Science fair projects provide students with an excellent way to explore their scientific interests while honing critical thinking skills. Check out these awesome science fair projects which encourage students to connect their hobbies to real-world issues such as food waste, energy efficiency or animal behavior.
Learn the process of plasmolysis in red onions through this straightforward chemistry experiment. Watch water beads rise and fall in different solutions as you learn about buoyancy.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes occur when parts of Earth’s outermost crust, known as its “crust”, move. The most dangerous ones tend to happen along plate boundaries where two plates collide or pass each other by.
Put light to the test on plant growth with this intriguing 8th grade science fair project! Try different types of lights and observe their effects over time to discover which types perform the best in terms of plant development.
Transform an easy 8th grade science fair project idea into an incredible physics demonstration with this fun 8th grade science fair project idea. Tinker with your basic root beer recipe to produce swirling rings which demonstrate air vortex formation – this project is sure to delight kids! One of our favourite science projects that kids will enjoy doing!
Egg Drop Challenge
Egg Drop Challenge is an engaging way for students to consider how potential energy transforms to kinetic energy, with them required to build containers that protect a raw egg from being dropped from different heights.
This project can be as straightforward or involved as desired depending on the ages and levels of students involved. Younger students could explore cushioning an egg with materials, using a parachute to reduce drop speed, or creating a teleidoscope (see below) to explore how different shapes affect its speed and force of droppage.
As soon as your students complete their project, encourage them to reflect upon their design processes and understand why some designs did or didn’t work; you could also use this time as an opportunity to discuss engineering principles such as air resistance.
Engineering
Engineering science fair projects are always popular at science fairs; whether you want to create an edible STEM challenge or add an exciting twist on a classic egg drop project. Engineering science fair projects combine creativity, engineering and physics for unforgettable discoveries!
Students use a simple pendulum to demonstrate Hooke’s law by comparing different lengths of string. Furthermore, this engaging 8th grade science experiment utilizes water beads to demonstrate isotonic, hypertonic and hypotonic solutions.
Plant your favorite flowers in various types of soil and observe their growth – this makes an easy science fair idea that’s great for kids! Students could even test whether listening to music while studying improves memory retention compared to studying silently.
Catapults
Catapults (such as the trebuchet or catapult ) provide an engaging way of discovering projectile motion and trajectory. Experiment with various aiming techniques and launch angles to discover how projectile mass affects its flight path.
This experiment can be beneficial for students of any age group; preschool students in particular will find this particularly effective. Older children can use this experience to practice taking measurements and analyzing data – for instance marking on the ground or table where each catapult lands can allow them to compare distances later – an essential step toward learning geometry or other essential math topics.
Light Maze
Students will discover how to reflect light using flashlights and mirrors during this STEM challenge, before applying their knowledge in a maze maze challenge where they must bounce a beam of light past an obstacle.
With this cool 8th grade science experiment, kids can demonstrate that plants really do seek the light with this fun experiment! Build a plant maze so your potted plant can navigate its way around it!
Students should attempt to demonstrate this by creating a structure capable of holding two cups of water within an allotted time limit – this timed engineering challenge will test their engineering knowledge!
Paper Cup Structure
This simple yet enjoyable science experiment helps students learn about gravity and weight distribution using paper cups, string and a hanger to build an imbalanced structure.
Discover how water and sand differ in density with this fun science project for 8th grade students. Students will discover that paper cups filled with both elements absorb more impact than empty ones.
Diagrams for this design appear as both a cup and hat in Richard Rothe’s 1923 publications ‘Falten und Formen mit Papier’ in Vienna and Leipzig and Tom Tit’s (real name Arthur Good) 1924 publication of ‘Jouxjoux en Papier’ from Paris.