If your student is taking part in their first science fair, these experiments provide the perfect way to build models that demonstrate new concepts. Plus, using easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps may motivate them to become lifelong scientists!
Does air temperature impact bubble formation? Discover it yourself with this interesting science experiment from ThoughtCo, or gain knowledge of gravity and physics by building this Rube Goldberg machine!
Spherification
Spherification is a molecular gastronomy technique that involves turning liquid foods into discrete semi-solid spheres for easier consumption and enjoyment. This activity offers children an enjoyable science experiment that will teach them about food chemistry.
Calcium chloride reacts with sodium alginate to form edible spheres that can then be taken out of solution and eaten! This project makes an ideal science project for 9th graders.
Hydraulics
Hydraulic systems can be found everywhere: cars use them to stop with a touch of the foot and industrial machines use them to lift heavy loads. Learn how they work through this fun experiment!
HubPages offers an engaging fingerprint science project perfect for future forensic scientists. Also recommended: the rubber egg experiment which tests osmosis and vinegar dilution.
Snakes
Discover all about snakes with this exciting science fair project. Discover their various adaptations.
Students can explore the physical properties of liquids with this exciting experiment, discovering density, viscosity, and surface tension through direct experience.
Magnets and mud make for an exciting combination, which STEAMsational has demonstrated with this magnetic mud recipe. See how mud attracts magnets with this experiment.
Fidget Spinners
Fidget spinners may seem like an unnecessary or irrelevant trend, yet they’ve taken over schools across America. Their manufacturers claim these three-prong gadgets help students focus and reduce stress and anxiety.
But the science underlying such claims remains uncertain, while their toys could actually reduce concentration. That’s why many teachers have posted signs advising their students to bring back spinners home for safe keeping.
Pinball Machines
Pinball machines are games of chance that use pins to score points, with modern cabinets featuring eye-catching front or ‘backboxes’ with eye-catching graphics that announce their name and help players score.
Kids can build a geyser and learn about pressure with this science fair idea from Steve Spangler Science, or explore chromosomes through Science Buddies’ incredible project idea.
Colors
Colorful science experiments can be an excellent way for kids to understand the scientific process. By learning to observe, hypothesize and test a theory they will gain essential experience of following it to its conclusion.
Find out which color your friends prefer by engaging in this fun experiment or explore why leaves change color with an easy leaf chromatography experiment.
Explore how to construct a DIY spectroscope from basic supplies with this fun science project, while classifying various candy varieties through this taxonomy exercise.
Classification
Classification is the practice of grouping objects into categories according to their similarities or affinities, making for an intriguing science fair topic that allows kids to hone their STEM skills by asking questions, formulating hypotheses, conducting tests, and collecting data.
Experience fun germ experiments via All Science Fair Projects or take part in this chromosome color and cat coats experiment for future forensic scientists. Additionally, these projects make great model projects, perfect for high schoolers.
Liquid Density
Students can gain an exciting insight into liquid density with this easy science experiment. Students will compare equal volumes of water, alcohol and vegetable oil and compare the densities to find which is denser.
Attractive science fair projects include creating a tornado in a bottle and stacking liquids to demonstrate density. You could also try growing crystals overnight or becoming a human sundial!
Robotic Hands
Robotic hands perform many useful functions, from grasping objects and manipulating tools, to sensing force applied to its fingertip. Their grasping capabilities have been tested by squeezing aluminum cans tightly while gently holding eggs.
Parents looking for magnet-focused experiments for their kids will love Steve Spangler Science’s Magnetic Mud Experiment! Kids will also gain some understanding of chemistry through this water filtration project from Scientific American.
Cars
If your children enjoy cars, try this science experiment on car engines as a fun way for them to explore engines and power.
Discover how water vapors transform into rain with this easy weather science fair project!
This germs science fair project offers children an engaging hands-on way to explore bacterial growth in different liquids. Plus, kids will also learn about osmosis! A perfect way to ignite an appreciation of STEM education!