Sixth Grade Projects, Lessons, Activities (Page 3)

Rubber Band Car Challenge

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

In this engineering challenge, you will build a car powered by nothing but a rubber band. The farther the car goes, and the fewer materials you use to build it, the higher your score. The 2024 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 Paper Airplane Launcher

STEM Activity

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Here's a challenge: Try throwing a paper airplane by moving just your wrist (don't move your elbow or shoulder). It's hard, isn't it? How could you get a paper airplane to fly far if you can use only a short distance to launch it? Try this activity to find out! Read more

Build the Best Paper Bridge

STEM Activity

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Bridges come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. What makes a bridge the strongest? Find out in this fun activity as you build simple bridges with paper and test to see how much weight they can hold. Read more

Which Filtration Material Leads to the Best Drinking Water?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Do you filter your tap water before drinking? Many commercials claim these filters make your drinking water cleaner and safer. But what, exactly, are these filters doing, and is the water really cleaner afterward? The cleaning power comes from their filtering material, called activated carbon. It exists in various forms: powder, granules, foams, and blocks. Do you think it matters what type of activated carbon is inside the filter? In this project, you will investigate whether larger or smaller… Read more

Make a Paper Circuit

STEM Activity

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Do you like arts and crafts projects like drawing, painting, cutting shapes out of construction paper, or origami? Instead of drawing that bright sun or lights in a house, imagine adding real lights to your artwork! This project will show you how, by introducing you to the world of electronics with "paper circuits." Paper circuits are made with just a few simple items; you can use a battery and some copper tape to add tiny lights to your project. The best part is that it is easy to do, and you… Read more

Make a Parachute

STEM Activity

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Have you ever wondered what a parachute and an open rain jacket have in common? They both trap air and slow you down when you move fast! In this activity, you design a parachute for a miniature action figure. Tissue paper or a plastic bag and a few strings is all it takes to make your figure into an expert skydiver. Read more

Remove Microplastics from Water with Bioremediation

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Have you ever walked by an ocean, lake, or river and seen plastic trash? Have you ever wondered how microplastics might be impacting the creatures living in these places? In this science project, you will investigate how yeast can be used in bioremediation to remove microplastics from contaminated water. Read more

How Much Weight Can Aluminum Foil Boats Float?

STEM Activity

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Have you ever wondered how a ship made of steel can float? If you drop a steel bolt in a bucket of water, the bolt quickly sinks to the bottom. Then how can a steel ship float? And better yet, how can a steel ship carry a heavy load without sinking? It has to do with the density, or the mass per volume, of the ship (and its cargo) compared to the density of water. In this science activity, you will make little "boats" out of aluminum foil to explore how their size affects how much weight… Read more

Tallest Paper Tower Challenge

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

In this engineering challenge, you will use limited materials to build a paper tower as tall as possible, but there's a twist! Your tower must also support a heavy weight at the top without collapsing. Looking for inspiration? You can see how other students have tackled this and other annual Science Buddies Engineering Challenges. Teachers, lesson plan versions of this challenge are also available. Read more

Build a Paper Speaker

STEM Activity

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