Kids want their projects at science fairs to be exciting and mind-boggling; not something dull they found online.
Therefore, we have collected these fascinating science fair projects that are sure to impress.
1. Build a Geodesic Dome
Building a dome structure can be an engaging science project that meets curriculum expectations for structures and mechanisms units of many provincial and state science and math curricula. Dome construction materials can range from Bristol board, corrugated cardboard and plywood.
Geodesic domes, made popular by Buckminster Fuller and their use of triangle structures to form lightweight yet strong structures, have proven extremely efficient and flexible structures for many different uses. From building experimental domes like this one for this experiment to larger installations like Montreal Biosphere for World’s Fairs like 1967 World Expo’s Montreal Biosphere project; their efficient design has allowed their use both small scale like this experiment as well as on larger ones such as World Fair projects like Montreal Biosphere or even Earth Station Zero at NASA!
Begin by using a ruler and compass to draft accurate technical drawings of triangles for use in your dome. Make 30 B-A-B triangles and 10 A-B-A triangles using these drawings before taping or stapling the three triangles together forming your first pentagon.
2. Test the Heat Capture of the Atmosphere
If your students enjoy science and want to participate in their school’s science fair, registering early and becoming acquainted with its rules and regulations would be wise. Doing this would prevent any unpleasant surprises as time progresses.
An effective science fair project should provide answers to questions, explain how something works or solve a problem. Such projects could range from studying how fast basketballs bounce to testing whether music affects plant growth.
Experiments are about discovering something new and being innovative, but some science fair projects may not be permitted by your school’s regulations if they involve predetermined investigations with minimal creative elements. Before choosing an idea, conduct a Google search to see how many other people have already carried it out.
3. Build a Roller Coaster
No matter their preference for roller coasters, kids can learn more about their physics with this fun science project. Simply build a track out of foam pipe insulation and test how much of an initial drop is necessary for the marble to “loop the loop.” It’s an ideal way for students to explore how stored energy (potential energy) becomes motion (kinetic energy).
Engineers are in high demand in the workplace, and this hands-on STEM challenge will give your 7th graders the tools they need to hone their design and engineering abilities. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s 500-year-old self-supporting bridge design, your students will create their own self-supporting model to test how much weight it can support.
Your 7th grade students who possess an interest in fashion may enjoy exploring how natural dyes derived from plants and insects can color various fabrics, followed by creating clothing lines to show how eco-conscious designs could be implemented into everyday life.
4. Build a Temperature Density Experiment
Explore temperature and water density with this engaging experiment. Students will see that different liquids have different densities, which affects their buoyancy (the net upward force caused by weight of material or liquid and density of surrounding medium).
Explain that when heated, molecules move quickly and spread slightly further apart, increasing volume while simultaneously decreasing density. Conversely, cooling causes molecules to slow down and come closer together, increasing density.
Pour 2/3 of room temperature water into a glass jar and combine 4 tablespoons of salt, 2 tablespoons of red food coloring, and 2-3 drops of blue food coloring into it. Slowly pour all three liquids into it one at a time into the jar while watching which floats and which sinks – similar to when ice forms on lakes and rivers and then melts away during spring thaw; more dense cold water sinks while less dense hot water floats to the top of its own weight scales.