Middle School Projects, Lessons, Activities (Page 43)

Excess Volume: Investigate the "Shrinking Liquids" Effect

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Cooking, washing, and many industrial processes involve the mixing of liquids. How liquids behave when they are mixed is dependent on many factors. Sometimes, the mixing behavior of liquids can be quite surprising! For example, when you mix 50 mL of one liquid with 50 mL of another liquid, you might not end up with a 100 mL mixture! In this science project, you will explore this phenomenon, which we call the "excess volume" of mixtures. How do you think your mixing volumes will… Read more

Explore Enzyme Activity with Toothpicks

STEM Activity

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30 reviews

Do you know what enzymes are? They are like little machines that carry out many different chemical reactions that are essential for nature and our bodies. For example, they help break down the food we eat, or help make yogurt and cheese! In this activity, you will simulate an enzymatic reaction and explore what factors affect the activity of an enzyme. You only need a few simple items, including your hands, lots of toothpicks, and a timer. Read more

Fuel Cells—Fueling the Future!

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

You probably know that turning off the lights and the water, and not wasting paper are all ways to help the environment and conserve our resources. Did you know that another way is to use fuel cells? A fuel cell is a device that converts the energy in chemicals to electricity and it creates no pollution. The starting chemical does not have to be something complex — in fact you it can even be water! In this science fair project try your own hand at converting water to electricity with the… Read more

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow: Saving Migratory Animals

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Extinct might be a word you associate with animals that lived long ago, like the dinosaurs, but did you know that over 18,000 species are classified as "threatened" (susceptible to extinction) today? Scientists involved in wildlife conservation have a tough job; they are in charge of determining what needs to be done to prevent a species from becoming extinct. Habitat, food supply, and impacts of local human populations are just a few of the factors these scientists take into account. It is a… Read more

Hit the Slopes: Build Your Own Ski Lift

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

Do you like winter sports like sledding or skiing? Check out this winter-themed engineering project to build your own miniature "ski lift." Use it to transport small objects from one place to another, just like a real ski lift transports skiers from the bottom of a mountain to the top. Read more

How Antacids Relieve Heartburn

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Have you ever experienced heartburn after eating a large, greasy meal? Or have you heard of someone complaining about heartburn pains? It's very common; over 60 million people in the U.S. have heartburn at least once every month. Heartburn pain usually results from stomach acids escaping from the stomach and irritating the esophagus above it. Luckily, there are medical drugs, called antacids, which can help relieve heartburn pain. But how do antacids work, and how effective are they? In this… Read more

How Do Roots Grow When the Direction of Gravity Changes?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

You might not know it, but plants are able to sense their environment and actually respond appropriately. One of the key parameters that every plant must respond to is the direction of gravity: stems go up (opposite to the pull of gravity) and roots go down (in the same direction as the force of gravity). In this project, you will construct simple devices that hold several germinating seeds, which allow you to watch how growing rootlets respond as you rotate the devices, effectively altering… Read more

How Does Distance Affect Wireless Signal Strength?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Are you ever annoyed by a poor Wi-Fi signal? What about when you try to send a text message, and it just won't go through because of poor cell service? Have you ever wondered what factors affect the strength of your signal and the speed of the connection? If so, this project is for you! Read more

How Does Dust Affect Solar Panel Power Output?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Scientists can use solar power to provide electricity on the Moon or Mars, but there is one big problem—dust! How does dust cover impact the power output of a solar panel? How could scientists and astronauts mitigate this problem to keep the solar panels producing at their maximum output? Try this science project yourself and find out! Read more

How Fast Does an Alka-Seltzer® Tablet Make Gas?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

This is a straightforward, fun project to measure the rate of the chemical reaction that occurs when Alka-Seltzer® tablets are plopped into water. You will track the volume of carbon dioxide gas produced at regular intervals after the reaction begins. How does changing the temperature of the water affect the production of gas? Read more

Middle School Projects, Lessons, Activities (1,334 results)

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