Science fair projects provide students with a great way to explore the scientific process while honing presentation skills.
From kitchen chemistry to DIY mini drones, these 7th grade science fair experiments are entertaining and straightforward to conduct. From spherification to studying how far apart planets are located, these projects will pique children’s curiosity!
Hand Model
Students participating in this science fair project build and test a model of their hand to learn anatomy. You can even paint it white to show bones for an attractive finish that looks great displayed on an information foam board.
Launch an engaging physics experiment that explores potential and kinetic energy, then use this fifth grade science project to resolve an age-old debate!
Bridge Model
Build a model of a bridge to teach students about the forces that act upon structures. Utilizing a truss design, this project helps them learn which shapes are structurally strong while many factors go into building one which account for tension and compression forces.
Young engineers love this straightforward project that uses newspaper and tape to introduce them to architectural principles. Additionally, this experiment teaches them about physics and chemistry via glowing-in-the-dark sticks!
Cell Membrane Experiment
If your students love science and want to understand how things operate on a cellular level, 7th grade projects that focus on hands-on experiments such as separating plant pigments or exploring natural selection through finch beak adaptations may make great 7th grade projects. They could explore natural selection with finch adaptations or create their own pH indicator with red cabbage leaves.
They can use beets to test the impact of named variables on membrane fluidity or step into Linnaeus’ shoes to create a system of taxonomy using beans, while even investigating how charcoal filters impurities from water.
Wave Machine
Students will explore wave motion with this engaging hands-on physics project. Students will use a simple model to demonstrate transverse waves – oscillating vibrations that move perpendicularly along their path of travel – using simple diagrams as guidance.
Nodes and an antonoides are terms used to refer to spots on a wave where its movement is minimal, while spots with maximum activity are known as an antinode and node respectively. Students can create their own wave machine using tape and wooden skewers for this science fair project that also serves as an introduction into sound waves.
Taxonomy Experiment
Students will gain valuable knowledge about taxonomy and classification through this engaging science experiment. They will develop a classification system for different varieties of beans based on their unique creative qualities.
Why do scientists utilize taxonomies, and what are some of their primary uses for them? Without such systems in place, what would be some of their major obstacles?
Slime Experiment
Students will explore how different slimes react when stretched, kneaded, and bounced. They will use the Properties of Slime handout to identify and test each property of slimes.
Slime is an example of a non-Newtonian fluid, meaning it neither flows nor solidifies as liquid. Other non-Newtonian fluids include ketchup, corn starch in water and some glues.
Utilize this project to help students gain a better understanding of chemistry – specifically states of matter and their reactions under various conditions – for either a science fair exhibit or classroom demonstration.
Electroplating Experiment
Conduct this experiment using electricity to electroplate copper onto brass. Electroplating and electrolysis are scientific processes in which metal ions dissolve in an electrically conducting solution, creating the potential energy needed for metal plating or electrolysis to take place.
An anode (in this instance a pre-1982 US penny) is placed into a solution of copper sulfate solution and when current is applied to the circuit, ions from the anode dissolve into it and travel along its surface to “plate out” onto its cathode surface and make contact.
Measure the quantity of copper deposited and calculate its atomic mass to complete this scientific project.
Germ Experiment
If your students are curious about bacteria and germs, this hands-on science experiment will delight them! They’ll enjoy using cotton swabs to examine household items, school supplies and more in search of which surfaces harbor the most germs.
Glitter germs provide an engaging way for kids to understand why proper handwashing with soap is so vitally important. Children will learn that germs lurking inside their nooks and crannies require constant washing with soap for their safety.