From engineering to physics, amazing science fair projects can help 8th graders to develop and improve their scientific abilities. Whether testing friction on different surfaces or creating an egg drop structure – there are plenty of creative ideas for children!
Demonstrate chemical reactions using a lava lamp or make “naked eggs” to observe how vinegar dilution affects shell thickness. Other experiments could involve measuring sound speed or exploring plant growth with an easy slingshot.
Geodesic Dome
Geodesic domes, first created in 1922 and made popular since their invention, are an example of remarkable geometry. A sphere-like structure, they’ve found numerous uses since their creation – from recreation centers to Disney World Florida’s Spaceship Earth attraction! Furthermore, geodesic domes offer an intriguing glimpse into the future; their supporters believe one day helping solve global housing shortages could make use of geodesic domes an option.
This project provides children with an introduction to structures and their importance, including how shapes affect strength. Furthermore, this activity teaches how to build with geometric shapes while showing that maths has real world applications.
Students will discover that triangles aren’t simply basic geometric figures; they also serve to reinforce structures, providing students with an appreciation of how engineering and architecture operate in this regard.
Heat Capture Experiment
Kids gain much more from participating in science fairs than just winning top honors; they learn the scientific method (posing questions, developing hypotheses, testing results and analyzing findings) while becoming more comfortable sharing their findings with an audience.
Start planning an engaging science project for your child by researching their interests. Check out this list of projects suitable for elementary schoolers or this list for middle and high schoolers to gain inspiration, or explore your local science museum for offers such as free admission days to encourage exploration.
Paper Cup Structure
Students can use this hands-on STEM activity to investigate the structure of paper cups before building an impressive tower using them. All materials needed are included on one page download that also serves as an equipment list and procedure guide – free for Twinkl members!
Kids learning the ropes of forensic science will enjoy this stimulating experiment! They can investigate how different genres of music influence a plant’s growth.
This easy project allows students to discover how landforms are formed by replicating erosion’s effects through a model. Eighth graders may also build a catapult to investigate movement and trajectory. Furthermore, eighth graders could test how density increases strength of objects such as paper cups when filled with either sand or water and see how much each weighs!
Wind-Powered Car
Students can create and build their own car using household materials to move forward using wind energy. Furthermore, this car provides the perfect opportunity for exploring friction and energy transfer between surfaces.
Students recognize the worldwide climate crisis. This project allows them to address this high interest while exploring energy and renewable resource fundamentals.
The car can also help students develop math skills aligned to NGSS and CCSS standards, by measuring friction on various surfaces as the car travels across them. Engineers use similar strategies when optimizing designs; using such measures ensures vehicles or structures can carry their load while moving effectively.
Egg Drop Structure
The Egg Drop Structure Challenge is an iconic science fair project that challenges students’ creativity and problem-solving abilities to protect a raw egg when dropped from an elevated platform. Students experiment with various materials to see which works best, while simultaneously exploring energy transference as the elevated egg’s potential energy becomes kinetic energy that dissipates upon impact with other forms of energy.
An easy but effective solution involves wrapping an egg in paper or cotton and creating a “pillow effect” from its thickness – softening its impact and protecting from possible breakage.
Another approach is using a parachute, which provides air resistance and slows the egg’s descent. Students may also build a catchnet that curves around it like a hammock or is elastic like a trampoline.