Fifth Grade Science Projects (Page 40)

Measuring Soil Erosion

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

When you think of environmental challenges facing the world, the first things that come to mind might be global warming, or loss of biodiversity, since these are often in the newspapers. A serious problem that you may not have heard about is soil erosion. Why is soil so important? What is the danger of erosion? How can we measure soil erosion? What can be done to prevent it? Check out this project and you can start finding answers. Read more

Can You Predict a Bird's Lifestyle Based on Its Feet?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Animals survive in all sorts of extreme environments, whether it is a polar bear out and about when it is -40°F, a desert iguana trying to find food as the temperature rises to 110°F, or a deep sea anglerfish living 3281 feet down into the sea. How do they do it? The answer is adaptations! Their bodies have special features that allow them to live in those environments. You might not be able to dive down 3281 feet to observe the deep sea anglerfish, but in this science fair project you… Read more

What Makes a Good Aerodynamic Design? Test Your Ideas with High-Performance Paper Gliders

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

You have probably made plenty of regular paper airplanes simply by folding a piece of printer or notebook paper. Have you ever tried making a "high performance" paper glider? These gliders use a different construction technique that involves cutting multiple shapes out of thicker, stiffer paper and gluing them together (this process is called lamination). There are many resources online that can get you started with the art of making high performance paper gliders. See the references in the… Read more

Can Gaming Help You Score Better in School?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Can computer games be used to educate? Pick a game that incorporates educational material. There are a variety of educational computer games on the market in the areas of math, history, science, and language, as well as many simpler versions free on the Internet. Make up a test based on the subject area covered by the computer game. Have your volunteers take the test before and after playing the game. Does playing the computer game improve people's score on the test? Read more

Oil and Vinegar Do Mix…When You Have an Emulsifier

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

In this cooking and food science fair project, you will explore the role of proteins as emulsifying agents. Emulsifying agents are substances that are soluble in both fat and water and enable fat to be uniformly dispersed in water as an emulsion. Foods that consist of such emulsions include butter, margarine, salad dressings, mayonnaise, and ice cream. Emulsifying agents are also used in baking to aid the smooth incorporation of fat into the dough and to keep the baked goods tender. Natural… Read more

Make a Mood Tracker

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

How do you feel right now? Do you remember how you felt a few hours ago? How about yesterday or last Wednesday? What if you could track your emotions throughout the day and use this information to help improve your mood and well-being? In this science project, you will program a simple, pocket-sized device that you can carry around with you to log your feelings whenever you want or on a specific schedule. Read more

Energy Is Blowing in the Wind

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

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. Read more

Get Rid of Those Leftovers: How Much Organic Waste Can Composting Worms Eat?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

What happens to the food leftovers in your home? Do they go in the trash? Down the garbage disposal? Or get gobbled up by the family dog? Food leftovers are a type of organic waste, a waste that comes from a plant or animal. Organic waste—like table scraps, agricultural waste, and human and animal waste—is biodegradable. This means, it can be chemically broken down by bacteria, fungi, or other living organisms into very small parts. Figure 1. This… Read more

Explore Perceptrons: A Simple Type of Neural Network

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

Have the phrases "machine learning" or "neural network" caught your interest, but you are not really sure how to use them in a science project? This project is a great place to start for beginners. You will learn about a very simple type of neural network—a computer program modeled after the human brain—called a perceptron. The perceptron can make a simple yes/no decision based on several inputs. You can "train" your perceptron to improve its decision-making abilities. Try it and… 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

Fifth Grade Science Projects (603 results)

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