An 8th grade science fair marks an exciting step in students’ development and requires greater independence from parents as well as rigorous research. Take part in its excitement by providing your student(s) with engaging science experiments sure to impress judges!
Use red onions to demonstrate plasmolysis, the process by which cell molecules dismantle. Explore surface tension and viscosity through this simple demonstration, while discovering whether plants enjoy classical music through an intriguing experiment.
Engineering
At 8th grade science fairs, students experiment with engineering concepts involving building and designing. Bridges constructed of everyday materials like toothpicks, popsicle sticks, straws and string can be tested for their tensile strength; Hooke’s law can be tested by calibrating a spring against weights for measurement; while solar energy can be demonstrated simply by baking a s’more with an on-hand solar oven.
Students interested in forensics might try exploring various techniques for altering fingerprints. Others could experiment with mimicking acid rain on buildings, statues and trees with chalk as a substitute for stone structures.
Magnetism
Discover the magnetic properties of iron and other metals through these hands-on experiments. Magnetism occurs when electric charges move freely inside its atoms. Atoms contain electrons which act like microscopic magnets by spinning like tops around their nucleus.
Magnets feature two poles – north and south – which can attract or repel other magnets, known as magnetic fields. These magnetic fields may originate naturally (like lodestone) or be manmade (such as those found on refrigerator magnets).
Explore how temperature impacts magnet strength by conducting tests with five permanent magnets at temperatures ranging from 0 degrees Celsius, 25 degrees Celsius, 50 degrees Celsius, 75 degrees Celsius and 100 degrees Celsius. You’ll then discover how to build a magnetic compass which could even help animals find their way on long journeys! Plus learn how to create one yourself!
Energy
Science fairs provide students with an ideal venue for honing problem-solving abilities through engaging in hands-on experiments, while simultaneously encouraging curiosity and creative thought.
Students can create their own Newton’s Cradle using just a few supplies and Hooke’s Law as they apply it, to demonstrate how force causes objects to accelerate. Other engineering projects offer students the chance to build systems of knives and cups capable of balancing a full glass of water on its edge.
Young environmentalists can experiment with turning sunlight into electricity to power LED lights for an intriguing project, or explore surface tension chemistry through experiments involving vinegar-baking soda ratios that create fun chemical eruptions that teach at the same time!
Nutrition
Students learn the science of how germs spread and why healthy food choices are crucial for the body, with these hands-on experiments. Students discover why their head hurts after eating too much sugar, as well as why their favorite beverage erodes teeth.
No matter their grade level, these 8th grade science fair projects engage kids with hands-on experiments that are fun and straightforward. Kids may use iodine to detect starch levels in different foods or investigate how air temperature impacts speed and length of soap bubbles.
Students looking for an exciting DNA-themed science fair project can extract and preserve their own DNA from red onions in this timeless experiment, helping demystify molecular biology on Earth. Other experiments focus on health topics like exploring how different beverages affect tooth enamel or creating an impressive roller coaster project to demonstrate momentum.
Water
Water experiments can provide students with a great way to explore one of our planet’s essential cycles: its water cycle. You could, for instance, investigate how air temperature affects soap bubbles or see which plastic wrap type best protects against evaporation. You could also conduct this easy water displacement experiment or create a discovery bottle all about the cycle itself. You could even investigate the science of osmosis using this colorful coffee filter flower experiment or experiment proving different foods contain different levels of sugar!
Find an engaging topic to work on for the 8th grade science fair project that resonates with you – it will make presenting easier while keeping you interested throughout. Don’t feel limited by projects available online — there are endless possibilities out there!