Children in fifth grade are naturally curious and eager to explore their world, so use these innovative ideas for science fair experiments to harness that excitement.
Discovering how salt increases water density is a fantastic way to introduce kids to physics concepts. This experiment can easily be modified in many different ways to make the experiment both simple and exciting for young learners.
Volcano
Five-grade students possess an insatiable curiosity and passion for learning, so hands-on experiments are ideal for them. These engaging projects cover various science subjects including earth science and chemistry.
Conduct a classic chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar to simulate the eruption of a volcano. Make predictions and record results to understand how changes affect a volcanic eruption.
Arches
Kids of this age exhibit a deep-seated desire to learn. Give your young scientist the tools he or she needs to explore the mysteries of the world with these hands-on science activities and experiments.
Find out why some flowers and plants change colors when viewed under a microscope with this simple experiment, or test how water affects seed germination using this simple project.
Students will explore density by layering liquids like honey, soap and rubbing alcohol in a glass. This engaging science demonstration can easily be recreated at home or school.
Airplane
Paper airplanes are timeless science fair projects that demonstrate flight principles and aerodynamics.
Students in Grades 1-6 can use waterproofing spray to make visually striking hydrophobic sand, giving them the opportunity to learn more about polymers and surface tension through this engaging experiment.
Learn what causes thunderclaps with Science Buddies’ exciting and educational experiment on why the ground rumbles during thunderstorms with this intriguing and engaging experiment, just one of many weather related science activities for kids!
Convection Currents
Discover convection currents through an easy experiment using hot and cold water and food coloring. This fun science project provides an engaging way for children to learn about chemistry and physics.
Discover surface tension through this super cool and engaging experiment, perfect for kids! Make their own bouncy balls!
Future forensic scientists can use this amazing dinosaur science fair project to access databases in order to locate T-Rex’s closest living relative. Not only will this teach genealogy, osmosis and simple machine chemistry – it will also introduce participants to genealogy.
Diet Soda
Soda offers children an instant caffeine fix. However, over consumption can lead to tooth decay and obesity issues. Explore alternatives to diet soda in this hands-on experiment!
Kids will gain valuable lessons about density by slowly layering different liquids. Their eyes will widen as they witness each layer float atop another. In addition, this experiment will teach them about recording data.
Screaming Balloons
Students explore how shape influences sound through this simple physics experiment. A hex nut inside this balloon features flat sides that vibrate against its walls and produce an audible screech that produces an audible screaming noise.
Young engineers can explore both kinetic and potential energy by building this simple catapult project. Additionally, this fun activity demonstrates how surface tension causes objects to float on water.
Glow Sticks
Glow sticks have long been a beloved fixture at birthday parties, raves and school discos alike. When cracked open they reveal some amazing chemical reactions which teach students about light’s properties and can provide valuable lessons about its source.
Encourage your students to conduct experiments that provide raw measurable data. Experiments like this one, which measures heat transfer between glasses using a bent metal rod, can provide invaluable learning experiences about both science and math.
Soil Erosion
Soil erosion reduces agricultural productivity, negatively affecting food quality. A variety of coverings such as grass, pine needles and rocks evenly spread on slopes can be used to reduce erosion rates and stop it altogether.
Students can use paint trays and soil to explore erosion, weathering and deposition in relation to landscape changes. Furthermore, they can explore what rust is by testing how different substances react against it.
Static Electricity
Students can explore static electricity, which occurs when objects absorb electrons to form an electrostatic charge. When two charges have opposite charges, their forces attract each other while like charges repel.
Charge a comb by rubbing it against their hair, and use this charged comb to bend a stream of water. This project also helps students understand refraction.
Bacterial Colonies
Bacterial colonies are clusters of microorganisms found on or embedded within solid media that consist of cells with identical genetic material. Each member of a colony shares this genetic makeup.
Colony morphology can vary considerably and includes its shape, size and surface area as well as its “living space”, where bacteria thrive.