Hands-on experiments provide students with an effective means of exploring science concepts. From an experiment on sound to one that illustrates the connection between fire and oxygen, fifth graders love engaging in these projects!
This fascinating experiment introduces children to gas molecules and surface tension with diet soda and Mentos candy as part of an immersive educational experience.
Salt Dough Volcano
This engaging chemistry experiment helps students learn about how acids and bases react. A classic!
Experience density first-hand by carrying out this easy experiment. Place objects of various sizes into water containers and observe which ones float.
Demonstrate to your children the effects of acid rain with this engaging Earth science project using red cabbage, which may smell bad but proves very engaging! Kids love this experiment!
Orange Arch
At 5th grade, students can begin to take more responsibility in designing and conducting their science fair project. Encourage hands-on experiments that spark their interest to spark passion for learning!
As dissecting frogs or sharks may make some cringe, Scientific American offers this Flower Anatomy Experiment which utilizes flowers that easily display their parts while teaching children about Chromatography – a popular laboratory technique in chemistry.
Eggshell Arch
Crafting an engaging science fair project is an integral part of life for 5th graders. Through hands-on experiments and other fun experiments, they learn about essential scientific concepts.
Homeschool Scientist offers this experiment to test the strength of naturally-occurring arch shapes. Kids will discover why arches are useful in engineering design.
Teen engineers will enjoy this physics science project by KiwiCo that compares heat capacity between water and oil.
Clothespin Airplane
Engineering skills will be put to the test with this hands-on science activity! Young engineers can simulate building safe bridges while testing weight restrictions with this project.
This easy density experiment enables children to explore convection currents using hot and cold water as well as food coloring, and introduces them to surface tension concepts.
Discover how a simple pump works through this enjoyable chemistry activity which introduces acids and bases. A great way to demonstrate Archimedes’ screw pump, this activity provides insight into its inner workings.
Static Electricity
Static electricity can be both an annoying and potentially hazardous force; but when used effectively it can also become an invaluable asset. This experiment shows children how they can harness static electricity to channel it towards specific goals.
When two materials come into contact, electrons move freely between them, leading to the transference of charges between materials that causes your hair to stand on end or objects to “stick together”. This contact-induced separation of charges causes them to cause your locks to stand up or objects to “cling” together.
Bacterial Colonies
Bacterial colonies are collections of genetically identical cells that have grown into an apparent mass on an agar plate, creating visible colonies. Scientists use bacterial colony morphology to analyze its characteristics such as opacity, color and shape.
Microbiologists examine various features such as hemolysis, gas production and migration patterns when identifying bacteria. This helps microbiologists to quickly identify new strains for use in medical research or the creation of pharmaceutical products.
Newspaper Engineering
Newspaper STEM challenges provide an engaging way for teams to practice teamwork and creative problem-solving skills. This challenge requires them to design a free-standing tower capable of supporting a book while withstanding lateral wind loads.
This chemistry experiment offers children an interactive lesson in acids and bases using baking soda and vinegar as classic examples. They can change the ratio to compare results.
Rubber Band Trampoline
At fifth grade, children become increasingly responsible for planning and conducting their science fair experiments. At this age, they take on more responsibility when selecting projects to complete within just weeks – something which should teach something new but is still feasible to complete successfully.
Help them learn about polymers by building a rubber band trampoline! Not only is this activity fun and interactive, but it’s an excellent way to practice using the Scientific Method!
Leakproof Bag
Children will love this hands-on experiment that teaches them about water pressure. Be sure to supervise children closely as they poke sharp pencils into a plastic bag filled with water using sharp pencils.
Have your students make predictions as to the outcome before beginning this simple experiment, which will help develop their hypothesizing skills! It will also serve to build their hypothesis capabilities!
Marshmallow Jump
Your students will love challenging physics with this fun experiment to explore air pressure and thrust.
Children will love learning chemistry through this fun and messy experiment with diet soda and Mentos candy! This classic experiment helps children understand acids, bases and surface tension.
Artsy Momma provides this simple yet engaging food science experiment for teaching kids about potential and kinetic energies.