Fifth grade students gain greater independence in designing experiments to test their curiosity. Through engaging hands-on projects, these projects allow them to learn about biology, physics and chemistry more fully than ever.
Dry ice bubbles, invisible ink and the coolest floating marker stick man are some of the fascinating science experiments you should try with your 5th grader. By exploring these experiments they can explore static electricity’s nature more deeply.
Static Electricity
Bring electricity and static electricity alive with these fascinating science experiments! From simple rubbing experiments to homemade electroscopes, these experiments will make learning about this force fun – whether that force be responsible for giving people that little shock when touching doorknobs or making hair stand on end!
All matter is composed of atoms that contain charged particles with both positive and negative charges, creating static electricity when two insulating materials come in contact.
Heartbeat Marshmallows
Students learn to monitor their own pulse by using a marshmallow and toothpick in this Valentine’s Day-inspired science activity. Furthermore, this provides children with an introduction to surface tension and water striders.
No matter the occasion – school fair, hands-on activity or learning through play – these straightforward 5th grade science projects are sure to spark curiosity amongst students and keep them interested. From classic experiments like an exploding volcano or extracting DNA from strawberries – these experiments will surely pique their students’ interests!
Water Purification
At this age, children become increasingly responsible for conducting scientific experiments independently. These hands-on projects foster curiosity and spark a passion for learning.
Check how solids and liquids differ in their ability to absorb heat with this simple density experiment! It makes an excellent follow-up to warm air rises, cold air sinks and tornado in a bottle experiments.
Discover surface tension with this simple yet engaging chemistry experiment! All it requires are some common household items.
Biosphere
By fifth grade, children can take on greater responsibilities for designing and conducting experiments themselves. Such hands-on experiments will spark curiosity while stimulating an appetite for knowledge.
Students explore how bile from their liver breaks down fat with this fascinating science experiment, while learning how to create an Archimedes’ screw pump – an excellent way to introduce fluid dynamics!
Newspaper Engineering
By fifth grade, students are ready to take greater ownership in designing hands-on science experiments that spark curiosity and ignite a love of learning. These thrilling activities provide great opportunities to engage students with the concepts of physics, engineering and chemistry.
Utilizing food coloring and bottles of hot and cold water, use this simple experiment to explore convection currents. Furthermore, this easy experiment serves as an ideal introduction to density concepts.
Eggshell Arches
Eggshells might seem fragile, but their curved surfaces actually make them surprising strong. This experiment shows students how arches distribute force similar to modern car designs with crumple zones.
Put your fifth graders’ engineering skills through their paces with this timeless ball run challenge that combines geometry and physics, or try this rice grain dancing experiment to study gas behaviors.
Clothespin Airplane
By fifth grade, students are ready to assume more responsibility in conducting hands-on science experiments that capture their curiosity and nurture a passion for learning. These engaging activities provide ample opportunities to investigate biology, chemistry and physics.
Attach two jumbo craft sticks to the back of a clothespin as wings and glue the long middle piece for use as a propeller.
Leakproof Bag
This engaging hands-on science experiment shows kids about polymers (long chains of molecules). By poking sharpened pencils into water-filled plastic bags, molecular chains temporarily seal around each pencil to form polymer chains which stretch and tighten around them – much like magic!
Students learn surface tension and density with this hands-on chemistry demo that uses dry-erase marker ink pens. An inexpensive yet engaging way for children to engage with this fascinating subject!
Glow Sticks
Glow sticks can be an engaging way to teach students about chemistry. Through this experiment, they can explore how temperature impacts luminescence of glow sticks.
Conduct this simple physics project by having kids compare the brightness of three glow sticks placed into water at different temperatures, then recording their findings.
Soil Erosion
Soil erosion, or the washaway of soil particles, is a critical risk to agriculture and waterways. It can erode away farmland, pollute waterways and bury or block railroads and roads leading to costly repair bills.
Students learn to create waterproof sand using waterproofing spray and density in this fun outdoor experiment, perfect for warm sunny days.