Science fair projects provide children with an opportunity to understand how science works while teaching them how to follow its methods.
5th grade science fair projects provide valuable opportunities for students to engage with scientific inquiry by selecting a question, conducting library/Internet research, designing an experiment, and drawing conclusions. With careful guidance and mentorship, these projects provide students with meaningful experience of scientific discovery.
Hydrophobic Sand
Students can investigate how water impacts sand with this engaging project idea. Hydrophobic sand, coated with an anti-moisture substance that repels water molecules, doesn’t get wet like regular sand does; however, nonpolar liquids like vegetable oil can still make contact with its surface and form van der Waals interactions similar to what water creates with hydrophobic sand.
Use this simple experiment to demonstrate static electricity by inflating a balloon and touching it with rubbed hair, watching butterflies levitate toward the balloon. As an engaging science fair project, another worthwhile venture might include growing plants under various lighting conditions to compare changes in height, leaf number and other characteristics of plant growth.
Bouncy Balls
Science fair projects require significant commitment from both students and parents alike, and it’s essential that their creativity be combined with educational aspects for an engaging result.
This straightforward chemistry experiment explores polymers – molecules made up of multiple repeating chemical units – by making homemade bouncing balls. The end result provides an enjoyable way to see how altering composition impacts its bounciness and elasticity.
Use common household ingredients and procedures for this experiment that is easy to plan and implement, while encouraging observation and analysis as core components of scientific method. Engage kids by having them try various recipes such as glitter glue or metallic glue before comparing their results.
Water Striders
Water Striders, belonging to the family Gerridae, are insects that inhabit bodies of water like lakes and ponds, effectively skating across their surfaces with ease. Unfortunately, however, their ability to do this requires further investigation so we can understand why they manage it so effortlessly.
The secret behind their successful flight lies in tiny hairs on their legs that repel water molecules while drawing air molecules away, thus keeping the bug aloft. Furthermore, these legs contain little “dents” which create surface tension which keeps the legs suspended in midair.
Recreate this amazing natural phenomenon using wire to form a bug and place it on top of a tray of water. Play around with different variables, watching how your bug responds.
Archimedes’ Screw
Screws are used daily to secure things together, but did you know they can also lift items? An Archimedes screw is a simple machine used for moving liquids up or downhill.
This hands-on experiment is an engaging way for kids to learn about simple machines. Perfect for use at a science fair, homeschool lesson or fun classroom activity! Just ensure your students focus on controlling variables and taking accurate measurements – otherwise this project might not make the cut as a 5th grade science fair project! But nonetheless it provides fifth graders an engaging activity to explore geometry, physics and chemistry!
Digestive System
Your students will experience a magical chemistry experiment as they observe an acid and base react in this classic science demo, designed to demonstrate acid-base reactions. Fifth graders will gain valuable knowledge from this classic science demonstration.
Children will love this interactive human body project that highlights how food travels from their mouth through esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine into the digestive process before coming out the other end as waste material. They’ll also learn all of the parts of a cow’s digestive system which transform grass into nutrients needed by its animals.
Download the Cow Digestion Research Worksheet Packet to make this project even more engaging for children, helping them identify variables for their science fair projects.
Baking Soda Balloon
By fifth grade, students should take more responsibility for their science projects. They are expected to design one they can complete independently or with minimal assistance from parents and teachers.
This classic experiment allows students to learn about chemical reactions using materials found in the kitchen. When baking soda (a base) and vinegar are combined, their reaction releases carbon dioxide gas which inflates a balloon.
Use this activity to introduce kids to the digestive system with a fun hands-on activity that doesn’t involve cooking or cleaning! Plus, it develops observation and analysis skills!