Physics is the study of matter — what is it made of? How does it behave? What laws or equations describe it? From subatomic particles, to the Big Bang, modern physicists study matter at a tremendous range of scales. There's a whole lot of interesting physics at the human scale, too. If physics interests you our wide collection of physics projects is sure to have an experiment that excites you.
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In physics class, you have probably rolled your eyes at some point after being assigned a "projectile motion" homework problem where you use equations to predict how a ball will move through the air. This experiment will show you just how fun that problem can be by using a real catapult to launch a ball and videotaping it as it flies along its path. Then, you will analyze the video and compare it to what the equations predicted. If you have ever wondered if those equations in your physics…
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Phys_p089
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Time Required
Very Short (≤ 1 day)
Prerequisites
This project requires a basic understanding of algebra, trigonometry (sine and cosine functions), and physics (kinematics—two-dimensional projectile motion), or the willingness to learn about these subjects on your own.
Material Availability
This project requires access to a video camera (not included in the cost estimate) and the purchase of a kit.
A is available from our partner .
See the Materials tab for details.
Cost
Average ($40 - $80)
Safety
Minor injury possible. Never aim the catapult at anyone, and keep your hands and fingers clear of the moving catapult arm when launching the catapult.
Everyone has experienced the warmth provided by a shaft of sunlight through a window. In this physics science fair project, you will determine how the color of an object affects the amount of radiant energy that is absorbed. You will then use the Stefan-Boltzmann equation to determine the amount of energy that is absorbed and re-emitted by the different colors.
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Whether you have already tried the Science Buddies
Build a Paper Speaker activity or the
How Loud Can Paper Speakers Get?
project, or you just like music and are interested in exploring more about the science of sound, then this project is for you.
You probably know that sound waves can have different frequencies. If not, you can read more about that in the background section
of the How Loud Can Paper Speakers Get?
project. The range of human hearing is typically about 20 hertz…
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Phys_p102
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Time Required
Average (6-10 days)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
Specialty electronics items required.
Cost
Average ($40 - $80)
Safety
Always keep speaker volume at safe levels to avoid hearing damage.
When the punter is trying to hit the "coffin corner" (within the opposing team's 10-yard line), out of bounds, what is the best angle to kick the ball for correct distance and maximum "hang time?" (For more information on the physics involved, see: Gay, 2004, Chapters 4 and 5.)
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Have you ever wished you could talk to an astronaut on board the International Space Station? You're probably
thinking "yeah, like NASA would ever let you do that!" Actually, they will! The International Space Station (ISS)
is equipped with its own HAM radio station. The
ISS HAM radio station allows astronauts,
cosmonauts, and space mission specialists from different nations who are on board the space station to talk
to people back home on Earth. Anyone with an amateur radio license is…
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Phys_p080
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Time Required
Short (2-5 days)
Prerequisites
You'll need to an amateur radio license (or work with someone who has one) to complete this project.
Details on getting a license can be found at the
[# Link Name="Phys_p080.2" Value="HtmlAnchor" #] website.
Material Availability
This project requires access to HAM radio equipment and a amateur radio license.
If you'd like to investigate the physics of amusement park rides, then this project is for you. You'll build a roller coaster track for marbles using foam pipe insulation and masking tape, and see how much the marble's potential energy at the beginning of the track is converted to kinetic energy at various points along the track.
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Phys_p037
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Time Required
Average (6-10 days)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
Readily available
Cost
Low ($20 - $50)
Safety
Adult supervision recommended when using utility knife
Did you know that you can measure the speed of light using a microwave oven, some egg white, and a ruler? Find out how with this cool kitchen science project thanks to Mr. Nick Hood, a science teacher in Fife, Scotland.
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Phys_p056
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Time Required
Very Short (≤ 1 day)
Prerequisites
You'll need a microwave oven to do this project. You'll get the most out of this project if you've taken (or are currently taking) a course in high school physics.
Safety Notes about Neodymium Magnets:
Handle magnets carefully. Neodymium magnets (used in this science project) are strongly attracted and snap together quickly. Keep fingers and other body parts clear to avoid getting severely pinched.
Keep magnets away from electronics. The strong magnetic fields of neodymium magnets can erase magnetic media like credit cards, magnetic I.D. cards, and video tapes. It can also damage electronics like TVs, VCRs, computer…
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Phys_p097
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Time Required
Very Short (≤ 1 day)
Prerequisites
This project requires a high-school level understanding of electromagnetism, or a willingness to learn about it.
Material Availability
A kit containing the materials for this project is available from our partner
.
Cost
Average ($40 - $80)
Safety
Neodymium magnets must be handled carefully. Please see the detailed warnings in the Procedure.
