Science fair projects for 5th grade provide students with an opportunity to engage with scientific concepts hands-on. Furthermore, these projects should foster discussions and analyses of results–even those which didn’t go according to plan–which encourage thoughtful dialogue about them and help identify any shortcomings in execution or results that didn’t work as anticipated.
Kids love this exciting experiment involving diet soda and Mentos candy that teaches about gas molecules and surface tension, while emphasizing safety precautions and close observation.
Choose a testable question
Scientists refer to asking “testable questions” as the cornerstone of an effective science fair project, meaning you’re trying to change one factor and measure its effect on another factor (or run an experiment that can be repeated). Also important for success: you should be able to measure results; subjective or unquantifiable questions (like “how does music influence memory”) do not make good topics for 5th grade science fair projects.
Testable questions for fifth grade may include: Does music impact plant growth? Investigate acid-base chemistry using this acid-base experiment; does different food affect insects differently? Learn about biology and ecology through this insect research project; observe density and pressure effects with this easy physical science experiment using crushed pop cans; explore bending light via this fun scientific experiment or even use this scientific test to learn about how lava lamps operate!
Conduct an experiment
Once a student has selected an experimentable question and found all necessary equipment, they can start conducting an experiment. Advise your student to follow their experimental procedure carefully while taking daily or weekly notes in their science notebook to record all observations made during this endeavor. Furthermore, encourage your child to use as many quantitative measurements (i.e. numbers) as possible in their observations for maximum efficiency and consistency.
As part of your fifth grade STEM challenge, experiment with Archimedes’ screw or this classic volcano to help students grasp the scientific method. Or create a density tower using empty cans or salt crystals and introduce concepts such as force, gravity and density. Balloon racing provides another enjoyable STEM activity to teach Newton’s laws of motion while sparking kids’ creativity and engineering abilities; plus it’s budget friendly too!
Take notes
Documenting your scientific experiments is an integral component of scientific inquiry. From noting the height at which your volcano erupted to tracking weight change in salt dough samples, taking good notes will enable you to prepare and present your findings effectively.
Experience with the scientific method is vital for students in grade 5. Try this fun experiment that introduces gravity and density concepts, or explore whether crushed pop cans float or sink like regular cans in this classic science fair project idea.
Make sure your students use this BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr. movie collection that fits with their projects. These animated videos offer background research and deeper understanding in an entertaining manner. Almost every science project requires a display board to communicate your findings – make sure they know how to construct one!
Present your findings
Fifth grade science experiments help 5th graders formulate ideas, questions and test them with specific evidence and reasons. Students apply their science skills in forecasting experiments before measuring, evaluating and drawing conclusions from them. Join your 5th grade student as they conduct engaging and enjoyable science experiments that will expand their knowledge and abilities for years to come!
Try an experiment in which baking soda is added to cookies to see if this causes them to rise and lighten, or encourage children to explore how different soil types impact plant growth. Or they could test how different weights of jumpers affect trampoline bounce height, or make a tornado using plastic zipper storage bags stuffed with glitter, small pieces of paper, dish soap and stick figures as ingredients.