The words “science fair” can strike fear into the heart of nearly any parent; but fear not, I have some fun science fair project ideas for you from my daughter’s school!
Between the homework, test studying, and extra-curricular activities, adding projects on top sometimes seems like a huge parental burden.
But it doesn’t have to be.
Admittedly, this year when the science fair came around, we put it off. We did it like… 4 days ago.
Thankfully, it ended up being far more fun (and easy!) than I expected. With my daughter being older, she was able to take more of a hands-on approach than in years past.
I think what I have to remind myself is that it doesn’t have to be some big huge scientifically-worded lesson.
Sometimes the simplest project can be just as fun for a child!
Science Fair Project Ideas
Today I went to the science fair to see what other kids did and was surprised by all the fantastically laid out experiments, models, and science fair ideas that were presented.
It really was a lot of fun and I think taught me not to dread the project but rather enjoy the process of my child learning and showcasing it.
Here are 75+ Science projects my daughter’s class did that I thought were a lot of fun. I hope it inspires you to think outside the box when it comes to creating your tri-fold!
And yes, this first one was really done.
How Much Turmoil Does a Science Fair Project Cause Families?
Moody Blues or Party Shoes – a study of music.
The Beauty of Nature – analyzing light.
The Biggest Bubble – how to blow the biggest bubble gum bubble!
Which Burger Rots Fastest – a closer look at fast food and preservatives.
Can Lever – recycling tin cans into tools.
Do Turtles Have a Favorite Color?
Does Temperature Change Viscosity in Liquid?
Cheap Vs. Expensive Lipstick Value
Robots: Why Are They the Way of the Future?
Tiny Dancers: Demonstrating a Homopolar Motor
How Much Salt to Make an Egg Float
How to Make Glue from Milk
Sugar Crystals – sweet solutions for making rock candy
Strawberry Fields of DNA – extracting DNA from fresh strawberries
Four Forces of Flight
Bone Density and Kids
Water Bottle Rocket
Flubber – mixing substances to make bouncy goo
Does Pretty Packaging Lead to Healthier Eating in Children?
How Are Rock Candy Crystals Made?
Growing Rye Grass in Three Types of Soil
Potato Power Experiment – potato batteries with different types of potatoes.
What is the Fastest Nail Polish?
Super Soaps – how do different brands of soap change in the microwave?
Why Don’t Oceans Freeze?
Hurley Highway Crossover – design a new highway bridge.
Crayon Project – melting crayons.
How Different Materials Affect WiFi Reception.
Boys Vs Girls: Whose Bathroom is Dirtier?
Liquid Vs Solid
Fast Food or Forget It? Does natural food or processed food decay faster?
Which Gum Lasts the Longest?
Cycling the Tank – why do fish die when starting a new fish tank?
Homemade Soda Dispenser
The Effects of Citric Acid on a Copper Penny
Build a Non-traditional Mouse Trap
What Dog Treat Do Dogs Like Most?
Pearly Whites Gone Bad – an experiment in tooth decay.
The Water Bottle Craze – is the most popular water the highest quality?
The Effects of Different Sodas on Chicken Bones
Dogs – what makes a dog such a great friend and companion?
Parachutes: Does Size Matter?
How Coke Affects You!
Walking Water – exploring the capillary effect.
Walking on Air – design a hovercraft.
Balloon Skewer – skewer a balloon without losing air.
Ball Throwing Catapult
Which Bat Has the Most Pop – Wood or Aluminum?
How Greasy Are Your Fries?
Science Melts My Heart – dissolving candy hearts in various chemicals.
Solar System Scale Model
How Does Arm Position Affect Movement in Skydiving?
You’ve Got Some Nerves – a scale model of a human nerve.
Latent Fingerprints – how to collect fingerprints from objects.
How Can It Be a Solid and a Liquid – making cornstarch goo.
Why Do Bucks Shed Their Antlers?
Faraday’s Experiment – induce a current in a wire using a magnet.
Kinetic Energy – what is kinetic energy?
What Is Up the Creek? Testing local water quality.
How Are Stalagmites Formed?
Atomic Bomb Facts and Model
Does Mold Grow Faster on Bread Touched by Dirty Hands?
What Is Dry Ice and How Does It Work?
Science Fair Project Supplies
TIP: If you are getting ready to do the science fair, do not be caught off guard by having to run around to the store. These three items are a staple in nearly all science projects (and nothing complicated like a microscope) and you can easily grab your Tri-Fold board, sharpies, and large moveable letters.
The one thing that makes a science project so stressful is all the store runs, so I highly recommend you just grab these and be ready.
Having a set of Sharpies so you can pick colors is great for every project from K-12, so def keep those on hand!
Elmer’s Tri-Fold Display Board, 14 X 22-Inch, White (730109)
ArtSkills Jumbo Neon Poster Letters, 4Sharpie Color Burst Permanent Markers, Fine Point, Assorted Colors, 24-Count
FAQs – Most Asked Questions about Science Fair Projects
What are the top 10 science fair projects?
- Dissolving teeth or eggs in various acids
- Volcano model
- Solar system model
- Growing plants in various types or levels of light
- Make invisible ink
- Make a Mentos and soda fountain
- Potato or lemon batteries
- Build a bridge
- Drop an egg without breaking it
- Make slime, flubber, or goo
What is the Easiest Science Fair Project?
The easiest science fair project is one that you already have data for. An explanation about caring for a type of animal or pet, or a simple mixing project like making invisible ink or slime.
What are High School Science Fair Projects?
The best high school science fair projects should deal specifically with a topic in biology, chemistry, natural science, or ecology.
- Run a bioassay on local soil or water to test for nutrients and contaminants
- Explain how a certain body system works with a model of it
- Study the effects of oceanic pollution or toxic waste
- Demonstrate genetic knowledge using flowers
- Demonstrate weather forecasting tools
How Can I Win Science Fair?
The key to winning a science fair is to do original research and work. Find a mentor who will work with you to explore a topic that hasn’t been done before.
Plan your research. It will take weeks or months to complete a winning science fair project.
Complete your research thoroughly, record all of your observations, and arrive at your conclusion. Get your mentor’s advice at every stage to make sure you’re being thorough and original.
Great ideas! We just went through this experience with our 7th grader. Because we had retrofitted our walls with injection foam insulation last year, she was able to compare our comfort level and energy bills “before and after” the project. It was a great real-world experiment and she got a great score on the project, too!