Science Fair Project Information
November 12, 2014
Dear Parents,
Lancaster Elementary will be participating in the 2015 Southeastern Louisiana Region VIII Science Fair!
All 5th grade students will be required to conduct a science experiment at home and display the
findings of the project on a display board. Each student has been given a science packet that includes all
information to complete the project. Typing a report is also a required component of this project.
Students may be allowed to use the classroom and lab computers to research their topic or type their
report. However, students will not be allowed to wait until the last minute to use the computers. Please
pay very close attention to the timeline and check off assignments as they are being completed.
We also have resource books that students can look through to get ideas on which experiment to
choose. Our local and school libraries have some wonderful resources too! Students will receive 3 test
grades for the science project. Assignments are to be turned in on the day it is due. All deadlines are
FIRM! Project boards and presentations will not be accepted late because they have to be judged the day
they are due!
Secret judges will use the Southeastern Louisiana University judging form, which can be found on
http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/colleges/sci_tech/programs/sci_fair/index.html. The
judges will choose the top 20 science projects for our school, and those projects will be submitted to
compete in the 2015 Southeastern Louisiana Region VIII Science Fair at Southeastern Louisiana
University.
Grade #1- Planning Sheet
Grade #2- Project Display Board and Presentation
Grade #3- Typed Report
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Science Project Topic Sheet
This is not to be turned in. It will only be used to verify parent awareness of the project and for
student/teacher conference.
Please list three possible topics for your project. Your teacher will discuss your choices and recommend an
appropriate topic.
Choice 1:
_________________________________________________________________________
Choice 2:
________________________________________________________________________
Choice 3:
_________________________________________________________________________
I received my child’s science project packet. I am aware of the upcoming dates and responsibilities. I have
also approved the above 3 possible project choices that my child has chosen.
_______________________________
Parent’s Signature
_______________________________
Student’s Signature
Science Fair Project Checklist/Time Line
Working Plan
Due
Date
Step 1-Give the science packet to students.
11/12
Step 2-Start thinking about what you might want to
research by reviewing the list of projects provided by
your teacher and listing the ones you find
interesting. Look through websites to get more
experiment ideas.
11/13
Step 3-List your top 3 choices on page 1 of the
packet. Don’t forget to have this page signed by a
parent/guardian. DO NOT tear this sheet out.
11/17
Step 4-Teacher conference to discuss your 3 choices
and receive teacher recommendation.
11/17
11/18
Step 5-Finalize your topic.
11/18
Step 6-Turn in the Planning Sheet (Grade #1) (last
sheet of the packet). Start conducting your
experiment.
11/21
Step 7- Project Boards and Report are due.
(Grades #2 and #3)
1/7
Step 8- Class presentations begin.
1/8
Date
Completed
Check off
when
completed
The Investigation
SCIENCE FAIR
PROJECT
Conducting the Investigation
2014-2015
Step 1 : State your Problem
Start with a Problem that you can solve through experimentation. No hazardous substances or alcohol should be
used when conducting an experiment. The Problem should be written in simple question format form: What is the
effect of _____ on _____? How does _____ affect _____? Which _____ (verb) ______?
Examples of ways to state the Problem Statement:
1. What is the effect of ______ on ______?
Detergent on germination of seeds
Light on growth of plants
2. How/to what extent do/does the _____ affect _____?
Color of light to growth of plants
Color of material to its absorption of heat
3. Which/ what ______ verb _____?
Paper towel is most absorbent
Detergent makes the most bubbles
Temperature on the volume of air
Humidity to growth of fungus
Viscosity of a liquid to its boiling point
Step 2 :Review of Literature.
Next begin your research to gain background information on the topic. This is called your Review of Literature.

Do not use any wikis or Wikipedia due to the fact this is a source that can be edited.

Use primary sources such as books, encyclopedias, magazines, and textbooks. Use updated sources such as
the Internet, videos (United Streaming) or interviews to collect information.

Take notes on your topic.

Your review of literature must be written in your own words. Do not copy words exactly from a source.
Do not use the word I in your report. Do not explain your experiment, this is simply a brief review of
research. Do not state in your Review of Literature the source of your information.

Proofread your review. You must have correct spelling and grammar. Always record the answers and
sources.

Write your Review of Literature. Center the words Review of Literature at the top of the page. At this time,
go ahead and do your Bibliography. See guidelines.
Minimum requirements:
5 references and 2 paragraphs (Only 3 internet references)
Step 3: Write your bibliography page
When reviewing literature, be sure to copy all important information to be included in the bibliography. This
includes the author, dates, titles, publication names and other pertinent information.
 Center Bibliography at the top of the page.
Websites: to help with bibliographic citations
http://noodletools.com/login.php
http://citationmachine.net/index.php?reqstyleid=2
Step 4: Form a Hypothesis
After you have reviewed the literature, formulate one Hypothesis based on your findings. Make a prediction about
the result of the experiment before conducting the experiment. It should be written simply. Write your hypothesis in
this format: My hypothesis states that _____________ because _____________________________. The
hypothesis must be based on what you have learned in your research. Example: The Bounty paper towels will be
the most absorbent because it is the thickest.
Step 5: Materials
Be sure to list the Materials. Be sure to measure using metric units for mass, volume, distance and Celsius for
temperature.
Step 6: Procedures
No hazardous substances or alcohol should be used when conducting an experiment.
 Next, design your Procedure for testing your hypothesis.
 You must write a step by step numbered list on how to conduct the experiment.
 This should be clear, concise, and logically sequenced.
 Write your steps so that anyone can pick up your experiment and duplicate it step by step.
As you design your test, you must control for all variables except one. This means you can only test one variable.
(Examples of variables: speed, length, time, temperature, etc.) A variable is something that changes while conducting
your experiment. All parts of the test must remain the same for every test except for the one thing you think is causing
the difference. Example: You want to test to see if the angle of a ramp changes the distance a ball rolls. The only
thing that changes is the angle of the ramp (the variable). The same ball and the length of the ramp will stay the same
(the control).
Your test must have measurable results. You must be able to get an average. This means you have to have
numbers. You have to record the results of each angle 3 times. Example: In the first test the angle was 90 degrees. I
used a ruler to measure the distance the ball rolled from the edge of the ramp. I wrote my results on a chart. (10
centimeters) I repeated that angle 2 more times and recorded the number of centimeters the ball rolled. I then averaged
this. I will use this average in my analysis of data and on my graph. The second time I tested an angle of 45 degrees.
The ball rolled 15 inches, etc.
Make sure that you test your experiment at least THREE times for each time you change the test condition, keeping all
variables constant except one. If you test plants, you must have 3 plants for each control situation. You must also
create a table or chart to record your observation of the three tests. Each test must be labeled. (Test 1, Test 2, Test 3)
Be sure to have your graph, table, or chart devised to record results from your experiment. This means do your test 3
times and record the results for each test. You will be disqualified if you do not include 3 tests or if you do not
include a graph, chart, or table. Surveys do not need to be repeated three times. You must control the variable in
survey results as well. Example: Everyone must be the same gender or age etc.
Step 7: Data Anaylsis
Analysis of Data is a narrative statement in paragraph form telling what your actual research and results indicated.
This section reports the ONLY averages for the three tests. This means, whatever information you include on your
graph, table, or chart is written in paragraph form here. Ex. I found out that _____. I know this because __________.
Step 8: Conclusion
Conclusion: What did you find out? Did you accept or reject your hypothesis? Ex. I found out that _____ because
_____. Therefore, I (accept, reject) my hypothesis which states that _____ .
Step 9: Application
Application: How will your research findings help people solve problems or make the world a better place to live?
Ex. I can apply this to the real world by _____.
Step 10: Write your Abstract
Once all of the above steps have been completed and you have finished your experiment, it is time to write your
Abstract to summarize the results and process.
 The purpose of an abstract is to provide a condensed version that summarizes the key elements of your project.
Your abstract must be no longer than 250 words. You must center the word Abstract at the top of the page. This
includes a summary of your procedure. You must turn in 2 copies, one copy with your name on it and one without
your name for the fair.
 Do not list every step here. They are listed on the board.
 You must have 1 inch margins and you must use 12 point font. It must be written in Times New Roman font.
The following is an example of how to write your abstract.
The Abstract
How to Write an Abstract
This should be in paragraph form.
Example:
Title:
Student: (Name should be on only 1 copy. A second copy should not have a name posted.)
Abstract
First Paragraph: Tells about your problem and hypothesis. For example: I wanted to find out
_____. My hypothesis stated that _____ because I think _____. I wrote my problem, reviewed my
literature, and wrote my hypothesis.
Second Paragraph: Tells about the materials you used and your procedure. For example: I
designed my experiment and gathered my supplies. (List materials & summarize what you did for
your experiment - Procedure.)
Third Paragraph: Tells about your observations, what happened during your experiment, etc. Be
sure to include data, especially your averages. Example: I controlled variables by _____________.
In my first trial__________. In my second trial _________. In my third trial _____________. My
averages for the trials were ______________.
Fourth paragraph: Tells about your conclusion and application. Example: I found out that _____.
I found out that _____ because _____. Therefore, I (reject, accept) my hypothesis which stated
that ____ (restate hypothesis). I can apply this to the real world by _____.
Your abstract should include:
Problem Statement and Hypothesis: (What do you want to find out and what do you think will happen?)
I wanted to find out _____. My hypothesis stated that _____ because I think _____.
Methodology: (How will you test what will happen? List all materials needed. Explain how your research will be
conducted.)
This must be in paragraph form:
I wrote my problem, reviewed my literature, and wrote my hypothesis. I designed my experiment
After this, you will need to work on your Backboard, a visual representation to convey the results of your experiment.
The Board
Hints for a Super Science Fair Exhibit
1. Materials you may need:
project board - standard size board - 36” by 48”
Choose a color scheme and stick with it.
border - Place border around the board.
rubber cement for mounting – It is the most
forgiving adhesive when making mistakes
precut lettering - For emphasis use a contrasting
color.
2. Plan the layout of the project.
Lay captions, pictures, graphs, charts, etc. out to
be sure everything fits. Attach visuals to the
board. All pictures and visuals should be
mounted on a piece of construction paper before
tacking it to the board.
Research Question
Working on the Backboard
The purpose of the Science Fair Board is to offer a visual
summary of your entire project in a simple format for a
judge or observer to peruse. The wording on the board
will be slightly different from the abstract. For example,
the materials and procedural steps should be
numbered or bulleted for easy viewing. The preparer
wants the observer to know exactly what was done
without having to search for information or have
difficulty reading the information.
Science Project
Data
Title
Analysis
Hypothesis
Use this area
for
Materials
Procedures
Title:
board.
Visual Displays
-
Conclusions
Application
graphs, charts,
tables, and
Catchy and centered across the top/center of your photos
only to show progression over time.
Research Question: The statement should be written in
question form.
Hypothesis: The statement about what you think will
occur.
Materials: List in bulleted or numbered format.
Procedure: List in bulleted or numbered format. This is
for the board only. It is narrative form for the abstract.
Data: Charts or graphs that give visual representation of
all the data collected. If a graph or chart is not
appropriate, then photographs should be included, but
Pictures of students
are not allowed.
Analysis of Data: Written in paragraph form, just like in
the abstract. However, the board should also contain a
graphic depiction of the data, which is NOT included in
the abstract.
Conclusion: Briefly tell what you found out and talk
about the original hypothesis – just like in the abstract.
One nice paragraph is appropriate.
Application: Should be included on the board as well.
The Report
The Report to be displayed in front of the project board is a synopsis of your entire work. It contains at least five
pages that should be typed. Do not attach this to the backboard.
1. Title Page: State title and date. No student name should be here at all!
2. Table of Contents – Include Title page as page 1
Example:
Table of Contents
Abstract
Review of Literature
Bibliography
3
4
5
3. Abstract: See attached section – How to Write an Abstract
4. Review of Literature: (See example)
– at least two paragraphs and five sources
5. Bibliography: (see examples on the Bibliography Example Page)
The diagram below is for the separate packet that will be placed in front of your display board.
Title
Date
School
1st page
Table of
Contents
Abstract
Review of
Literature
Bibliography
4th page
5th page
I wanted to find
out ...
2nd page
3rd page
The Oral Presentation
ORAL PRESENTATION – You should present your project orally to your teacher and your class. This is an
opportunity for you to share the information you have learned with your classmates. Your presentation should be
organized and clearly presented. Practice at home so that you can face your audience and present it without reading.
Remember, your teacher wants to know what you know. Your presentation must be no longer than 5 minutes.
ORAL PRESENTATION:
• The student should be comfortable with the subject matter.
• Presentation is not "reading" the display board. Students should be clear and confident.
• The student should describe the steps used for the project.
• The student should speak loudly and clearly.
How to Format Resources in a Bibliography
Books: one author
Fair, Jeff. Moose for Kids. Minocqua, WI: Northwood Press, Inc., 1992.
Books: two authors
Clemesha, David, and Andrea Griffing Zimmerman. Rattle Your Bones Skeleton Drawing
Fun. New York: Scholastic, 1991.
One Volume of a Multi-Volume Work
Parker, Hershel. Melville: A Biography. Vol. 1. Baltimore: John Hopkins UP, 1996.
Encyclopedias
“Monkeys.” The Encyclopedia Americana. 1998 ed.
Magazine Articles
Fair, Jeff. “When Bears Go Fishing.” Ranger Rick. June 2001: 14-19.
Personal Interviews
Jones, Stephen. Personal Interview. 12 June 2001.
On-Line Source
Weber, Ray. 50States.Com-States and Capitals. 12 June 2002 < http://www.50states.com/>
CD-Rom
“Albatross.” The Oxford English Dictionary. CD-ROM. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1992.
Name______________________________________
Points Earned______/100 Grade:________
Planning Sheet (Grade #1)
Project Title: Can be an attention grabber. (10 points)
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Research Question (Purpose): What is the purpose of your science experiment? What question are you trying to
answer? Must state a clear scientific question. (10 points)
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Category: Choose one category. (5 points)
_____ Class A – Animal Sciences
_____ Class B – Behavioral & Social Sciences
_____ Class C – Biochemistry
_____ Class D – Cellular & Molecular Biology
_____ Class E – Chemistry
_____ Class F – Computer Science
_____ Class G – Earth Science
_____ Class H – Energy & Transportation
_____ Class I – Engineering (all varieties)
_____ Class J - Environmental Management/Sciences
_____ Class K- Mathematical Sciences
_____ Class L - Medicine & Health Sciences
_____ Class M - Microbiology
_____ Class N - Physics & Astronomy
_____ Class O - Plant Sciences
Rationale: Include a brief synopsis of the background that supports your research problem and explain why this
research is important scientifically and if applicable, explain any societal impact of your research. (10 points)
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Hypothesis: What do you think will happen when you conduct the experiment? (10 points)
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Materials: List all of the materials that you will use for your experiment. (10 points)
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Procedures: List all of the steps (in order) of how to conduct your experiment. If you have more than 6 steps,
continue your list on the back of this paper. (45 points)
1.)____________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
2.)____________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
3.)____________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
4.)____________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
5.)____________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
6.)____________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Cool Human Body Science Fair Project Ideas
What effect does exercise have on your appetite?
Does caffeine have an effect on your reaction time or
other physical abilities?
Can you tell the difference between various soft drinks
without using your sense of smell?
Does hair color have an affect on the speed at which it
grows?
Cool Technology Science Fair Project Ideas
Can you make a robot with some form of artificial
intelligence?
Make a machine or device to help you with your daily
chores.
Research how building and construction methods
have changed over the years.
Is the speed at which your hair grows related to
temperature?
How are modern buildings designed to withstand large
earthquakes?
Does an increase in heart speed heighten your senses?
Do video games have any positive side effects?
Research family traits such as hair color and height.
Make your own camera.
Do wounds heal faster with or without band aids?
How accurate are different types of clocks?
What are some of the characteristics of human saliva?
In what places can you not get cell phone reception?
What effect does age have on various physical skills?
(Sight, reaction time etc)
Make a homemade television aerial.
What would be worse for your health, licking a toilet bowl
or a coin?
Does looking at a computer screen have an affect on your
short term eye sight?
How much heat does a human produce?
Study different techniques for improving short term
memory.
If age affects memory, at what point does your memory
start to get worse?
Why do we use toothpaste when we brush our teeth?
What kinds of television shows affect your heart rate the
greatest?
Is there a relationship between your fitness level and the
chances of catching a cold?
Study how a ball point pen works.
How do gears in a car work?
Research potential fuels that could be used in future
vehicles.
How much heat do cell phones produce?
Make a solar powered vehicle.
Research how modern digital cameras work.
How does the search engine Google calculate its
search results?
What advantages do different image formats have
over each other?
Make your own counting machine (calculator).
Are you more likely to get sick if you are stressed?
Is there such thing as an optimal amount of sleep?
Does taking a nap during the afternoon improve your
concentration during the evening?
Do hot drinks make your digestive system work better?
Why do humans cry?
Is one of your eyes stronger than the other?
Research if there are any relationships between gender
and various types of allergies.
What seasons are the most common for catching a cold
or flu?
Are tanning beds dangerous for your health?
Do you breathe in chalk particles while wiping a
blackboard?
How do rewritable CD’s and DVD’s work?
What is Moore’s law and how accurate has it been?
Test different building designs for earthquake stability.
How reliable are fire alarms?
Are wireless signals more reliable in higher
temperatures?
Cool Space & Astronomy Science Fair Project
Ideas
Follow the movement of stars in the night sky.
Create a model mars rover that can handle rocky
surfaces.
Study the phases of the moon.
Cool Psychology Science Fair Project Ideas
Do colors have an effect on people’s emotions?
What kind of facial reactions do people make to
different smells?
How does a placebo effect work?
Discuss the idea of life on another planet.
What are some of the side effects of social
networking on the Internet?
What kind of affect does solar weather have on
Earth?
How strongly do brand names effect the
decisions of consumers?
Study the Big Bang theory.
Study how our subconscious affects our
behavior.
Make your own constellations from stars in the
night sky.
Research the chances of Earth being hit by a
large asteroid in the next 100 years.
Study the lifespan of the sun relative to other
stars.
Research Halley’s Comet.
Make a sundial to help you tell the time.
How does the temperature vary from the center of
the sun to the surface?
Why do planets orbit the sun in an elliptical
shape?
Is it possible for two planets in our solar system to
collide?
How big does an object need to be for it to not
totally disintegrate when traveling through Earth’s
atmosphere?
Can visualizing a positive outcome before an
event or activity improve your results?
Why do humans respond more favorably
towards cute things?
Do people respond differently to the same
questions asked by people wearing different
clothes?
Does music have an affect on your level of
happiness?
What are some effective ways of getting
children to eat vegetables?
How do the potential for rewards determine how
much effort humans put into various tasks?
Is your physical appearance related to the
subjects you take at school or your job?
Are people with symmetrical faces really more
attractive?
Make an argument that black holes don’t exist.
In terms of psychology, in what ways are
humans different to apes?
Why is there a higher concentration of stars in
some parts of the night sky relative to others?
Can watching facial expressions tell you if a
person is lying or not?
Study different types of stars including how they
end their life cycles.
Make your own lie detector.
How often is Earth hit by objects from space?
Who are more superstitious, men or women?
At what age do humans recognize themselves
in a mirror?
Discuss the idea of cheating as an evolutionary
strategy.
How strongly are a child’s interests related to
that of their parents?
Why do humans procrastinate?
Are there positive side effects of learning a
musical instrument?
Cool Sports Science Fair Project Ideas
Cool Plants Science Fair Project Ideas
What affect does string tension have on the
accuracy and power of a tennis shot?
How well do seeds grow under different
environmental influences?
Is there an optimal angle to throw a javelin?
Make a hydroponic garden.
Research the physics behind throwing a
baseball.
How long can different plants survive without
sunlight and water?
What is the best way to kick a rugby ball if you
want it to spiral perfectly? (Angle, force, point of
impact etc).
Why do certain plants only grow in certain
places?
Is physical performance affected by
temperature?
Why are more people right handed than left
handed?
Research the science behind a boomerang.
How do the gears of a bicycle work?
What kind of soil requirements do plants need?
Make your own compost.
How do greenhouses help plants grow better?
Study different types of mushrooms.
Why do leaves change color?
What materials are the fastest to swim in?
Research different types of grass and what
conditions they grow best in.
Determine what role the moisture level in a
cricket pitch has on the bounce of the ball.
Can a plant survive on orange juice rather than
water?
What are the characteristics of different tennis
surfaces?
Investigate if the cross section of a carrot has
any relationship to its age.
Do dimples on a golf ball make it fly further?
Study some non chemical ways of keeping
insects away from strawberries.
How does a soccer player curve the ball?
Study the physics of throwing a Frisbee.
How well do cycle helmets protect your head in
the event of an accident?
Is it easier to hit home runs in an indoor baseball
stadium than it is to hit them in an outdoor
stadium?
How much does wind affect the flight of a golf
ball?
Does the rotation of a basketball after a shot is
taken affect the chances of it going through the
hoop?
What role does nutrition play in sport?
How does a sailing boat use the wind to its
advantage?
What affect does playing sport at a high altitude
have on the distance a ball will fly through the
air?
How does the process of photosynthesis work?
After being frozen, why does a banana go brown
so quickly?
Research the number of seeds in different types
of apples.
What happens when you overcrowd an area with
too many plants?
How fast do sunflowers grow?
Does cutting down trees on a hill affect the
chances of a landslide or slip?
Study how does a venus fly trap works.
Are cactus spikes poisonous?
How well do plants grow under artificial light?
Cool Food & Cooking Science Fair
Project Ideas
Cool Animal Science Fair Project Ideas
What baits work best for catching fish?
Do various food products really give the health
benefits they say on the labels?
Research the social interaction between
insects such as ants.
Test what effects the way you cook meat has on
its level of calories.
What substances keep various insects away?
What locations or conditions are best for keeping
food fresh?
Explore the different types of chemical reactions
that occur while cooking.
Make your own cheese, yoghurt or other dairy
products.
Why are some egg shells brown and some white?
Research the science behind different types of
diets.
What fruits contain the most sugar?
Does chemical spraying have an effect on the
taste of food?
Why do you sometimes get ‘brain freeze’ from cold
foods and drinks?
Are there any common cooking ingredients that
are useful when cleaning?
Follow the life cycle of a frog.
Study behavioral differences between different
breeds of dogs.
Do dogs have a preference when eating from
different colored bowls?
Follow the sleep patterns of various animals.
How closely is the weight of an animal related
to how much food it eats?
Are mosquitoes more attracted to certain types
of people?
Do dogs favor their left or right paws?
How many different insect species can you
find on your property?
Research how animals that live in cold places
survive.
What led to the extinction of dinosaurs?
Does eating food make you sleepy?
Study the social and family lives of spiders.
Why is too much candy bad for your health?
Do goldfish live longer in a tank or in the wild?
Is coffee addictive?
Why do bright lights attract insects?
Why is it so important that we eat fruit and
vegetables?
How good is a cat’s memory?
Does food presentation affect its perceived taste?
Monitor the social interactions between groups
of animals.
Are certain foods more beneficial when eaten for
breakfast rather than dinner?
Do dogs take on characteristics of their
owners?
Make your own healthy eating food pyramid.
What kind of thing can you teach animals?
Why is an egg shell stronger at the ends than the
sides?
Do insect killers really kill the insects they say
they do?
How does the way you cook a vegetable affect the
nutrients you receive from eating it?
What makes a spider web sticky?
Are organic foods really better for your health?
Cool Water Science Fair Project Ideas
Cool Electricity Science Fair Project Ideas
How does water travel through the root of a
plant?
How fast does electricity move?
Research how some animals can survive for
long periods of time without water.
Experiment with different electricity circuits.
Does boiling water remove all the
contaminants?
What has a bigger impact on the lifespan of a light
bulb, the amount of times you turn it off and on or
the length of time it is on?
Invent your own way of filtering water.
Do electrical devices drain power when plugged in
but not switched on?
Test the pH levels of water from different
sources (bottled, tap, river, rain etc).
Which brand of batteries last the longest?
What are some good ways of removing oil from
water?
How many cups of water should the average
human drink a day?
Does ice melt at a rate proportional to its
surface area?
What would happen in your area of the world if
the polar ice caps were to melt?
Study the different forms of water drainage at
sports fields.
Can you keep cut flowers alive longer by
putting them in something other than water?
Which brand of paper towels absorbs more
water?
How much do humans sweat during physical
activity?
Study if there are better ways to put out fires
than with water.
Is bottled water really cleaner than tap water?
How much water do you save on average by
having a shower rather than a bath?
What materials conduct electricity better?
How much electricity do televisions use when on
standby?
Generate electricity from an everyday activity.
What are some of the important safety
precautions when dealing with electricity?
Test the feasibility of using fruits and vegetables
as batteries.
What are the most energy efficient heating
methods?
Compare various light bulbs for cost, energy
consumption, heat output, brightness etc.
Explain the difference between AC and DC
currents.
What materials produce the most static
electricity?
Build an electricity circuit that sets off an alarm if a
diary is opened.
What are the characteristics of a magnetic field?
Make your own compass.
What are some good ways of reducing the
amount of water you use in your daily life?
What would happen if the Earth had no magnetic
field?
Study the future effects of water shortages
around the world.
Build an electricity circuit with a working switch.
How easily can moisture damage electronic
equipment?
Could life as we know it be supported on a
planet with no water?
What are monsoon seasons and why do they
occur?
Does swimming in a chlorine pool have any
long term negative effects on your health?
Why do some parts of the world experience
regular droughts?
Cool Earth Science Fair Project Ideas
Why are only some types of packaging
recyclable?
Cool Physics Science Fair Project
Ideas
What effect do different materials have on
air resistance?
What are the short and long term effects of
forest fires?
Does your microwave have any effects on
objects that are near but not inside it?
Research what your local area might look like
in 50 years due to various human
environmental factors.
What types of materials keep liquids hot for
the longest amount of time?
Study the Earth’s magnetic field.
How do different surfaces affect the level of
friction?
What effect do fans have on the temperature
in a room?
What materials absorb the most sound?
Study erosion in your local area.
Study the strength of surface tension
among different liquids.
Test if modern cars are really better for the
environment than older ones.
What three dimensional shapes are the
strongest?
Is there a difference between the air you
breathe indoors compared to the air you
breathe outdoors?
How does the weight of an object affect
how far you can throw it?
Study rock formations in your local area.
What are some possible side effects of
diverting a river?
Test Newton’s three laws of motion.
What kind of materials work best as
parachutes?
Other than jewelry, what are diamonds used
for?
Research how much pressure it takes to
pop a balloon after different amounts of air
have been blown into it.
Study the size and frequency of waves at a
beach.
Does the surrounding temperature affect
the speed at which a candle burns?
Use Mohs hardness scale to test different
rocks.
What types of wood burn the fastest?
Research what your country looked like a
millions of years ago and how the movement
of tectonic plates has affected this.
Study the locations of volcanoes on Earth.
What effects might prolonged global warming
have on Earth?
How does a tornado form?
What parts of the world are most susceptible
to hurricanes?
Does tire pressure effect how far you can
travel on a tank of gas?
Is a car more fuel efficient when traveling
with the windows up?
What bridge designs can hold the heaviest
loads?
What colors absorb the most light?
Test the strength of different fabrics.
Cool Biology Science Fair Project Ideas
Cool Chemistry Science Fair Project Ideas
In what conditions does mold form quickest?
Do women’s cosmetics contain potentially
harmful chemicals?
Study the differences between bacteria and
viruses.
How is swine flu different to a regular flu?
In terms of hygiene, what is the best surface to
prepare food on?
Discuss the ethics of cloning.
How long should you use a kitchen sponge
before replacing it with a new one?
Use a microscope to study different
substances in detail.
How long can you keep certain foods in the
fridge before they become unsafe to eat?
Research your family tree.
What are the differences between yeast, mold,
mushrooms and fungi?
What kind of microorganisms can you find in
water from a river?
How does pollination work?
Extract and examine DNA from various fruit
and vegetables.
Study Darwin’s theories of evolution.
How might humans evolve in the future?
What plays a bigger role in the person you
become, your upbringing or your genes?
Why do some liquids mix with each other while
others don’t?
How does the strength of tape decrease over
time?
Why do some fabrics shrink after being washed?
Research the characteristics of different gases.
What’s the best way to remove a red wine stain
from carpet?
Test a range of household cleaners to see which
works best.
What are the most difficult stains to remove?
Can you use forensic science to see if someone
in your house has been reading your diary?
What’s the best way to remove bad odors from a
room?
Test the effects of different types of acids on
various materials.
What types of glue are the strongest?
Make the tallest Mentos and Diet Coke eruption
you can.
How do glow sticks work?
Study the effectiveness of sunscreen.
How effective are vitamin supplements?
How long does it take for various materials to
decompose?
What are some negative side effects of
medicine?
Debate the positive and negative arguments
for genetically engineered food.
How do non-stick fry pan surfaces work?
Study the effects of different fertilizers on plant
growth.
What kind of chemicals does chewing gum
contain?
Study the different types of chemicals used in
shampoo and conditioner.
How does hair dye work?
Use litmus paper to test the pH level of various
chemicals.
What are the chemical differences the between
permanent and non-permanent markers?
Explore the chemistry of crystals.
What substances release the most harmful
chemicals when burnt?
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/projects.html
http://www.science-fair-guide.com/5th_Grade_Science_Fair_Projects.asp
5th Grade Science Fair Projects
Each experimental science project guides in this list contain all the steps you need to
start and complete your science project. Information include Introduction,
Question/Purpose, Variables, Sample Hypothesis, Sample Experiment designs, guides
in creating data table, Graph, drawing Conclusion, writing an Abstract, writing Report.
Engineering and display projects may have a different structure. ScienceProject.com
requires a membership that will cost you about $25 to $35 each year.
General Science Projects
EX001
EX002
EX003
EX005
EX006
EX008
EX009
EX010
EX012
EX013
EX015
EX016
EX017
EX018
EX020
EX022
EX023
EX024
EX025
EX026
EX027
EX029
EX030
EX031
EX032
EX034
EX035
EX036
EX037
EX038
EX039
EX040
EX042
EX043
EX046
EX047
EX048
EX053
EX054
EX055
EX057
A Bell System
History of Shells
A Chemical Change
A Crystal Radio Set
Heat can Produce Electricity
Fire Must Have Air to Burn
A Door Chime
How Electricity is Made
Climate
Electric Eye
Electromagnetism
A Projector (Make a slide projector)
Fluorescent Lights
Measuring the Ocean Depths
Measuring Outer Space
Model Airplanes
How to Develop a Picture
Molding
How Traffic Signals Work
Most Liquid contain either Acid or Alkali
Inside a Cave, Make stalactite
Operation of a Doorbell buzzer
Mercury
Parts of an Electric Motor
Minerals: Origin, Distribution
A Water Pump in action
Make an Equatorial Sundial
A Weather Station
Our Solar System
A Cotton Gin
Phases of the Moon
A Wheat Elevator
Cross Section of a volcano
Salt and its Uses
Cross Section of the Earth
Simple Machines
Distillation of Water
Fingerprinting
Expansion and Contracting Of Liquids
The Telegraph Key
Which Metals Conduct Heat best?
EX062
EX064
EX065
EX067
EX068
EX070
EX073
EX078
EX081
EX083
EX089
EX093
EX094
EX097
EX104
EX106
EX109
EX110
EX113
EX114
EX119
EX120
EX121
EX122
EX123
EX124
PX001
PX002
PX003
PX004
PX005
PX008
PX009
PX010
PX011
PX012
PX014
PX015
PX016
PX017
PX018
PX019
PX020
PX021
PX022
PX024
PX025
PX027
PX028
PX029
PX030
PX035
PX036
PX043
PX048
PX049
PX053
PX055
PX058
PX061
PX062
Light
Snowflakes
Water Supports Heavy Weights
An Electromagnetic Crane
Space Problems in Gravity
Steam Propulsion
Parts of a Windmill
Water is Compound of Hydrogen & Oxygen
Working Principles of a Gasoline Engine
Working of a Telegraph
Machines Made Work Easier
Causes of the Seasons
Bulbs in Series and Parallel
Chlorophyll
Water Cycle
How Hard are Various Types of Rocks and Minerals?
Erosion - What causes erosion? - How can soil erosion be prevented?
Air Pollution - causes and cleanup
Precipitation
Water Filtration
Tides
EarthQuakes and Associated measuring devices
Collect and Identify minerals and rocks exposed in local area.
Foods
Volcano
Can Electricity Create Heat?
Make a Volcano Model
Make a Magnet
Design and Make A Model Arm
Make A Bird House
Insect Collection Display
Make a Sundial
Human Eye / Vision Research
Food Values
Inside Fruit
Make A Compass
Habitat Studies
Make Salt Crystals
How a Tooth Decays
Make Sugar Crystals
How Plants Reproduce
Nutrition
Insects: Bad Guys or Good Guys?
Draw A Magnetic Field
The Solar System
Parts of the eye (Make a Model of the Human Eye)
Parts of a Hen's Egg
Parts of a Horse (Display)
Parts of Birds (Display)
Do Plants Grow Toward Light?
What material and objects will be attracted by magnet?
A Secret Letter with Invisible Ink
Germination
What is needed for fire to start?
The Sun, Moon and Earth (Make Model)
The Human Heart, Make Display and Working Model
Carbon Dioxide and Man
How to Test Food for Starch?
Bees
How Do You Test If The Egg Is Cooked?
Best Packaging for an Egg
PX063
PX064
PX065
PX066
PX067
PX075
PX076
PX078
PX079
PX081
PX083
PX084
PX085
PX086
PX087
PX089
PX090
PX091
PX092
PX101
PX110
Make A Simple Electric Circuit
What Battery Last Longest?
Do Detergent Work Best In Cold or Hot Water?
What causes the milk to spoil?
Make Yogurt
What makes plants grow upward? Light or Gravity?
What is the effect of light on a plants growth?
What is the effect of salt water on a plants growth?
What is the effect of sugar water on a plants growth?
What is the effect of vinegar on plants?
What is the effect of oil on plants?
What color light is best for a plants growth?
What factors affect the evaporation of water?
What is the effect of sugar or salt in the evaporation of water?
Compare two dishwashing liquid to see which one makes more bubbles.
Identify counterfeit bills
Test Apple Maturity
Test fruits or fruit juices for starch
What is cotton candy?
Cost Comparison
A Tundra (Make a model)
Physics Science Projects
EP001 How metals compare in conducting heat.
EP002 How metals compare in density
EP003 Egg Floatation (buoyancy)
EP005 How does the amount of oxygen affect the rate of burning?
EP008 How do Aeorplanes fly? What is the best wing shape?
EP009 How do waves carry energy
EP010 How do magnets work? How are they made?
EP012 How Light is Affected passing through water e.g. viewing objects under water, formation of rainbows.
EP013 What limits the speed of a car, boat, or a truck?
EP014 Submarine: How to sink? How to float?
IP003 Musical instruments- the scientific principles behind them
IP004 Music Versus Noise- difference
IP005 Pendulums- how can a period of a pendulum be increased?
IP006 Air Pressure- Water Pressure
IP007 How do you establish elevation from sea level
IP008 Gears- compare efficiencies, effect of different lubricants
IP009 Solar Furnace
IP010 Lenses- effects of curvature, materials on light beams
IP011 Can eggs withstand a greater force from one direction than from others?
IP012 How strong are nylon fishing lines?
IP013 How strong are plastic wraps?
IP014 Which homemade airplane design flies best?
IP015 What factors affect the bounce of a dropped ball?
IP016 How do compression and tension make things strong?
IP017 How strong is a toothpick?
IP018 Which type of lawn sprinkler works best?
IP019 Which type\size of light bulb produces the most light?
IP020 How can the strength of light be measured?- the effect on degradable materials
IP021 Which materials can be charged with static electricity?
IP022 Which battery lasts the longest?- How can power be increased?
IP023 What affects light reflection?- refraction and diffraction of light?
IP024 Spectrum and color production- prisms 27.
IP025 How is sound produced? What affects the pitch of sound?- What affects the volume of sound? - How
would you measure the velocity of sound?
IP026 Electric Motors- principles and factors effecting their efficiency
IP027 Electric Circuits- factors affecting voltage,amperage, resistance
IP028
IP030
Train
IP031
IP032
IP034
IP035
IP036
IP037
IP039
IP040
IP042
IP043
IP044
IP046
IP100
Magnets and electromagnets- What affects the strength of an electromagnet?
Magnet Levitation- Experiment gravity defying effects of magnetism and build a Magnetic Levitating
Radios
Internal Combustion engines
Insulation-best materials, thickness
How is paint affected by temperature changes?- Elasticity of rubber; effect of glue.
Use of solar energy- design and construct solar cookers, solar panels, etc.
Designing a strong bridge
Determine the accuracy of various thermometers
How much heat is required to raise the temperature of various substances by an equal amount?
Comparing active & passive solar energy systems in cost and efficiency.
Designing an energy efficient home
Can water be magnetized?
What is light?
Compare copper wires to optical fibers for transmitting sound, image or data.
Chemistry Science Projects
EC001 Chemical Change and the factors that affect the rate such as heat. light and catalysts
EC002 Acid and basic solutions,
EC004 The effects of salts on the freezing point of water.
EC005 Fire must have air to burn.
EC006 Effect of Acids on teeth, bones and eggs
EC010 The effect of salt on the boiling point of water.
IC004 Testing of consumer products- glues, stain removers, antiseptics, mouthwash, detergents, paper
towels
IC005 Effects of sunlight on rubber, ink, paper
IC013 Growing crystals- factors that affect the rate and the size
Biology Science Projects
EB001 Personal observations on life cycle
EB004 What attracts insects? light or heat?
EB011 plants and fertilizer
EB012 Minerals in foods (Compare foods or fruits for dissolved minerals)
EB021 How pet mice respond to different types of food (pellets, crushed, solid)
EB031 Why do plants grow towards light?
EB032 The effects of gravity on seed germination
EB033 How water moves through the plant
EB034 How plants reproduce and factors that affect the process
EB035 Why do plants move?
EB036 How do plants get nitrogen
EB037 Does gravity affect plant growth?
EB041 The importance of earthworms to soil and plants
EB042 The effect of soil components and organic matter on growth of plants.
EB056 Plants and animal life in a balanced aquarium
IB011 Determine the effects of various nutrients on plant growth
IB012 Plant growth - How does the amounts of water affect plant growth?
IB013 Plant growth - How does the hours of sunlight affect plant growth?
IB014 Plant growth - How does the strength of weed killer affect the plant growth?
IB015 Plant growth - How does the temperature affect the plant growth?
IB016 Plant growth - How do pollutants affect the plant growth?
IB017 Plant growth - How does the PH level affect the plant growth?
IB018 Can plants live without carbon dioxide?
IB019 Can plants live without oxygen?
IB023 Roots - how do different types of soils affect the ability of roots to anchor plants IB025 What is the effect of acid rain on plant growth?
IB030 What conditions are favorable for: -fungus growth- E.G. yeast, mold, mildew diseases
IB031
IB033
IB034
IB201
What
What
What
Make
conditions are favorable for mushroom production?
conditions are favorable for algae growth?
conditions are favorable for bacteria growth or control?
a Model of Plant or Animal cell.
Other Science Projects
EE001 Understanding Electrical Conductors and Insulators
EE002 Demonstration of principals; how is current affected by type of conductor, temperature, filament, etc.
EE003 Compare material and objects for conductivity.
EE005 Principles of fluorescent lights; how do they compare with filament bulbs, in effectiveness and cost.
EM001 Day Length
EM002 Air Movement - Is air in your house the same temperature at floor level and near the ceiling? How
could you spread heat more evenly through the house?
EM003 Dew - Does it form on clear or cloudy nights? What other frost factors increase the amount of dew?
Can you measure how much dew is formed in a square meter.
EM004 Temperature. - How does the temperature change during the day? What time is usually the warmest?
Can you construct your own thermometer to keep your own records.
EM005 Rain - How does a rain gauge work? Measure the rainfall over a period of time and compare it with
the daily weather reports. - Principles of cloud seeding and other weather modification.
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/projects.html
http://www.science-fair-guide.com/5th_Grade_Science_Fair_Projects.asp
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml
http://www.education.com/science-fair/fifth-grade/
http://chemistry.about.com/od/sciencefairprojectideas/a/5thgradeproject.htm
http://www.mpmschoolsupplies.com/ideas/science-fair-projects/grade-5/
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/40-cool-science-experiments-web
http://kids.usa.gov/science/science-fair-projects/index.shtml