Science experiments help kids understand certain basics and fundamentals of science in a fun way. Experiments are set up according to their level and skills. In this ScienceStruck article, you shall find some topic ideas and experiments for 6th grade students.
Reaching 6th grade is fun because then you become eligible to perform middle school experiments that may capture your interest a lot. Performing science experiments is not only interesting, but it also develops analytical skill that may prove useful in the future when working on research projects. Students are enthusiastic about performing science experiments because it gives them the opportunity to exhibit their analytical and creative skills.
Science Experiments for 6th Graders
You should go through the laboratory safety guidelines and the procedure for handling the laboratory equipment before starting any experiments to avoid any mishaps. In 6th grade, students are allowed to handle instruments and samples that are safe, and do not involve any risks. Handling fire or strong chemicals is usually not a part of 6th grade projects. Here are some fun science experiments for 6th graders.
The Egg Experiment
This is one of the most commonly used substance for 6th grade science experiments. With eggs students can learn rules and laws of science. They can perform a number of practicals, that can include observation of eggs sinking or floating on changing the density of the water, or the difference in composition of hard-boiled eggs and raw eggs.
Set up the experiment in different containers. The first containing plain water, the second containing sugar and the third containing salt. Now, dip the eggs in each container and record the results. Try to analyze the results with the help of your teacher. You can also find out the differences between hard-boiled eggs and raw eggs by allowing it to spin.
Evaporation of Water
In this science activity you will determine the rate of evaporation of water under different intensity of light. You will have to construct several boxes installed with electric bulbs having different wattage. The containers are simultaneously filled with water and the bulbs are lit. You also need a controlled experiment that will be devoid of bulb. You will notice that the rate of evaporation is highest in the container having maximum power of bulb. This happens because water changes to vapor form more quickly under intense temperature. Since the surrounding temperature of the bulb with highest power is more, so the rate of evaporation is also more.
Make a Periscope
A periscope can be used to see objects when you are in a concealed position. To make one, you will require two pipes, at least 10 inches long. The diameter of one pipe should be slightly larger than the other, so that one can slide over the other. You’ll need 2 elbow joints, each matching the diameter of either pipes. Also you’ll require 2 circular mirrors, along with some super glue.
To begin with, stick the mirrors in the elbow joints at a 45 degree angle. This is the precise angle that reflects the light is such a way that it lets you see the best view. Now, fix the appropriate pipe into the respective elbow joints. Finally, slide the larger pipe on to the smaller one, and your periscope is ready to use.
Inflate a Balloon by Itself
This is a fun experiment that teaches you how a chemical reaction can inflate a balloon. You’ll be needing a small balloon, a test tube, vinegar, funnel, and a teaspoon of baking soda.
Fill the test tube half way with vinegar. Then, stretch the balloon a bit, and use the funnel to pour the baking soda into it. Now, carefully stretch the opening of the balloon over the mouth of the test tube and ensure that the baking soda does not fall in the tube. Once you’ve ensured that the balloon snugly fits over the mouth of the test tube, lift the balloon and tap it, so that the baking soda falls into the vinegar.
When the baking soda falls into the vinegar, the solution turns into carbonic acid. This makes it unstable, and it releases carbon dioxide, which rises up and inflates the balloon.
Make it Rain
This simple experiment is a fantastic way to learn how the changes in temperature bring about rain. You’ll need a glass jar, some steaming hot water, a dish big enough to be placed over the jar, and some ice cubes.
Pour the boiling water into the jar, filling about a third of the space. Place the plate on top of the jar, and wait for a couple of minutes. Put the ice cubes on the plate, and observe what happens inside the jar. You’ll begin to see droplets of ‘rain’ sliding along the sides of the jar.
6th Grade Science Project Ideas
- Do different types of knots affect the breaking strength of a rope?
- How do volcanoes work?
- What is hydropower? How is it generated?
- What is the correlation between music and maths?
- Do plants grow better if you play music to them?
- Why do apples turn brown after they are cut and left standing?
- How do you determine the pH of soil samples?
- How a prism gives a rainbow color pattern when white light passes through it?
- How do mosquitoes bite?
- What is the difference between incandescent and LED lights?
- Why do moths and insects hover over lights?
- Does wiping a doorknob with an antibacterial wipe really reduce the number of bacteria?
- Do some plants grow better inside than outside?
- How do gasoline engines work?
- How do you compare vinaigrette vs Coca Cola?
- What is the effect of differing kinds of light upon plant growth?
- How to find out camouflage in insects and animals?
- Does the intensity of cleansing depend on the amount of detergent?
- How do different flame retardants affect the flammability and burning rate of cotton?
- How tides are formed?
- How the fizz is formed in aerated drinks?
- How does a simple machine work?
- How does UV light affect the growth of bacteria?
Apart from these, you always have the liberty to come up with new ideas on topics that interest you the most. Set up an experiment and explain the observations with accurate reasoning and logic.