Fifth Grade, Physics Science Experiments (Page 3)

Ping Pong Pickup Challenge

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

In this engineering challenge, you will build a device that can pick up a ping pong ball from a distance and return it to a start line. The farther away the ball is, and the fewer materials you use to build your device, the higher your score. You can see how other students have tackled this and other annual Science Buddies Engineering Challenges. Read more

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

How to Build an X-ray Machine

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

When you have your X-rays taken at the dentist's or doctor's office, do you ever wonder how the X-ray machine works? Or better yet, how you could make one yourself to use for experiments? This how-to guide provides detailed instructions for high school students and adult do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts to construct and use a homemade X-ray machine safely. Read more

Popsicle Stick Chain Reaction

STEM Activity

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132 reviews

If you enjoy chain reactions and spectacular sights, this activity is for you! Who knew weaving unspectacular tongue depressors could set off a chain reaction of sticks flying in the air? Try it out and see for yourself! 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

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

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

Stay warm with thermal insulation

STEM Activity

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What do you do when it gets very cold in winter? You probably turn your heater on, put on an extra layer of clothes, or cuddle under a warm blanket. But have you ever thought about why a jacket helps you stay warm? What is the purpose of our clothes, and why are they made from fabrics and not foils? Find out the answers in this activity; your results may even tell you the best way to stay warm in the cold! Read more

Kaleidoscope Science

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

A kaleidoscope is a fun toy that creates amazing images when you look into it. Wouldn't it be fun to create those images yourself? Check out this project to learn how to build your own kaleidoscope and to learn how the inside of a kaleidoscope works. Then you can create and adjust your own amazing, colorful images! Read more

Popsicle Stick Trusses: What Shape is Strongest?

STEM Activity

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Have you ever driven across a bridge or seen a building that is under construction and noticed the large metal support beams? What about all the wooden beams in a house that is under construction? Did you notice how sometimes the beams formed different geometric shapes, like triangles or squares? In this project you will be a structural engineer and make your own “support” shapes out of popsicle sticks. What shape will be the strongest? Read more

Fifth Grade, Physics Science Experiments (223 results)

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