Kids who participate in science fair projects learn that finding solutions to everyday problems can be found through scientific inquiry and gain confidence and mastery of scientific processes, all while improving their grades in other classes.
Test the cleaning power of various household cleaners with this project! It is an ideal way to engage kids in chemistry.
Spherification
Eighth grade science can be challenging, but these engaging experiments will keep kids engaged. Water enthusiasts will enjoy exploring various types of liquid and its effect when combined with music.
Check to see if laundry detergent commercials are telling the truth with this project. It’s an easy and fun way to discover pH levels while turning foods into tasty spheres using sodium alginate and calcium chloride – an experiment perfect for anyone interested in food science or molecular gastronomy.
Hydraulics
Hydraulics power many of the large machines we see every day at work and play, and you can learn about their operation by experimenting with various liquids.
Sports-loving children can discover just how many electrolytes their favorite sports drinks contain by comparing them with water or orange juice in this simple science fair experiment. Students will need some special supplies – like a multimeter and an ohm resistor – but these should be inexpensive and easily available.
UV Beads
These beads contain pigments that react with ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and turn from pale white to vibrant colors when exposed to UV radiation, then back again when no longer exposed. When removed from UV radiation they return back to being white again.
Students can string these beads onto ribbon to create bracelets, zipper pulls or other jewelry items; or use them to test the effectiveness of sunscreens and UV blocking materials.
Optical Illusions
Optic illusions make excellent projects for 8th grade science as they help students explore how visual information translates to brain interpretation. Your visual system rapidly processes thousands of images every second and attempts to organize them by defining borders, analyzing contrasting areas, sorting colors and guessing based on previous experience what should be visible.
Explore the impossible arrow illusion, or create your own thaumtrope, for an entertaining visual and mental challenge!
Introverts vs. Extroverts
Are you someone who enjoys discussing ideas with others and verbally expressing them? Then you likely have an extrovert personality. Extroverts enjoy social interactions and are energized by being around people.
Oft times, people with impulsive tendencies take risks without thinking through their potential repercussions. Their reckless actions may be enjoyable at first glance but may eventually prove costly in terms of future expenses and complications.
No matter your personality type, choose a science fair project that resonates with you. Check out this list of easy-to-discuss 8th grade science fair projects and select one from here that piques your interest.
Shampoo Experiment
Those participating in science fairs would do well to select projects they find personally stimulating; this will make you appear more passionate and keep them interested throughout the research process.
As part of your shampoo experiment, you will compare different brands advertised to work well with specific hair styles and test the pH levels in soap and shampoo products.
Paper Cup Elevator
Students can hone their engineering skills with this fun project that tests the strength of paper. While more involved than some of the experiments here, this project still offers plenty of learning experiences for participants.
Use this exciting experiment to determine how many electrolytes are in your sports drink! Be sure to follow all safety procedures prior to using dry ice.
Rube Goldberg Machine
Students who enjoy learning how things operate will find this science fair project particularly engaging. Students will need to design a Rube Goldberg machine–an elaborate contraption which completes an easily achievable task through chain reactions–for their final project.
Kids can become scientists of buoyancy through this experiment that explores the physical properties of various liquids. They’ll see how water absorbs heat and how soda impacts balloon lift.
Music Plants
As this science fair project shows, plants can still be affected by sound waves. Listening to classical music resulted in taller growth and more pea pod production than being exposed to nonstop death metal music.
Learn the science of waves or how best to clean tarnished silver with this easy eighth grade science experiment that offers stunning results! Additionally, this science fair project provides children with a fun opportunity to practice how to conduct an effective experiment.