Eighth Grade Projects, Lessons, Activities (Page 34)

Color Taste Test—Do You Taste with Your Eyes?

STEM Activity

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Have you ever tried adding green food coloring to your milk? Or blue coloring to the butter you spread on your bread? You may not have tried this, but for years, scientists have studied the effect of color and food appearance on how food tastes. Believe it or not, our eyes are an important part of how we taste and perceive food! In this activity, you will learn about how you can trick your taste buds—with just a little food coloring! Read more

Comparing Different Types of Irrigation Systems

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

With heat waves impacting the world globally, many gardeners, farmers, and scientists are turning to passive irrigation systems that reduce fossil fuel emissions while keeping plants well-watered and alive in the sweltering heat. In this science experiment, you will compare and contrast the effectiveness of passive irrigation systems compared to traditional surface irrigation systems and their impact on overall plant growth. Read more

Create a Painting with Genetically Modified Bacteria

STEM Activity

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Did you know that you can change the genetic code of an organism? This technology is called gene editing or genetic engineering. Using gene editing tools, researchers can delete or modify existing genes in an organism, or even add new ones! With this ability, they can alter the way an organism—such as a bacteria, a plant, or an animal—looks or functions. For example, crops can be modified to become more drought-resistant, or bacteria can be engineered to produce medicine such as… Read more

CUT! How Does CRISPR Work?

Lesson Plan Grade: 6th-12th

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In this lesson plan, students will take a closer look at the most recent developments in gene editing. Specifically, they will learn about the CRISPR technology using various interactive simulations and other resources. Based on their gained knowledge, students will create a model of the CRISPR-Cas9 components and create a stop-motion animation video of the molecular mechanism of CRISPR-Cas9. Remote learning adaptation: This lesson plan can be conducted remotely. Students can work… Read more

NGSS Performance Expectations:

MS-LS4-5. Gather and synthesize information about technologies that have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms.
HS-LS1-1. Construct an explanation, based on evidence, for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.

Death Rays: What Duration of Ultraviolet Exposure Kills Bacteria?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Ultraviolet light can damage DNA molecules. If a cell's DNA repair mechanisms can't keep up with the damage, mutations are the result. As harmful mutations accumulate, the cell eventually dies. How much ultraviolet light is too much for a bacterial cell? Read more

Delayed Release Pill Challenge: Getting Medicine to the Right Place at the Right Time

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

A lot of medication comes in the form of pills that you need to swallow. But not all pills are the same! Some look like little capsules, others are made of pressed powder. Why are there different types of pills? Different types of pills release their active ingredients in different ways. Some release their active ingredient right after initial administration. Others release their active ingredient much later. Such drugs are called delayed-release drugs. These kinds of pills have to be… Read more

Design a Cell Phone Stand

STEM Activity

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Why buy it when you can build it? That is the attitude you will need for this project. You have probably seen cell phone holders or stands around the house or in a car. They might seem like a very simple object, but they are a great way to learn about the engineering design process. In this project, you will design and build your own working phone stand. Read more

Design and 3D Print Your Own Fabric

STEM Activity

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When you think of 3D printing, you probably think of solid objects. But did you know that you can use a 3D printer to make a flexible fabric? This activity will show you how to design and 3D print your own fabric. Read more

Design Your Own Virtual Reality Headset

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

Virtual reality (VR) headsets are becoming increasingly popular with consumers for things like viewing 3D pictures and videos, or for playing video games. However, dedicated gaming headsets like the Oculus Rift® and PlayStation® VR can cost hundreds of dollars. Some headsets, like Google Cardboard™, which is literally made out of folded corrugated cardboard (Figure 1), are much cheaper because they can use any smartphone as the screen. Figure 1. A… Read more

Detect Litter with Machine Learning

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

Litter is not only an eyesore but also a serious threat to wildlife and the environment. While some littering is intentional, much of it occurs accidentally–such as when trash falls from garbage trucks or strong winds scatter waste from bins. Machine learning offers a powerful solution for detecting litter, paving the way for future innovations, including autonomous robots capable of cleaning up our surroundings. Read more

Eighth Grade Projects, Lessons, Activities (1,099 results)

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