Participating children gain invaluable experience applying the scientific method by asking questions, formulating hypotheses, testing their predictions and collecting data. They also develop key collaborative, organizational and communication skills.
Make science fair fun and showcase your creative side with these fascinating projects! These experiments range from tried-and-true classics to more unique ideas using everyday materials.
Magnetic Mud
Make science engaging for kids with this fun hands-on experiment that harnesses magnetic force to make a muddy mess! This project examines forces affecting size and shape of magnets as well as temperature’s effects on their magnetic properties.
Introduce 3rd graders to physical and chemical changes using this simple experiment using Styrofoam cups, water, food coloring, and heat. Perfect for classroom or playground settings on hot summer days!
Discover how the strength of magnets varies with distance using this simple yet engaging experiment involving a donut-shaped magnet and two rectangular magnets. As you move them gently beneath it, watch as its strength swings up and down, showing how its proximity with other magnetic fields changes its strength – while simultaneously helping students understand compass navigation and Earth’s magnetic poles.
Dinosaur Slime
Dinosaurs and slime are synonymous, so this Jurassic themed kit will engage kids for hours of imaginative play. Packed full of clear slime, dinosaur charms, mini volcanic rocks and crispy beads for interactive play experiences!
Make your own dinosaur slime by mixing together water, clear Elmer’s glue and food-grade food colouring in a bowl with food grade corn flour or shampoo until desired consistency is reached. Knead this pliable slime in your hands until pliableness can be felt easily when held.
If you want to take your slime experiment one step further, try changing one or more ingredients or environmental factors and observe how this affects its texture and stickiness. This type of inquiry project is perfect for science fairs since it allows students to answer “why” questions such as, doubling the amount of borax does it affect stretchiness of slime.
Rubber Eggs
These innovative science fair projects cover everything from biology to chemistry and physics for students looking to get engaged with STEM subjects. Whether they are attending their first elementary school science fair, or competing against some of the country’s finest high schoolers at national science fairs – these projects will make sure their project stands out and impresses judges!
This exciting experiment explores chemical reactions while creating an impressive rubber egg! The process can be easily adjusted as desired – just use caution with any vinegar as it may stain hands!
Do your favorite sports drinks contain essential electrolytes? Discover this with this simple experiment using water, orange juice and sports beverages.
Teleidoscope
A kaleidoscope is an optical toy used to produce beautiful patterns. It works by reflecting objects multiple times through mirrors inside a tube, producing repeating symmetrical designs.
Homemade kaleidoscopes can be an entertaining way to pass the time – not to mention unique Father’s Day gifts! Make your own using paper, cardboard tubes and other household materials.
Start by searching for a cardboard tube measuring 4 inches long. Cut an equal-length Mylar sheet, then trim. To create a circular kaleidoscope, cut out a circle from Mylar and insert it into the tube; alternatively you could also use shiny reflective papers from craft stores’ scrap booking section for circularity. Finally, try creating a double teleidoscope by joining two together with an appropriately spaced spacer between them – but ensure it does not become too thick otherwise the kaleidoscopes won’t turn.