Science Buddies'
middle school science projects are the perfect way for
middle school students to have fun exploring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Our
middle school projects are written and tested by scientists and are specifically created for use by students in the
middle school grades. 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,
middle schoolers 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.
Have you ever tried rubbing your stomach and patting your head at the same time? What about doing your homework or studying for your math test while watching television? It is tough to focus on a task when you are distracted doing something else, isn't it? In this science fair project, you will investigate how distractions affect your focus on a task, such as driving, by looking at how gaming scores are affected as you're talking on a cell phone or having a conversation with a friend.
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Games_p018
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Time Required
Short (2-5 days)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
You need access to a gaming system, such as the Nintendo Wii, as well as Mario Kart or another driving game that requires a steering wheel, and a steering wheel for that game; or you can visit a video arcade to play a driving game with a steering wheel.
There are many different types, also called genres, of computer and video games, including racing, fighting, sports, adventure, and puzzle games. Do some genres of games appeal more to males and other genres more to females? Survey your classmates and find out in this science fair project!
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What keeps a submarine from spinning out of control? In this science project, you can investigate how
submarines use stabilizing fins to move forward. You might even figure out the secrets to maneuvering a submarine!
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Aero_p035
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Time Required
Short (2-5 days)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
Readily available
Cost
Very Low (under $20)
Safety
Have an adult help you when using the razor blade or knife, as well as the drill. Always wear safety goggles when working with power tools. If you are performing the experiment in a pool, be sure to have an adult with you at all times.
You've probably heard the phrase, "practice makes perfect" more times than you care to remember, but is it actually true when you use a music game as your practice for real-life singing, strumming, or drumming? You can design a science fair project to discover the answer! First, you'll need to think about how to measure how well someone is playing or singing a song in real life. Using the test you design, measure several musicians' ability to play or sing a few different songs. Then have your…
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Music_p023
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Time Required
Average (6-10 days)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
You'll need access to a game console and a music video game like Guitar Hero or Rock Band.
Drones—also called quadcopters or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)—are an increasingly popular toy for hobbyists. Some companies even want to use them for business purposes, like delivering packages right to your doorstep! However, drones typically have a rather short battery life. Does the added weight of a package affect a drone's battery life? Try this project to find out!
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Aero_p053
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Time Required
Average (6-10 days)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
This project requires a drone. See the Materials list for details.
Cost
Average ($50 - $100)
Safety
There are important safety guidelines you must follow when operating a drone. See the Procedure for details.
Everyone thinks their dog's the best, but in the case of smelling ability, all dogs possess super powers. In fact, a dog's nose can be over a 1,000 times more sensitive than a human's! In this project, learn about smell from a dog's unique perspective. There will be a whole lot of sniffing going on when you set up these fun experiments to find out what scents your dog and other canine friends find most interesting or appealing.
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MamBio_p015
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Time Required
Very Long (1+ months)
Prerequisites
Comfortable around dogs and knowledgeable in their treatment and care
Got a pampered pooch in your household? Then you know how much most dogs love their toys. And not just any toy. It has to be that particular beat up ball, gnawed frisbee, or ratty not-so-plush-anymore bunny with only one eye and partial ear remaining. Seems that dogs, like people, have definite preferences for their play things. This fun project investigates what makes a toy interesting to a dog. In these experiments, you and your dog can have some fun while you learn about canine behavior…
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MamBio_p016
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Time Required
Short (2-5 days)
Prerequisites
Comfortable around and access to at least one adult dog
It's fun to go swimming! To feel the power of your body as you launch yourself into the water. But did you know that swimming isn't just about skill and athleticism? The human body consists of skin, contours, and curves. How the water moves along your body and the clothing you are wearing determines how fast you can go. In this science fair project, you will investigate the effects of a force called drag. You will compare the time it takes to swim 25 meters in a swimsuit versus swimming the…
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Sports_p052
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Time Required
Short (2-5 days)
Prerequisites
You need to be an excellent swimmer and have access to a swimming pool that is at least 25 meters in length. Do not perform this science fair project if you are not in good health. Get permission from your parents or guardians to do this science fair project.
Material Availability
This science fair project requires access to a swimming pool during a time when it is not crowded.
Cost
Low ($20 - $50)
Safety
Minor injury is possible. This science fair project requires adult supervision in a special facility. Lifeguards must be available.
Have you tried our first and second play dough circuits projects? Are you a master circuit artist, ready to try something even bigger and better? Try this project to see if you can build a three-dimensional light-up sculpture.
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Elec_p075
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Time Required
Very Short (≤ 1 day)
Prerequisites
This project requires understanding the Introduction material in the first projects in this series:
[# ProjectIdea Name="Elec_p073" Value="HtmlAnchor" HtmlText="Light Up Your Play Dough!" #] and
[# ProjectIdea Name="Elec_p074" Value="HtmlAnchor" HtmlText="Add Even More Lights" #]
Material Availability
Kit available for purchase from our partner
.
See Materials tab for details.
Cost
Low ($20 - $50)
Safety
Never connect the battery pack's terminals directly to each other; this is called a short circuit and can make the batteries and wires get very hot. Do not connect the LEDs directly to the battery pack without using play dough; this will burn out the LEDs.
Have you ever watched how trees sway and bend in a strong wind? Have you ever thought about all the homes that could be powered with forces from the wind? In this project you'll discover, through trees, good places in your community for generating wind power.
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EnvEng_p023
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Time Required
Average (6-10 days)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
Readily available
Cost
Very Low (under $20)
Safety
Use caution and have an adult with you at unfamiliar locations or locations with traffic nearby.
