Science research » Science Fairs

Amazing Science Project

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 22:52:56 +0000

All you need for this science project are the following materials:

A glass bottle such as a beer bottle, a glass soda bottle or something like that. A piece of string big enough to tie around the base of the bottle into a knot. Acetone. This is the fingernail polish remover A Match or Lighter Rubber gloves. Protective eye gear such as goggles

Put on your safety glasses and rubber gloves.

Put about two to three inches of water into the bottle.

Take the string and put it in a capful of acetone. Let it soak just for a moment so that the string is wet with the acetone.

Tie the string around the top part of the bottle, just where the neck of it widens into the main part of the bottle body.

Make sure the string is tight around it, and in a straight circle and stays in that one place.

Light the string all the way around with the lighter or a lit match. The string may burn for a moment with the fluid that is on the string. Once the flame goes out place the bottle in a bucket or sink filled with water. Hold onto the bottle and hold it upright as it is submerged. The water should cover all the way past where the string was on the bottle but does not have to completely cover the bottle.

Now put one hand on the bottom of the glass bottle and the other on the top mouth of the bottle and pull your hands toward each other and it should break easily and in a complete ring around where the string was. Please be careful when breaking the glass to avoid getting cut by glass or any slivers that may fly away from the glass.

Your research for this project is how did the acetone and flame make the glass section have a weak area so that it could break?

This project is good to do as a demonstration at science fairs because it is a great science project.

By: Lesa Bolt

Top Science Fair Tips

admin — Sat, 22 May 2010 10:59:50 +0000

If you’re reading this it is most likely that it is science fair project time and you are looking for the very best, Top Science Tips on the planet!

First tip: Do not wait until the very last second to decide what project you would like to do.

2nd Tip: If you are racking your brain about a science fair project subject matter or just do not really love doing science projects, that’s O.K, because there are presently science kits that are designed just for science fairs.

There are quite a few types of kits to pick from. Quite a few are specified towards students that wish to do a project but don’t think they can create it on their own, and others provide you with the flexibility to design your very own experiments by using the kit. It’s one of the greatest ways to have a good fair project and fulfill your teacher’s specifications.

What are you interested in? Do you want to know about Robotics? One idea could be the robotic arm trainer which is the absolute for creating a science fair projects. This kit teaches primary robotic sensing principles, testing your motor skills, while you form and control the Arm. Wonderful for high school science fair projects. Yet another option is the brand new Kranius Brain. It is so much fun!

It doesn’t matter if a person is 9 or a college student, renewable energy is a big topic of our planet. The PicoTurbine Windmill experiments Kit offers students twenty completely free energy science projects and for professors, schools and organizations, there are renewable energy educational science fair projects for the classroom.

An additional consideration for the earth ecology is energy and how to build new resources. Would you want to produce and dabble with a model alternative energy Power House? Apply the power of the wind and sun with seventy experiments in potential energy, ecology, conductivity, and biology. Render, warm, and desalinate a water supply and preserve your own food.

Or how about fuel? With the price of gasoline climbing, engineers are seriously trying to develop fuel cell cars. This is one of the most meaningful technologies of the modern day. Maybe you’re the individual to create automobiles that actually runs on water!

For most any science fair project, science kits will be the ideal choice. From rockets to chemistry science projects you’ll likely discover an amazing choice for most any science fair.

3rd Tip: Instantaneously downloadable science fair ebooks are outstanding because they walk you through a science fair project. Some even give you the actual science fair projects. Right away you have the ability to download your

4th Tip: It won’t matter if you use a kit or want to create your own project, here’s one of the most critical science fair tips that I can offer you… You’ll still need to do all the six steps of the scientific method.

By: Madeline Binder

Tornado Science Fair Projects

admin — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:51:57 +0000

Creating a tornado science fair project has been quite popular at science fairs. Of course, it isn’t possible to create a life-sized tornado for obvious reasons! However, miniaturized versions may be created using simple models like the one about to be demonstrated. It is to be remembered that proportions matter a lot, while creating the models. Therefore, these exact proportions need to be followed. The following is possibly the simplest tornado science fair project that can be made with daily household materials. This experiment demonstrates the formation of the eye of the tornado – the central zone of calmness known as the vortex – within ordinary bottles.

The tornado science fair project requires simple ingredients:
- Two large bottles – the larger the better. Soft drink bottles made of plastic are recommended.
- Water colored using food coloring. The lighter the color is, better the demonstration will be. Glitter dust or confetti result in a dazzling display.
- A drill.
- Duct tape and silicon caulking.
- A steadily spinning surface, an old record player if possible.

The apparatus can be set up quite easily. The first step of tornado science fair project is to make half-inch wide holes at the center of the caps. These caps may then be joined together using the silicon caulking, keeping the holes connected. The bottles may be filled with the colored water now. The second step of the tornado science fair project is to attach each end of this double cap to each bottle. Finally, the two caps may be firmly fastened using the duct tape. The entire apparatus takes a shape and form similar to that of an hourglass.

Now, the entire apparatus of the tornado science fair project may be placed upside down, the bottle with the water being at the top, on the spinning surface. It will be observed that as the water slowly drains out to the lower bottle, a vortex is formed in the midst of the spinning water. This vortex is similar to the structure of the vortex formed inside a tornado.

Precautions to be taken during this tornado science fair project are few, but important. The joints must be made perfectly airtight, so that there is no leakage of water and air bubbles don’t enter the bottles. Moreover, the spinning surface must have a steady motion. Otherwise, the entire rhythm of the tornado would be disrupted. The steps are few; however, are important in a tornado science fair project.

The project, as it stands, is a very simple, elegant, and elementary science fair project that judges see all of the time. What you must do in order to stand out is to make this project a little bit different than everyone else’s science fair project. The fact is, with a project like this, you won’t get a really stunning A+ grade simply because this project didn’t involve too much individual thinking. However, by taking this model as a start and exploring some related concept or by looking at some specific aspect of the model, you can really earn a fantastic grade, and maybe even win the science fair with this simple tornado science fair project.

By: Jordan Matthews

Taking Science Beyond the Classroom

admin — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 01:04:29 +0000

Despite the fact that our society values scientists, fewer and fewer students are going on to pursue any science learning beyond the minimum requirements for graduation and college entry.

If you’re hoping to help reverse this trend, and take science beyond being just a classroom subject, science fairs could be the solution. These are organized on local, state, national, and international levels. In them, students submit projects which are evaluated by a team of judges. Science fairs help students understand that breakthroughs and discoveries are based on learning what doesn’t work, as much as they are about getting the right answer.

They are as much about learning and having fun as they are about getting the project right. Even students who don’t usually want to participate in science based courses are sometimes required by their schools to enter the science fair, and they find out that they enjoy the process of running an experiment and seeing what happens. There’s more to projects than science, so even students who prefer art, photography, writing, and other disciplines can incorporate their favorite subject in their project.

One thing about science fairs that can be scary for parents is not understanding what their child is expected to do, how long they have to do it, or what their contribution should be. They mistakenly believe that they’re expected to do much of the project for their child, or that the project needs to be a big problem. These projects can be very elaborate, but they don’t have to be. For instance, elementary school children can have quite simple science fair projects. Some sample topics include the process of tooth decay, the parts of an egg, how plants reproduce or the way plants grow towards light. Parents are expected to encourage and assist their children, but not to do the work for them.

Middle and high school student will probably have more complicated topics and experiments. However, they’re also capable of doing more of the work on their own. Some sample topics for older children include testing consumer products, composition of frost, the scientific principles behind musical instruments, the effect of music on plants, and even developing a simple computer game.

There’s a lot to be learned by doing a science fair project, not least of which is how much fun science can be. A love of learning is the best gift you can give your child, helping him or her learn more later in life. They can be the first step towards a life long enjoyment of science, or even a science career.

By: Rita Lambros-Segur

Fifth Grade Science Projects That Rock

admin — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 10:25:52 +0000

A Fifth Grade Science Project can be one of the most fun school projects that a parent and child can do together. Here are some really good science project ideas that our family has done. The projects are easy to do, yet they meet the requirements of most science fairs and most fifth grade teachers. Check out the ideas, and find out how to get step by step instructions at the end of this article.

These are investigative science projects, which involve a science experiment:

• Does the shape of ice affect melting time? Use the same amount of water, place into different shaped containers and freeze. Then see how much time each piece of ice takes to melt.

• Which toilet tissue is most biodegradable? Take samples of different types of toilet tissue, and soak them until they fall apart. Run the samples through a strainer, and see which sample leaves the most paper undissolved.

• Which citrus fruit has the most Vitamin C? Make an indicator solution with iodine and starch (it’s EASY to do!), and test samples of citrus fruit or juice to see which one has the most vitamin C.

• Which brand cereal stays crunchy longest? Weigh different brands of the same cereal, soak in water, and then weigh again to see which one absorbed more water.

These are demonstration science projects – when your teacher wants you to demonstrate a scientific principle to the class.

• Demonstrate that yeast gives of gas. Place a yeast and sugar solution into a bottle, put a balloon on top, and watch the yeast give off gas so that the balloon blows up!

• Demonstrate how static electricity works. Make a ball of aluminum foil dance between your finger and a pie plate. Watch this one on www.youtube.com/watch

• Demonstrate how chemical reactions can be sped up. Put alka seltzer into a cup, and watch it fiz. Then do it again with crushed alka seltzer, another time with warm water, and yet another time with TWO alka seltzers.

We’ve done all of these science projects with our four boys, and they are fast, affordable, and easy to design on your own. We also provide illustrated, step by step instructions on these projects at our website! Whatever you do, remember, fifth grade science projects really can be fun and a learning experience at the same time. So grab your slide rule and your test tubes, and get started on your project now!

By: Kayla Fay

Middle School Science Experiments Made Fun and Easy

admin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:06:36 +0000

Middle school science experiments should be more complex than the ones you would have done in elementary school. At this level, the science experiments you are doing will be preparing you for the more involved science projects you will be doing in high school, when you will most likely be entering science fairs to compete for prizes. By this grade, you will need to do your project mainly on your own and be able to explain your project in full, write a report and make up a display.

One of the interesting middle school science experiments is to see if the growth of a plant is affected by the amount of light it receives. For this project you will need three identical plants, three cabinets and three light sources, a 25 watt bulb, a 60 watt bulb and a 100 watt bulb. Mount one of the bulbs in each of the cabinets and label them so you know which bulb is in which cabinet. Then water them and check them once a day for about ten days and record your results in a chart.

Another great middle school project is to see how much starch different foods contain. You can accomplish this by getting a starch chart and a few different samples of popular foods. To test the foods, put a few drops of iodine solution (50% iodine/50% water) on each piece of food. If there is starch in the food the iodine will turn dark brown or blue-black. Record your findings on the starch chart.

By: Dee Schrock

How to Choose a 4th Grade Science Project

admin — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 06:38:51 +0000

It usually happens in fourth grade: Your child comes home with a packet of material about the upcoming science fair. For many children, this is the first time they’ve been required to do a science project. They may be excited, or they may face the prospect with dread. Whichever, it’s up to the parent to make sure that the science project gets done.

Your child may have very specific ideas about what he or she would like to submit to the science fair. Before you let excitement rule, however, you need to find out the specific science project guidelines your child must follow. First of all, what type of science project is required? Unbelievably, there are five kinds:

Investigative projects – Most science fairs require students to do an experiment, and usually, this is an investigative, or investigatory science project.

Demonstration projects – This type of project is usually done in class as opposed to a science fair, with the student demonstrating a scientific principle to the class.

Research project – Basically, a research project is a report on a scientific topic.

Models – Models are a three dimensional representation of an object or a concept in science.

Collections – In this type of project a collection of objects is displayed to give an overview of a topic.

Also be aware of any restrictions the science fair or your school may have. Can you use/display food? What about animals? Will your child have to perform the experiment in front of judges?

Once you find out what kind of science project your fourth grader needs, it’s time to find out what project he or she wants to do. As you search, keep the following questions in mind:

1. Can I find the materials needed for the science experiment? Once my son needed powdered laundry starch for a project. Since nobody irons much anymore, it’s not easy to find!

2. Are the supplies expensive? One science project we considered called for SIX reusable hand warmers. They are almost $6 each, plus shipping. We found something else to do.

3. Can the science project supplies be located in time? If you have to order something, will it arrive in time for you to do the project thoroughly?

4. Is this project within my child’s ability level? Is it safe? Science projects are for your CHILD to do – with your assistance. Not the other way around.

5. Will this project really work? My mom tried for years to make a battery out of a lemon, and never succeeded.

A 4th grade science project is a huge undertaking. Take it from us – we have four sons, each of whom was required to enter the science fair in fourth grade. We’ve had failures and successes, tears and smiles. And always, after the 4th grade project, we had the 5th grade project right around the corner!

By: Kayla Fay

Easy Elementary Science Projects – Physical Changes Science Projects

admin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 06:34:21 +0000

Doing easy elementary science projects with the kids can be fun and it does not only have to be done for science fairs. Kids love learning in a fun “Play” way and we can use easy elementary science projects to teach them about the wonders of science without them actually realizing that they are learning. Doing easy elementary science projects with the kids is also a great way for homeschoolers to teach the kids science. I think we must start doing a lot more “little” projects with the kids. Here are a few short fun ones to do with the kids.

Physical changes easy elementary science projects

Physical changes can happen when two substances interact or when energy is applied to one or more of the substances. In this easy elementary science projects we are going to see how substances change and then we are going to reverse the physical changes.

The salt solution physical change experiment

What you need for this science project:

Salt A measuring cup A teaspoon A heatproof glass or container Water

How to do this easy elementary science experiment:

Pour ½ cup of warm water into your glass or container Dissolve 2 teaspoons of the salt into the warm water What happens now? The salt becomes invisible, this is a physical change. Now place the glass in a warm place and leave it for a few days until all the water has evaporated. Observe what has happened. The water evaporated and the salt was left behind in the glass. Once again a physical change took place. The salt is now visible once again.

The rock candy physical change experiment

In this easy elementary science project we are going to do more or less the same with a sugar solution.

What you need for this science experiment:

A small heatproof container such as a beaker A piece of string long enough to hang to the bottom of the beaker ½ Cup of hot water 1 Cup of sugar A pencil

How to do this experiment:

Dissolve the sugar in the water in your beaker Once again observe the physical change Tie the string around your pencil and place the pencil over the top of the beaker so the string dangles in the water. Leave your beaker in a hot dry place for a few days and observe what happens. Sugar crystals start forming on the string, a physical change again. There you have your rock candy!

A salty work of art easy elementary science project

In this experiment we are going to have fun. This experiment can double up as an easy kids craft as you will be making a lovely painting.

In this experiment we are going to show how salt and food coloring dissolves in water and reverts back when the water evaporates. You will be amazed at the beautiful painting you will end up with. This experiment needs a little more preparation, but is well worth the trouble.

What you need for this experiment cum craft:

As many containers as colors you intend to use Warm water As many colors food coloring as you want to use Lots of salt Thick paper Paint brushes

How to do this experiment:

By: Magrietha Du Plessis

Science Fair Projects – Secrets to a Great Project

admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:55:56 +0000

Science Fairs are a great way for kids learn about science on their own with only a little help from Mom or Dad. Deciding on a good idea for the project can be the most difficult part of all. So, how do you know you have a great idea in mind for your project?

Look around and ask questions when you are trying to choose a project.

The science teacher will probably have a list of some good science projects. You can choose one from the list or come up with an idea on your own. As you are choosing a science fair project there are a few things to keep in mind.

Science Fair projects are nothing more than an experiment, write-up and presentation. This means you are trying to answer a question that you have. If you have an interest in the environment you may want to find out the effects acid rain has on plants. You will have to find a way to create your own acid rain to water one of your plants with and record each plants progress.

Don’t choose a project because it seems easy.

It is not considered to be a good project if you just do a report or a demonstration. These are tests performed by someone else and you are merely showing what information you know, not what you have learned through your experiment. Diagrams or models are also not considered to be a good science project because an experiment is not being performed. You are not asking a question for the purpose of running a test to find out the answer.

Choose a project, which is about something you are curious about. You will enjoy doing your project more and you will learn something in the process. Make sure your project includes a test or an experiment, which will answer a question. Science fair projects can be done on your own. You may need a little help from your parents, teachers or friends. The more of the project you do on your own the more you will learn and as long as you are interested to know the outcome of the experiment you will even have fun while doing it. Choose a project that will not harm anyone or anything. Make sure your project is safe. You don’t want to hurt or scare any animal, or people, especially you. You don’t want to choose a project that might be likely to explode. You could get hurt along with those around you. On the other hand you don’t want your project to scare people. Accidentally letting a snake or other creepy crawlers on the loose would not go well. If you are using animals or other creatures in your experiment, make sure they will not be harmed and they are securely confined. Also keep in mind that using dangerous chemicals in a science fair project is not allowed. Choose a project that will make you want more answers. You want the project you choose to make you think of other questions you might have. One of the sure fire ways to tell if you have chosen a good project is the results of your experiment makes you think of other questions you might want answered. Also if you had fun and you learned something while doing the project, it is a good sign you have chosen a great project.

If you’re ready to get going with your own science project, your next step is to download a free copy of “Easy Steps to Award-Winning Science Fair Projects” from the link below.

By: Aurora Lipper

Simple Science Fair Projects For Winning Science Experiments

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:08:56 +0000

Simple science fair projects are great if you have a limited amount of time to complete them, or if you just want to do a quick project for fun. Science fair projects don’t have to be long, involved and complex to be good. Simple science fair projects do great in science fairs as long as you can show that you learned something from the project, and are able to present it in an eye catching way and explain your project to the judges.

One example of simple science fair projects is to see what sort of effect music will have on the growth of plants. All you need for this project is three plants of the same variety, preferably as similar in shape and size as you can get, and 2 CD players, a rock and roll CD, and a classical CD. Place one plant in a room with the rock and roll music playing, another plant in a room with the classical music playing, and the third in a quiet room. Water them daily and record how each plant is doing after one and two weeks.

Another simple project to try might be to see if plants grow towards light. To do this, you need two plants and two boxes that the plants will fit in. Cut a hole in the top of one box and place the plant inside, and cut a hole in the side of the other box and place the second plant inside. Water them daily and check after a week or so to see if each of them is growing towards the hole in the box or not.

By: Dee Schrock