Middle School Science Experiments (Page 130)

Measuring the Diameter of the Earth's Core with Seismic Waves Around the Globe

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

When an earthquake occurs, seismic shock waves travel out through the earth from the source of the event. The shock waves travel through the earth or along the Earth's surface, and can be recorded at remote monitoring stations. Some of the waves that travel through the earth are blocked or refracted by the Earth's liquid core, which means that monitoring stations located certain distances from the earthquake do not detect these waves. This creates a "seismic shadow" that you can use to… Read more

Measuring the Diameter of the Sun and the Moon

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

You can measure the diameter of the Sun (and Moon) with a pinhole and a ruler! All you need to know is some simple geometry and the average distance between the Earth and Sun (or Moon). An easy way to make a pinhole is to cut a square hole (2-3 cm across) in the center of a piece of cardboard. Carefully tape a piece of aluminum foil flat over the hole. Use a sharp pin or needle to poke a tiny hole in the center of the foil. Use the pinhole to project an image of the Sun onto a wall or piece… Read more

Measuring the Moon's Brightness

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Sometimes a full moon can be so bright, you can walk around in the dark without a flashlight. How much brighter is a full moon than the other phases of the moon? How is the brightness of the moon measured? Read more

Mesmerizing Fractals

STEM Activity

Do you ever wonder what mathematicians study, and why? Most of what they do is complex and inaccessible to laymen, but fractal art might give us a glimpse. While mathematicians study fractals formally, they are used in many branches of science and technology, and we, as laymen, are struck by their beauty. Are you eager to create one? In this activity, you will get to take out some finger paint to make artwork and discover how common fractals are. Read more

Milk Does Your Body and a Boat Good—Design Your Own Milk Carton Boat

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Who'd have thought that drinking milk can lead to a pretty cool boat? Boat design is an important and active area of engineering. In this science fair project, you will design and build different kinds of model boats out of milk cartons. Examples of the types of designs you might test include a raft, a catamaran, and a V-shaped hull. Once the model boats are built, you will test key features, such as stability, maneuverability, and their ability to glide. Read more

Minding your Mummies: The Science of Mummification

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Have you ever seen or heard of the movies The Mummy or The Mummy Returns? Mummies have always played a part in nightmares for Western cultures, but in ancient Egypt, mummification was a serious religious ritual. They believed that preserving human remains was necessary so that the previous owner could enjoy the fruits of the afterlife. In this science fair project, you will learn about the rituals and science of mummification by mummifying a hot dog. Read more

Mixing Mystery: Why Does Tumbling Sometimes Separate Mixtures?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

What do sand and cereal have in common? They are both granular materials, which means they are made up of solid particles, but they can actually flow like liquid. When two granular materials with very different-sized particles are mixed, you can actually separate each type by putting them in a rotating device called a tumbler. In this science project, you will examine how common household granular materials behave when mixed together in a moving container Read more

M&M Geometry

STEM Activity

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Has an adult ever caught you munching on candy and asked, "How much candy have you eaten?" Instead of saying, "I don't know," and possibly receiving a scolding, wouldn't you rather respond, "I ate precisely 10.7 cubic centimeters of candy"? In this activity, you will investigate which mathematical formula is most accurate for estimating the volume of an M&M. Figure this out and the next time you are discovered while snacking on sweets, you might make a… Read more

Model How Environment and Genetics Change the Chances of Getting Cancer

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

What is cancer? How does it develop? Doctors and scientists have asked these questions for hundreds of years to understand cancer and find treatments. In this science project, you can investigate these questions too by building a simple model and exploring how environmental and genetic changes affect the development of cancer. Read more

Modeling the Human Cardiovascular System: The Factors That Affect Blood Flow Rate

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

People often call cardiovascular disease a "silent killer." This disease sneaks up and causes damage, but patients don't realize it—until serious symptoms start. That is why physicians recommend keeping your cardiovascular system healthy. A healthy cardiovascular system gives us the energy and the stamina to do all of the things that we want to accomplish, such as do our best in school and perform well in sports. But what makes a cardiovascular system unhealthy, and what are the… Read more

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