Science fair experiments offer students the opportunity to gain exposure to scientific concepts, develop critical thinking abilities, and foster an interest in learning. Our science fair projects for 8th grade aim to stimulate curiosity and foster scientific inquiry.
Students select an issue to investigate, conduct library and online research, then design an experiment to address their topic of choice.
Paper Strength
Parents dread it: Your eighth-grade son or daughter brings home a science fair project requiring experimentation, written reports and presentations for submission.
An easy experiment that lets you compare paper towel brands is to put objects of various weights onto them and compare their strength. One person should hold out a sheet of paper towel flat in the air while placing objects onto it from various brands to see which is strongest.
Peppermint Candy
This Christmas science experiment provides a fun way to use up any leftover candy. Kids will get to observe how various shapes of peppermint candy react with hot water.
These experiments will compare the reaction times of volunteers who consumed peppermint to those that didn’t, with added scientific data collection capabilities such as using a timer! It’s an ideal experiment to conduct after any holiday when leftover candy remains.
Rube Goldberg Machine
Students can utilize their knowledge of simple machines to design an original mechanical contraption that serves a useful task. Dubbed after its creator – an ironic cartoonist known for mocking overly complex inventions – this project fosters creativity.
This experiment employs UV beads of various hues to explore a host of possibilities. Students can conduct tests on various sports drinks to compare hydration levels and discover why each one works so efficiently.
UV Beads
UV beads provide students with an engaging way to demonstrate how light can cause physical changes. Reacting with ultraviolet radiation, these color-changing beads undergo a chemical reaction that alters their shape before returning back to its original, colorless state.
Physics and chemistry come together when students create their own battery using ingredients found in their kitchens – the results can be truly exciting!
Tunnel of Lights
Use color-changing UV beads to create an optical illusion with this physics experiment that also introduces students to engineering principles.
Unlearn how different conditions influence reaction times by testing whether being hungry or full affects response times, or discovering whether classical music helps plants grow. Other experiments include analyzing soil, tracking animal footprints and testing how water quality influences plant growth.
Acid Rain
Acid rain can damage lakes, kill fish, burn trees and even wear away stone buildings and monuments – this experiment highlights its adverse impact on plants.
Students compare watering their plants with acidic rain versus clean water to better understand pollution’s harmful impacts.
yeast fermentation, an essential concept in chemistry, can easily be observed with this recipe for root beer brew. After testing their results to see how temperature impacts yeast fermentation, students can make decisions based on what their results show them.
Yeast Fermentation
An easy yet fascinating experiment that illustrates how yeast converts sugar to carbon dioxide and ethanol. A great project for showing the role enzymes play in chemical reactions!
This physics and engineering experiment helps students explore surface tension. They can experiment with various liquids to see which produces the longest soap bubble. Furthermore, students can compare results between watering plants using rainwater, soda water or any other liquid source to see which produces optimal results.
Root Beer Brew
Choose a science fair project that intrigues students to ensure that they remain engaged in their work and stay invested. This experiment uses root beer as an indicator to show how matter changes state.
Are your students exploring surface tension? Try this engineering challenge of creating a device capable of stabilizing and carrying two cups of water while testing its strength; this is an easy way to incorporate scientific method.
Balloon to Flame
Students participating in this science experiment create a fireproof balloon. An adult should assist due to using flames and matches during this project.
Blow up and place a balloon on top of a candle, then slowly lower another water-filled balloon over it – this should smother out any potential flames before they burst, providing an excellent demonstration of thermal conduction.
Plant Growth
Plants are integral to life on our planet, yet also fascinating. Eighth graders can explore different water sources, investigate phototropism (where plants preferentially grow towards light) or research how carbon dioxide impacts plant life.
Students learn about surface tension, the force that causes liquid molecules to adhere together, through this hands-on science experiment that integrates physics and biology. It’s an engaging way for them to think outside the box!