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Measure Machines' Physical Properties Science Projects (7 results)

Investigate what happens to machines and materials when the physical world changes around them. Measure how the stretchiness of rubber bands changes with temperature, or how a spring scale changes with weight, or how sticky or slippery a slide is.

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
Rubber Band Elasticity and Temperature
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
Many materials expand when heated and contract when cooled. What do you think will happen to the elasticity (stretchiness) of a rubber band when it is heated or cooled to various temperatures? Read more
Slippery Slopes and Sticking Surfaces: Explore the Forces of Friction
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
Whoopee! No matter what age, who doesn't like flying down the slides at parks and pools? In this experiment, you might be surprised what you can learn about the fascinating forces of friction while sliding down (or sticking to) those fun, slippery slopes. Caution: only speed demons need apply for this activity. Read more
Applying Hooke's Law: Make Your Own Spring Scale
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
Hooke's law says that the opposing force of a spring is directly proportional to the amount by which the spring is stretched. How accurately Hooke's law describe the behavior of real springs? Can springs be used to make accurate scales for weighing objects? Spring into action and find out for yourself with this project. Read more
Veggie Snap! Modifying Bending Stresses in a Flexible Rod
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
Have you ever broken a fishing rod? Or seen a treetop bend over and touch the ground (or even snap off) during an ice storm? These are examples of the effect of bending stresses on flexible rods. There are scientists who actually study this phenomenon and discover ways to prevent breakage, which leads to stronger fishing rods, building materials, car parts, and more. In this science project, you'll explore the bending stresses in flexible rods by testing asparagus stalks. Read more
Effect of Temperature on Elasticity of Rubber Bands
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
How much force can a rubber band withstand before breaking? Do rubber bands that stretch longer take more or less force to break? How does the elasticity of a rubber band change with temperature? Use a spring scale to measure the applied force, and a meter stick or ruler to measure the change in length. Recording with a video camera (or possibly two) can help you to capture the values at the moment before the rubber band breaks. You can change the temperature of the rubber bands using… Read more
The Turn of the Screw
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
How much force is required to advance a lag bolt (large wood screw with a hex-shaped head) into a piece of wood? You can measure the force by using a spring scale attached to the handle of ratchet. Pull on the spring scale until the bolt starts to turn, and note the required force from the spring scale. There are many potential experiments you could try. Think about answering the following questions: How does the force change as the bolt advances deeper into the wood? Why? How does the… Read more
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