The world of science becomes both educational and fun for middle school children through easy, hands-on projects. Ordinary objects such as balloons and dry cereal take on a whole new meaning with projects that put scientific principles into action. These projects encourage middle school students to develop science fair displays that lend a fun approach to scientific methods.
Balloon Rockets
An ordinary balloon is the foundation of a fun science project that applies the laws of motion and the science of trajectory. Students can transform an inflated balloon into a rocket by attaching paper wings to the outside of the the balloon with tape and then releasing the air from the balloon. By repositioning the wings and adjusting the amount of air in the balloon, students can see the difference in the direction the balloon rocket takes, as well as the distance it will travel. Students can measure their balloon rocket accuracy by setting up a laundry basket or other target. These results combine into a science fair project that is both easy to accomplish and fun to do.
Flavorful Fun
Students put their taste buds to work with a fun project that involves finding out what type of chewing gum holds its flavor the longest. By assembling a test group of their friends and family members, middle school children can time how long it takes someone to chew a piece of gum until they believe that it has lost its flavor. This project melds a scientific method with the candy aisle of the grocery store and results in a science fair project that is interesting for students in this age group.
Cereal Magic
Middle school students learn about the effects of charged electrons by doing a project that shows their effect on a piece of dry cereal. By using a plastic comb charged with static electricity, students can magically move a suspended piece of dry cereal without touching it. To make the cereal magic even more exciting, students can also attract the piece of cereal to the same static charged comb. This science fair project applies the concept of negatively and positively charged electrons and also provides for a fun magic show.
More Static Magic
Science is fun with a neat trick that involves turning on a fluorescent light bulb with only a balloon. By touching a static-charged balloon to a fluorescent light bulb, students can magically create sparks of light inside the bulb. This entertaining project not only teaches children about the effects of charged electrons, but also shows the effect they have on the gases contained within the fluorescent light bulb. This trick also provides for an interactive science fair project that students of all ages will enjoy.
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