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Okay, this is the hardest part of the whole project…picking your topic. But here are some ideas to get you started. Even if you don’t like any, they may inspire you to come up with one of your own. Remember, check all project ideas with your teacher and parents, and don’t do any project that would hurt or scare people or animals. Good luck!

• Does music affect on animal behavior?
• Does the color of food or drinks affect whether or not we like them?
• Where are the most germs in your school? ( CLICK for more info. )
• Does music have an affect on plant growth?
• Which kind of food do dogs (or any animal) prefer best?
• Which paper towel brand is the strongest?
• What is the best way to keep an ice cube from melting?
• What level of salt works best to hatch brine shrimp?
• Can the food we eat affect our heart rate?
• How effective are child-proof containers and locks.
• Can background noise levels affect how well we concentrate?
• Does acid rain affect the growth of aquatic plants?
• What is the best way to keep cut flowers fresh the longest?
• Does the color of light used on plants affect how well they grow?
• What plant fertilizer works best?
• Does the color of a room affect human behavior?
• Do athletic students have better lung capacity?
• What brand of battery lasts the longest?
• Does the type of potting soil used in planting affect how fast the plant grows?
• What type of food allow mold to grow the fastest?
• Does having worms in soil help plants grow faster?
• Can plants grow in pots if they are sideways or upside down?
• Does the color of hair affect how much static electricity it can carry? (test with balloons)
• How much weight can the surface tension of water hold?
• Can some people really read someone else’s thoughts?
• Which soda decays fallen out teeth the most?
• What light brightness makes plants grow the best?
• Does the color of birdseed affect how much birds will eat it?
• Do natural or chemical fertilizers work best?
• Can mice learn? (you can pick any animal)
• Can people tell artificial smells from real ones?
• What brands of bubble gum produce the biggest bubbles?
• Does age affect human reaction times?
• What is the effect of salt on the boiling temperature of water?
• Does shoe design really affect an athlete’s jumping height?
• What type of grass seed grows the fastest?
• Can animals see in the dark better than humans?

Didn’t see one you like? Don’t worry…look over them again and see if they give you an idea for your own project that will work for you. Remember, find something that interests you, and have fun with it.

To download and print this list of ideas CLICK HERE .

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30+ Science Fair Projects That Will Wow The Crowd

February 20, 2022 by Ana Dziengel Leave a Comment

Are your children signing up for the science fair this year? Have you begun the arduous task of looking for  science fair projects  that might pique your child’s interest? Or do you have a child who already has ten ideas they have been dying to try?

The science fair is a great school tradition and a memorable experience for many children (I still remember the life size plaster penguin I made in 5th grade), and if your school doesn’t conduct one, consider starting it!

This year if you are on the lookout for science fair projects I challenge you to think beyond the vinegar volcano (we have “Volcano Alley” at our school because there are so many volcano projects every year). I know, vinegar volcanoes are like a rite of childhood passage, but there are so many other amazing science ideas out there! I have compiled a list of 30+ science fair projects for kids based on their grade level below. Before we get started I wanted to share some tips for getting the most out of the science fair.

This post contains affiliate links.

Science Fair Tips

• Don’t do the project for your child! This is my number one tip. Many parents have a tendency to jump in and make children’s work “more presentable” or to assist their child so much in the project that it’s hard to know who actually did it. Listen I get it, science is fun and you want your child to have a wonderful presentation…but that’s not really what the science fair is about. It’s about your child learning how to do scientific research and present their findings in their own way. Think of yourself as a helpful guide NOT an assistant, and definitely not the boss.
• Choose something age  appropriate  When your child is choosing the science fair idea they want to try, make sure it’s age appropriate. Sure we’d all love to make a working robot but there’s nothing more frustrating than trying a project that may be too advanced for the skills of your child. And that’s when a lot of parents resort to doing the project instead. Not a good solution. So make sure your child is capable of completing the steps them self.
• Make a list of three ideas Have your child select three science fair project ideas and then go over the choices with them. Make sure they understand the steps involved in each project and wether or not they feel comfortable in executing those steps on their own with your guidance.
• Follow your child’s interests Encourage your children to explore some ideas based on interests they already have. Here’s a list of science books with projects based on things your child already loves!
• STEAM it up! STEAM projects rock the science fair!!! A great way to get kids to become more familiar with STEAM concepts it to pick science projects that crossover into art, math, engineering and more!  Two STEAM books to consider are  STEAM Kids Play and Learn (my book!) and   STEAM Kids ebook.  Both books will get you started with some great ideas!
• Read our Science Fair Mini Guide I created this mini guide to walk kids  through all the steps for completing their science fair project. You can check out the full guide here: 

Speak like a scientist! Science Vocabulary to use in your presentation

We’re almost ready to get to the projects! Before we begin, let’s review some science terms. In fact, using these terms in your science fair presentation will be sure to impress your friends and adults!

• When you watch, see, or notice something you are making an observation
• When you ask who, what, when, where, why, or how, you are forming a question  
• When you read a book or an article about your observation, you are doing research
• When you make a guess based on your observation, question, and research, you are forming a hypothesis
• When you test your hypothesis, you are conducting an experiment
• When you change one factor in your experiment at a time while keeping everything else the same, you are changing a variable
• When you take notes in your journal and write down what you see happening in your experiment, you are logging data  
• When you examine, or look at, your data, you are analyzing it
• When you are able answer your question, you are coming to a conclusion

30+ Science Fair Projects for Kids 

Now let’s get on with the science fair projects! I have organized the projects by age/grade level. Click the titles to be taken to the project instructions, unless the instructions follow below.

If you’d rather have the science fair projects list organized by subject you can download our hyperlinked PDF by subscribing to our email list here .

Kindergarten-1st Grade Science Fair Projects

1.  lemon volcano.

Skip the vinegar volcano and try lemon juice! Kids will learn about the chemical reaction between citric acid and baking soda.

2. DIY Bouncy Balls

Learn about polymers while making a DIY toy!  This variation on slime uses a few simple ingredients. <span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span>

3. Shiny Pennies

A classic experiment that kids love is Shiny Pennies . Collect dirty tarnished pennies and have kids soak them for a minimum of 5 minutes in different acidic liquids. We used vinegar, salsa, lime juice, and lemon juice.  After soaking, remove them from the solution and rinse in soapy water then compare which ones are shiniest. Take notes on which acid worked best to shine the pennies. Variation: Don’t rinse all the pennies after removing them from the different liquids. Can you see a difference in the rinsed vs. non-rinsed pennies? Leave them overnight and see if any of the copper oxidizes (turns green) on the non-rinsed pennies.

pictured above: Regrowing vegetable scraps, DIY Stethoscope, Simple Circuit

4.  Regrow Vegetable Scraps

Did you know you can start an entire garden from vegetable scraps? It works indoors too!

5.  DIY Stethoscope

Make your own stethoscope from a few hardware store parts.

6.  Simple Circuit

For all tech centered kids: Learn how to make a very simple circuit from easy to find items.

pictured above: Chromatography Butterflies, Rainbow Rubber Eggs, Exploring Density with Salt

7. Chromatography 3 Ways

Chromatography is the process of separating mixtures, in this case we will be separating ink into different colors.

• How to do the Classic Chromatography Project The simplest kids chromatography project using paper towels
• Chromatography Art Turn chromatography strips into a woven paper art project!
• Chromatography Butterflies Learn how to separate colors and create a sweet science based craft!

8. Exploring Density with Salt

Why don’t oil and water mix? Find out with this density experiment inspired by Lava Lamps!

9. Rainbow Rubber Eggs

Rubber eggs are another classic science project that kids love. And it’s so easy! I mean does dropping an egg in vinegar and coming back in a few days sound do-able?

2nd-4th grade Science Fair Projects

10. magic rollback can.

You just can’t get rid of this physics project! This project explores the difference between potential and kinetic energy. <span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span>

pictured above: Bleeding Blossoms, Teleidoscopes, Density Tower

11. Absorption 2 Ways

• Bleeding Blossoms Explore capillary action and absorption in this science meets art project.
• Magical Water Blossoms Make beautiful blossoming paper flowers with the help of absorption. This project has a simple wow moment that everyone enjoys watching.

12.  Teleidoscopes

A teleidoscope is a kaliedoscpe without an end. This means you can use it to view anything and everything. Look through one of these and you will be amazed!

13. Density Towers 2 Ways:

Yes, you can layer liquids on top of each other without them mixing! This is a classic project and kids can customize the liquids they choose to layer.

• Simple Layered Liquids Learn how to make a simple density tower out of kitchen ingredients and then turn it into a lava lamp!
• Glowing Density Tower This density tower has a bonus science surprise: it glows under UV light!

14.  Magnet Magic

Make a simple hanging magnet structure and explore the magic of magnetism.

pictured above: Chromatography Art, Dry Erase Figure, Overnight Crystals

15. Make a Lemon Battery and a Lime Light

Did you know that a chemical reaction can generate electricity?

16.  Electric Playdough

AKA Squishy Circuits, this project will demonstrate that salt and water conduct electricity!

17. Simple Sound Science

Explore the science of sound with these 4 experiments, then use your knowledge to make your own DIY instrument!

pictured above: Magnetic Sensory Bottle, Magical Plastic Bag, Cartesian Divers

18.  Magnetic Field Sensory Bottle

This will surely be a hit at the Science Fair! Watch metal particles dance and move under the influence of powerful magnets!

19.  Magical Plastic Bag Experiment

It’s not magic, it’s polymers! This easy science fair project uses a minimum of materials but demonstrates how everyday polymers work.

20.  Cartesian Divers

A classic science experiment exploring buoyancy. Make “diver” swim up and down in a bottle using science.

21. Water Drop Microscope

Did you know you can make simple microscope from a plastic bottle and water? This project teaches kids to turn trash into a science tool!

22. Spinning Tops

Learn about centrifugal force and friction with one of these three spinning tops ideas!

• Spin Art Tops
• Spin-finite Tops
• Perler Bead Tops

23. Kinetic Sculpture

Make you own moving sculpture while learning about cams and gears!

<span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span>

Science Fair Projects for 5th Grade and up

pictured above: Crystal landscapes, Tiny Dancers, Coffee Can Camera Obscura

24. Crystals 3 Ways:

• Overnight Crystals Grow Epsom salt crystals overnight in your refrigerator.
• Crystal Wind Catchers Borax crystals are SUPER easy to grow! Turn them into a lovely dangling wind catcher.
• Crystal Landscapes A more advanced crystal growing experiment using bluing and salt but WOW, these are gorgeous!

25.  Tiny Dancers

These are actually a very simple motor! Kids will learn about electromagnetism by building this motor that can “dance.”

26.  Coffee Can Camera Obscura

Make a simple camera obscura out of an old coffee can.

pictured above: Heat Sensitive Slime, Levitating Pen

27. Heat Sensitive Slime

Click your slime chemistry up a notch by adding in thermochromic paint!

28.  Levitating Pen

Make a pen appear to levitate using a magnet!

29.  Newton’s Cradle

Featured on Dude Perfect! I made one of these for the science fair back in the 1980’s…This science “toy” is mesmerizing for kids and adults alike!

pictured above: Electromagnetic Train, Fake Lung, Articulated Hand

30.  Electromagnetic Train

Incredible display of electricity and magnetism!

31.  Fake Lung

For kids interested in life science and biology, make a model of how our lungs work for the science fair.

32.  Articulated Hand

Another one for biology oriented kids, explore how our joints move by creating an articulated hand.

33. Salty Circuits

In this simple circuit project, kids will create an electrical circuit using salt to conduct electricity and power a light emitting diode (LED).

Are you ready for the science fair?

Whether your child has never participated in the science fair or is an old pro, I hope the science fair projects here will inspire them to have fun, explore science, and get creative the same time.

And if you still need MORE ideas I also have a giant list of chemistry projects for kids that would make amazing science fair starter projects!

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Science Fair Project Ideas

Science Fair Project Ideas

• Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
• B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College

Science fair is an opportunity for students of all ages to ask big questions, conduct meaningful research, and make exciting discoveries. Browse hundreds of science fair project ideas to find the ideal project according to grade level. 

Preschool Science Project Ideas

Preschool is not too early to introduce children to science! Most preschool science ideas aim to interest kids in exploring and asking questions about the world around them.

• Play with silly putty and examine its properties.
• Look at flowers. How many petals does each flower have? What parts do flowers share in common?
• Blow up balloons. What happens when you release an open balloon? What happens when you rub a balloon on your hair?
• Explore color with fingerpaints.
• Blow bubbles and look at how bubbles interact with each other.
• Make a telephone with cups or cans and some string.
• Have preschoolers categorize objects into groups. Discuss similarities and differences between objects.

Grade School Science Project Ideas

Students are introduced to the scientific method in grade school and learn how to propose a hypothesis . Grade school science projects tend to be quick to complete and should be fun for the student and the teacher or parent. Examples of suitable project ideas include:

• Determine whether insects are attracted to lights at night because of their heat or their light.
• Does the type of liquid (e.g., water, milk, cola) affect seed germination?
• Does the power setting of the microwave affect how many unpopped kernels are in popcorn?
• What happens if you pour a liquid other than water through a pitcher-type water filter?
• What type of bubble gum produces the biggest bubbles?

Middle School Science Fair Ideas

Middle school is where kids can truly shine at the science fair! Kids should try to come up with their own project ideas, based on topics that interest them. Parents and teachers may still need to help with posters and presentations, but middle school students should have control of the project. Examples of middle school science fair ideas include:

• Examine food labels. How does the nutritional data for different brands of the same food (e.g., microwave popcorn) compare?
• Is laundry detergent effective if you use less than the recommended amount?
• How permanent are permanent markers? Are there chemicals that will remove the ink?
• Can a saturated solution of salt still dissolve sugar?
• Do green bags really preserve food longer?
• Are goldfish water chemicals really necessary?
• What shape of ice cube melts the slowest?

High School Science Fair Ideas

High school science fair projects can be about more than a grade . Winning a high school science fair can net some nice cash prizes, scholarships, and college/career opportunities. While it's fine for an elementary or middle school project to take hours or a weekend to complete, most high school projects run longer. High school projects typically identify and solve problems, offer new models, or describe inventions. Here are some sample project ideas:

• Which natural mosquito repellents are most effective?
• Which home hair color holds its color through the most washings?
• Do people who play car racing video games have more speeding tickets?
• Which high school sport is associated with the most injuries?
• What percentage of left-handed people use a computer mouse with their left hand?
• What season is worst for allergies and why?

College Science Fair Ideas

Just as a good high school idea can pave the way for cash and college education, a good college project can open the door to graduate school and gainful employment. A college project is a professional-level project that shows you understand how to apply the scientific method to model a phenomenon or answer a significant question. The big focus on these projects is on originality, so while you might build on a project idea, don't just use one someone else has already done. It's fine to use an old project and come up with a new approach or different way of asking the question. Here are some starting points for your research:

• What plants can detoxify gray water flowing from a home?
• How could the timing of a traffic light be changed to improve intersection safety.
• Which home appliances use the most power? How could that energy be conserved?

This content is provided in partnership with National 4-H Council. 4-H science programs provide youth the opportunity to learn about STEM through fun, hands-on activities and projects. Learn more by visiting  their website.

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• 10th Grade Science Fair Projects
• 9th Grade Science Fair Projects
• Science Fair Project Help
• Middle School Science Fair Project Ideas
• High School Science Fair Projects
• 4th Grade Science Fair Projects
• Elementary School Science Fair Projects

Cool Science Fair Projects

Hoping to enter a science fair for kids but not sure where to begin? Science fair projects are about more than simply coming up with a cool idea and sharing it with others.

Aside from the competitive glory of competing (and maybe winning) at a science fair, kids gain experience working with the scientific method: asking questions, forming hypotheses, testing, collecting data, and sharing results with others. In addition to these fundamental STEM skills, kids also gain valuable experience in collaboration, organizational skills, problem solving, communication, and creativity, turning that science fair project into a stepping stone on the path towards a career in science.

Enroll your child in award-winning live online small-group science classes led by an expert, to build new skills to give them all sorts of science project ideas, including in NASA Science , Smart Devices , and Minecraft Redstone Engineering . Start with free coding classes to build their problem solving skills and creativity.

How to Pick a Winning Science Fair Topic Based on Your Child’s Interests

One of the best ways to get your child excited about a science fair is to help them choose a project that aligns with their natural interests and passions. Rather than simply selecting a topic from a list, consider guiding your child to explore what they genuinely love—whether it’s sports, space, or animals—and transform that interest into a meaningful science project. Here’s a simple mini-guide to brainstorming science fair ideas with your child:

• Start with a Question They’re Curious About: Encourage your child to think about questions they’ve always wondered about. For example, if they’re into sports, they might ask, “How does the type of surface impact a ball’s bounce?” or “What’s the best diet for peak athletic performance?”
• Combine Favorite Hobbies with a Scientific Twist: Think about activities your child enjoys and how science connects to them. If they love computer games such as Minecraft, could they create a project about how coding works behind the scenes or the impact of screen time on focus? If they’re into nature, could they investigate plant growth under different conditions or design an experiment about animal behavior?
• Explore Real-World Problems They Care About: Help your child consider issues they’re passionate about. If they’re concerned about the environment, they might investigate sustainable energy sources, recycling methods, or pollution. Tying their interests to real-world problems can make their project more meaningful and motivating.
• Look for Inspiration in Everyday Life: Sometimes the best ideas come from simple observations. Encourage your child to think about things they encounter daily—like how quickly bread molds in different conditions, or how different liquids affect plant growth.
• Learn from Past Winners: Most science fairs and competitions have pages on their website showcasing the projects of previous winners, press highlights explaining winners' projects, or sometimes even hold webinars where winners share their projects and insights. For example, the winners of the Society for Science's Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge are each featured on their blog .

By centering the project on what they naturally enjoy, kids are more likely to stay engaged, put in extra effort, and create a science fair project they’re truly proud of. Plus, the process of connecting their passions with scientific exploration can make learning more fun and memorable!

Discover Cool Science Fair Projects

In this list, I will share some awesome ideas for students and educators to get inspired, and to make a project that will leave a lasting impression. Of course, there’s a huge gap between a beginner’s project and that of a competitive high schooler, so I have arranged it so you can easily find something for young explorers of all ages.

Explore The Best Science Fair Projects For Elementary Kids

While classic projects like making a cyclone in a bottle or stacking liquids to teach density can make a lasting impact on kids, these projects offer some unique ways of getting elementary schoolers to engage with and develop a passion for science.

1. LEGO Zipline

Kids love LEGO and this project only requires a few blocks and some lengths of string. Projects can teach kids about Physics concepts like gravity, tension, friction, as well as Math ideas like slope, angle, and weight. Set a large slope to make the zip line fast, and add slack to the line to slow it down. You could even arrange this project as a race.

2. Slow Ball Race

Another race idea involves building a tower of ramps to allow a ball to roll down. To give your students a unique challenge, instead of making the ball rush to the bottom, you can have them compete to see who makes the ball reach the bottom slowest. All you need are some building materials (paper, cardboard, or plastic) and a ball, ideally something small and smooth like a ping pong ball.

3. Hot/Cold Water Density Project

For this project, students will only need some clear containers of the same size, hot and cold water and food coloring. Students will study the characteristics of water and how its density changes based on temperature. By adding one color to the cold and another to the hot, students then will stack the openings on top of each other, and if done correctly, the different temperature liquids will remain separate. Pretty cool.

4. Soil Erosion in a Bottle

This simple project requires garden soil, some plants with roots in the soil, and three clear soda bottles. After cutting out the side of each bottle, they will then be filled with different materials. In one bottle there will be simple soil, in another the soil could be mixed with rocks, branches, and other large chunks. In the final bottle, students will plant some flowers, whose roots will prevent the soil from eroding. As water is poured through the others, students will witness how plants help preserve and retain our most precious resource: the Earth.

5. Water Filtration

In another climate science project, students will use a variety of materials to experiment with water filtration. By pouring dirty water through a mix of sand, charcoal, rocks, and debris, students can collect the filtered water and demonstrate how clean it is by passing through the filter. This could be a supplement to conversations about the water cycle.

Explore Science Fair Project Ideas For Middle School Kids

Middle schoolers will be able to do more independent projects, and they should have a higher bar for formulating a hypothesis and repeatedly testing it. By analyzing the data in a group, students can improve their verbal reasoning skills in a team.

6. Seed Sprouting Experiment

With some seeds and some containers filled with various growing media (sand, soil, mulch, compost, etc.), students can test which material is ideal for sprouting seeds. Students can also study ideas of sustainability, food security, and climate change/soil erosion as part of their project.

7. Newton’s Balloon Car

“For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction,” is one of the most famous quotes in science and engineering, and one of Sir Isaac Newton’s most famous Laws of the physical world. Middle school students can experience this law first hand by building a toy car that propels itself with the expelled air of an inflated balloon. Kids love this experiment because it can be presented as a race.

8. Geodesic Domes

The geodesic dome joins the arch as one of the strongest physical structures in architecture and engineering. Students can test different materials and design strategies to build a dome that supports as much load as possible. Maybe teams can try to build a structure that carries the load of a human being!

9. The Greenhouse Effect

All students need for this experiment are a jar, some cellophane wrap, a thermometer, and a sunny window. If you want, students can opt for a heat lamp as well. By covering one jar and leaving one uncovered, this experiment can demonstrate in miniature how the atmosphere captures heat and warms the planet. This of course is a perfect experiment to introduce younger kids about the fundamentals of weather and climate science.

10. Coding in LEGO

As Computer Science plays a huge role in shaping the technologies kids love (Did someone say ‘video games’?), no age is too young to learn about coding and computer science concepts like algorithms, loops, functions, and Binary. In these exciting games, students combine their LEGO creation skills to build an algorithm that can be played like a game, using binary to help a LEGO figurine move through a LEGO environment. LEGO was one of our favorite toys as a kid, and this would be an amazing chance to get kids excited about coding early.

To learn beginner-friendly coding with the help of a live expert, join our free Scratch class , designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT:

Check Out The Best Science Fair Projects For High School Students

High school science fair projects should be sophisticated and nuanced in their design, analysis, and reporting. Since science fairs can be an important part of getting scholarships and advanced academic placements, high schoolers should be challenged to do college level work in their projects, and hopefully these ideas will help them find something.

11. Enzymes, Yeast, and Cheesemaking

Say Cheese! No, seriously, who doesn’t love cheese? Well, actually the science says that most people are at least a little bit lactose intolerant, but that shouldn’t stop aspiring chefs and chemists from trying out this cool project where students try to use cheesemaking kits to test the chemistry behind this delicious cheese. Kits like the one below are available online and contain not only the materials to make cheese, but also guidelines to build a proper science experiment.

12. Robotics

There has never been a better time to become a robotics scientist. (Seriously, check out the history of robotics !) With the advent of semiconductors, advanced circuits, and tools like 3-D printers and tiny Raspberry Pi computers, students can build a robot from the ground up to solve everyday problems, to interact with humans or nature, to complete human tasks, or to simply tell a story. The possibilities are endless!

To help your child learn more about robotics with the help of a purposeful curriculum and live expert, join our award-winning robotics class .

13. Raspberry Pi

Did we mention Raspberry Pi? Do you want to build your own computer from the circuit board up? These cool little computers are a lot more powerful than their size makes it seem. Students can customize their circuits to build a video-streaming device, a musical instrument like a synthesizer or a drum machine, or a game. There's a bunch of models out there for different budgets or for different purposes, so students should begin with an idea or something they want to do before buying one.

14. Bioassay for Toxicity

In this type of experiment students can test crops for resiliency against drought, flood, or other extreme weather conditions. Students could test to see what level of salt in the soil is ideal for growing crops, and at what point does the salt become toxic? Environmental engineering is a major part in the fight against climate change, and we need scientists to propose solutions to ensure greater food security in the future.

15. Electrolytes in Various Liquids

Is it better to drink sports drinks or a glass of water after a period of exercise? Many products are sold on the promise of delivering electrolytes to help the body recover, but are sports drinks better than a simple glass of orange juice? Using an electrically charged wire, students can test the levels of electrolytes in liquids to both study chemistry and nutrition science in one project.

16. Coding Projects

Now is a great time to learn how to code software. Students have a limitless supply of resources on the Internet, and learning how to do proper Internet research is a fundamental skill for academic success. Students will work in a programming environment like Scratch or Python to build a unique project such as a game to demonstrate their understanding of variables , algorithms , loops , functions, and other CS fundamentals. This project suggests building a program in Python that tests the hackability and strength of passwords.

How to Create a Science Fair Project Presentation That Stands Out

A well-executed science fair presentation can make all the difference when it comes to capturing attention and clearly communicating your project’s results. Beyond just displaying data, a memorable presentation should be creative, engaging, and visually appealing. Here are some tips to help your child create a presentation that stands out:

• Tell a Story: Begin your presentation with an intriguing fact, question, or anecdote that draws your audience in and relates to your project. Start with what sparked your curiosity, walk through your experiments, and share what you discovered.
• Use Visual Displays Creatively: Go beyond charts and graphs by incorporating creative visuals. Use colorful diagrams, infographics, or even 3D models to make complex concepts easier to understand. If your project involves something physical, like a solar system model or a water filtration system, build a model or diorama to give the judges a tangible representation of your work.
• Incorporate Multimedia Elements: Enhance your presentation with multimedia like videos, sound clips, or animations. For instance, a time-lapse video showing plant growth or an audio clip of animal calls can make your project more dynamic.
• Include Interactive Components: Consider incorporating a hands-on element where your audience can participate in a mini-experiment related to your project. This could be as simple as letting them test out a part of your experiment, or showing a live demonstration. Interaction can leave a lasting impression and make your project more memorable.
• Design a Professional and Engaging Display Board: Organize your information neatly, using clear headings and a logical layout. Highlight key points with bold text. Add relevant visuals, use color strategically, and ensure everything is easy to read from a distance. Your child might enjoy learning graphic design and video editing to improve their presentation, in a live online Canva Design class .

Enjoy The Best Science Fair Project Ideas

There are a lot of great ideas out there for students heading to their first science fair in elementary school or competing at the national level against the best students in the country. Whether your child is young or old, these projects can turn the key and get kids excited about learning in STEM . Whatever you choose, try to make it stand out by making it your own!

Written by Bryan Gordon, a Create & Learn instructor. After ten years of working as an English teacher, Bryan began studying Math and Computer Science over the past few years. Aside from writing and teaching, he likes cooking, gardening, playing guitar, and hanging out with his cats, Baguette and Wally.

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100+ Easy & FUN Science Fair Project Ideas

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Looking for FUN   science projects for kids ? Science is one of our favorite subjects around here. I have a huge list of over 100 easy science experiments for kids. You can use these classic science fair ideas when helping your child create their next science fair project. Kids will love these fun projects and experiments!

See my Scientific Method Worksheets and Posters to help teach the process of the scientific method including these 6 steps:

• Ask a question
• Make a hypothesis
• Record Data

These science fair project ideas can be used for may grade levels including elementary school aged kids, middle school aged kids and some would even work for high school. Many of these science activities are quick and easy to put together and will not break the bank either.

I divided the science fair project ideas out the best I could by topic and category for you. That way if there is a certain interest, you can find just what you are looking for. You will find science fair experiment ideas in biology, physics, chemistry, electricity, magnetism, earth science, and more!

All of these simple experiment ideas can be used in some way to create an awesome science fair project. Most are from my site, but many are from some other great bloggers! Click the links to get instructions and demonstrations on how these projects work.

Want more ideas? See also my post with 200 + Elementary STEM Projects .

Easy Energy and Physics Science Fair Projects

Kinetic Energy with Rubber Band Boats – this science project is a blast to create with kids!

Kinetic Energy- Shooting Star Spinner – This is a fun one on kinetic and potential energy

Kinetic Energy Gravity Spinner  – Do this experiment to show gravity!

Perpetual Motion Candle See Saw – This is a cool way to learn about motion!

How Does a String Telephone Work?  ~Raising Life Long Learners

Which Cup Will Keep Water Cold the Longest?  ~ Really, Are you Serious?

Light Refraction Science Experiment  ~ Look We’re Learning

Heat Conduction Experiment  ~ Look We’re Learning

Color Changing Sensory Bottle  ~ The Science Kiddo

Exploring Magnetic Fields

Magnet Pendulum

Levitating Magnets

Train Chain Reactions

Static Electricity Slime

What are Electrolytes?

Color and Light Reflection and Refraction Experiments

Simple Machines- Gears

Light Box Magic  ~ True Aim Education

Balloon Air Pressure Experiment  ~ Darcy and Brian

Make A Giant Catapult

Technology & Mechanical Science Projects for Kids

Is it Conductive? – test different objects to see if they conduct electricity.

How to Make a Coin Battery  – use coins to power a light!

How to Make a Lemon Battery – the power of lemon juice is pretty amazing.

What to Make a Dirt Battery – a battery out of dirt?  yup!

How do you Make a Potato Battery? ~from STEAM Powered Family

How to Make a Hydraulic Elevator ~ Make a water powered elevator

How to Make a Bubble Blower Machine

Paper Circuits – learn about circuits and electricity with this simple project.

Solar Powered Lego Car – harness the power of the sun!

Make an EASY Water Pump Sprinkler

Chemistry Science Projects for Kids With Chemical Reactions

Cabbage Juice pH Experiment – test different chemicals and substances to see their pH levels.

How too Make an Erupting Volcano (with salt dough)

How Do you Clean Pennies?

Why Do Baking Soda and Vinegar React?

How to Make Dry Ice Bubbles

Does it Dissolve?

How Do you Grow Crystals? (borax crystals)

Elephant Toothpaste with Two Types of Peroxide

What is Non-Newtonian Fluid?  (Oobleck Experiments)

Does it Rust? Oxidation Experiment

Rainbow Absorption

Film Canister Rockets

Blooming Paper Flowers

Dancing Acorns  ~ Hands-on Teaching Ideas

States of Matter Experiments – solids, liquids and gases

Rubber Bouncing Egg Experiment

Color Changing Flowers Experiment  ~ Messy Little Monster

Paper Burning Experiment  ~ Preschool Powol Packets

How to Make a Paper Mache Erupting Volcano  ~ Red Ted Art

Mentos and Soda Geysers

Anatomy Science Fair Projects

How Do Ears Work?

Play Dough Anatomy

Animal Digestion Experiment  ~ Schooling a Monkey

Why We Need Muscles & Bones  ~ I Can Teach My Child

How Do Lungs Work?   ~ Sciene Sparks

DNA Experiment

Earth Science and Nature Science Fair Projects

How do Earthquakes Happen ?

Can You Build a House to Resist an Earthquake?

Make your Own Crystal Rock Candy Geodes

What are Convection Currents?

Study surface tension with Water Strider Insects

How are Rainbows made?

How to Clean Dirty Water

Geology Experiment: Stalactites and Stalagmites Formation

What’s In My Water? 

What are Shells Made of?

How Can We Stay Dry During the Rain  ~ Pink Stripey Socks

What Surfaces in my House are the Dirtiest? Mold Science

Density Experiment with different liquids, also tests buoyancy!

Why Do Leaves Change Colors? Leaf Chromatography Experiment

Rising Tide Experiment

Soda Bottle Compost  ~ Busy Mommy Media

Build a Sun Shelter  ~ Buggy and Buddy

Hurricane Model Experiment  ~Preschool Powol Packets

Easy Condensation Experiment  – Look We’re Learning

Salt Water Density Experiment  ~ The Science Kiddo

30 Best Science Experiments & Projects for High School

Welcome to our round-up of top science fair projects and science experiments tailored specifically for curious high school students.

Science fair is not just about the glitz and glamour of a first-place trophy; it’s about the passion, the inquiry, and the insatiable curiosity that drive every scientist, young and old. Hopefully, our curated list of the best hands-on science fair projects for high school students will ignite that curiosity in you.

Each project on this list offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into scientific inquiry and present findings with both clarity and flair.

Let’s dive in and make learning an unforgettable adventure!

1. Burn Calories

Don’t miss this opportunity to unravel the mysteries of energy transformation and uncover the scientific secrets hidden in the simplest of substances!

Learn more: Science Buddies

2. Extracting DNA from Strawberry

By following a series of simple yet insightful steps, students will witness the magical moment of DNA extraction, fostering a deeper appreciation for the fundamental building blocks of life.

Learn more: Extracting DNA from Strawberry

3. Build a Simple DIY Newton’s Cradle

As students assemble the materials and witness the rhythmic dance of swinging spheres, they will witness the scientific principles they’ve learned in the classroom come to life before their eyes.

4. Make a Monster Dry Ice Bubbles

Unleash your inner mad scientist and learn how to make Monster Dry Ice Bubbles with this high school science experiment!

Get ready to be captivated as you create giant, spooky bubbles that dance and swirl with the mysterious power of dry ice.

Learn more: Wonder How To

5. Soil Erosion Experiment

As stewards of our environment, it’s crucial to comprehend the impact of natural processes like soil erosion.

Through this experiment, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of soil conservation and sustainable land management practices.

Learn more: Life is a Garden

6. Candle Carousel

This experiment combines the wonders of physics with the art of crafting, making it an enriching experience that ignites curiosity and fosters a deeper appreciation for the elegant dance of energy in our world.

7. Find Out if Water Conducts Electricity

In this captivating activity, students will explore the conductive properties of water and unlock the secrets of how electrical currents flow through different substances.

Learn more: Rookie Parenting

8. Roller Coaster Stem Experiment

By experimenting with various designs and track configurations, students will refine their problem-solving skills and gain valuable insights into the practical applications of physics and engineering.

Learn more: STEM Project

9. Lemon Battery

Engaging in this experiment not only teaches the basics of electrical circuits but also sparks curiosity about the natural world and the science behind it.

Learn more: Coffee Cups and Crayons

10. Watering Plants Using Different Liquids

Discover the wonders of plant hydration with the intriguing high school science experiment – “Watering Plants Using Different Liquids.” In this captivating project, students explore how various liquids impact plant growth and health.

Learn more: Lemon Lime Adventures

11. Measure Electrolytes Found in Sports Drinks

By conducting a series of tests and analyses, students will quantify the electrolyte content present in various sports drinks.

12. Relight the Flame Without Directly Touching It

This captivating project challenges students to learn about the intriguing properties of heat transfer and combustion.

By exploring different methods to reignite a candle flame without physical contact, students will uncover the secrets of heat conduction, convection, and radiation.

Learn more: Stevespangler

13. Conduct Fingerprint Analysis

This captivating project immerses students in the intriguing world of crime scene investigations, where they will uncover the uniqueness of fingerprints and their role in forensic science.

14. Separate Water Into Hydrogen And Oxygen Using Electrolysis

This electrifying project allows students to explore electrolysis and the decomposition of water into its elemental components.

Learn more: Navigating by Joy

15. Simple Color Detection Circuit 

This experiment not only introduces fundamental concepts in electronics and circuitry but also opens up endless possibilities for real-life applications, from automated sorting systems to color-sensitive devices.

16. Carbon Sugar Snake

This enchanting project allows students to witness a dazzling display of science as they combine common household ingredients to create a dark, coiling “snake” made of carbon.

Learn more: Kiwi Co

17. Build a Hydraulic Elevator

This captivating project invites students to learn about engineering and fluid mechanics. By constructing a working model of a hydraulic elevator, students will explore the principles of Pascal’s law and the fascinating concept of fluid pressure.

Learn more: Teach Beside Me

18. Brew up Some Root Beer

This enticing project invites students to explore the fascinating world of chemistry and fermentation while creating their own delicious and bubbly concoction.

Learn more: Home School Creations

19. Extracting Bismuth From Pepto-Bismol Tablets

This hands-on experiment not only sheds light on the principles of chemistry and lab techniques but also highlights the real-world applications of bismuth in medicine and various industries.

Learn more: Popscie

20. Solar-Powered Water Desalination

By designing and building a solar-powered water desalination system, students will learn how to harness the sun’s energy to purify saltwater and make it safe for consumption.

21. Applying Hooke’s Law: Make Your Own Spring Scale

By designing and constructing their very own spring scale, students will uncover the principles of Hooke’s Law and the relationship between force and displacement in a spring system.

22. Homemade Hand Warmer

By creating their own hand warmers using safe and easily accessible materials, students will witness the magic of heat generation through chemical processes.

Learn more: Steve Spangler

23. Explore the Concept of Symbiosis Involving Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria.

By investigating how certain plants form a mutually beneficial bond with these bacteria, students will gain insights into the essential role of nitrogen fixation in the ecosystem.

Learn more: Education.com

24. Center of Gravity Experiment

This fascinating project invites students to explore the concept of the center of gravity and its role in determining stability.

25. Power up Homemade Batteries

This captivating project invites students to learn about electrochemistry and energy generation.

Learn more: 123 Homeschool

26. Film Canister Explosions

Prepare for a blast of excitement and chemistry with the high school science experiment – “Film Canister Explosions!” This project teaches students about chemical reactions and pressure build-up.

27. Investigating Osmosis with Potato Slices

This hands-on experiment not only provides a practical understanding of osmosis but also highlights its relevance in everyday life, from understanding plant hydration to food preservation techniques.

28. Make Homemade Fly Trap

This captivating “Make Homemade Fly Trap!” project invites students to explore the principles of pest control and observe the behavior of flies.

29. Hydroponics: Gardening Without Soil

This exciting project invites students to explore innovative agricultural practices that harness water and nutrient solutions to grow plants.

By setting up their hydroponic system and nurturing plants through this method, students will witness the fascinating dynamics of root development and nutrient absorption.

30. Clothespin Airplane

As they test and modify their creations, students will learn about the principles of lift, thrust, and drag, gaining a deeper understanding of how these forces come together to keep airplanes soaring through the skies.

Learn more: Steamsational

Similar Posts:

• 68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions
• 37 Water Science Experiments: Fun & Easy
• Top 100 Fine Motor Skills Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

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100+ Science Fair Project Ideas for Grades 2nd-8th

Even though science is meant to be exploratory and exciting, there is something about being judged at a science fair that strikes fear into the heart of students and parents alike.

Suddenly, what you do in science is *graded,* which means you can fail science?

Of course there is no such thing as a failed science experiment, but if your students or children are participating in a science fair this year, you’ll find this list of creative and easy science fair project ideas will help eliminate much of the stress surrounding science fair planning.

Easy and Fun Science Fair Project Ideas that Kids will Adore!

You don’t have to stress about attending the school science fair! These science fair project ideas will be adored by kids from age 7 through age 14.

Keep reading to learn more about science projects and how to ensure students are maximizing their science project potential.

What is a Science Fair Project?

A science fair is a longstanding tradition that many elementary, middle, and high schools have where students conduct scientific research and share their presentations before judging.

A science fair project should include all of the following elements before entering a science fair:

• Background research
• Bibliography and source list
• A question to answer and a hypothesis to test
• Experiment variables
• Data recording and analysis of the experiment
• Conclusion report
• Visual presentation

If your science fair project includes all of these elements, you are well on your way toward a winning science fair project idea!

What Do Kids Learn Doing Science Fairs?

Kids who do science projects report greater confidence and understanding of all scientific concepts, both in what they explored and the scientific process in general.

Learning to analyze and explore data helps children approach other tasks in a logical, straightforward process which helps improve study skills and communication skills.

One of the greatest values that science fair projects bring is the ability to identify problems and work toward a solution. That is an invaluable skill that kids can use throughout life.

Of course, kids learn the basics of whatever scientific concept they are learning, plus the scientific method, which involved:

• Analyzing and Recording Data

But more than that, kids also learn other valuable skills like:

• Presenting an idea
• Creating a presentation
• Organizing data
• Analyzing data
• Patience and orderliness
• Working with others
• Precision and care
• Adapting to changes
• Communication skills

These skills are important far beyond the classroom!

What You Need for a Science Fair

You’ll want to have these supplies on hand before doing your science fair project. Shop the included Amazon storefronts to make things easier and don’t forget to download the free science fair planning checklist before getting started!

Science Fair Project Planning

When you’re planning your project, you want to keep everything organized. Click the image below to get my free science fair project checklist so you can start organizing your project from the start.

You may also want to check out this list of science fair project research supplies.

Supplies for a Science Fair Project

There are so many supplies for science fair projects that are individual to each project, but if you want a general list of possible supplies and inspiration for your project, check out my selection of science fair experiment supplies on Amazon.

Supplies for a Science Fair Presentation

Your science fair presentation is important! It should look presentable and eye-catching. Check out this list of my favorite science fair presentation supplies.

Print a lot of papers? Get $10 your HP Instant Ink order when you use this link.

The Ultimate List of Easy Science Fair Project Ideas

These science fair project ideas are easy for kids of all ages and will provide a lot of value and interest at the school science fair.

We have science fair projects included by topic and by grade level so you can pick the right sort of projects for your class or child.

Science Fair Topics

Sometimes kids want to start with a topic and choose a science fair project from there! Here is a collection of fun science projects that include a variety of topics from colors to mold.

Here are some fun science projects for kids at home that would make a good addition to any science fair.

Of course every kid should try some of these classic science fair projects .

Now some schools are having STEM fairs in addition to or instead of science fairs, so these slime STEM fair projects would be perfect.

These slime science projects will capture the attention of any slime lover.

Try these science fair projects with LEGOs with kids who can’t get enough of LEGO.

Fun and tasty candy science fair projects will help even science haters enjoy the science fair.

Want more color in your science fair? Try these science experiments with food coloring !

Learn about the heart with these heart science projects .

Some kids can’t sit still, and these science fair projects for active kids are for them!

What kid wouldn’t have tons of fun doing marshmallow science fair projects ?

Children will love the variety of choices in this list of crystal science fair projects .

More Science Fair Experiment Ideas

You will love these other science experiment ideas!

100 Science Experiments for Kids that Use Materials You Already Own!

20 Fun Science Experiments with LEGOs

25 Rainbow Science Experiments with Bright and Beautiful Colors

Science Fair Projects by Grade

Age-appropriate activities are a must for keeping children interested in science fairs. Take a look at the resources I’ve collected below that show science fair projects that are suitable for elementary kids and middle school kids!

If you are part of an elementary science fair, these elementary science fair project ideas will blow away the competition!

If you want to get seasonal, check out these Easter science projects for middle school.

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50 Sensational 7th Grade Science Fair Projects and Classroom Activities

Mummification, oxidation, electroplating, and more!

Engage every student with these 7th grade science fair projects, whether they’re interested in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, or any other discipline. Plus, find interesting classroom demos, experiments, and hands-on activities to spice up your lesson plans!

To make it easier to find classroom activities or science fair ideas for 7th grade, we’ve rated all the projects by difficulty and the materials needed:

Difficulty:

• Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much anytime
• Medium: These take a little more setup or a longer time to complete
• Advanced: Experiments like these take a fairly big commitment of time or effort
• Basic: Simple items you probably already have around the house
• Medium: Items that you might not already have but are easy to get your hands on
• Advanced: These require specialized or more expensive supplies to complete

Biology and Ecology Science Fair Ideas for 7th Grade

Chemistry science fair ideas for 7th grade, physics and engineering science fair ideas for 7th grade, 7th grade science classroom demos, experiments, and hands-on activities.

Want to learn more about animals or human behavior, the environment around you, or other life science topics? Try these 7th grade science fair projects.

Learn whether color affects memory

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium

Can certain colors improve your memory? This experiment explores that idea using different text, background colors, and blue light settings on devices.

Learn more: Colors and Memory at Education.com

Explore how sugary drinks affect teeth

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium ADVERTISEMENT

The calcium content of eggshells makes them a great stand-in for teeth. In this experiment, students use eggs to determine how soda and juice stain the teeth and wear down the enamel. (Bonus: Have students try different toothpaste and toothbrush combinations to see how effective they are.)

Learn more: Eggshell Experiment at Feels Like Home

Extract DNA from an onion

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Learn how to extract DNA from an onion (most of what you need you can find at home, and you can get 95% ethanol at Amazon ). Then, turn it into an experiment by applying the theory to other fruits or vegetables to see if you can get similar results.

Stretch your mind with a flexibility experiment

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

Find out how important stretching really is by comparing the flexibility of willing test subjects before and after stretch exercises. This is a great experiment for fitness fans.

Learn more: Flexibility Experiment at We Have Kids

Construct a DIY grow box

Design a grow box using a cardboard box, foil, and a plug-in light socket . Then, use it for all kinds of plant-based science fair ideas for 7th grade students.

Learn more: DIY Grow Box at Uplifting Mayhem

Collect and control biofilm

Bacteria that accumulate on objects in the water form a substance called biofilm. In this 7th grade science fair project, students build an apparatus to collect biofilm and then experiment with ways to reduce the amount of biofilm that accumulates over time.

Learn more: Biofilm Experiment at The Homeschool Scientist

See if caffeine helps you type faster

People seek out a jolt of caffeine when they’re feeling sluggish, but does it really help them perform better? This 7th grade science fair project tasks students with answering that question using the scientific method.

Find out if all plants are phototropic

You probably already know that many plants grow toward the light. But do all of them respond in the same way? Test several types of plants to find out.

Devise a water filtration system

Plenty of homes use water filtration systems these days, but how do they really work? This chemistry experiment explores how charcoal filters impurities from drinking water.

Learn more: Water Filtration at The Homeschool Scientist

Determine whether text abbreviations are a new language

Kids are fluent in text-speak, but does it really count as a whole new language? In this 7th grade science fair project, students research language and the history of texting, then compile a texting glossary and consider texting’s practical applications.

Learn more: Text Language at Education.com

If you’re fascinated by test tubes, beakers, and Bunsen burners, check out these interesting 7th grade science fair projects and ideas.

Design your own slime

Chances are good your students already love making and playing with slime. Turn the fun into an experiment by changing the ingredients to create slime with a variety of properties, from magnetic to glow-in-the-dark!

Copper-plate some coins

Students need just a few simple supplies to perform electroplating, but the results are always impressive. (Get copper strips  and 9V battery snap connectors with alligator clips on Amazon.) Turn this into a 7th grade science fair project by changing up the variables (does temperature matter?) or items being electroplated.

Learn more: Electroplating at KiwiCo

Swab and test for germs

Germ experiments are one of the most popular science fair ideas for 7th grade students. Swab household items, school supplies, and more to discover what’s living on the items around you.

Learn more: Germ Experiment at Angelic Scalliwags

Spherify your favorite beverage

Spherification is a hot trend in top restaurants, but 7th grade science students can easily replicate it at home with a spherification kit . This is a cool chemistry experiment, and tasty too!

Test calorie counts in packaged foods

Ever wonder how scientists determine how many calories are in your food? Try this experiment to find out!

Explore mummification

First, learn how to mummify a hot dog using baking soda as a desiccant. Then, experiment with other desiccants or items to turn this into a bona fide experiment.

Play around with oxidation

Can you find a way to slow or prevent oxidation (rusting)? This is one of those 7th grade science fair ideas that’s simple in concept but has lots of practical applications.

Learn more: Oxidation Experiment at Teach Beside Me

Blow hot or cold bubbles

Blowing bubbles may sound like too much fun for a science project, but when conditions like temperature are altered, the experimental part kicks in. What conditions do you need to blow a bubble that freezes?

Learn more:  Bubble Life & Temperature at ThoughtCo.

Whip up some eggshell chalk

Use the calcium in eggshells to make your own sidewalk chalk. Then, tinker with the recipe to see if you can make the chalk last longer, resist water, or other variables.

Learn more: DIY Chalk at Kidspot

See the effect of acid rain on plants

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic

This simple project tests whether acid rain has any effect on plant life, using vinegar in place of fossil fuels. Experiment with different acid concentrations and pH levels for a more advanced version.

Learn more: Acid Rain Experiment at STEAM Powered Family

Explore the laws of motion, the science of energy, or STEM challenge engineering ideas through 7th grade science fair projects like these.

Drive a balloon-powered car

Engineer a balloon-powered car using basic materials from around the house (even the wheels are bottle caps!). Experiment to see how far or fast you can make the car go.

Learn more: Balloon Car at Prolab

Construct a geodesic dome

Budding engineers will love designing, building, and testing the strength of the fascinating geodesic dome. This experiment requires nothing more than newspaper and masking tape!

Design a solar oven

Students experiment with the best way to build a solar oven, exploring thermal energy, reflection, convection, and other physics concepts. They can serve up their experiment results along with their final reports!

Learn more: Solar Oven at Children’s Science Center

Lend a helping hand

This is a great individual or group 7th grade science project, as it encourages students to use and hone their design and engineering skills to make a working model of a hand. If you’ve got robotics skills, take this project to a more advanced level.

Build a Da Vinci bridge

There are plenty of bridge-building experiments out there, but this one is unique. It’s inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s 500-year-old self-supporting wooden bridge. Build a model and test the amount of weight it can hold, or craft a full-size version to put Da Vinci’s plan into action.

Construct a water clock

You’ll blow your 7th grade science students’ minds when you tell them they’re going to build a clock using engineering that’s been around for thousands of years. The supplies are simple, but the results are pretty neat!

Learn more: Water Clock at STEAM Powered Family

Generate electricity

In this science fair project, kids build a generator from scratch. Turn it into an experiment by varying the materials to see if you can increase the amount of energy it produces.

Test the elasticity of balloons

Explore whether heat and cold have an effect on elasticity using balloons. Try this with other materials too to expand the project. ( Find more balloon science here! )

Freeze water in an instant

Explore the concept of nucleation (the process of chain reactions) by turning water into ice in seconds! Make this a 7th grade science fair project by trying the same process with other liquids.

Auto-feed your pet

Difficulty: Advanced / Materials: Advanced

Can you build a device that feeds your pets automatically? Even better, can you make it inexpensive and easy for others to build too? This project has real practical applications.

Use these classroom activities to teach human biology, mechanical engineering, and more physics and chemistry concepts in engaging and exciting ways.

Use Oreos to teach mitosis

A 7th grade science activity that doubles as a sweet treat? Your students are going to love this activity using Oreo cookies and colorful sprinkles to make cellular mitosis models.

Learn more: Oreo Mitosis at Ballin With Balling

Twist pipe cleaners to explore meiosis

Meiosis is similar to mitosis, but it’s specific to the production of gametes. These hands-on models use basic materials like pipe cleaners and beads to make the process easier to visualize.

Learn more: Meiosis Models at Science Prof Online

Teach about “Homer-o-stasis”

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Advanced

This is such a fun way to teach kids about the concept of homeostasis! Get all the instructions you need at the link.

Learn more: Homer-o-stasis at The Trendy Science Teacher

Sort jelly beans to learn genetics

If you’re learning about how genetic traits are passed along from parent to child, try this jelly-bean demo. When you’re finished, you can enjoy a sweet treat!

Learn more: Jelly Bean Genetics at The Owl Teacher

Design a pinball machine

Give your class basic supplies like rubber bands, plastic cups, and cardboard boxes. Then challenge them to create their very own pinball machines!

Learn more: Pinball STEM Challenge at Student Savvy

Conduct a carbon cycle lab activity

If you’ve got access to some basic chemicals, conduct this lab that helps students see the carbon cycle in action using their own breath.

Learn more: Science Lessons That Rock

Make a tea bag float on air

This easy experiment is a cool way to show kids how heat affects air molecules, making hot air rise. They’ll need some supervision with the fire, so try this out on the playground for extra safety.

Learn more: Floating Tea Bags at Coffee Cups and Crayons

Learn how salt affects density

Explore the salinity of various bodies of water, then re-create their waters to see if you can make an egg float or sink. Experiment with other objects too.

Learn more: Saltwater Density at Uplifting Mayhem

Watch the greenhouse effect in action

Climate change can be a contentious topic, so start by teaching kids about the greenhouse effect, which is easy to see and understand. Then, urge them to explore data collected by other scientists so they can learn to make informed decisions about topics like global warming.

Learn more: Greenhouse Effect at Teaching Science With Lynda

Blow bubbles to explore cell membranes

Kids are never too old to enjoy bubbles, so use them to learn more about cell membranes in this fun 7th grade science activity.

Learn more: Cell Membrane Bubbles at The Trendy Science Teacher

Marvel at a density rainbow

We learn early on that oil floats on water, but where do other liquids fit in? Students find out when they conduct this colorful density experiment that has them layer different substances, making a rainbow.

Ride the wave (machine)

Learning about wave action? Build this surprisingly easy wave machine for hands-on exploration.

Learn more: Wave Machine at Engaging Science Labs

Create a taxonomy system

Students can step into Linnaeus’ shoes by creating their own system of taxonomy using a handful of different dried beans. This is a fun 7th grade science project to do in groups, so students can see the differences between each group’s system.

Learn more: Taxonomy Project at Our Journey Westward

Bake an edible cell model

Sure, students could build a cell model out of clay, but cake and candy are so much more delicious! Check out the link below to see how one teacher does it.

Learn more: Edible Cell Model at Weird Unsocialized Homeschooling

Swing a glass of water

This classic science experiment teaches kids about centripetal force. Be forewarned: This could potentially make a bit of a mess, so consider taking this one outside.

Simulate natural selection with a lab activity

Travel to the Galápagos Islands and follow in Darwin’s footsteps as students explore finch beak adaptations in this clever natural selection lab.

Learn more: Natural Selection Lab at Teach To Serve

Participate in Project FeederWatch

Citizen science projects bring science to life for kids! One of our favorites is Project FeederWatch, where kids put out bird feeders and then count and report on their visitors. This is a great way to build a love of birding for life.

Learn more: Classroom Resources at Project FeederWatch

Experiment with basic substances to learn about chemical change

If you’re introducing lab work and chemistry basics to 7th graders, this easy lab is a great way to do it. They’ll learn safety procedures and get to feel like “real” scientists as they pour, mix, swirl, and more.

Learn more: Chemical Change Lab at Super Sass and Science Class

Assemble an edible DNA model

DNA models are always more fun when you can snack on them afterwards. Want to make this a healthier activity? Use fruits and veggies to make models instead.

Learn more: Edible DNA Model at Hess UnAcademy

Craft a food web marble maze

Combine a STEM challenge with learning about food webs in this clever project. Kids will love the hands-on aspect, and it will really help the learning stick.

Learn more: Food Web Marble Maze at Teach Savvy

Keep the STEM learning going with these 15 Items All Middle School Math Classrooms Need .

Plus if you like these 7th grade science fair projects, sign up for our newsletters and get all the latest teacher tips and ideas, straight to your inbox.

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Learn STEM by Doing (and having fun)!

The Ultimate Science Fair Project Guide – From Start to Finish

When our daughter entered her first science fair, we kept seeing references to the Internet Public Library Science Fair Project Resource Guide .  However, the IPL2 permanently closed… taking the guide with it.  Bummer !  After now participating in over a half-dozen elementary school science fairs (including a first-place finish!), we created our own guide to help other students go from start to finish in their next science fair project.  If this is your first science fair, have fun!  If you’ve done it before, we hope this is your best one!  Let’s science!

*Images from Unsplash

How to Use the STEMium Science Fair Project Ultimate Guide?

If you are just starting off and this is your first science fair, here’s how to get started:

• Start with the STEMium Science Fair Project Roadmap . This is an infographic that “maps” out the process from start to finish and shows all the steps in a visual format.
• Getting Started – Why Do a Science Fair Project . Besides walking through some reasons to do a project, we also share links to examples of national science fair competitions, what’s involved and examples of winning science fair experiments .  *Note: this is where you’ll get excited!!
• The Scientific Method – What is It and What’s Involved . One of the great things about a science fair project is that it introduces students to an essential process/concept known as the scientific method.  This is simply the way in which we develop a hypothesis to test.
• Start the Process – Find an Idea . You now have a general idea of what to expect at the science fair, examples of winning ideas, and know about the scientific method.  You’re ready to get started on your own project.  How do you come up with an idea for a science fair project?  We have resources on how to use a Google tool , as well as some other strategies for finding an idea.
• Experiment and Build the Project . Time to roll up those sleeves and put on your lab coat.
• Other Resources for the Fair. Along the way, you will likely encounter challenges or get stuck.  Don’t give up – it’s all part of the scientific process.  Check out our STEMium Resources page for more links and resources from the web.  We also have additional experiments like the germiest spot in school , or the alka-seltzer rocket project that our own kids used.

Getting Started – Why Do a Science Fair Project

For many students, participating in the science fair might be a choice that was made FOR you.  In other words, something you must do as part of a class.  Maybe your parents are making you do it.  For others, maybe it sounded like a cool idea.  Something fun to try.  Whatever your motivation, there are a lot of great reasons to do a science fair project.

• Challenge yourself
• Learn more about science
• Explore cool technology
• Make something to help the world! (seriously!)
• Win prizes (and sometimes even money)
• Do something you can be proud of!

Many students will participate in a science fair at their school.  But there are also national competitions that include 1000s of participants.  There are also engineering fairs, maker events, and hackathons.  It’s an exciting time to be a scientist!!  The list below gives examples of national events.

• Regeneron Science Talent Search
• Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair
• Google Science Fair
• Conrad Challenge
• Microsoft Imagine Cup
• JSHS Program
• Exploravision

What’s the Scientific Method?

Before we jump into your project, it’s important to introduce a key concept:  The Scientific Method .  The scientific method is the framework scientists use to answer their questions and test their hypothesis.  The figure below illustrates the steps you’ll take to get to the end, but it starts with asking a question (you’ve already finished the first step!).

After we find a problem/idea to tackle, and dig into some background research, we create a guess on a potential solution.  This is known as our hypothesis.

Example of a Hypothesis

My brother can hold his breath underwater longer than I can (“our problem”) –> how can I hold my breath longer? (“our question”) –>  if I drink soda with caffeine before I hold my breath, I will be able to stay underwater longer (“our solution”).  Our hypothesis is that using caffeine before we go underwater will increase the time we hold our breath.  We’re not sure if that is a correct solution or not at this stage – just taking a guess.

Once we have a hypothesis, we design an experiment to TEST our hypothesis.  First, we will change variables/conditions one at a time while keeping everything else the same, so we can compare the outcomes.

Experimental Design Example

Using our underwater example, maybe we will test different drinks and count how long I can hold my breath.  Maybe we can also see if someone else can serve as a “control” – someone who holds their breath but does not drink caffeine.  For the underwater experiment, we can time in seconds how long I hold my breath before I have a drink and then time it again after I have my caffeine drink.  I can also time how long I stay underwater when I have a drink without caffeine.

Then, once we finish with our experiment, we analyze our data and develop a conclusion.

• How many seconds did I stay underwater in the different situations? 
• Which outcome is greater?  Did caffeine help me hold my breath longer? 

Finally, (and most important), we present our findings. Imagine putting together a poster board with a chart showing the number of seconds I stayed underwater in the different conditions.

Hopefully you have a better sense of the scientific method.  If you are completing a science fair project, sticking with these steps is super important.  Just in case there is any lingering confusion, here are some resources for learning more about the scientific method:

• Science Buddies – Steps of the Scientific Method
• Ducksters – Learn About the Scientific Method
• Biology4kids – Scientific Method
• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences – Scientific Method

What Science Fair Project Should I Do?

And science is no different.

Just know that if you can get through the idea part, the rest of the science fair is relatively smooth sailing.  Remember to keep an open mind and a positive outlook .  Each year 100s of 1000s of kids, teenagers and college students come up with new projects and ideas to test.  You’ve got this!

What Makes a Great Science Fair Project?  Start with a Problem To Solve

As we discuss below, good science experiments attempt to answer a QUESTION.  Why is the sky blue?  Why does my dog bark at her reflection?  First, we will step through some ways to find TESTABLE QUESTIONS.  These questions that you create will be what you work on for your science fair project.  Pick something fun, something interesting and something that you are excited about.  Not sure what that looks like?  Step through some of the tips below for help.

Use the Google Science Fair Idea Generator

Are you surprised Google made a tool for science fair projects??  Our post called the low-stress way to find a science fair project gives a more in-depth overview about how to use it.  It’s a great first stop if you’re early in the brainstorming process.

Answer your own questions

• What type of music makes you run faster?
• Can boys hold their breath underwater longer than girls?
• How can I be sure the sandwich I bought is gluten free?
• If we plant 100 trees in our neighborhood, will the air be cleaner?

Still stuck? Get inspiration from other science fair projects

Check out the Getting Started section and look at some of the winning science project ideas, our STEMium experiments and our Resource page.  We’ve presented a ton of potential idea starters for you – take time to run through some of these, but our suggestion is to give yourself a deadline to pick an idea .  Going through the lists could take you longer than you think, and in many cases sometimes it’s just better to pick something and go for it!  The next section will take you through how to create testable questions for your project.

Starting Your Project: Find A Testable Question

The best experiments start with a question.  Taking that a step further, the questions you useyou’re your science fair project should be ones that are TESTABLE.  That means something you can measure.  Let’s look at an example.  Let’s say I’m super excited about baking.  OH YEA!!  I love baking.  Specifically, baking cakes.  In fact, I love baking cakes so much that I want to do a science project related to cakes.  We’ve got two questions on cakes that we created.  Which question below could be most useful for a science fair project:

1)  Can eating cake before a test improve your score?

2)  Why isn’t carrot cake more popular than chocolate cake?

The second question isn’t necessarily a bad question to pick.  You could survey people and perhaps tackle the question that way.  However, chances are you will get a lot of different answers and it will probably take a lot of surveys to start to pick up a trend.

Although, the first question might be a little easier.  How would you test this?   Maybe you pick one type of cake and one test that you give people.  If you can get five people to take the test after eating cake and five people take the test with no cake, you can compare the test results.  There might be other variables beyond cake that you could test (example: age, sex, education).  But you can see that the first question is probably a little easier to test.  The first question is also a little easier to come up with a hypothesis.

At this point, you’ve got an idea.  That was the hard part!  Now it’s time to think a little more about that idea and focus it into a scientific question that is testable and that you can create a hypothesis around .

What makes a question “testable”?

Testable questions are ones that can be measured and should focus on what you will change.  In our first cake question, we would be changing whether or not people eat cake before a test.  If we are giving them all the same test and in the same conditions, you could compare how they do on the test with and without cake.  As you are creating your testable question, think about what you WILL CHANGE (cake) and what you are expecting to be different (test scores).  Cause and effect.  Check out this reference on testable questions for more details.

Outline Your Science Project – What Steps Should I Take?

Do Background Research / Create Hypothesis

Science experiments typically start with a question (example: Which cleaning solution eliminates more germs?).  The questions might come up because of a problem.  For example, maybe you’re an engineer and you are trying to design a new line of cars that can drive at least 50 mph faster.  Your problem is that the car isn’t fast enough.  After looking at what other people have tried to do to get the car to go faster, and thinking about what you can change, you try to find a solution or an answer.  When we talk about the scientific method, the proposed answer is referred to as the HYPOTHESIS.

• Science Buddies
• National Geographic

The information you gather to answer these research questions can be used in your report or in your board.  This will go in the BACKGROUND section.  For resources that you find useful, make sure you note the web address where you found it, and save in a Google Doc for later.

Additional Research Tips

For your own science fair project, there will likely be rules that will already be set by the judges/teachers/school.  Make sure you get familiar with the rules FOR YOUR FAIR and what needs to be completed to participate .  Typically, you will have to do some research into your project, you’ll complete experiments, analyze data, make conclusions and then present the work in a written report and on a poster board.  Make a checklist of all these “to do” items.  Key things to address:

• Question being answered – this is your testable question
• Hypothesis – what did you come up with and why
• Experimental design – how are you going to test your hypothesis
• Conclusions – why did you reach these and what are some alternative explanations
• What would you do next? Answering a testable question usually leads to asking more questions and judges will be interested in how you think about next steps.

Need more help?  Check out these additional resources on how to tackle a science fair project:

• Developing a Science Fair Project – Wiley
• Successful Science Fair Projects – Washington University
• Science Fair Planning Guide – Chattahoochee Elementary

Experiment – Time to Test That Hypothesis

Way to go!  You’ve found a problem and identified a testable question.  You’ve done background research and even created a hypothesis.  It’s time to put it all together now and start designing your experiment.  Two experiments we have outlined in detail – germiest spot in school and alka-seltzer rockets – help show how to set up experiments to test variable changes.

The folks at ThoughtCo have a great overview on the different types of variables – independent, dependent and controls.  You need to identify which ones are relevant to your own experiment and then test to see how changes in the independent variable impacts the dependent variable .  Sounds hard?  Nope.  Let’s look at an example.  Let’s say our hypothesis is that cold weather will let you flip a coin with more heads than tails.  The independent variable is the temperature.  The dependent variable is the number of heads or tails that show up.  Our experiment could involve flipping a coin fifty times in different temperatures (outside, in a sauna, in room temperature) and seeing how many heads/tails we get.

One other important point – write down all the steps you take and the materials you use!!  This will be in your final report and project board.  Example – for our coin flipping experiment, we will have a coin (or more than one), a thermometer to keep track of the temperature in our environment.  Take pictures of the flipping too!

Analyze Results – Make Conclusions

Analyzing means adding up our results and putting them into pretty pictures.  Use charts and graphs whenever you can.  In our last coin flipping example, you’d want to include bar charts of the number of heads and tails at different temperatures.  If you’re doing some other type of experiment, take pictures during the different steps to document everything.

This is the fun part….  Now we get to see if we answered our question!  Did the weather affect the coin flipping?  Did eating cake help us do better on our test??  So exciting!  Look through what the data tells you and try to answer your question.  Your hypothesis may / may not be correct.  It’s not important either way – the most important part is what you learned and the process.  Check out these references for more help:

• How to make a chart or graph in Google Sheets
• How to make a chart in Excel

Presentation Time – Set Up Your Board, Practice Your Talk

Personally, the presentation is my favorite part!  First, you get to show off all your hard work and look back at everything you did!  Additionally, science fair rules should outline the specific sections that need to be in the report, and in the poster board – so, be like Emmett from Lego Movie and read the instructions.  Here’s a loose overview of what you should include:

• Title – what is it called.
• Introduction / background – here’s why you’re doing it and helping the judges learn a bit about your project.
• Materials/Methods – what you used and the steps in your experiment. This is so someone else could repeat your experiment.
• Results – what was the outcome? How many heads/tails?  Include pictures and graphs.
• Conclusions – was your hypothesis correct? What else would you like to investigate now?  What went right and what went wrong?
• References – if you did research, where did you get your information from? What are your sources?

The written report will be very similar to the final presentation board.  The board that you’ll prepare is usually a three-panel board set up like the picture shown below.

To prepare for the presentation, you and your partner should be able to talk about the following:

• why you did the experiment
• the hypothesis that was tested
• the data results
• the conclusions.

It’s totally OK to not know an answer.  Just remember this is the fun part!

And that’s it!  YOU DID IT!! 

Science fair projects have been great opportunities for our kids to not only learn more about science, but to also be challenged and push themselves.  Independent projects like these are usually a great learning opportunity.  Has your child completed a science fair project that they are proud of?  Include a pic in the comments – we love to share science!!  Please also check out our STEMium Resources page for more science fair project tips and tricks .

STEMomma is a mother & former scientist/educator. She loves to find creative, fun ways to help engage kids in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math).  When she’s not busy in meetings or carpooling kids, she loves spending time with the family and dreaming up new experiments  or games they can try in the backyard.