I need ideas for a Science Fair project.

[JerseyJanice]

My third grade boy and a friend are doing a science fair project together.

They have to perform an experiment of some kind.

Anybody have any great ideas they'd like to share? Maybe you could tell me about your child's science fair project.

Both boys are "real boys" if you know what I mean. They're active and athletic. I think they'll get the most out of doing this project if it's something they find fun.

I'm sure they'd love to do something like making an erupting volcano (ala Peter Brady), but they are only 8 and this is their first fair, so it can't be anything too complicated.

 

[Karel]

My middle school son and friend did a fun project. (Well, they didn't actually have to do the project, just write the whole thing out, scientific process and everything)

They wrote up a plan to see which brand of popcorn had the most kernels that popped.

Your boys could talk about the science that allows a corn to pop. There are a couple of good kid books. I think Tomie De Palo wrote one.

 

[dumboiu]

Why do YOU need ideas for the science fair project? Shouldn't the children be coming up with ideas based on what field of science they are interested in? Once they at least decide on a field, then you can help them narrow down a project.

 

[rubyslipperlover]

 

[missypie]

I searched the net and got lots of ideas. One DD did a "does it float?" Project. We picked a bunch of common objects, she predicted whether or not it woudl float, then she tested it. We also did a popcorn project one year...counted how many kernels popped when the popcorn started out frozen, cooled and at room temperature.

 

[aprilgail2]

We have done the effect of cigereete smoke on plant growth....the effect of caffeine on plant growth, the effect of aspirin on plant growth....we loved killing off plants LOL!! The science fair is such a joke...I don't think any kid has done it by themselves...one kid had this big electrical board with switches and wires and he did which light bulb lasted the longest and how many times turned on and off lasted the longest...the switches automatically clicked themselves on and off for the testing..yea the 8 year old made that himself!!

 

[Papa Deuce]

http://www.sciencefairprojects.com/

plus the Philadelphia Inquirer had a story in Thursday's business section about science fair projects. They are online so you could search there.

 

[JerseyJanice]

~Bumping for the work week crowd.~

TIA!

 

[GoofItUp]

Here's a fun one.....

Put some water in a saucer. Place a candle on the saucer and light it, then cover it with a glass jar. When the candle burns out, the water will fill the jar up, 'defying gravity'. Then explain how the candle burning oxygen creates a difference in pressure inside and outside the jar which makes the water flow in to balance the pressure.

I don't know if that's 8-yr-old appropriate or not, but the fact that it uses fire should interest them!

 

[grlpwrd]

I'm not sure the erupting volcano or water in a saucer are science experiments per se if it will be entered into a fair, competition, or exhibit. You'll need a hypothesis and all the other requirements.

Here are some ideas for experiments suitable for 8yo's:

which fabric/paper towel/etc is the most absorbant

which material (road salt, sand, etc.) is more effective in melting ice

what is an animals favorite food (ie a pet like a guinea pig or frog and compare which food they eat the most to determine which they prefer)

which vegetable makes the best dye

which cleanser is the most effective (ie compare store bought with homemade cleansers)

GL!

 

[Toby'sFriend]

yeah, I'd take them to the book store and let them choose one of the books or kits. My best advice

KEEP IT SIMPLE.

and get them into the habit NOW of thinking this is THEIR project and not Mom and Dad's.

 

[LargoLori]

My DD8 is in 3rd grade and is in the middle of her Science Fair Project. She is doing an experiment to see if cut flowers last longer in regular tap water or treated water. My advise is to read the school's manual very carefully. We started the experiment without fully understanding all that was involved. Our school required 10 trials. She will only have one because we will run out of time. The school is also very particular about what materials can be used. No kits are allowed. For a 3rd grader it is quite the project. Parents are expected to help but she is doing as much as possible. Also, if they are requiring an experiment make sure it is an experiment and not a model or invention. Something else our school is very picky about. Have fun.

Lori

 

[shatzjsl]

My daughter did a fun one in 3rd grade. "Which grows faster - dog hair or human hair?" We shave a spot off the back of her head (under her longer hair) and a spot off the dogs back. We started about 6 weeks before the project was due and measured once a week. Did research on how hair grows and the make up of human and dog hair. We learned a lot.

 

[funhouse8]

We daughter did one they she really enjoyed. "CAn you tell the sex of a person by their feet. she took pictures of all her family and friends feets, labled them and took a poll. Had everyone look at the feet and determing male or female. Make sure the girls remove the polish, and you will be surpised at the results..

 

[minniepumpernickel]

My nephew is a little younger, but I've helped him grow an avocado seed and start a mini-terrarium, and set up a small planetarium with a light bulb! Next I'm going to show him how to make a biosphere....

His parents aren't into science at all, so they call me!