Home Science Projects (148 results)

Parents play an important role in fostering enthusiasm for science in their children. Doing science projects together at home can make a wonderful weekend or "day off" activity. The following list of projects contains projects from our library of science Project Ideas that meet the following criteria:

Use readily available materials.
Can be completed in a few hours.

To find other projects you and your student would enjoy, browse the complete library or use the Topic Selection Wizard to see a list of recommendations that match up to your interests.

M&M Survival Challenge

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

In the wild there are two types of animals: the hunters and the hunted. A good predator is always on the prowl for fresh prey. What can an animal do to stay off of the menu? Some animals have evolved to use a variety of camouflage tactics so they can fool their predators and increase their chances of survival. In this science project, you will be the hungry predator hunting for M&M® prey. But it may not be as easy as it sounds — some of your prey will be camouflaged. Will they be… Read more

How Far Will It Fly? Build & Test Paper Planes with Different Drag

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Just one sheet of paper can lead to a whole lot of fun. How? Paper planes! All you have to know is how to fold and you can have a simple plane in a matter of minutes! But what design should you use to build the best plane? In this aerodynamics science project, you will change the basic design of a paper plane and see how this affects its flight. Specifically, you will increase how much drag the plane experiences and see if this changes how far the paper plane flies. There is a lot of cool… Read more

Make a "Whirlybird" from Paper

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Have you ever seen a maple seed twirling as it falls through the air? In this project you will build something that behaves similarly called a whirlybird. Will your whirlybird be able to stay in the air as you add paper clips as weights? Try this project to find out! Read more

How Much Weight Can Your Boat Float?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Have you ever wondered how a ship made of steel can float? Or better yet, how can a steel ship carry a heavy load without sinking? In this science project you will make little "boats" out of aluminum foil to investigate how their size and shape affects much weight they can carry and how this relates to the density of water. Read more

Slime Chemistry

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Have you ever wondered how fun toys like Silly Putty®, Gak™, and Slime™ are made? These products are so much fun because of the properties of polymers, which make them delightfully bouncy, stretchy, sticky, moldable, breakable, hard, soft, and just plain fun! In this science project you can be the developer of your own slime product by changing the amount of a key ingredient. By observing the physical properties of your results, you can choose the best recipe for your new… Read more

What Makes a DNA Fingerprint Unique?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Do you like solving mysteries? In this experiment, you can find out how a DNA fingerprint can help you figure out whodunit. The answer might just be in the "sequence" of events! Read more

Turn Milk into Plastic!

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

"Plastic made from milk" —that certainly sounds like something made-up. If you agree, you may be surprised to learn that in the early 20th century, milk was used to make many different plastic ornaments —including jewelry for Queen Mary of England! In this chemistry science project, you can figure out the best recipe to make your own milk plastic (usually called casein plastic) and use it to make beads, ornaments, or other items. Read more

Exploring Nanotechnology: Fold, Roll, & Stack Your Way to Super-Strong Materials

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Advertisements for high-tech sports gear or the latest and greatest outdoor material promise lighter and stronger products every season. Is it a scam? How can engineers keep creating materials that are both lighter and stronger than anything known so far? The answer is in the nanoscale! Using nanotechnology, scientists can play around with the detailed structure of matter, leading to a whole new range of materials, some with amazing qualities. In this science project, you will get a glimpse… Read more

Knock Your Blocks Off: The Mechanics of Carnival Games

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

"Hey kids, step right up! Toss this ball and win a prize!" shouts the carny barker. Sounds easy enough—until you try it. Why are those "simple" games at the fairs, carnivals, and boardwalks so hard? Is it really lack of skill or coordination or do those concessionaires use some basic laws of science to help them set up the games in their favor? This science fair project can help you find out for yourself. Read more

How Salty Does the Sea Have to Be for an Egg to Float?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method