High school science fair projects give teens an outlet to express their creativity with hands-on STEM experiments that incorporate multiple fields of science. These projects provide teens with an ideal way to explore engineering and physics concepts while having fun!
Students will love designing and building complex contraptions to accomplish simple tasks in the most complicated ways. Plus, this engaging experiment will teach them about optical illusions.
Rube Goldberg Machine
Rube Goldberg machines — intricate mechanisms that achieve simple tasks through intricate processes — provide an engaging way for students to develop engineering, science, technology, math (ESTM) and collaboration skills. Furthermore, they foster creativity and collaboration.
Before students begin building, show them a video of an example machine (see Resources). This allows them to understand how the different simple machines (incline plane, pulley, wedge and wheel and axle) work together to achieve its purpose.
UV Beads
UV Beads are an eye-catcher that bring home the message that invisible sunlight can make real changes to life. Children can conduct many inquiry-based experiments with them to learn about UV radiation; such as testing whether different materials block light-sensitive pigments of their beads.
These colorful beads exhibit photochromism – they switch colors when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, then change back when removed from UV sources – as an example of photochromism.
Tunnel of Lights
Tunnel lighting systems can adjust their brightness depending on ambient light levels, helping prevent sudden brightness changes at tunnel entrances and providing safer driving conditions for motorists.
Children learn chemistry and engineering with this engaging project from Steve Spangler Science, sure to impress judges! The results will certainly impress!
Students will discover how thimbles work with this easy experiment from The Homeschool Scientist. Furthermore, they will investigate how bottle shape affects its volume.
Catalase Experiment
Enzymes play an essential role in our bodies by speeding up chemical reactions that help ensure survival, but sometimes they produce side-effects like hydrogen peroxide that could potentially threaten it.
Hydrogen peroxide applied directly to an injury produces small bubbles which resemble foam; this effect is the result of catalase being activated as an internal defense mechanism.
Change conditions like pH (by adding vinegar or baking soda) and temperature to see how this impacts reaction, then create a graph to visualize results.
Bottle Rockets
Students construct bottle rockets using 2-liter soft drink bottles and an assembly stand, using Newton’s Third Law of Motion as guidance (for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction). They then launch them using Newton’s law that states for every action there will be equal and opposite reactions in return – and so, make them fly!
This project provides students with an engaging hands-on learning experience while demonstrating scientific concepts. Furthermore, it’s easily adaptable for different ages and developmental needs.
Cars
Participating in science fairs is an excellent way to demonstrate your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems and projects, an aptitude colleges highly value when considering admission decisions. Plus, competing can introduce you to other like-minded students from your school and county/region/state who share similar passions for science.
Building a plastic bottle bridge or using basic materials to construct a hydroponic garden are exciting STEM science experiments for high schoolers that can delight audiences at competitions! This STEM science experiment is sure to astonish and impress!
Batteries
Batteries provide power to devices like cell phones, handheld games and electronic toys by converting chemical energy to electric energy in a redox reaction.
A battery consists of two half-cells with an interleaving separator between them. One half-cell contains an anode metal electrode where electrons move, while atoms lose or gain electrons on its cathode half-cell. Furthermore, its electrolyte allows for the movement of ions across its surface.
Heart-Rate Monitor
An impressive STEM project that’s also fun is making a heart-rate monitor out of a smartwatch, which teaches kids about electronics, sensor design and data processing. This science fair idea is easy and fun.
This high school science fair project never ceases to amaze. A classic physics experiment that never ceases to impress, this high school science fair project demonstrates momentum. Additionally, this is an excellent way for kids to understand kinetic energy.
Fire Experiment
Students can observe the various metal salts being heated in a flame and their various hues, providing an engaging demonstration to introduce concepts like exothermic and endothermic reactions.
Make sure an adult is present and supervise this experiment carefully, including having water or fire extinguisher handy to prevent accidental injuries from occurring. Wear protective gloves and safety goggles and conduct this experiment in a well-ventilated area or fume hood for the best results.
Ice Magnifying Glass
Discover the power of refraction with this amazing science experiment! For best results, it is best for students to use distilled water as tap water may contain small impurities that cause distortion.
This engineering project gives students a hands-on look at the principles behind lift, thrust and drag that keep airplanes flying through the skies. They will also learn more about alternative energy sources.