Science fair projects provide an ideal way for fourth graders to observe natural phenomena more closely and create projects for science fairs based on those observations. With hands-on experiments that encourage fourth graders to explore, question, and record what they observe, these hands-on experiments encourage 4th graders to formulate questions related to what they observe as part of a science fair project idea.
Growing crystals or showing how magnets attract metal objects with these amazing experiments. Also included is an incredible demonstration of energy transfer as well as an easy engineering activity involving building a pulley system.
Projector Experiment
An effective science fair project typically begins with curiosity about something observed or read, prompting children to formulate an hypothesis or testable question for further analysis.
Construct a slide projector to see if you can see an image larger than its source with this simple experiment. It’s also a fantastic way to explore distance and perspective!
Elevator Experiment
4th-grade science projects typically consist of creating and testing a hypothesis. Students also start detailing data quantitatively in lab reports.
This classic experiment illustrates how pressure to conform in social groups can have an effect on an individual. It provides a great opportunity to teach children about groupthink and its consequences.
This stunning science demo may look like magic, but it teaches kids all about light refraction. Kids will enjoy watching colors appear and disappear as letters become numbers!
Seismometer Experiment
Build a simple school seismometer to explore seismic waves directly and hands-on! This project would make an excellent STEM activity for 4th graders interested in earth sciences.
Use colored sugar water to teach children about density in an engaging and visually appealing way – one of our go-to 4th grade science experiments for those interested in chemistry! This experiment makes an engaging 4th grade science activity!
Hovercraft Experiment
Introduce children to Newton’s laws of motion with this engaging maker project! It shows how force and friction influence the motion of objects.
Allow students to gather materials such as CDs and pop-top caps from plastic soda bottles. Students then glue the pop-top cap over the CD hole, ensuring an airtight seal.
Push a closed hovercraft and observe that it doesn’t move far; then open its cap to watch it glide across a table surface as its air rushes out, decreasing friction between surfaces.
Sunscreen Experiment
Sunscreen products are designed to block harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching our skin, and this experiment gives students the chance to test how effective a sunscreen product really is using UV-sensitive beads and an UV sensor.
Explain to your students that the earth’s ozone layer blocks much of the sun’s harmful UV rays, making sunscreens necessary. But which sunscreens offer the greatest protection for skin health? Experiment with different SPF lotions to determine which ones offer maximum coverage.
Sidewalk Chalk Experiment
Nothing gets children more engaged with science than hands-on experiments. These exciting 4th grade science experiments cover various subjects, such as biology, engineering and chemistry.
This straightforward experiment shows how regular sidewalk chalk can quickly expand through chemical reaction. Use it to demonstrate endothermic reactions, as well as how surface area and concentration affect rate of reactions. Bring along a stopwatch to time the experiment; observe which pieces (ground or whole) show faster reactions.
Mineral Experiment
There are thousands of minerals found throughout Earth. Although most are combined together into rocks, individual minerals can sometimes be found separately. In this experiment, students will examine some commonly occurring ones like graphite (used in pencils), salt, talc and mica separately.
Give each student a tray of minerals. Instruct them to record each mineral’s physical characteristics on a chart, such as color, luster and hardness. You could even do an acid test using vinegar drops on it!
Chocolate Chip Experiment
Students explore renewable and nonrenewable resources by forming “companies” to mine different natural materials. This activity serves to develop students’ close observation skills as well as their senses for feeling and touching natural objects.
Young students will love this Valentine’s Day science experiment! Layered liquids visually demonstrate density while showing Boyle’s law at work.
Children will love exploring Newton’s laws of motion with this classic balloon rocket project! They’ll have lots of fun using their imagination to demonstrate his laws of movement through this exciting balloon rocket experience!