.
How to Rescue Han Solo with Science
The Rescue Han science experiment is pretty straightforward. To prep it:
- First, mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. You can add Jell-O powder to scent and color the mixture as desired.
- Then pour a small amount of this mixture into the bottom of the ice cube tray.
- Place one Star Wars minifigure into each section.
- Next, cover each toy with more of the baking soda and water mixture.
- Finally, place the ice cube tray into the freezer overnight, or at least for a few hours.
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The first time we did this, we made one tray using the basic mixture and one tray with blue Jell-O added to it. It’s all down to personal preference, but it’s fun with the added scents, in my opinion.
Once the “carbonite” is completely frozen, now comes the science fun! And there’s not much to it:
- Remove the frozen figurines and place them in small containers.
- Use vinegar to save Han Solo and his Star Wars buddies!
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I’ve found the best way to do this with multiple kids is by placing individual frozen minifigs into small containers. Then place those containers in a larger plastic bin (preferably one with short sides so the kids can access everything).
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Then have small bowls of vinegar, spoons, and kid-friendly droppers inside the large bin, too. This way, all the children can access the items they need. And any possible bubbly mess is somewhat contained.
What Happened with Our Rescue Han Science Experiment
Despite the fact that we’ve done a variety of baking soda and vinegar experiments in the past, they never seem to get old! To begin with, I placed one figurine in small glass dishes for each of the boys. They happily spooned vinegar to rescue the Star Wars characters. Once they’d saved all of the Lego figures from the basic white “carbonite”, they moved onto the Jell-O mixture.
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As they rescued more Star Wars characters, they became even more excited about the experiment. This meant we had to move everything into a much larger tub. I probably should have done that to begin with! The boys used the vinegar bottles to pour vinegar over the remaining cubes. Once all of them were melted, they began having fun with the vinegar and baking soda.
There were mini “explosions” from the vinegar bottles as they added more baking soda. They dissolved into giggles when they realized shaking the bottles created funny fizzes. Needless to say, I needed a couple of towels at this point! The Lego Star Wars figures had fun in the “blue swamp” as they battled each other amid volcanic eruptions.
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At this point, we have recreated the Rescue Han science experiment so many times I’ve lost count. It’s always been a hit with the kids, even if they have no idea what Star Wars is!
More Star Wars Day Activities
If the rescue Han Solo science idea was a hit with your kids, here are some more Star Wars ideas to try:
- Star Wars Sensory Bin
- Handprint Yoda Card
- Death Star Art Project
- Star Wars Yoda Shape Craft
- Death Star Crafts and Activities
Be sure to save the Rescue Han science experiment for future reference! If you have a Star Wars Activities Pinterest board, that’s a good place to start.
Fine Motor Lego Alphabet Resource
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Originally published May 2014.
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