Students can explore biology, physics and chemistry concepts with hands-on science fair projects that allow them to explore biology, physics and chemistry concepts directly. These thrilling experiences foster students’ passions by sparking their natural curiosity!
Try this classic bottle rocket experiment to introduce children to aerodynamics. Or let them construct catapults from clothespins and wooden craft sticks so they can explore how arm length affects launch distance and velocity.
Airplanes
Fifth graders take great pride in creating outstanding science fair projects. These hands-on experiments stimulate curiosity and foster an eagerness for learning.
Demonstrate osmosis using this simple experiment while developing an understanding of density.
Students build and test catapults made from wood craft sticks, exploring how various modifications affect their distance. This fun project also serves to teach potential and kinetic energies.
Static Electricity
Students in fifth grade take on more responsibility in designing and conducting science experiments themselves, emphasizing hands-on experiments for independent learning.
Make static electricity accessible for students with these experiments that demonstrate its invisible forces. Your students will enjoy levitating a marker stick figure or discovering dry erase ink’s insolubility!
Teach your children how to separate colors using this simple paper chromatography experiment from Steve Spangler Science. Plus, settle any age-old debates regarding germs!
Hydrophobic Sand
Magic sand can provide students with an easy and fun way to learn about the chemistry behind everyday materials. With its hydrophobic properties allowing it to repel liquids like water, magic sand is an effective teaching tool.
Make magic sand at home using this science experiment! Not only can you save money but you also have an opportunity to discuss the use of coatings such as this in fabrics.
Bouncy Balls
By fifth grade, students should feel increasingly empowered in creating their own science fair experiments. Students should focus on selecting an easy project that requires minimal parent assistance and can be completed within two weeks.
This homemade bouncy ball experiment explores polymer science using simple ingredients found in your pantry or craft supplies. Children can alter the recipe to see how different components affect the outcome.
Water Strider Experiment
Students will gain insight into how water striders use their jump from surface of the water with this exciting experiment, while simultaneously learning about surface tension which helps metal boats float.
Hands-on experiments are an excellent way for 5th graders to grasp science concepts. Exciting projects include Marshmallow Heartbeat Model and Dry Ice Bubbles.
Water Filter Experiment
Learn the inner workings of water filters with this exciting hands-on science project. By testing multiple filters and selecting which one best turns dirty water into safe drinking water, you will gain an in-depth knowledge of this simple but fascinating technology.
This project provides students with a straightforward yet effective way to explore the water cycle. Each team should receive a two liter bottle and all necessary materials listed below for this experiment.
Density Experiment
This experiment provides an engaging hands-on way for students to explore density. They layer different liquids in a graduated cylinder and discover why certain kinds of mixtures settle into distinct layers instead of mixing immediately.
Drop objects one at a time into the tower and watch their journey until they reach their approximate density.
Desalination Experiment
Make students construct and test homemade desalination plants to see their effectiveness at turning salt water into fresh water, using the Design Worksheet as a comparison guide. They should then analyze their designs in comparison to similar devices on the market.
This delicious science experiment teaches chemical reactions while being extremely enjoyable (provided the appropriate safety precautions are taken when working with dry ice). Students will also gain knowledge on paper chromatography.
Barometer Experiment
The barometer is an easy and accurate way to measure atmospheric pressure. It was developed during the 17th century by Giovan Battista Baliani and Galileo Galilei after becoming frustrated that pumps could only deliver water up to about 34 feet, and siphons didn’t work at such height. Mercury, being 14 times heavier than water, replaced water in their measurement device.
Wind Direction Experiment
Kids can gain valuable insight into wind direction by creating an anemometer, while exploring its influence across places and days with a wind box.
Explore sunrise and sunset with this science project and watch as the earth shifts with changing daylight levels. Kids can even exchange secret messages using this acid-base experiment!