Science fairs provide students with an invaluable opportunity to practice conducting experiments and presenting their results, while honing skills necessary for becoming successful scientists while instilling an enthusiasm for discovery.
Encourage your 8th graders to select an intriguing topic. This will enable them to appear more enthusiastic about their experiments when presenting, and will make it easier for them to complete the project on schedule.
Solar Oven
Harness the power of solar energy to make an exciting snack! Learn about solar energy, insulation and absorption through this interactive activity which teaches kids how to build their own solar oven.
Construct a “plastic window” using aluminum foil and plastic wrap by covering a pizza box in aluminum foil and covering with plastic wrap, adjusting flaps until you achieve optimal reflection of sunlight. Leave it outside on sunny days for results every 10 minutes or so.
Rube Goldberg Machine
Rube Goldberg’s complex machines were invented as part of his Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist work and used to complete simple tasks using an unusual series of events. These fun science experiments serve to teach fundamental physics principles while being fun educational experiments!
Encourage students to brainstorm and sketch their inventions before beginning construction. Make sure they understand that kinetic energy depends on mass and speed, and that it increases exponentially when one object’s speed doubles.
Students use various materials to construct Rube Goldberg machines, such as dominoes and winding pathways, in order to construct machines with an ultimate goal in mind, such as dropping an alien toy into a cup.
UV Beads
Color-changing beads provide an engaging way for kids to demonstrate the power of UV radiation, and are an engaging way of teaching children about this invisible energy source. Kids can use the beads to test sun protective clothing and products like sunblock as well as to evaluate sunscreen brands.
This project will help students better comprehend why the sun can be harmful, and identify ways they can avoid overexposure, such as wearing a hat and sunscreen. Furthermore, they’ll gain an insight into photochromism – another thing they learn!
Optical Illusions
Science projects encourage curiosity and critical thinking among students while helping them gain an in-depth knowledge of scientific principles. Furthermore, science projects foster teamwork and collaboration while simultaneously encouraging a love of discovery.
Can you identify which line is longer? This challenging optical illusion demonstrates how our brains process visual data.
Make an engineering statement with your students with this project that challenges them to create a paper cup structure capable of supporting their weight, using dry ice as safety precaution. Just ensure all proper safety measures are in place!
Spherification
Spherification is an impressive culinary technique used by modernist cuisine. Discover how this molecular gastronomy technique can create flavor-filled food preparations with stunning spheres.
This science experiment allows students to explore an alternate variation on the basic spherification reaction for calcium-containing foods. Please see Variation 1 for further details.
Building batteries is an excellent way for students to gain a deeper understanding of chemical reactions and electricity, while simultaneously giving valuable insights into buoyancy and density physics.
Hydraulic Elevator
As opposed to traditional traction elevators, hydraulic elevators use an enclosed airtight cylinder that contains a piston that fills with hydraulic fluid when an elevator call comes from higher floors. When someone dials for their call on said floor, electrical valves slowly release this hydraulic fluid for a smooth descent.
This project showcases Pascal’s Law, which states that any pressure applied to a fluid exerts equal force throughout it. Students will be able to compare the amount of force required to lift different weights with this model hydraulic lift.
Black Pellets
Students in their teenage years can benefit from engaging in hands-on science experiments that foster curiosity and inspire an interest for discovery. Participating in such projects teaches critical thinking skills while building passion for learning that will last beyond classroom walls.
This project uses simple materials to help students grasp energy transfer and harnessing solar power, as well as inspiring sustainable solutions.
Reaction Time
One fraction of a second can make all the difference when competing in Olympic sports or driving a vehicle. Discover which factors affect reaction time with this science fair project, such as whether food and music impact it and whether men have faster reactions than females.
Students will investigate if peppermint candy improves reaction times during periods of mental fatigue. Furthermore, they will observe whether an individual’s reaction time varies based on which hand they dominate.