Explore physics, biology, chemistry and other scientific concepts with these awesome science fair projects designed for 7th graders. Experiments that challenge students to construct self-supporting structures or investigate topics like human heart function or tightrope walking help students understand the significance of scientific inquiry in everyday life. These fun activities help children see its value!
Geodesic Dome
Geodesic domes are structures featuring an approximately sphere-like shape constructed out of triangles. You may have come across them on planetarium roofs or climbing domes at playgrounds.
This structure is remarkable light yet strong due to a rigid network of triangular struts that distribute forces evenly, thus being capable of supporting an incredible amount of weight.
Use ruler and compass to make precise technical drawings of the triangular building units (known as elements) in your dome, then construct them out of sturdy material such as paper and assess their resilience under pressure.
Jar Experiment
Kids will learn more about air pressure, temperature and humidity’s effect on cloud formation with this engaging science experiment! Plus they’ll see first-hand the funnel-cloud formation of a tornado!
Magic meets science in this classic experiment which demonstrates how to make an egg shell disappear! Easy to repeat and teaching gravity, osmosis and density principles along the way.
Engineers-in-training will enjoy building this low-mess bridge that simulates what it takes to construct safe structures – including math! This engineering project also requires teamwork.
Water Purification
Water purification refers to the practice of extracting contaminants from a source water supply to produce clean drinking water as well as treating industrial and medical wastewater sources for industrial uses.
Have students work in small groups to design a filtering system. Inform them they will be representing “Clear Water Environmental Engineering Company.”
Provide each team with a 2-liter bottle, cheesecloth and worksheet. Encourage students to ask questions and write their predictions down on their worksheet as they set up filters.
Density Demo
Students will use density to distinguish eight cubes made from similar volumes but different materials. Students will measure each cube’s mass and calculate its density before recording this information on an activity sheet chart.
Explore the fascinating world of buoyancy with these captivating liquid density experiments! See how objects that appear similar but made from different materials may have differing densities – and what this means for their interaction with water, air or other liquids.
Spherification
Spherification is one of the most exciting molecular gastronomy techniques, transforming drinks into visually striking culinary orbs that explode with flavor in your mouth. This enchanting technique can be used to craft anything from fruit juice spheres and cocktail-inspired orbs all the way through to gazpacho spheres!
Spherification involves the chemical reaction between calcium lactate and sodium alginate extracted from algae, creating a gel membrane to encase liquid food like fruit juice or cocktails.
Hydraulic Elevator
Hydraulic elevators can be quickly and safely installed with machine room-less designs, while offering lower overall lifetime costs than traction elevators.
Build a hydraulic elevator from two syringes and medical tubing. Start by attaching one end of each syringe to either of two skewers on either end, taping it securely in place before connecting its other end to either of two front skewers – this way when you slide one syringe in or out, the hydraulic elevator will move upward and downward! Make this simple science fair experiment even more impressive by timing which lift can move a weight the fastest!
Black Particle Experiment
High schoolers with an interest in engineering will enjoy designing and creating this eye-catching STEM challenge, which covers everything from potential energy to kinetic friction.
Doing this easy and engaging experiment involving light interaction with matter will show how light can interact with matter in this practical yet fun demonstration of black body radiation and diffraction, providing the perfect way to introduce children to quantum theory without becoming overly complicated.
Build a cloud chamber to locate these invisible particles and learn about background radiation along the way.
Solar-Powered Desalination
Desalination is an integral component of providing communities with clean water in areas with limited natural resources, particularly those that rely heavily on fossil fuels for powering the economy. Desalination utilizes renewable solar energy as part of this process to lower our reliance on non-renewable energy and foster a more sustainable future.
Scientists from MIT and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have created an efficient solar desalination device that prevents salt build-up. Their multilayer system could provide continuous drinking water to an entire household for only $4.