Science fair projects for eighth graders are an enormously important undertaking. Students need to select an intriguing topic and be ready to work hard at documenting and presenting it for submission at an official science fair event.
Try out this fun physics experiment to demonstrate momentum! Kids will love this project which shows how Newton’s laws of motion work.
Rube Goldberg Machine
Cartoonist Rube Goldberg invented these machines as an engaging way for students to discover fundamental physics concepts. Students gain an appreciation of levers – devices which use force to move one end over the other – as well as how pushes and pulls can change object motions.
Work in small groups or as an entire class and brainstorm ideas for a Rube Goldberg Machine, before selecting an activity for it to complete.
Once your machine is assembled, take time to test it to ensure it fulfills its task successfully. If any steps do not do this task satisfactorily, consider making any necessary modifications until your machine can complete this task five times an hour without issue.
UV Beads
Many children enjoy spending time outside, yet are unaware of the harmful UV radiation emitted by sunlight. Exposing skin to UV radiation will either burn or turn brown quickly leading to wrinkles and skin cancer; hence the necessity of protective attire such as hats and sunscreens; using beads as an experiment could be used as a fun way for testing out various sunscreen products that will also teach kids why they need to protect their skin against sunlight.
These ultraviolet detecting beads change color when exposed to UV radiation, transforming from white or off-white indoors into vibrant hues outside. They make for great attention-getting stimuli as students start an inquiry science unit!
Optical Illusions
Optic illusions aren’t just fun; they’re also an invaluable way to gain insights into how your eyes and mind work. These mind-benders use light, patterns, colors and movement to deceive the eye into seeing something that doesn’t exist – this type of trickery falls under physiological, cognitive and literal categories of optical illusions.
Ponzo illusion shows two lines that appear angled upwards or downwards but are actually parallel, because your brain misinterprets information from your eyes, leading you to try making sense of this illusion and create new perceptions based on it. Other examples of optical illusions are gray spots in a grid of squares and goblet/kissing people illusion. Finally, optical illusions may distort distance, position and curvature distortion.
Cars
Kids who participate in science fairs tend to gain greater confidence and deeper understanding of all scientific concepts they explore through their projects. Selecting a topic they find interesting will keep them engaged throughout experimentation and presentation processes.
Put students through an engineering science challenge! Create and design the most energy-efficient solar-powered car or use simple materials to transport two cups of water at the same time!
Are your children fascinated with physics? Give this simple project a try to demonstrate how gravity affects objects, while any child will find this engaging model fun for playing around with their center of gravity!
Batteries
Students can gain a better understanding of batteries by creating their own from pennies and felt. Once completed, their battery can then power a small LED light or digital clock.
Middl schoolers may find DNA intimidating, but this fascinating science experiment makes it simple and accessible. A great way to explore genetics without needing a microscope!
With this straightforward science project, students can assess how much electrolytes their favorite sports drinks contain while learning more about the chemical reaction that takes place when salt and water come together.