Science Buddies'
eighth grade science projects are the perfect way for
eighth grade students to have fun exploring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Our
eighth grade projects are written and tested by scientists and are specifically created for use by students in the
eighth grade. Students can choose to follow the science experiment as written or put their own spin on the project.
For a personalized list of science projects,
eighth graders can use the Science Buddies Topic Selection Wizard.
The wizard asks students to respond to a series of simple statements and then uses their answers to recommend
age-appropriate projects that fit their interests.
The same principles of geology that we use to investigate the Earth can also be applied to other planets. Visit the Astrogeology Research Program at the USGS to find out how information about the geology of other planets can be gathered (USGS, 2006). Can you make a map or model of another planet? What minerals are found on other planets? Which planets have similar composition to the earth? What kind of geological forces occur on other planets? Do other planets have earthquakes, landslides…
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Have you ever ridden on a Roller Racer® or PlasmaCar®? These are ride-on toys that you move ahead by moving the steering mechanism back and forth. You've probably seen skateboarders "slaloming" on level ground to keep rolling, it's basically the same idea. This project explores the physics behind this method of locomotion.
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Do you know what plants need to grow? Sure, they need soil, water, and sunshine.
Everyone knows that. But here's a secret: they also need nitrogen. Plants use nitrogen to make DNA in their cells and
the proteins that lead to healthy stems and leaves. The problem is, although the Earth's
atmosphere is made up of 78% nitrogen, the form of nitrogen found in the atmosphere cannot be used by plants.
So how do plants get their nitrogen? Either through nitrogen deposits in the soil, or through…
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PlantBio_p010
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Time Required
Very Long (1+ months)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
Specialty items (can easily be purchased online through Carolina Biological Supply Company)
Cost
Average ($50 - $100)
Safety
Requires adult supervision during use of nitrogen fertilizer
If you'd rate yourself high on the bacteriophobia scale, just keep on scrolling down to the next project. Bacteria are all around us, and normally our body's defenses keep us blissfully unaware of them. If you don't mind finding out where they're lurking in your house, then you might find this project interesting.
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MatlSci_p017
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Time Required
Long (2-4 weeks)
Prerequisites
Familiarity with sterile laboratory technique is a big plus.
Material Availability
Specialty items
Cost
Average ($50 - $100)
Safety
Standard precautions for handling bacterial cultures.
Like to have the balance of a tightrope walker? Try the more close–to–the–ground balancing test in this easy experiment to learn a few trade secrets of the high wire experts. In this project, you'll find your center of gravity and explore the physics of balance at the same time. No net required for this balancing act!
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For example, think of hitting a baseball, heading a soccer ball into the net, or hitting a tennis ball with a racquet. Where the ball goes depends on...what? You can set up a simple model to start your investigation. You'll need a marble, a flat piece of wood, a flat piece of cardboard, a pencil, a ruler, a protractor, and a level surface. Lay down the cardboard down on a level surface and set up the flat piece of wood at one edge. The wood will act like a wall, and you're going to roll…
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So baseball's your game? Well, slugger, science and math abound in baseball. Just look at the zillions of "stats." In this project, you can produce some interesting baseball statistics of your own and perhaps settle a long-standing debate. You'll set up experiments at your local playing field to find out which type of bat is better, wood or aluminum. Play ball, and batter up!
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Do you have bats in your neighborhood? Have you heard them "whoosh" by you, but not been able to see them? In this science fair project, you will be able to detect flying bats by listening in on the ultrasonic signals they produce to locate objects in their environment. The bat detector is a useful and fun tool for studying the biology of this nocturnal flying mammal.
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MamBio_p024
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- Less Details
Time Required
Long (2-4 weeks)
Prerequisites
Provide a brief description of requirements: Since this project involves studying bats in their native environment, you should start this project only if you are confident you have bats in your neighborhood. Ask your science teacher if there are local bats that you can observe.
Material Availability
You will need to purchase a bat detector for this science fair project. See the Materials & Equipment section for more details on where to purchase one.
Cost
Average ($50 - $100)
Safety
For this science fair project, you will be listening to bats as they fly near you. You will not be touching them or disturbing them in any way, so there are no safety issues. However, if you do see a bat on the ground, do not touch it because bats can carry dangerous diseases.
Did you ever notice the cool patterns around your footprints when you take a walk in the wet sand at the beach? The pressure of your feet has effects far outside your footprints. Here's a project that uses a simple experimental apparatus to investigate how the volume of wet sand changes under pressure.
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Survey your area to find out which species of plants and animals live there. You might be surprised to find out that something you grew up thinking was very common, is actually quite unique! For example, if you live in the great plains, then you may think that prairie dogs are a nuisance or a pest. Actually, some species of prairie dogs are only found here, and have a very important role for short and tall grass prairie ecosystems. The prairie dogs are an important part of the food-chain, and…
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