Materials Science Projects, Lessons, Activities (Page 5)

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

For many kids, a day at the beach would not be complete without building a sandcastle. Have you ever wondered how it is that you can pack sand into a mold for a sandcastle? Do some kinds of sand pack better than others? This project will show you how to measure the porosity of sand: how much air space there is in between the sand grains. Maybe you can use your knowledge from this project to help you make bigger and better projects with sand. Read more

Simulate Microchip Clean Room Contamination with Crayon Leaf Rubbings

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Have you ever made a leaf rubbing or imprint using paper and crayons? What do you think would happen if you got dirt or sand on the leaf? Would it mess up the result? In this project you will find out and learn about how this is related to the process of making the microchips that run our phones, computers, and other electronic devices. Check out this page for more science projects related to this process. Read more

Strength in Numbers: Spaghetti Beams

STEM Activity

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Have you ever helped your parents cook a pot of spaghetti? Strands of spaghetti are pretty long, so sometimes people break them in half so they fit into the pot more easily. How exactly does the spaghetti break? And what does this have to do with science? It turns out engineers and materials scientists study how materials break when they are bent. While professional engineers might be more concerned with steel beams in a bridge, you can still do a fun experiment with some pasta in your kitchen. Read more

Stretchy Balloon Science

STEM Activity

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Balloons are fun and come in a variety of sizes, colors, and forms that makes them well suited for decorations, water play, modeling, and other creative activities. But balloons also have uses outside of recreation; weather balloons, balloons used to widen obstructed arteries, and balloons that provide transportation are just a few examples. The first balloons were made of animal bladders or intestines. This made way for the latex, rubber, and nylon fabric balloons we see today. Have you ever… Read more

The Viscosity of Motor Oil

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

The insides of a car engine get very hot when the engine is running. Motor oil lubricates the moving parts, to keep the engine operating smoothly. What happens to motor oil as the engine temperature goes up? Read more

Why Won't it Mix? Discover the Brazil Nut Effect

STEM Activity

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Have you ever noticed that the dried fruits or nuts in your breakfast cereal are not evenly spread out inside the box, or that in a container of mixed nuts Brazil nuts gather at the top? This phenomenon is commonly called the "Brazil nut effect," and the science behind it is surprisingly complex and far-reaching. This phenomenon can be a nuisance when you want to fill silos, bags, or bins with different types of materials. It can also be used to our advantage: an avalanche airbag uses the… Read more

Algae String Chemistry and Design

Lesson Plan Grade: 6th-8th

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These lessons use open-ended exploration to introduce students to biopolymers and the chemistry behind cross-linking. Students will draw inspiration from biology and use authentic scientific practices to design and create colorful string creations from a natural polymer, alginate. Learning Objectives Students will: Engage in authentic science practices through open-ended exploration. Create a string using polymers harvested from living algae. Manipulate the properties of a… Read more

Are Laminates Stronger?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

If you love to hit the half pipe with your snowboard or skateboard, then you have tested the strength and durability of laminates. Laminates are sandwiches of different materials that are glued together in layers to give strength and flexibility to an object. In this experiment, you can test if laminating wood can make it stronger and able to support a heavier load. How much weight can it take before it breaks? Read more

Are You Gelling?

STEM Activity

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Have you ever wondered how gels are made? You probably have several kinds of products around your house—some that you eat—that use gels: puddings, diapers, shoe insoles, packaging, ice cream, toothpaste and many more. A gel is a mixture of solid particles suspended in liquid. The solid particles in the gel can absorb water, causing the gel to swell and increase in volume. If you ever dunked a diaper in a tub of water, you have seen this in action; the diaper will swell as it… Read more

Bacterial Resistant Materials and the Best Disinfectant

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

If you'd rate yourself high on the bacteriophobia scale, just keep on scrolling down to the next project. Bacteria are all around us, and normally our body's defenses keep us blissfully unaware of them. If you don't mind finding out where they're lurking in your house, then you might find this project interesting. Read more

Materials Science Projects, Lessons, Activities (74 results)

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