Fifth graders are ready to assume greater responsibility in designing and conducting their own science experiments, creating thrilling endeavors that spark curiosity while inspiring passion for learning.
Students can explore surface tension with this hands-on demo that uses waterproofing spray to produce visible hydrophobic sand. In addition, the experiment provides insights into polymers.
1. Static Electricity
Teaching kids about static electricity can be fun! This force causes hair to stand on end when combing it or creates an unpleasant electrical zap when touching doorknobs or switches.
This experiment shows how charged objects (combs, balloons and plastic pieces) attract paper pieces while magnets repel them; additionally it illustrates how objects can bend water.
2. Marshmallow Jump
By 5th grade, students are ready to undertake more independent experiments that develop curiosity and create a love of learning.
This engaging chemistry experiment explores the effects of different acids on various materials and also teaches about surface tension and gas molecules.
This engaging science experiment illustrates the negative impact of acid rain on natural environments while teaching about alternative energy sources.
3. Water Purification
Crafting the ideal science fair project is an integral part of elementary school life, and these easy ideas will have your child learning while still having lots of fun!
Regroup your students into teams of three. Provide each group with one prepared 2-liter bottle, one cup of “polluted water” in a beaker or cup, and one type of filter. Label all supplies carefully while recording any sight- and smell-based observations (but no taste observations) onto a worksheet.
4. Salt Dough Volcano
A volcano is a classic science experiment for kids to understand acid-base reactions as well as different states of matter.
Salt dough is easier and looks more realistic when creating your volcano, making this project suitable for children to complete alone or as part of a group project. Remember to assist children as they mold the volcano.
5. Orange Arch
Crafting an excellent science fair project is an integral part of elementary school life. Students want something they can complete on their own with little guidance from teachers or parents – and hopefully within two weeks.
Bring learnings about gravity, tension and friction to life through Lego with this engaging hands-on experiment that brings both together in one fun activity!
6. Eggshell Arch
By fifth grade, children are ready to embark on more independent science experiments. These hands-on activities encourage curiosity while cultivating learning passions in biology, chemistry and physics.
Eggshells are designed with arched-shaped chambers to evenly distribute pressure throughout their shell, which makes this science experiment ideal for testing how many books a stack of eggshells can hold before breaking. This activity also serves as an educational opportunity, teaching children about gravity and force!
7. Balloon Experiment
By fifth grade, students are ready to conduct more independent science experiments on their own. These exhilarating endeavors satisfy curiosity while sparking learning passions.
Make science come alive for students by showing them that baking soda and vinegar react chemically with this fun experiment! Students will also gain insight into different liquid density.
With this inventive experiment, children can witness firsthand that hot air rises while cold air sinks – providing an engaging way to demonstrate thermal energy and ocean current convection currents.
8. Airplane Experiment
By fifth grade, students are prepared to assume more responsibility in their experiments and designs. These engaging activities encourage curiosity while stimulating an insatiable appetite for knowledge.
This simple physics experiment shows children how air pressure affects the flight of paper airplanes, teaching them about lift and thrust forces.
This experiment provides a fun and interactive way to learn about heat capacity. Fifth graders can gain an understanding of how liquids absorb and transfer heat.
9. Rock Candy
Rock candy is an enjoyable science experiment that not only produces tasty candy treats, but also teaches children about crystal formation. Wetting and dipping a string or stick in sugar creates small seed crystals which encourage other sugar molecules to attach themselves, ultimately producing larger and more complex crystals.
This experiment provides an excellent way to demonstrate the chemistry behind solutes and solvents, so be sure to supervise it closely!
10. Photosynthesis
By fifth grade, students are ready to engage in more independent science experiments – this is an ideal time to introduce them to the Scientific Method.
Experience how plants respond differently when exposed to different amounts of sunlight through this simple experiment.
Kids of all ages will enjoy exploring density with this fun experiment that involves soap and water! Plus, it teaches about polymers!