Fifth grade science fair projects foster curiosity, ignite a love of learning, and build skills. From experiments and demonstrations to hands-on activities that introduce the topic of biology, physics, chemistry or any other field imaginable – 5th graders discover new realms through these projects!
Demonstrate how density affects surface tension with this simple experiment using diet soda and Mentos candy. It’s an engaging, messy way to learn about gas molecules and the effect water has on surface tension.
Salt Dough Volcano
Students explore geology and volcanic eruptions with this hands-on science project. An acid-base experiment using simple craft supplies creates a mock volcano eruption simulation.
Form salt dough into a mold of a water bottle, add drops of orange food coloring for the lava effect, and fill the bottle with vinegar – this will cause a volcano to erupt!
Orange Arch
Orange Arch was designed and constructed between AD 10-25 by Roman legion veterans as one of the most beautiful provincial triumphal arches during Augustan times. Its decoration includes low reliefs depicting naval and land battles with Celts.
Use household items to conduct an engaging scientific investigation using pH levels on tooth enamel or how water striders navigate surface tension, teaching students the fundamentals of scientific inquiry in an engaging and interactive way. This experimentation technique also serves as an excellent means of teaching proper methods of scientific inquiry.
Eggshell Arch
Students explore arch shapes and the strength of eggshells with this fun experiment. The curved form evenly distributes pressure so that it does not cause cracking in the shell.
Lead students through the scientific method by conducting this simple experiment using vinegar and eggshells. Students will discover how force and pressure affect materials.
Flying Airplane
Students learn about aerodynamics and plane flight by creating paper airplanes with various designs and assembling them together for testing and recording in a spreadsheet.
Guided research experiences such as this one teach critical thinking and communication skills. Use this resource to support 5th graders in creating meaningful science fair projects.
Static Electricity
All physical objects contain atoms with both positive and negative charges that come together when their atoms come in contact with one another to generate static electricity, causing your hair to stand on end when sliding down a snow-covered slide.
Encourage students to create visuals that convey their experiments and results, practice presenting it to peers and adults, and stress the importance of thoughtfully interpreting and analyzing data.
Bacterial Colonies
Science fair projects provide students with an invaluable opportunity to develop research, critical thinking and communication skills. Mentoring them throughout the process of creating one helps ensure these abilities will continue to serve them in future academic endeavors.
Bacterial colonies are visible masses of microorganisms that form together to form clones on solid media. Scientists use colony morphology as an indicator to identify specific organisms by studying colony mass structures.
Newspaper Engineering
Encourage students to participate in hands-on experiments designed to expand their scientific horizons. Help them formulate testable questions and offer guidance in research, experimentation, analysis and presentation of findings.
Encourage teams to build a newspaper tower using only tape and paper for this STEM challenge! It is a fantastic way of teaching teamwork and design principles while encouraging collaboration.
Teach kids how to interpret data from an experiment by engaging them in this chemistry activity that compares sugar cookie dough made with or without baking soda.
Convection Currents
Children can explore convection currents using food coloring and water bottles in this experiment that uses convection energy transfer as the main form of heat transference. Convection involves moving liquid or gas molecules through space.
Encourage students to keep detailed notes and drawings when recording qualitative observations, using tools like rulers, scales, and timers for measuring and collecting data.
Density
Students test density by placing two cubes with equal volumes on a balance and placing both on an identical platform, and observe and record results to explain why copper has greater mass than aluminum.
Focus on developing critical thinking skills and the scientific method with thoughtful mentoring. Be sure to explore how failed experiments may provide learning opportunities.
Lava Lamp
Make a lava lamp to understand density better! This fun, straightforward experiment shows how liquids have different molecules packed together in different ways.
Watching the mesmerizing movement of a lava lamp can help children learn about density and acid-base reactions. To conduct an experiment using this phenomenon, fill a flask with vegetable oil and water.