Middle School, Physics Projects, Lessons, Activities (Page 3)

Solve a Mirror Maze Challenge with the Law of Reflection

Lesson Plan Grade: 6th-8th

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18 reviews

When light interacts with an object, it can be absorbed, transmitted, or reflected. This lesson focuses on materials that reflect light. Specifically, students will use mirrors and flashlights to investigate how light is reflected from a surface. By doing that, they will discover that when a light ray hits a reflective surface, its angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, which is stated by the law of reflection. Students will then use their gained knowledge in a mirror maze… Read more

NGSS Performance Expectations:

MS-PS4-2. Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.
MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for the iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

How Does Color Affect Heating by Absorption of Light?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Why is it more comfortable to wear light-colored clothes on a hot summer day? Why wear a dark-colored jacket for early-morning fishing on a cold lake? How much difference can it make? Here's a project where you can quantify how much difference color makes for absorbing heat. Read more

The Height Limits and Linearity of Bouncy Balls

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

You might think that plants and animals have little in common with batteries, springs, or slingshots, but they actually do have something in common. Both living and non-living things store and transfer energy from one form to another. In this physics science fair project, you'll investigate this energy storage and transfer, not in a plant or animal, but in bouncy balls. You'll find out if there are limits on how much energy can be stored and if there are losses when the energy is transferred. Read more

Build a Levitating Water Fountain with the Stroboscopic Effect

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

Can you make water fall up? Or make drops of water hover in mid-air? While you might not be able to make water defy gravity, you can create the illusion that it does using something called the stroboscopic effect. In this project you will make use of the stroboscopic effect to build your own "levitating water" fountain. Read more

Build a Water Strider

STEM Activity

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Have you ever seen a water strider (also called water bugs, pond skaters, water skippers etc.)? They are bugs that effortlessly hop around on the surface of ponds, lakes, and rivers. How do they do it without sinking? Try this project to find out! Read more

How the Strength of a Magnet Varies with Temperature

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Physicists sometimes study matter under extreme conditions. For example, think of the emptiness of interstellar space vs. the unimaginable crush of pressure at the center of a neutron star, or an object dipped in liquid nitrogen vs. the tiles on the space shuttle during re-entry. Here's an experiment on permanent magnets in "extreme kitchen" conditions that you can try at home. Read more

Make a Straw Siphon

STEM Activity

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What's an easy way to move liquid from one place to another? A siphon! With just a little effort to get it started, you can then sit back and watch liquid flow from one container to another, as it seemingly defies gravity by going uphill. Try this activity to make your own simple siphon using straws. Read more

Rocket Catcher Challenge

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

Inspired by real-world reusable rockets, in this engineering challenge, you will design and build a device to catch a falling rocket so it lands vertically. Drop the rocket from higher and higher heights to get a better score! The 2025 Science Buddies Engineering Challenge is over, but you can check out this page to see our other past engineering challenges and what this year's challenge will be! Teachers, lesson plan versions of this challenge are also available. Read more

Build a Marble Roller Coaster

STEM Activity

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How much energy does a roller coaster need to go through a loop without getting stuck? Build your own marble roller coaster in this project and find out! Read more

Make a Milk Rainbow

STEM Activity

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Have you ever seen a rainbow after a rainfall, or drawn a rainbow for fun? They can be fun to make using colorful markers or other craft supplies. But did you know you can actually make a simple rainbow using milk, liquid detergent (i.e., soap), and food coloring? How the rainbow is created by this mixture might surprise you! In this science activity, you will make your own milk rainbow and explore how detergent and surface tension are involved in its creation. Read more

Middle School, Physics Projects, Lessons, Activities (145 results)

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