Middle School, Materials Science Science Experiments (63 results)

Have you ever questioned the packaging of an item in a plastic container, secured in a plastic mold, that also slides into a plastic box, or a small item packed in twenty times its volume of polystyrene noodles to keep it from breaking? In this project, you will explore if mycelium composite material, an eco-friendly material obtained from organic waste and mushroom roots, can serve as a viable eco-friendly packaging alternative. Packaging material made of foams and plastics (Figures 1 and 2)… Read more

Have you ever wondered how a radio can receive music and news broadcasts over thin air? Radios, as well as radio-controlled cars and cell phones, all receive information via invisible waves. Some of these waves are called radio waves. Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation, a kind of energy that also includes visible light. Radio waves are not harmful but are in fact extremely useful for communicating across long distances. To send information using radio waves, a transmitting… Read more

The different species of wood used in construction offer a variety of challenges based on density, porosity, oils in the wood, flexibility, elasticity, etc. The intended use, e.g., structural or cosmetic, presents different challenges as well. The glue must be compatible with the wood, the use, and the climate, so many experiments are possible. For example, you could design an experiment to test the durability of different adhesives using the same wood. Or, you could try different wood… Read more