Middle School Science Projects (Page 3)

How Does Speed Affect Orbiting Altitude of Satellites?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

The movement of satellites is intriguing, but how do they orbit the way they do? Aerospace engineers run calculations and set up computer models to help them predict how satellites move in space, but in this astronomy science project, you will create a physical model with marbles, clay, and a cookie sheet to help you study how satellites move in space and learn from your observations. Read more

Archimedes Squeeze: At What Diameter Does an Aluminum Boat Sink?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Where do you get your best ideas? At school with your friends? When you are out for a bike ride? Over 2,200 years ago, a scientist named Archimedes got one of his best ideas when he sat down in his bath. Eureka! He went running through the streets without even bothering with his clothes. What was he so excited about? He had discovered that when objects, like his body, are placed in water, water is pushed out of the way. Have you noticed that, too? The weight of the water that is pushed out of… Read more

Antlion Pits in Open Sand or Under Leaf Cover

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Antlion larvae are known for their predatory ways. In sandy areas, they dig pits to trap ants or other crawling insects that happen to stumble in. This project shows you how to create a mini-environment for antlion larvae to test their preferences for pit-building sites. Read more

The Physics of Martial Arts

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

"Ay Yaah!" echoes across the room while a loud "thud" signals a powerful kick striking the kick bag. Sound familiar? If the discipline, precision, and power of martial arts is your bag, try this project out for size. You won't be sparring with any opponent other than a swinging kick bag, but you'll learn a few powerful lessons about the physics of efficient kicking. No black belts required; just bring your best form and work up a little sweat while you use your feet to do fun science. Read more

Electrolyte Challenge: Orange Juice Vs. Sports Drink

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

The makers of sports drinks spend tens to hundreds of millions of dollars advertising their products each year. Among the benefits often featured in these ads are the beverages' high level of electrolytes, which your body loses as you sweat. In this science project, you will compare the amount of electrolytes in a sports drink with those in orange juice to find out which has more electrolytes to replenish the ones you lose as you work out or play sports. When you are finished, you might even… Read more

Measuring Your Taste Threshold

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Have you ever been to a buffet and found yourself surrounded by a wide variety of taste sensations? People are generally able to discern five basic tastes: sweet, umami (also known as savory), salty, sour, and bitter. How sensitive is a person's tongue for these basic tastes? Is it easier to detect some flavors at low concentrations compared to others? In this human biology science project, you will find out by exploring your taste thresholds for sweetness, saltiness, and sourness. Get ready to… Read more

The Strength of an Electromagnet

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

You may be familiar with permanent magnets—the kind that hang on a refrigerator. But did you know that other magnets, called electromagnets, can be turned on and off? When turned on, electromagnets act just like permanent magnets, but if you turn them off, their magnetic properties disappear. Electromagnets are an important part of many electronic devices, like motors and loudspeakers. You can create an electromagnet with a simple coil of wire and a battery. In this project, you will… Read more

Bioprinting: 3D Print with Living Cells! No 3D Printer Required.

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Do you get excited about 3D printing technology? Do you like to think about other applications for this technology? 3D printing techniques can also be used with living cells, a method called 3D bioprinting. In this science project, you will explore 3D bioprinting a gelatinous substance with plant seeds. This process is similar to real 3D bioprinting techniques being explored to create tissues and organs. Read more

Ball Launcher Challenge

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

Try your hand at this engineering challenge. Can you build a "launcher" device to launch a ball as far as possible and a "receiver" to catch it? Building a receiver provides an extra twist to a traditional catapult project. Add to the challenge by using a limited set of materials to build your machine and calculate a score based on your throw distance and materials used. Read more

Warped Words and the Stroop Effect

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

The Stroop effect describes an experiment about the time it takes to name the color of printed words. When you try to name the color in which color words are printed, it takes longer when the color word differs from the ink color than when the color word is the same as the ink color. This project is an interesting variation: what happens if you 'warp' the words into a curved shape that is harder to recognize as a word? Will the Stroop effect still happen? How 'warped' do the words have to be in… Read more

Middle School Science Projects (986 results)

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