Engaging fifth graders in science fair projects can be challenging. Here are a few fun experiments designed to capture their attention while imparting essential scientific concepts.
Children love experimenting and exploring, especially when it comes to science. Let your students build this simple Newton’s first law-inspired project!
1. Static Electricity
Students familiarize themselves with static electricity from previous experience when rubbing a balloon against their hair or touching doorknobs with wool cloth. This experiment takes that concept a step further by amplifying its effects.
Children enjoy this simple physics experiment that explores the difference between potential and kinetic energy with an amazing WOW moment. This project includes an easy-to-make catapult and teleidoscope.
2. Marshmallow Jumping
Students explore surface tension through this exciting experiment that introduces them to scientific thinking. It provides an ideal way for children to become critically-thinking members of society!
Hands-on science experiments are an invaluable way to engage students in learning. These 5th grade science fair projects help students master biology, physics and chemistry concepts through easy experiments that don’t require special materials or tools – perfect for 5th grade science fair projects!
3. Water Purification
By fifth grade, students take greater ownership in designing and conducting their own science experiments. These thrilling experiences cultivate curiosity while developing learning passions in areas like chemistry, biology and physics.
Use this simple filtration experiment to help children understand the value of clean water. Have them compare results so they can determine why some sources offer cleaner drinking water than others.
4. Rubber Band Trampoline
Students explore potential and kinetic energies through this maker-inspired build, exploring differences among fabric materials regarding their rebound capabilities.
Discover the physics of wind direction with this simple DIY barometer experiment! This hands-on science experiment fosters curiosity while sparking interest for biology, chemistry, and physics subjects.
Students use food coloring and bottles of hot and cold water to demonstrate convection currents and density experiments that teach about weight and mass.
5. Leakproof Bag
Kids will be thrilled by this easy science experiment! This exciting activity provides children with their first introduction to polymers – long chains of molecules with flexible properties which, when poked through water-filled plastic bags, stretch and temporarily seal around pencils as you poke through.
Students can easily develop an understanding of surface tension with this easy and fun project that shows them how different liquids affect paperclip floatability. They can also observe capillary action and color mixing using this hands-on density demo.
6. Mini Volcano
This straightforward experiment helps fifth graders understand the properties and heat capacities of various liquids.
Kids can create mini lava volcanos using clay and old marker caps. Encourage them to experiment with various hues for their “lava”, documenting all results of their experiments as they go.
An ideal project to demonstrate the difference between potential and kinetic energies.
7. Orange Plate Tectonics
Students will find this plate tectonics activity entertaining as they simulate divergent and convergent plate boundaries by using clay or play dough to wrap orange peels poked with toothpicks to represent different plate boundaries.
Your 5th graders will love this density science experiment! They’ll enjoy carefully layering hot and cold liquids with food coloring – an engaging way to introduce convection currents!
8. Eggshell Arch
Eggshells might appear fragile, but their unique structure makes them surprisingly strong. This experiment helps children explore force and pressure by seeing how many books an eggshell can support.
Students learn about convection currents and density with this exciting lava lamp experiment. Students also observe how different liquids absorb heat at various rates – an interesting chemistry project!
9. Airplane
By fifth grade, students are well prepared to design and carry out independent science experiments on their own. These projects foster curiosity while cultivating learning passions in areas such as physics and biology.
Experience force and motion with this cost-effective experiment using inclined planes of various heights. Students will construct and test various objects to see which will roll faster.
10. Archimedes’ Screw
Students learn the archimedes screw’s unique ability to lift water uphill in this timeless science experiment. Students can even experiment with various designs of the screw to determine its ability to lift liquid.
Archimedes screws can handle different rates of flow and suspension solids, making them popularly used in river pumps today. In fish nurseries, Archimedes screws also serve as the basis of fish ladders used to transport fish safely between ponds.