Science fairs give students an invaluable opportunity to discover natural phenomena while testing their research abilities – possibly inspiring the next generation of scientists!
Try these fun science experiments designed for 4th graders! They’re easy to conduct and require few supplies – one of them might just spark their interest in STEM-related careers!
1. Catch and Release Cockroaches
Children at this age begin to understand quantitative data, so projects with an eye toward reporting results are an ideal way to foster STEM learning. One such project could include using an olfactometer experiment which evaluates cockroaches’ food preferences.
Watch as their eyes light up when presented with these exciting hands-on experiments covering physics, biology, engineering and chemistry!
2. Make a Sundial
Science fair projects provide children with an engaging introduction to STEM subjects while sparking their imaginations and unleashing creativity. These fun experiments explore various areas of science such as chemistry, biology, engineering and more.
Try this captivating science experiment that looks like magic but actually teaches students all about gravity and inertia – with only common household items needed! It will surprise and impress!
3. Make a SPF Sunscreen
Sunscreens are essential products, yet forming them can be challenging. This science fair project gives students the opportunity to see first-hand how it is accomplished.
Water has high surface tension, which draws molecules together tightly and causes them to adhere securely, but when soap is added the surface tension breaks and molecules begin moving apart from each other – creating an incredible science experiment!
4. Build a Sundial
Kids will delight in learning to track time through this hands-on science project! Perfect for 4th grade science studies, this engaging hands-on activity helps children understand how the sun and Earth move over time.
Milk plastic may seem like an innovative discovery, but its history dates back centuries. Milk plastic provides young scientists with a wonderful way to investigate heat and acid.
5. Make a Sundial with Chocolate Chips
If your kid loved the movie Wonder, one great science fair project idea could be to construct their very own sundial. Doing this provides an interactive learning opportunity about sunlight, shadows, and light refraction.
Other fun experiments for kids to try include layering liquids with a glowy density tower, making paper airplanes and growing epsom salt crystals overnight!
6. Make a SPF Sunscreen
Science fair experiments offer more creative freedom and interesting projects compared to classroom experiments.
Check if Sharpie markers really are permanent, apply Boyle’s Law to soda cans, or create a model seismic sensor out of Jell-O for fascinating 4th grade science fair projects! Just make sure that all experiments meet the rules of your particular science fair!
7. Build a Sundial with String of Beads
Nothing entices kids more towards science than engaging with hands-on experiments. These fun projects explore physics, biology, engineering and chemistry for maximum engagement!
Milk plastic may seem like a modern development, but this time-tested experiment teaches young scientists the art of producing casein plastic from milk proteins. Furthermore, this project showcases both heat power and chemical reactions between acids and bases in action.
8. Make a Marble Tower
Preparing a science fair project gives children the perfect opportunity to apply the scientific method in an interactive manner. From experiments in chemistry, biology and physics – to making model structures using construction paper or craft materials – making a science fair project will give children of all ages a wonderful hands-on learning experience!
Help children grasp the concept of energy with this simple yet entertaining experiment! It will get kids excited about their projects and presentations!
9. Make a Newton’s Second Law Demo
Exploring science through experiments is one of the best ways to get kids interested in this subject matter. These hands-on projects cover everything from biology and engineering to chemistry.
Assert that Newton’s second law states: acceleration depends upon both force and mass of an object. Use a string of beads to illustrate this principle.
Enjoy watching your kids create crystals using this straightforward experiment! Not only will they learn about light refraction, but this experience will also teach them about crystal growth!
10. Make a Model Seismometer
Hands-on experiments can get kids truly engaged with science. Through such projects, children can explore physics, biology, engineering and chemistry – subjects which they often struggle to learn at school.
Make a model seismograph to demonstrate how earthquakes are recorded. By shaking the table, a marker will draw wiggle-wiggle lines on paper resembling real earthquake traces! Children will love this fun and easy experiment! Also check out this rainbow liquid density tower experiment to show how adding items affects density.