By fifth grade, students should take on greater responsibility when it comes to designing and conducting science fair experiments. Furthermore, they must be capable of sharing their results and conclusions to others.
Help them start off right with these amazing ideas for hands-on biology, chemistry and physics projects! The best projects demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of scientific method by collecting and analyzing data.
Volcano
Food coloring added to vinegar in this baking soda and volcano science experiment produces an eye-catching display that showcases their acid-base reaction when mixed together. You could also try this experiment using lemon juice to investigate how acids and bases influence chemical reactions.
Build a model volcano using modeling clay or air-hardening dough and fill it with baking soda and vinegar mixture, leaving a hole at the top for “lava” to escape. Add red food coloring for more dramatic effect.
Another simple density experiment allows students to observe convection currents by placing different liquids into bins of water and then comparing which ones float or sink.
Arches
Science fair projects are an essential part of elementary school life. By using key ingredients, kids can design an experiment that integrates elements from earth science, chemistry and geology.
Arches are a hallmark of architectural beauty found on bridges, buildings and other structures. In this STEM challenge we’ll investigate how an arch’s shape aids it in supporting heavy loads.
This fifth grade science demo incorporates both physics and chemistry for maximum impact in this fun experiment! Diet soda and Mentos candy allow children to observe gas molecules and surface tension while making an eye-catching lava lamp from gummy bears – learning acids and bases at the same time! Students also benefit from understanding capillary action and color mixing during this engaging chemistry demonstration!
Ball-Run Challenge
This engineering challenge helps students explore friction, balance and force using paper, tape and a ping-pong ball to engineer an original ball run that minimizes its descent as much as possible. This resource also comes in full classroom kits to add innovation and creativity into STEM learning environments.
An everyday household item provides the key to understanding our ears’ workings. With just a few supplies needed for this experiment, this fun activity shows children that sound waves cause vibrations that cause grains of rice to jump.
Mentos and Coke demo is an engaging chemistry experiment designed to showcase chemical reactions during physical reactions, giving kids an exciting chemistry lesson about bonding and density.
Aeroplane
Fifth graders are eager to engage in experiments that excite and provoke curiosity. Help your fifth-gradeer select an interest topic so they can commit to careful experimentation, data collection and analysis before creating an engaging project that communicates their results effectively.
Experiments could examine how different insulations impact freezing and thawing processes, or observe osmosis and diffusion using common ingredients like salt and water.
One fantastic science fair project for fifth grade students to try this year involves creating their own paper airplane to explore what forces affect flight distance. They can test different wing shapes and sizes on how far their planes fly; learning lift, drag, thrust and weight – essential concepts of aerodynamics!
Dry-Erase Rocket
Put your student’s engineering abilities to the test with this gravity-defying project! Not only does this experiment demonstrate air pressure power, it can also teach them about it!
This science activity provides an effective way of teaching about non-Newtonian fluids by using Oobleck (cornflour and water). Squeezing it hard produces solidified areas which transform back into liquid upon release.
This project is an easy and fun way for kids to demonstrate friction. A simple science fair project for them, this model makes gravity fun to learn about!
Students will love conducting this acid/base reaction experiment! Though its results can be messy, this experiment serves as a great demonstration of what happens when acids and bases meet. Students will require an empty film canister with its lid removed as well as construction paper to carry out this test.