easy science experiment middle school

40 Best Science Experiments & Projects for Middle School

Welcome to our curated collection of top science fair projects and experiments, perfectly tailored for the inquisitive middle schoolers. Our collection offers hands-on activities that will captivate young minds and ignite their passion for learning.

Science fairs during middle school years are less about competition and more about fostering a love for exploration, experimentation, and the thrill of the “Eureka!” moment. That’s why we have ensured that all the experiments on our list are fun and easy.

Through hands-on experimentation, students can gain a deeper understanding of scientific concepts, build confidence in their abilities, and cultivate a lifelong passion for learning.

1. Crushed Can

Students will be amazed as they witness an ordinary can being transformed before their very eyes. By simply heating it and then rapidly cooling it, the can will be crushed as if by magic!

Learn more: Little Bins Little Hands

2. Water Bottle Rockets

In this engaging activity, students will have the opportunity to design, build, and launch their very own water-propelled rockets.

By adjusting variables like water level and air pressure, they’ll witness firsthand how these factors impact the rocket’s flight path and distance.

3. Cabbage Ph Indicator

In this middle school science project, students will use red cabbage as a natural pH indicator to test the acidity or alkalinity of various household substances.

Learn more: Cabbage PH Indicator

4. Build a Solar Oven

By building these ingenious devices using simple materials, they will discover the incredible potential of renewable energy and its practical applications in everyday life.

Learn more: Solar Oven

5. Build a Helping Hand

In this captivating middle school science experiment, students will have the opportunity to construct their very own “Helping Hand” device.

Learn more: Science Buddies

6. DIY Lung Model

This captivating middle school project offers an exciting hands-on opportunity to explore the inner workings of our respiratory system.

By creating their own lung models using simple household materials, students will gain a deeper understanding of how our lungs function and the vital role they play in our bodies.

7. Flying Tea Bag

By harnessing the power of convection currents, students will learn about the fascinating relationship between heat and air pressure.

Learn more: Flying Tea Bag

8. Egg Float Experiment

In this captivating middle school science project, students will unlock the mysteries of density and water displacement while discovering the fascinating properties of eggs.

Learn more: Egg Float Experiment

9. Popsicle Stick Chain Reaction

This captivating middle school project is all about the magic of potential energy and kinetic energy. By carefully setting up a series of interlinked popsicle sticks, students will create a mesmerizing chain reaction that ripples through the entire structure.

10. How to See Sound

As they watch sound come to life through colorful visualizations, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the profound impact of sound in our daily lives.

11. Orange Peel Plate Tectonics

In this captivating middle school project, students will learn about the dynamic of Earth’s crust and explore the powerful forces that shape our planet’s surface.

12. Heart Pump

In this captivating middle school project, students will embark on a hands-on exploration of the human circulatory system and discover the marvels of the heart’s pumping mechanism.

Learn more: Heart Pump Model

13. Invisible Ink

By concocting their own invisible ink, students will discover the science behind chemical reactions and learn how certain substances react to reveal hidden text when exposed to heat, light, or other catalysts.

Learn more: Invisible Ink

14. DIY Grow Box

In this captivating middle school project, students will learn the wonders of plant growth and the art of nurturing a thriving garden.

By constructing their own affordable and innovative grow boxes using simple materials, they’ll have the perfect environment to observe the magical transformation from seeds to flourishing plants.

Learn more: Easy DIY Grow Box

15. Creative Ferris Wheel

By encouraging creativity and experimentation, this engaging experiment not only promises an exciting learning experience but also fosters teamwork and critical thinking

16. Alka Seltzer Rockets

Prepare for a high-flying adventure with the Alka Seltzer Rockets science experiment! This exciting and explosive activity is a perfect choice for middle school students eager to explore the wonders of chemical reactions and rocketry.

17. Why do Apples Turn Brown?

Through hands-on exploration, middle school students will discover the role of enzymes and oxygen in this intriguing transformation.

18. Water Bending Experiment

By understanding the principles of surface tension and cohesion, you’ll be able to create mesmerizing effects, seemingly bending water with just a piece of static material.

19. Water Clock

Experience the magic of timekeeping in its most ancient form with the fascinating Water Clock project! In this hands-on experiment, students will learn about history, physics, and engineering as they build their own timekeeping device using just water and a few simple materials.

Learn more: Steam Powered Family

20. Paper Ball Run Challenge

Get ready for a thrilling and creative adventure with the Paper Ball Run Challenge! In this captivating science experiment, you’ll explore the principles of motion, gravity, and engineering as you design and build your very own paper ball run.

21. Flood Barriers

As you construct and evaluate your barriers, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how floods occur and the importance of finding effective solutions.

Learn more: Teachers are terrific

22. Exploring the Law of Inertia Experiment Using a Fidget Spinner

This engaging experiment will help you unravel Sir Isaac Newton’s Law of Inertia in a fun and hands-on way. By using a fidget spinner, you’ll explore how the spinning motion persists due to inertia and how different factors can influence its behavior.

23. Air Pressure Impact on Ping Pong Balls 

By investigating the effects of air pressure on these lightweight spheres, you’ll uncover the secrets of flight, aerodynamics, and atmospheric pressure.

24. Rolling Uphill

In this experiment, you’ll witness the baffling phenomenon of a ball seemingly defying gravity by rolling uphill on a specially designed track.

25. Pick Up Ice with a String

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to lift ice using just a simple string? In this fascinating experiment, you’ll explore the principles of heat transfer and surface tension as you attempt to defy gravity and lift ice cubes with nothing but a string.

Learn more: Pick Up Ice with a String

26. Keep a Paper Towel Dry Under Water 

This captivating experiment will unveil the wonders of surface tension and hydrophobicity, as you attempt to create a barrier that defies the conventional wisdom of water soaking through paper.

Learn more: Keep a Paper Towel Dry Under Water

27. Upside Down Glass of Water

This mesmerizing experiment will unravel the fascinating concept of air pressure and its influence on liquids. As you turn a glass of water upside down and observe the water’s defiance of falling out, you’ll gain insight into the powerful role of air pressure in our everyday lives.

Learn more: Upside Down Glass of Water

28. Make a Wine Glass Sing

Have you ever wondered how to turn a simple glass of wine into a musical instrument? This captivating experiment will introduce you to the fascinating concept of acoustics and how sound waves interact with liquid-filled glasses.

29. Crush a Plastic Bottle

Are you curious about the forces at play when we compress a seemingly indestructible plastic bottle? This captivating experiment will unravel the science behind how pressure and air interact to create this astonishing effect.

Learn more: Crush a Plastic Bottle

30. Ruler Changes Size

Get ready to witness an optical illusion that will challenge your perception of reality. In this captivating experiment, you’ll explore the fascinating phenomenon of light refraction and how it can make objects appear different than they really are.

31. Egg in a Bottle

Have you ever wondered how to get an egg into a bottle without breaking it? This mesmerizing experiment will introduce you to the concept of air pressure and how it can be harnessed to achieve the impossible.

Learn more: Egg in a Bottle

32. Water Doesn’t Leak Out Science Experiment

This hands-on activity not only sparks curiosity and amazement but also teaches you about the properties of gases and the laws of physics.

So, get ready to be astounded and dive into the magic of science with the “Water Doesn’t Leak Out” experiment – an entertaining and enlightening adventure that will leave you thirsting for more knowledge!

Learn more: Water Science Experiment

33. Pick Up a Ball with a Jar

This captivating experiment will introduce you to the fascinating concept of air pressure and how it can create a powerful force that defies gravity.

34. Glowing Water Science

This captivating experiment will introduce you to the fascinating properties of fluorescent materials and how they interact with light.

35. Fizzy Cloud Dough

The fizzing reaction not only adds an element of excitement but also provides a great opportunity to explore the science of chemical reactions and the release of carbon dioxide.

Learn more: Fizzy Cloud Dough

36. Underwater Magic Sand

Get ready to witness the marvels of hydrophobic science and explore the secrets of this captivating underwater magic sand experiment.

Learn more: Teaching Mama Org

37. Make Bouncy Polymer Balls

This captivating experiment will take you on an exciting journey into the realm of polymers and chemical reactions.

38. Use a Crayon as a Candle

This hands-on activity not only sparks curiosity and excitement but also offers a safe and educational way to explore the science of combustion and the flammability of materials.

Learn more: Crayon Candle

39. Flame Test Colors

Not only does it spark curiosity and wonder but also deepens your understanding of the emission spectra of elements.

So, get ready to illuminate your scientific knowledge with the “Flame Test Colors” experiment – an educational and visually stunning adventure that will leave you dazzled and eager to discover more about the fascinating world of chemistry!

Learn more: Thought Co

40. Grow A Bean Plant

By planting a simple bean seed and providing it with water, sunlight, and care, you’ll witness the fascinating process of germination and watch as your bean seedling sprouts and grows.

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8 Cool Scientific Method Experiments for Middle Schoolers to Try

It’s back to school time, and that means it’s time to reintroduce students to key science skills like the scientific method.  There are some simple and engaging scientific method experiments you can have your students do where they practice the key steps of the scientific method process.

The scientific method is a process that allows students to figure things out about the world.  They can use it to solve problems and learn more about what’s around them. 

It starts with making observations. Then, they ask questions about what they are seeing.  From there, they make an educated guess as to why the observing the phenomenon and what is causing it.  They create a controlled experiment to test their hypothesis where they gather data and more observations.  Next, they analyze the data to look for patterns and answers. Finally, they draw their conclusions and share their findings.  

Scientific Method Experiment 1: Paper Towel Test Strength

Growing up, for us, it was commercials that were designed to tell us which brand is best and why.  Now with Tik Tok and other social media, it is important for students to fact check what they are seeing. I like to show students old paper towel commercials and then have students create scientific method experiments to test the claims.

• First, I will show them one or two paper towel commercials that claim their brand is the best for strength and not tearing while it cleans the mess.
• Then, the students turn the commercials claim into a hypothesis.
• From there, they design a test to test the claim.  I usually provide four to five different towels, including the brown school paper towel and a generic store brand towel. I also provide different types of weights like marbles, washers, or pennies.
• The students perform their paper towel experiments and collect data.
• They then analyze the data and then use the evidence to determine if the commercial claim is true or false.

Scientific Method Experiment 2: Paper Towel Test Absorbancy

This is just like the strength test, but it focuses on the paper towels ability to absorb a spill. The steps are the same as the other test.  You could have half the class doing one test and the other half of the class doing the other test.  This way, you are using a lot of the same materials, and students can compare their results. In the end, you could see if they can create a test to determine which is the best paper towel for strength and absorbency.

• First, I will show them one or two paper towel commercials that claim their brand is the best for absorbing a mess over the other.
• From there, they design a test to test the claim.  I usually provide four to five different towels, including the brown school paper towel and a generic store brand towel.
• The students perform their experiments and collect data.

Scientific Method Experiment 3: Grow that gummy

I find that students love doing labs that involve food.  They especially like eating the leftover candies that weren’t used when the experiment is over. For this scientific method experiment , students use gummy candy and different liquids to determine which one will make the gummy candy grow the largest.  

• Start off by having the students make a hypothesis as to which type of liquid will make the gummy candy grow the largest. For liquids, you could use water, salt water, vinegar, milk, soda, juice, and vegetable oil.
• Then have students design an experiment that will test their hypothesis.  Have them share ideas for how they will measure the gummy and what factors will need to be controlled.
• Students will conduct the experiment and record their observations.
• They will then analyze the results and draw conclusions as to which liquid made the gummy candy grow the largest.
• Students will then share their results and compare their results and tests with other groups.  This step is important because if they created a controlled experiment, they should draw the same conclusions even though the actual data numbers might be different or the way they designed the test might be different.

Scientific Method Experiment 4: Candy Letter Lab

My students are always fascinated by this lab. Students act like magicians as they have the letters on the candy levitate to the top of the liquid without touching the candy.  

• Start by using hard candy that has a letter or word stamped on it.  If find that Skittles and m&m’s work best for this. You might want to have some groups test Skittles while others test m&m’s to see if they get different results.
• Have students create a hypothesis for which liquid they think will be the best at removing the letter from the candy.
• Next, students will design an experiment that will test their hypothesis.  
• They will then analyze the results and draw conclusions as to which liquid was the fastest at removing the letter from the candy.
• Students will then share their results and compare their results and tests with other groups.  

Scientific Method Experiment 5: Where did the stripes go?

This is a great lab to do during the winter holidays when candy canes are in more abundance.  In this lab, the students design scientific method experiments to see which liquid will remove the stripes from the candy cane the fastest.  

• Start by using a regular candy cane or red and white peppermint candy.  I find the mini candy canes work the best and are not that expensive when you buy them in bulk.
• Have students create a hypothesis for which liquid they think will be the best at removing the red stripes from the candy cane. 
• They will then analyze the results and draw conclusions as to which liquid was the fastest at removing the stripes from the candy cane.

Scientific Method Experiment 6: Growing plants

One scientific method experiment that is good to do at the beginning of a long unit is growing plants from seeds.  This takes a while to see results, so it’s one that you will want to start and then check on periodically over a few weeks. 

The best seeds to use for this would be green beans, spinach, lettuce, or radish.  They have short germination periods.  To start, students can discuss what plants need to grow and thrive.  They can come up with a variety of different questions about how different factors might affect plant growth.

• Have students choose one question they want to test.
• Then, students create a hypothesis for their question. 
• They will then analyze the results and draw conclusions to determine if their hypothesis was supported or not supported.

Scientific Method Experiment 7: Pendulum swing

This lab is great for students to determine not only the hypothesis but also the question. You might want to start off with a demonstration of a single pendulum.  You can then start an “I Wonder” session.  I wonder how adding more weight affects the number of swings? I wonder how adding more weight affects the time it takes a pendulum to swing back and forth 10 times. Have students come up with their own I Wonder questions.  Once you have a good list, they can then choose one of them that they would like to test and investigate.

• Have students create a hypothesis for their question. 
• Students will conduct the pendulum experiment and record their observations.

Scientific Method Experiment 8: Crystal Growing

This is another lab I like to do before winter break.  Students can not only practice the steps of the scientific method, but they can also create ornaments or sun catchers that they can then take home.  In this scientific method experiment , students will be given different questions about crystals and decide which question they would like to test.

• Does the type of solution affect the amount of crystal growth?
• Does the type of solution affect the size of the crystals?
• Does the level of saturation affect the amount of crystal growth?
• Does the level of saturation affect the size of the crystals?
• Does the temperature of the solution affect the amount of crystal growth?
• Does the temperature of the solution affect the size of the crystals?

Why Teach the Scientific Method

Having students practice using the steps of the scientific method helps them to develop the soft skills that they will need outside of school and when they enter adulthood.

• Critical thinking skills- Being able to analyze data, draw conclusions, and make evidence-based decisions.
• Problem-solving abilities- approaching challenges using a systematic approach by identifying the problem, forming a hypothesis, and finding solutions.
• Communication skills- communicating effectively their findings and using evidence to support their conclusions.

Practicing the steps of the scientific method provides middle school students with a host of valuable benefits that extend beyond the classroom. Engaging in scientific method experiments such as testing paper towel strength and absorbency, growing crystals, and investigating candy properties helps students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication.

These skills are vital for their future endeavors, enabling them to make evidence-based decisions, tackle real-life challenges, and express their findings clearly. Embracing the scientific method empowers students to explore the world around them and equips them with essential skills for success in adulthood.

• Read more about: General Science , Teaching Strategies and Models

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Top 13 Simple Science Experiments for Middle Schoolers

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Middle school science fairs and hands-on science lessons are an exciting and immersive part of any student’s education, and there is a great deal of potential to make them super fun!

When first looking into ideas for projects to take on, however, it can feel a little daunting. After all, what experiments strike the perfect balance between fascinating and achievable for young children?

If you’re trying to get started and have hit a bit of a roadblock with those blue-ribbon ideas to inspire future STEM leaders , here are 13 great ideas that are age appropriate while also being interesting and challenging!

Table of Contents

• Test How Color Affects Memory

Are specific colors better for your memory? Does it help to write notes and flashcards in one color more than it does with another?

This is a low-budget project that any student or classroom could take on, requiring only a variety of colored pens or markers, index cards and participants.

• Gather willing participants (classmates, teachers, etc.) and select a few obscure dates from history.
• On three sets of index cards, write the dates on the front and the event that corresponds with the dates on the back. One group should be in black marker, the second should be in a color that matches the emotional response to an event (red for danger, green for growth, etc.) and the third should be a different, randomly chosen color.
• Divide participants into the control group, the trend group and the random group. Give them all time to study the cards and then test their memory either through written or oral examination.
• The next day, conduct the same test with the participants without giving them additional study time to test long-term memory.

Not only is this middle school science experiment extremely easy to conduct, it can also help students learn potential vital study skills for any subject area in their future!

• Use Charcoal to Purify Water

Water filtration systems are extremely common nowadays, but to many it’s a complete mystery how they actually work!

This is a fairly simple experiment as well, so you’ll only need a measuring cup, a teaspoon, two baby food jars, water, activated charcoal and red food coloring.

• Fill the measuring cup with ½ cup of water and add 8 drops of food coloring. Pour half of the mixture into each of the jars.
• Add 2 teaspoons of activated charcoal to one jar and put the lids on both jars. Leave them in a place where they will be undisturbed for several days.
• Note the colors of the jars after 4 hours, 24 hours and then once a day for the remaining three days.

This experiment is great because it is simple, exciting and can be completed in a fairly short time frame. Plus, students will have an added appreciation for the importance of clean, filtered water!

• Experiment with Crystals

Crystals are easy to grow and a lot of fun for young students. Plus, there are many ways you can experiment with them during and after the growing process!

One specific way we can explore is aiming for a specific shape and end-product by making a crystal flower.

Either a real or fake flower will work for this experiment, but you do need a physical one to start one. If it is weak, you will want a pipe cleaner to support the weight. Other than that, all you will need is borax, hot water and food coloring.

• Pour boiling water into a cup or jar large enough to hold the flower.
• Stir in borax until it is finished dissolving and add food coloring.
• Place the flower into the cup and let the crystals grow for anywhere between a few hours and overnight (the longer you give, the thicker the crystals will be).
• Remove the crystal flower from the cup and place it on a paper towel to dry!

This is an extremely basic and easy experiment with exciting and beautiful results, so it can make for a fantastic classroom activity!

• See How Sugary Drinks Impact Teeth

Everyone knows the general concept that sugary drinks like soda and juice are terrible for your teeth and several other areas as well, but what if we could show young students just how bad they are?

The basic materials required here will be five eggs, five cups and masking tape. In terms of the drinks you’ll need, make sure to gather water, a dark sugar-free drink like gatorade, a dark juice like grape juice, a dark soda like cola and orange juice.

• Fill and label each cup with the name of their respective contents.
• Add the eggs and leave them in a safe spot. Be sure to check every few hours to record any noticeable updates.
• After 24 hours, take out the eggs. Since eggshells have a similar calcium makeup to enamel, the effects that each drink has on the shell will give a general intensified idea of how they impact teeth.

Not only will this experiment help to give students a general understanding of how sugary drinks can impact their teeth, it may inspire them to scrub a little more thoroughly every time they brush!

• Make a Hanging Compass to Understand Magnetism

If the science behind magnets is something that interests your students or is relevant to your curriculum, a hanging compass experiment may be the perfect way to go!

This will help them understand the Earth’s magnetic field as it influences the needle of the compass.

All that will be needed here is a magnet, a large steel sewing needles, a few smaller steel needles, pencil, a string and a wide-mouthed jar or cup.

• Rub the pointed end of the large needle on one end of the magnet 30-50 times to align the electrons in the needle and magnetize it. You can test this with the smaller needles by trying to gentle pick them up with the large needle (if it does not work, repeat this step).
• Knot one end of the string around the middle of the needle and the other end around the middle of the pencil.
• Lay the pencil across the mouth of the jar with the needle inside. The needle will turn to point North.

And just like that, you created a compass! This is a great hands-on way to show how magnetism works with the Earth’s natural magnetic field.

• Copper Plate Coins

This is a fun and creative way to learn how to use simple, common items to plate coins with copper. You can even incorporate unique designs into the finished product!

This is all done through electricity and can both make for a fascinating individual project or a part of a core lesson plan.

The materials required for this can be found in most homes or a quick trip to a dollar store. You’ll need a plastic cup, distilled white vinegar, two alligator clips (one red and one black), two copper strips, a nickel or quarter, a 9v battery and battery snap, masking tape, scissors and rubbing alcohol.

• Fill the cup with vinegar to a point that is about 2 in. high. Mark a small piece of tape with “+” and another with “-” to tape to either side of the cup.
• Clip a copper strip to the end of each alligator clip.
• Submerge the copper strips and tape the clips in place to keep them out of the vinegar.
• Place the battery into the battery snap and connect the black alligator clip to the black wire lead and the red clip to the red wire lead.
• Wait three hours until the vinegar is a greenish blue. Clean the coin with rubbing alcohol and take the positive alligator clip and copper strip out of the vinegar, replacing with the coin and submerging.
• Wait about 15-20 minutes before taking the coin out and drying it on a paper towel. The coin will now be copper plated!

If you are feeling particularly creative with this project, you can tape neat designs onto the coin to get a fun pattern or look with the plating.

Test How Oil Spills Impact Wildlife

Something that can really hit home for students is how their environment is being impacted by the actions of humans.

Specifically, we have already witnessed the disastrous effects of oil spills in recent history, so showing students just how it impacts our wildlife can help to further emphasize it.

All you will need here is water, liquid soap, corn oil, vegetable oil, a toothbrush and a feather. The feather is intended to represent wildlife like birds who are commonly affected by these accidents.

• Make a chart with the titles “Absorbed,” “Repelled” and “Changes” written across the top and “Water,” “Oil” and Liquid soap along the left side. Draw lines to form a grid.
• Dip the feather in water and record whether it was absorbed or repelled. Note any changes.
• Do the same with the oil and note whether there are any differences. Try to sprinkle water on the oil-soaked feather and note whether the water is absorbed or repelled this time.
• Add some soap to the water and try to scrub off the oil with the soapy water and toothbrush.
• Note how easy or difficult it was to clean the feather and how successfully it was able to return to its original state (or if it wasn’t).

This experiment will show how oil can compromise a feather’s ability to maintain warmth and dryness, showing the importance of caring for our environment and keeping these spills from happening in the first place as much as we can!

• Design a Solar Oven

Solar energy in general is becoming a much more popular and necessary source of electricity.

Believe it or not, it’s actually pretty easy to demonstrate how it all works to young students and actually have them design their own solar oven that can be used while camping or simply trying to cook with greener energy sources!

To tackle this experiment, you will need a cardboard pizza box, a pencil, a ruler, scissors, foil, clear tape, black construction paper, plastic wrap, newspapers, an oven mitt, a dish, a thermometer and cooking ingredients (avoid raw meat)!

• Make sure to clean the pizza box before use in case of any leftover cheese or crumbs. Use the pencil and ruler to draw a square one inch from the top of the box.
• Cut out three of the four sides of the square. Crease the uncut side to create a flap that stands up.
• Cut a piece of foil to use to cover the inner side of the flap. Wrap it tightly and secure it with tape.
• Line the bottom of the box with the black construction paper.
• Cut two pieces of plastic wrap the same size as the top of the box. Secure them to the inside edges of the square window with tape so that it is airtight.
• Roll the newspapers into tubes to stuff into the sides of the box (it should still be able to close).
• Use the oven and the sun to cook something (preferably between 11 A.M. and 2 P.M.)!

While this project may take some time, it is definitely something any young student can tackle. Plus, it produces some exciting and delicious results!

• Determine Whether Texting is a New Language

Texting has become such an integral part of our society’s communication particularly for younger generations.

Can it be considered a new language, though?

All that is needed for this project is a computer with internet access, a mobile phone, a digital camera and typical office supplies like paper, pens and poster board.

• Read overviews of relevant research and topics. Basic research surrounding linguistics and text messaging are fairly easy to find and understand.
• Compile a text messaging glossary. This can be accomplished through students’ basic knowledge of texting rhetoric as well as some more searches for common phrases, spellings and acronyms.
• Design a new text messaging application and interpret findings in a detailed report. Show these findings visually through charts and graphs.

While this experiment may not concern commonly relevant subject areas, it can easily tie into more social areas of science such as linguistics and communication as well as lead into topics surrounding technology .

• Dissect a Flower

Dissection of any organism can do a great job at explaining anatomy to students in a hands-on and visual way that lectures don’t provide.

That said, it can be hard to acquire and dissect animals like frogs or sharks, especially when it comes to younger classrooms. Plus, these projects can turn some stomachs at any age group. Flowers, however, are easy to obtain and have just as much educational potential!

For this, you will need flowers with easily identifiable parts. This could be something like a hibiscus, for instance, or any flower that will clearly display the anatomy being taught. You will also need a scalpel, pins and materials to draw and label the parts of the flower as students discover them.

• Carefully instruct students how to properly use a scalpel to make educated incisissions and locate relevant parts of the flower like the pistil, stamen and others.
• Use the pins to keep the flower open and make it possible to really study the insides of the plant. During this time, students can draw what they are seeing and label each part as they are able to identify it.
• Chart the different lengths of the flowers each student is dissecting to open up discussion on how these differences may have occurred and how they make impact the flowers’ fertility.

Of course, it’s always interesting to move onto other more complex dissections, but this is a great place for students to start!

• Create a Homemade Thermometer

Thermometers have been such a basic part of so many areas of society for so long now, including health, environmentalism and more.

It’s also much easier than you may think to make your own!

To take this on, you will need some basic materials like modeling clay, red food coloring, water, rubbing alcohol, a clear straw, a clear plastic bottle and a thermometer for reference.

• Pour equal amounts of water and rubbing alcohol into the bottle until it is a quarter of the way full.
• Add a few drops of food coloring and shake to mix.
• Insert the straw and wrap modeling clay around part of the straw and the bottle opening to ensure that it stays put. Do make sure to leave the opening of the straw uncovered.
• Test the thermometer by wrapping hands around the bottle and seeing what happens as it heats up! The mixture will expand from the heat and cause the red liquid to raise up in the straw.

This is an incredible safe and easy way to make your own thermometer, and it opens up the possibility for discussion with how heat can impact substances!

Science Experiments For Middle Schoolers

Middle schoolers love science! These hands-on middle school science experiments can be completed in the classroom or at home, whether you’re exploring viscosity, density, liquids, solids, and more. Below you’ll find a great list of middle school science activities and experiments, including 7th grader science fair project ideas to get you started. 

What is Middle School Science?

Are you looking for cool science experiments for kids that also offers a valuable opportunity to learn basic chemistry, physics, and earth science concepts? With simple ingredients and basic materials, your middle school students will have a blast with these easy science experiments.

You’ll find that just about every science experiment on the list below uses supplies you can easily find around the house or classroom or are quick and easy to pick up at the supermarket.

Mason jars, empty plastic bottles, baking soda, salt, vinegar, zip-top bags, rubber bands, glue, hydrogen peroxide, food coloring (always fun but optional), and various other common ingredients make science accessible to everyone!

Explore chemical reactions to simple machines, surface tension, gravity, buoyancy, and more with various science experiments, demonstrations, and activities.

Printable Science and STEM Packs

For a comprehensive guide to all of our science and STEM projects , make sure to look at these guides to get started today.

Try These Science Experiments for Middle Schoolers

Grab a pen and make a list! Everything you need for educational and fun science is right here.

At the end of this huge list, you’ll find more science resource guides such as vocabulary words , book choices , and information on the science process !

Alka Seltzer Rocket

Get ready for some fun with this Alka Seltzer Rocket. Easy to set up and simple to do, it is chemistry in action!

Apple Browning Experiment

How do you keep apples from turning brown? Do all apples turn brown at the same rate? Answer these burning apple science questions with an apple oxidation experiment.

Archimedes Screw

Archimedes’ screw, is one of the earliest machines used for moving water from a lower area to a higher area. Make an Archimedes screw that uses cardboard and a water bottle to create a machine to move cereal!

Atoms are tiny but very important building blocks of everything in our world. What are the parts of an atom?

Balloon Experiment

Blow up a balloon using a baking soda and vinegar chemical reaction. Also try our soda balloon experiment .

Blubber Experiment

How do whales stay warm in very cold water? Test out how blubber works as an insulator with this fun science experiment.

Bottle Rocket

There’s nothing better than a baking soda and vinegar reaction when it comes to science experiments, and it is great for a variety of ages including middle schoolers.

Cabbage pH Indicator

Explore how re cabbage can be used to test liquids of varying acid levels. Depending on the pH of the liquid, the cabbage turns various shades of pink, purple, or green! It’s incredibly cool to watch, and kids love it!

Cells (Animals and Plants)

Learn about the unique structures that make up plant and animal cells with these two free, hands-on STEAM projects.

Candy Experiments

Take a sweet treat and apply science to it. There are a variety of ways you can experiment and explore candy for physics fun!

Crushed Can Experiment

Love exploding experiments? YES!! Well here’s another one the kids are sure to love except this one is an imploding or collapsing experiment! Learn about atmospheric pressure with this incredible can crusher experiment.

Dancing Corn

Can you make corn dance? Explore a simple chemical reaction, with the addition of corn kernels. Also try it with raisins or cranberries !

Dancing Sprinkles

Turn on your favorite tunes and make colorful sprinkles dance! Explore sound and vibrations when you try this fun   dancing sprinkles experiment.

DIY Compass

Learn what a compass is and how a compass works, as you make your own homemade compass. All you need are a few simple materials to get started.

DNA Extraction

Usually, you can’t see DNA except with a high-powered microscope. But with this strawberry DNA extraction experiment, you can get the DNA strands to release from their cells and bind together into a format that’s visible with the naked eye.

Egg Drop Challenge

Take the egg drop challenge as you investigate what makes for the best shock absorber for dropping an egg without it breaking on impact.

Egg In Vinegar Experiment

Can you make an egg bounce? Find out with this chemical reaction, of an egg in vinegar.

Elephant Toothpaste

Explore a foaming exothermic chemical reaction with hydrogen peroxide and yeast that looks like “Elephant toothpaste”!

Dry-Erase Marker Experiment

Create a dry-erase drawing and watch it float in water.

Floating Rice

Grab some rice and a bottle, and let’s find out what happens when you put a pencil in the mix! Do you think you can lift a bottle of rice with a pencil? Try this fun friction experiment and find out.

Green Pennies Experiment

Why is the Statue of Liberty green? It’s a beautiful patina, but how does it happen? Explore the science in your own kitchen or classroom by making green pennies.

Growing Crystals

There are several ways to explore super saturated solutions and grow crystals. Grow borax crystals , sugar crystals or check out how to grow salt crystals . All three chemistry experiments are cool for kids!

Heart Model

Use this heart model project for a hands-on approach to anatomy. You only need a few simple supplies and very little prep to make this fun heart pump model.

Invisible Ink

Write a message that no one else can see until the ink is revealed with your own invisible ink! Cool chemistry that’s perfect to do at home or in the classroom. Compare it with a different type of invisible ink with cranberry secret messages .

Lava Lamp Experiment

What happens when you drop alka seltzer tablets into oil and water? This type of experiment explores both physics and chemistry.

Liquid Density Experiment

This fun liquid density experiment explores how some liquids are heavier or denser than others.

Lemon Battery

What can you power with a lemon battery? Grab some lemons and a few other supplies, and find out how you can make lemons into lemon electricity! Also try this with potatoes !

Learn how our amazing lungs work, and even a bit of physics with this easy balloon lung model. 

The chemical reaction in this magic milk experiment is fun to watch and makes for great hands-on learning.

Melting Ice Experiment

What makes ice melt faster? Investigate with a fun ice melting experiment that kids are sure to enjoy. Plus, try an icy STEM challenge.

Mentos and Coke

Here’s another fizzing experiment kids are sure to love! All you need are Mentos and Coke. It’s not a chemical reaction taking place like you might think.

Milk and Vinegar

Transform a couple of common kitchen ingredients into a moldable, durable piece of a plastic-like substance. Make plastic milk with a chemical reaction.

Oil Spill Experiment

Apply science to the care and protection of the environment with this oil spill demonstration. Learn about an oil spill and investigate the best ways to clean it up.

Penny Boat Challenge

Design a simple tin foil boat, and see how many pennies it can hold before it sinks. How many pennies will it take to make your boat sink? Learn about simple physics while you test out your engineering skills.

Pepper and Soap Experiment

Sprinkle some pepper in water and make it dance across the surface. Explore surface tension of water when you try this pepper and soap experiment.

Pop Rocks and Soda

Pop rocks is a fun candy to eat, and now you can turn it into an easy Pop Rocks science experiment.

Potato Osmosis Lab

Explore what happens to potatoes when you put them in concentration salt water and then pure water.

Rising Water Experiment

Place a burning candle in water and watch what happens to the water. Explore the science of burning candles when you try this fun candle experiment.

Salad Dressing- Emulsification

You can mix oil and vinegar for the perfect salad dressing! It’s called emulsification. Simple science you can set up with ingredients found in your kitchen cupboards.

Saltwater Density Experiment

Investigate whether an egg will sink or float in salt water.

Skittles Experiment

Explore what happens to skittles candy in water and why the colors don’t mix.

Screaming Balloon

This screaming balloon experiment is an awesome   physics activity! Explore centripetal force or how objects travel a circular path with a few simple supplies.

Grab the glue and make a classic chemistry demonstration. Slime is all about science and a must try at least one. If you want a 2 for1, our magnetic slime is just about the coolest thing you’ll ever play with… it’s alive (well, not really)!

Stormwater Runoff

What happens to rain or melting snow when it can’t go into the ground? Set up an easy stormwater runoff model with your kids to explore what happens.

Surface Tension Experiments

Learn what the surface tension of water is and check out these cool surface tension experiments to try at home or in the classroom.

Walking Water

Watch the water travel as it makes a rainbow of color! How does it do that?

Free Printable Science Fair Project Pack

Looking to plan a science fair project, make a science fair board or want an easy guide to set up your own science experiments? Go ahead and grab this free printable science fair project pack to get started!

Helpful Science Resources

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

• Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
• Science Vocabulary
• All About Scientists
• Free Science Worksheets
• DIY Science Kits
• Science Tools for Kids
• Scientific Method for Kids
• Citizen Science Guide
• Join us in the Club

Bonus STEM Projects

STEM activities include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As well as our kid’s science experiments, we have lots of fun STEM activities for you to try. Check out these STEM ideas below…

• Building Activities
• Engineering Projects For Kids
• LEGO Engineering Projects
• What Is Engineering For Kids?
• Coding Activities For Kids
• STEM Worksheets
• Top 10 STEM Challenges For Kids

Printable STEM Activities Pack

80+ Doable Engineering Projects in one convenient pack!

• Full instructions with sample images
• Activity-specific instruction sheets
• Data Collection Sheets
• Questions for Reflection
• Architecture Building Cards: Try the tallest tower challenge
• Bridge Building Cards: Explore different types of bridges to build your own.
• Paper Chain STEM Challenge: Who can make the longest chain? Great icebreaker or quick challenge!
• 3 Little Pigs Architectural Pack: Design a house that won’t blow away!
• Great marshmallow challenge: A classic challenge kids love!
• Real-world STEM challenge lesson but don’t know where to start? Our easy-to-follow template shows the steps!
• What’s the difference between a scientist and an engineer?
• Crossword and word search with engineering vocabulary.
• Engineering vocabulary cards
• Design a one-of-a-kind invention and write about it with this 5-page activity!

Subscribe to receive a free 5-Day STEM Challenge Guide

~ projects to try now ~.

40+ Super Easy Science Fair Project Ideas For Every Grade And Age

Science is fun ! Less fun: Everything about Science Fair season . Those two fold project boards give wicked paper cuts. Teachers seem to want a stressful amount of work put into each project. And there’s never anything cool about the last minute ideas you use when grasping at straws on the Sunday night before it’s due. Life just got easier, though. We’ve rounded up the best science experiments for each level of school so that maybe, just maybe, this year’s fair won’t cause too many tears (from you or from the kids).

Note: We’ve listed experiments in each section from easiest to the most advanced, time consuming or expensive.

Elementary School Science Fair Projects

1. Catapult time — What kind of objects fly further?

Think weight over shape.

2. How Can the Shape of a Boat Affect How Much Weight It Hauls?

Have kids create simple boats using cardboard and foil. Take note of how the shape and size of boats effects what they can hold and still stay afloat.

3. Water Drop Microscope

Microscopes are cool and science-y on their own, but laying out how water works to magnify things adds another level of, well, science.

4. Chromatography Butterfly Fun

Grab judges’ attentions with this gorgeous experiment in separating colors.

5. Can Changing Rubber-band Size Change the Speed/Distance of Travel on a LEGO Car?

This is a fun way to put your kiddo’s LEGO collection to good use!

Randy Martinez/Reshot

6. Which Simple Machines Do We Use Most?

After explaining what each simple machine is and does, have your kids “collect data” on the types they use throughout their day. Consider having them walk through some of the more surprising simple machines in life.

7. Why Do Skittles Dissolve in Water? ‘

We know all sugar dissolves in water. But, does your child?

8. Kaleidoscope Fun

How many times did you play with your kaleidoscope as a kid and did you ever look into the physics involved? Your kids might enjoy making their own in the name of a school science project.

9. DIY Speakers

Ever need to boost the sound from your phone? You probably know the mug trick, then. Explore how different vessel shapes amplify sound.

10. Spinning Top Splatter Fun

Some paint, some tops and a little bit of research is all you need for a colorful lesson on centrifugal force.

11. Make Your Own Hovercraft

Say good-bye to one of your beloved mix CDs and help your kiddo experiment with aerodynamics .

12. How does different types of milk effect Magic Milk results?

Magic milk is so fun. Why not turn it into a science coloring experiment or science fair project?

13. DIY Bouncy Balls

Catch ’em, if you can!

14. Overnight Crystals

If you’ve got Epsom salt, this cool science experiment won’t even require a trip to the store.

15. Tiny Dancer, Simple Motor

You might need to buy some copper wire for this, but it’s totally worth it for the cute factor alone.

16. Heat Sensitive Slime

Take your slime game up a notch and win the science fair all in one night.

17. How does over/under watering affect seeds?

This is pretty easy. Just use that old school plastic cup and paper towel seed growing trick, but have your child experiment with how much water they use.

18. Rubber Rainbow Eggs

This takes a couple days and could end up being messy , but it’s another eye-pleasing experiment.

19. How Do Plants Absorb Their Water?

Remember sticking celery or daisies in colored water? Same concept.

20. Which Kind of Trees Lose Their Leaves Fastest?

This one is all about collection and observation, so make plenty of time to start this.

Middle School Science Fair Projects

21. Density Tower

This tower of liquids is like the next-level oil and vinegar experiment.

22. Which Reacts Faster: Small Chunks or Large Tabs of Alka-Seltzer?

Did you know that the dissolution of an Alka-Seltzer tab can be qualified as both an explosion and a chemical reaction? Let your kids explore different theories on how to make it dissolve the fastest.

23. How Do Submarines Work?

Help build a water bottle submarine , then explore how they dive and resurface by changing their buoyancy.

24. Does Weight Affect A Drone’s Battery Life?

Remember that drone you bought your kid for their last birthday that they no longer play with? Of course you do. Put it to good use!

26. Create A Simple Circuit

The hardest part of this project will be finding D batteries in your house.

27. What Makes The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie?

Need a bunch of holiday cookies made? Let your kids experiment with butter temperature, baking soda and baking powder ratios and other variables within a cookie recipe. Nearly all results will be delicious, but it still counts as a science experiment.

28. DIY Stethoscope

This requires a trip to the hardware store. But, it’s a great way to discuss how sound travels and how stethoscopes work .

29. Can You DIY Yogurt?

Know anyone who makes their own yogurt or Kombucha? This is a great way to discover the science behind bacteria growth (and maybe get your kids to start washing their hands).

30. Can A Cricket Tell The Weather?

Spend a few days or weeks having kids compare the chirps of crickets to the temperature fluctuations outside.

31. Building Materials: Which Metals Are Most Corrosive?

Chances are good that you have plenty of different types of metals readily available (think: screws, silverware, change, foil, etc.), all you need is the time to test things out.

High School Science Fair Projects

32. Do Adults Still Know What They Learned In High School?

Have your kids collect questions from various exams and then administer the new tests to adult friends and family members from a wide range of fields.

33. Can I Change The Colors Of A Bonfire Flame?

Tossing different (non-toxic) litter into a bonfire (or even holding it over a candle) can cause the flames to change color.

34. What’s The Most Effective Natural Mosquito Repellent?

Don’t volunteer as a test subject.

35. How Does Social Media Usage Vary Between Generations?

This basically just requires a lot of research using their own (and possibly your) social media accounts to see what and when each age group is posting.

36.How Can You Speed Up Homemade Ice Cream?

Between rock salt and actual ice cream ingredients, this is a bit of a financial investment. The good news is that you can drown your concerns in ice cream.

37. Is My Mom’s Gold Jewelry Real?

Some chemicals found in gold and silver can have toxic properties that are harmful to bacteria. Can your pretty necklace kill ? Find out.

38. How Can You Keep A Parked Car Cool?

Test temperatures in various colored cars, as well as the effectiveness of sun shades and parking under trees.

39. Does Tire Air Pressure Really Change Gas Mileage?

Basically, an excellent science project and life lesson in car maintenance for your teenager all in one.

40. How Safe Is Your Microwave?

Track plant growth over several weeks — keep one place near the microwave and one further away.

41. Which Type of Bread Molds Fastest?

Pro-Tip: Have them store their science project bread somewhere far, far away from where you keep your actual bread.

42. Could Hospitals Recycle Their Bio-hazard Collection Resources?

Blood vials, urine collection cups, barf buckets: They’re all used as single-use plastics. But, could they be properly sterilized and reused? You’re probably going to need to know people in the right places to make this work, but it’d be a very cool experiment.

Related: Science Teachers, I Love You, But Science Projects Can Go to Hell

This article was originally published on November 14, 2019

• Science, Tech, Math ›
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Middle School Science Experiments

• Activities for Kids
• Chemical Laws
• Periodic Table
• Projects & Experiments
• Scientific Method
• Biochemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Medical Chemistry
• Chemistry In Everyday Life
• Famous Chemists
• Abbreviations & Acronyms
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• Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
• B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College

Get ideas for science experiments targeted at the middle school educational level. Find out how to perform an experiment and get a hypothesis to test.

Fruit Battery Experiment

 Natthakan Jommanee / EyeEm / Getty Images

Make a battery using household materials and a piece of fruit. Does one type of fruit or vegetable work better than another? Remember, it's easiest to test the null hypothesis . Hypothesis: Current produced by a fruit battery does not depend on the type of fruit that is used.

Battery Experiment Resources

How to Make a Fruit Battery Electrochemical Cells Potato-Powered LCD Clock Human Battery Demonstration

Bubbles and Temperature

 Sascha Jung / EyeEm

Blowing bubbles is fun. There is a lot of science to bubbles, too. You can perform an experiment to see how factors affect bubbles. What is the perfect bubble solution? What makes the best bubble wand? Can you color bubbles with food coloring? Does temperature affect how long bubbles last? Hypothesis: Bubble life is not affected by temperature. Bubble Experiment Resources More about Bubble Life and Temperature Glowing Bubbles Bubble Fingerprints

Breakfast and Learning

You've heard about how important breakfast is to performance in school. Put it to the test! There are several experiments you can design around this topic. Does eating breakfast help you stay on task? Does it matter what you eat for breakfast? Would breakfast help you equally well for math as for English?

Hypothesis: Students who eat breakfast will not score differently on a vocabulary test than students who skipped breakfast.

Rocket Balloon Experiment

 Radu Dan / Getty Images

Rocket balloons are a fun way to study the laws of motion, plus they use a safe propellant.

You can design a middle school experiment exploring the effect of balloon size on the distance a rocket travels, whether the temperature of the air makes a difference, whether a helium balloon rocket and an air balloon rocket travel the same distance, and more.

Hypothesis: The size of the balloon doesn't affect the distance a balloon rocket travels. Rocket Experiment Resources Make a Match Rocket Newton's Laws of Motion

Crystal Experiments

 mark watson (kalimistuk) / Getty Images

Crystals are good middle school experimental subjects. You can examine the factors that affect the rate of crystal growth or the form of the crystals that are produced.

Sample Hypothesis:

• The rate of evaporation does not affect final crystal size.
• Crystals grown using food coloring will be the same size and shape as those grown without it.

Crystal Experiment Resources Crystal Science Fair Projects What Is a Crystal? How to Grow Crystals How to Make a Saturated Solution Crystal Projects to Try

Experiments by Grade Level

• Grade School Science Experiments
• High School Science Experiments
• Easy Science Projects
• Science Experiments and Activities for Preschoolers
• Safe Science Experiments
• Second Grade Science Fair Projects
• Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids
• Easy Chemistry Experiments to Do at Home
• Melting Ice Science Experiment
• Fluorescent Light Science Experiment
• Baggie Chemistry Experiments
• Grade School Science Fair Project Ideas
• Bottle Balloon Blow-Up Experiment
• Baking Soda Science Projects
• Fried Green Egg Food Science Project
• Frankenworms Dancing Gummy Worms Science Experiment
• How to Make a Mentos & Diet Soda Chemical Volcano Eruption
• Mad Scientist Party Theme

100+ Easy & FUN Science Fair Project Ideas

This post may contain affiliate links.

Looking for FUN   science projects for kids ? Science is one of our favorite subjects around here. I have a huge list of over 100 easy science experiments for kids. You can use these classic science fair ideas when helping your child create their next science fair project. Kids will love these fun projects and experiments!

See my Scientific Method Worksheets and Posters to help teach the process of the scientific method including these 6 steps:

• Ask a question
• Make a hypothesis
• Record Data

These science fair project ideas can be used for may grade levels including elementary school aged kids, middle school aged kids and some would even work for high school. Many of these science activities are quick and easy to put together and will not break the bank either.

I divided the science fair project ideas out the best I could by topic and category for you. That way if there is a certain interest, you can find just what you are looking for. You will find science fair experiment ideas in biology, physics, chemistry, electricity, magnetism, earth science, and more!

All of these simple experiment ideas can be used in some way to create an awesome science fair project. Most are from my site, but many are from some other great bloggers! Click the links to get instructions and demonstrations on how these projects work.

Want more ideas? See also my post with 200 + Elementary STEM Projects .

Easy Energy and Physics Science Fair Projects

Kinetic Energy with Rubber Band Boats – this science project is a blast to create with kids!

Kinetic Energy- Shooting Star Spinner – This is a fun one on kinetic and potential energy

Kinetic Energy Gravity Spinner  – Do this experiment to show gravity!

Perpetual Motion Candle See Saw – This is a cool way to learn about motion!

How Does a String Telephone Work?  ~Raising Life Long Learners

Which Cup Will Keep Water Cold the Longest?  ~ Really, Are you Serious?

Light Refraction Science Experiment  ~ Look We’re Learning

Heat Conduction Experiment  ~ Look We’re Learning

Color Changing Sensory Bottle  ~ The Science Kiddo

Exploring Magnetic Fields

Magnet Pendulum

Levitating Magnets

Train Chain Reactions

Static Electricity Slime

What are Electrolytes?

Color and Light Reflection and Refraction Experiments

Simple Machines- Gears

Light Box Magic  ~ True Aim Education

Balloon Air Pressure Experiment  ~ Darcy and Brian

Make A Giant Catapult

Technology & Mechanical Science Projects for Kids

Is it Conductive? – test different objects to see if they conduct electricity.

How to Make a Coin Battery  – use coins to power a light!

How to Make a Lemon Battery – the power of lemon juice is pretty amazing.

What to Make a Dirt Battery – a battery out of dirt?  yup!

How do you Make a Potato Battery? ~from STEAM Powered Family

How to Make a Hydraulic Elevator ~ Make a water powered elevator

How to Make a Bubble Blower Machine

Paper Circuits – learn about circuits and electricity with this simple project.

Solar Powered Lego Car – harness the power of the sun!

Make an EASY Water Pump Sprinkler

Chemistry Science Projects for Kids With Chemical Reactions

Cabbage Juice pH Experiment – test different chemicals and substances to see their pH levels.

How too Make an Erupting Volcano (with salt dough)

How Do you Clean Pennies?

Why Do Baking Soda and Vinegar React?

How to Make Dry Ice Bubbles

Does it Dissolve?

How Do you Grow Crystals? (borax crystals)

Elephant Toothpaste with Two Types of Peroxide

What is Non-Newtonian Fluid?  (Oobleck Experiments)

Does it Rust? Oxidation Experiment

Rainbow Absorption

Film Canister Rockets

Blooming Paper Flowers

Dancing Acorns  ~ Hands-on Teaching Ideas

States of Matter Experiments – solids, liquids and gases

Rubber Bouncing Egg Experiment

Color Changing Flowers Experiment  ~ Messy Little Monster

Paper Burning Experiment  ~ Preschool Powol Packets

How to Make a Paper Mache Erupting Volcano  ~ Red Ted Art

Mentos and Soda Geysers

Anatomy Science Fair Projects

How Do Ears Work?

Play Dough Anatomy

Animal Digestion Experiment  ~ Schooling a Monkey

Why We Need Muscles & Bones  ~ I Can Teach My Child

How Do Lungs Work?   ~ Sciene Sparks

DNA Experiment

Earth Science and Nature Science Fair Projects

How do Earthquakes Happen ?

Can You Build a House to Resist an Earthquake?

Make your Own Crystal Rock Candy Geodes

What are Convection Currents?

Study surface tension with Water Strider Insects

How are Rainbows made?

How to Clean Dirty Water

Geology Experiment: Stalactites and Stalagmites Formation

What’s In My Water? 

What are Shells Made of?

How Can We Stay Dry During the Rain  ~ Pink Stripey Socks

What Surfaces in my House are the Dirtiest? Mold Science

Density Experiment with different liquids, also tests buoyancy!

Why Do Leaves Change Colors? Leaf Chromatography Experiment

Rising Tide Experiment

Soda Bottle Compost  ~ Busy Mommy Media

Build a Sun Shelter  ~ Buggy and Buddy

Hurricane Model Experiment  ~Preschool Powol Packets

Easy Condensation Experiment  – Look We’re Learning

Salt Water Density Experiment  ~ The Science Kiddo

Plant Science- Observing Bulb Growth  ~Buggy and Buddy

How to Make a Compass  ~ Parenting Chaos

Why do Pinecones Open & Close?  ~ Parenting Chaos

Leaf Transpiration Experiment – how leaves breathe, use a plastic bag to collect the moisture from a tree.

Pumpkin Petri Dishes  ~ Hands-on Teaching Ideas

Rainy Day Science – learn about filtering rain water

Making a Solar Still – harness the power of the sun with this cool science experiment!

Make Your Own Human Sun Dial

How are Sedimentary Rocks & Fossils Made? 

How Do Sharks Float?  ~ Preschool Powol Packets

How to Make Square Bubbles

What Soil is Best for Growing Seeds?  ~ Schooling a Monkey

Simple Food Science Fair Project Ideas

Want a food-based science fair project?  These ideas are fun and edible, too!  Who doesn’t love learning with food?

Food Science: Make a Loaf of Bread in a Bag

Why Does Gelatin Not Set with Certain Fruits ?

What Foods will Grow the most Mold?

Cake Chemistry Experiment

Popcorn and Salt Science Experiment  ~ Awe Filled Homemaker

What Prevents Apples from Browning?

How to Make Plastic with Gelatin  ~ STEAM Powered Family

Melting Ice Science Experiment  ~ The Chaos and the Clutter

Pie Crust Experiment

Food Chemistry~ Turn Juice into Noodles !

Green Eggs Food Chemistry (no food coloring required!)

How Strong are Eggs?  ~ Hands-On Teaching Ideas

Make Solar S’mores

Hot Chocolate Science Experiment  ~ Creative Family Fun

Bread Mold Science Project  ~ Schooling a Monkey

Other Fun & Easy Science Project Ideas

Toilet Paper Comparisons   ~ Pink Stripey Socks

Egg Drop Challenge 

Press n’ Seal vs. Saran Wrap

Hockey Science Experiment  ~ Creative Family Fun

I hope you found an idea that will work for your little scientists next science fair project. I’d love to hear what you did and see pictures of the finished project!

Former school teacher turned homeschool mom of 4 kids. Loves creating awesome hands-on creative learning ideas to make learning engaging and memorable for all kids!

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45 Cool Chemistry Experiments, Demos, and Science Fair Projects

Don’t forget your safety equipment!

Bunsen burners, colorful chemicals, and the possibility of a (controlled) explosion or two? Everybody loves chemistry experiments! We’ve rounded up the best activities, demos, and chemistry science fair projects for kids and teens. Try them in the classroom or at home.

Easy Chemistry Experiments and Activities for All Ages

Chemistry science fair projects.

These chemistry experiments and activities are all easy to do using simple supplies you probably already have. Families can try them at home, or teachers and students can do them together in the classroom.

Mix up some magic milk

Kids love this colorful experiment, which explores the concept of surface tension. This is one of our favorite chemistry experiments to try at home, since the supplies are so basic and the results are so cool!

Taste the Rainbow

Teach your students about diffusion while creating a beautiful and tasty rainbow. You’ll definitely want to have extra Skittles on hand so your class can enjoy a few as well!

Learn more: Skittles Diffusion

Crystallize sweet treats

Crystal science experiments teach kids about supersaturated solutions. This one is easy to do at home, and the results are absolutely delicious!

Learn more: Candy Crystals

Make elephant-sized toothpaste

This fun project uses yeast and a hydrogen peroxide solution to create overflowing “elephant toothpaste.” You can also add an extra fun layer by having kids create toothpaste wrappers for their plastic bottles.

Blow the biggest bubbles you can

Add a few simple ingredients to dish soap solution to create the largest bubbles you’ve ever seen! Kids learn about surface tension as they engineer these bubble-blowing wands.

Learn more: Giant Soap Bubbles

Demonstrate the “magic” leakproof bag

So simple and so amazing! All you need is a zip-top plastic bag, sharp pencils, and some water to blow your kids’ minds. Once they’re suitably impressed, teach them how the “trick” works by explaining the chemistry of polymers.

Learn more: Leakproof Bag

Use apple slices to learn about oxidation

Have students make predictions about what will happen to apple slices when immersed in different liquids, then put those predictions to the test! Finally, have them record their observations.

Learn more: Apple Oxidation

Float a marker man

Their eyes will pop out of their heads when you “levitate” a stick figure right off the table. This experiment works due to the insolubility of dry-erase marker ink in water, combined with the lighter density of the ink.

Learn more: Floating Marker Man

Discover density with hot and cold water

There are a lot of easy science experiments you can do with density. This one is extremely simple, involving only hot and cold water and food coloring, but the visuals make it appealing and fun.

Learn more: Layered Water

Layer more liquids

This density demo is a little more complicated, but the effects are spectacular. Slowly layer liquids like honey, dish soap, water, and rubbing alcohol in a glass. Kids will be amazed when the liquids float one on top of the other like magic (except it is really science).

Learn more: Layered Liquids

Grow a carbon sugar snake

Easy science experiments can still have impressive results. This eye-popping chemical reaction demonstration only requires simple supplies like sugar, baking soda, and sand.

Learn more: Carbon Sugar Snake

Make homemade bouncy balls

These homemade bouncy balls are easy to make since all you need is glue, food coloring, borax powder, cornstarch, and warm water. You’ll want to store them inside a container like a plastic egg because they will flatten out over time.

Learn more: Make Your Own Bouncy Balls

Create eggshell chalk

Eggshells contain calcium, the same material that makes chalk. Grind them up and mix them with flour, water, and food coloring to make your very own sidewalk chalk.

Learn more: Eggshell Chalk

Make naked eggs

This is so cool! Use vinegar to dissolve the calcium carbonate in an eggshell to discover the membrane underneath that holds the egg together. Then, use the “naked” egg for another easy science experiment that demonstrates osmosis .

Learn more: Naked Egg Experiment

Turn milk into plastic

This sounds a lot more complicated than it is, but don’t be afraid to give it a try. Use simple kitchen supplies to create plastic polymers from plain old milk. Sculpt them into cool shapes when you’re done.

Test pH using cabbage

Teach kids about acids and bases without needing pH test strips. Simply boil some red cabbage and use the resulting water to test various substances—acids turn red and bases turn green.

Learn more: Cabbage pH

Clean some old coins

Use common household items to make old oxidized coins clean and shiny again in this simple chemistry experiment. Ask kids to predict (hypothesize) which will work best, then expand the learning by doing some research to explain the results.

Learn more: Cleaning Coins

Blow up a balloon (without blowing)

Chances are good you probably did easy science experiments like this when you were in school yourself. This well-known activity demonstrates the reactions between acids and bases. Fill a bottle with vinegar and a balloon with baking soda. Fit the balloon over the top, shake the baking soda down into the vinegar, and watch the balloon inflate.

Learn more: Balloon Experiments

Assemble a DIY lava lamp

This 1970s trend is back—as an easy science experiment! This activity combines acid/base reactions with density for a totally groovy result.

Explore how sugary drinks affect teeth

The calcium content of eggshells makes them a great stand-in for teeth. Use eggs to explore how soda and juice can stain teeth and wear down the enamel. Expand your learning by trying different toothpaste and toothbrush combinations to see how effective they are.

Learn more: Sugar and Teeth Experiment

Mummify a hot dog

If your kids are fascinated by the Egyptians, they’ll love learning to mummify a hot dog. No need for canopic jars ; just grab some baking soda and get started.

Extinguish flames with carbon dioxide

This is a fiery twist on acid-base experiments. Light a candle and talk about what fire needs in order to survive. Then, create an acid-base reaction and “pour” the carbon dioxide to extinguish the flame. The CO2 gas acts like a liquid, suffocating the fire.

Send secret messages with invisible ink

Turn your kids into secret agents! Write messages with a paintbrush dipped in lemon juice, then hold the paper over a heat source and watch the invisible become visible as oxidation goes to work.

Learn more: Invisible Ink

Set popcorn dancing

This is a fun version of the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment, perfect for the younger crowd. The bubbly mixture causes popcorn to dance around in the water.

Learn more: Dancing Popcorn Experiment

Shoot a soda geyser sky-high

You’ve always wondered if this really works, so it’s time to find out for yourself! Kids will marvel at the chemical reaction that sends diet soda shooting high in the air when Mentos are added.

Learn more: Mentos and Coke Experiment

All of these chemistry experiments are perfect for using the scientific method. Form a hypothesis, alter the variables, and then observe the results! You can simplify these projects for younger kids, or add more complexity for older students.

Break apart covalent bonds

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Break the covalent bond of H 2 O into H and O with this simple experiment. You only need simple supplies for this one. Turn it into a science fair project by changing up the variables—does the temperature of the water matter? What happens if you try this with other liquids?

Learn more: Breaking Covalent Bonds

Measure the calories in various foods

Are the calorie counts on your favorite snacks accurate? Build your own calorimeter and find out! This kit from Home Science Tools has all the supplies you’ll need.

Detect latent fingerprints

Forensic science is engrossing and can lead to important career opportunities too. Explore the chemistry needed to detect latent (invisible) fingerprints, just like they do for crime scenes!

Learn more: Fingerprints Project

Use Alka-Seltzer to explore reaction rate

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Easy

Tweak this basic concept to create a variety of high school chemistry science fair projects. Change the temperature, surface area, pressure, and more to see how reaction rates change.

Determine whether sports drinks really have more electrolytes than other beverages

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Advanced

Are those pricey sports drinks really worth it? Try this experiment to find out. You’ll need some special equipment for this one; buy a complete kit at Home Science Tools .

Turn flames into a rainbow

You’ll need to get your hands on a few different chemicals for this experiment, but the wow factor will make it worth the effort. Make it a science project by seeing if different materials, air temperature, or other factors change the results.

Discover the size of a mole

The mole is a key concept in chemistry, so it’s important to ensure students really understand it. This experiment uses simple materials like salt and chalk to make an abstract concept more concrete. Make it a project by applying the same procedure to a variety of substances, or determining whether outside variables have an effect on the results.

Learn more: How Big Is a Mole?

Cook up candy to learn mole and molecule calculations

This edible experiment lets students make their own peppermint hard candy while they calculate mass, moles, molecules, and formula weights. Tweak the formulas to create different types of candy and make this into a sweet science fair project!

Learn more: Candy Chemistry

Make soap to understand saponification

Take a closer look at an everyday item: soap! Use oils and other ingredients to make your own soap, learning about esters and saponification. Tinker with the formula to find one that fits a particular set of parameters.

Learn more: Saponification

Uncover the secrets of evaporation

Explore the factors that affect evaporation, then come up with ways to slow them down or speed them up for a simple science fair project.

Learn more: Evaporation

More Chemistry Experiment Science Fair Ideas

These questions and prompts can spark ideas for unique chemistry experiments:

• Compare the properties of sugar and artificial sweeteners.
• Explore the impact of temperature, concentration, and seeding on crystal growth.
• Test various antacids on the market to find the most effective product.
• What is the optimum temperature for yeast production when baking bread from scratch?
• Compare the vitamin C content of various fruits and vegetables.
• How does temperature affect enzyme-catalyzed reactions?
• Investigate the effects of pH on an acid-base chemical reaction.
• Devise a new natural way to test pH levels (such as cabbage leaves).
• What’s the best way to slow down metal oxidation (the form of rust)?
• How do changes in ingredients and method affect the results of a baking recipe?

Like these chemistry experiments? Don’t miss STEM Activities for Kids of All Ages and Interests .

Plus, get all the latest teaching news and ideas when you sign up for our free newsletters.

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70 Best High School Science Fair Projects in Every Subject

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Home » Tips for Teachers » 14 Science Experiments for Middle School — Unlock the Wonders of The World in Your Classroom

14 Science Experiments for Middle School — Unlock the Wonders of The World in Your Classroom

Unleashing a world of possibilities, middle school science fairs and experiences present the perfect opportunity for students to engage in captivating projects. Sometimes beginning such an adventure can be daunting, as it may not be clear how young learners should go about tackling their experiments.

Nevertheless, with some creative thinking, there’s plenty of potential to make these activities both enjoyable and achievable.

Especially for my readers, I have prepared a list of 14 science experiments for middle school students:

Let’s take a closer look at each of the experiments.

1. Crystals

With crystal growing, students of all ages get to discover a world of endless possibilities. From experimenting with the different stages during production and refining them until you reach your desired shape – like making an impressive flower design – it’s certain to be full of fun for everyone.

What You’ll Need:

• A real or fake flower
• Food coloring

• Boil some water, mix in borax and food dye to create a colorful solution.
• Carefully place your flower into the cup for several hours or overnight, so it can be transformed by magical crystals
• Once done, take out and see its transformation from an everyday petal to something unique that will amaze you.

Unleash your creativity and amaze even the biggest skeptics with this delightful experiment! It’s simple to set up yet produces stunningly beautiful results that will be sure to captivate students.

Here’s a video of Steve Spangler to sharing his latest crystal growing secrets using simple materials you can find around the house.

2. Copper Plate Coins

With the process of electroplating, you can easily bring a new level of artistry and excitement into something as ordinary as coinage.

Utilizing copper along with electricity, anyone is able to create unique designs on coins in no time! Besides being fun, this activity makes for an excellent educational experience too.

• A plastic cup
• Distilled white vinegar
• Two alligator clips (one red and one black)
• Two copper strips
• A nickel or quarter
• A 9v battery
• Battery snap
• Masking tape
• Rubbing alcohol

• Start by filling up your cup almost two inches high with some ordinary white or apple cider vinegar
• Then attach one end of the alligator clips to either side via small pieces of tape labeled “+” and “-“
• Submerge the copper strips at their opposite ends into the liquid for about three hours until it’s turned an intriguing greenish blue
• Grab that battery snap, place your battery inside and connect its leads before taking out those still-damp clips from earlier – but instead insert a cleanly rubbed down coin this time around.
• Give it fifteen minutes more underwater before removing when finished – voila, you have yourself a polished new piece of gorgeous custom currency coated in shiny metallic sheen.

Watch this video to fully understand how to conduct the experiment.

For an extra creative touch, you can spice up your project by taping on funky designs and patterns to the coin before plating it – get ready for a unique design that’s as eye-catching as it is fun.

3. A Solar Oven

Solar energy is more essential now than ever, and it’s surprisingly simple to teach children how it all works. By having them design their own solar ovens, they can take greener cooking projects on the go while camping or just at home.

• A cardboard pizza box
• Black construction paper
• Plastic wrap
• An oven mitt
• A thermometer
• Cooking ingredients (avoid raw meat)

• Start by cleaning out any leftover cheese and crumbs.
• Then draw a square one inch from the top of the box before cutting out three sides to form an upright flap.
• Wrap it tightly with foil and secure it with tape for durability.
• Line the bottom of the container with some black construction paper before taping two pieces of plastic wrap across inside edges to create an airtight seal – just don’t forget those rolled up newspapers stuffed in all four corners as insulation.
• Finally, use Mother Nature’s own ovens (the sun!) between 11 A.M.-2 P.M., whose heat is sure to cook something deliciously unique along this DIY journey you have embarked on!

With a bit of patience, determination and some know-how, this project is definitely within the reach for any young student. Plus – not only will you be learning essential skills, but there’s also the delicious reward at the end.

4. Dissect a Flower

Dissection is both an effective and engaging way to teach anatomy – but it can be tough for younger classes when the cost or contents don’t quite fit. That’s why flowers have become a great alternative: they offer up just as much knowledge, with little messiness and even less fuss.

• Flowers with easily identifiable parts
• Materials to draw
• Label the parts of the flower

• Carefully instruct students how to properly use a scalpel to make educated incisions and locate relevant parts of the flower like the pistil, stamen and others.
• Use the pins to keep the flower open and make it possible to really study the insides of the plant. During this time, students can draw what they are seeing and label each part as they are able to identify it.
• Chart the different lengths of the flowers each student is dissecting to open up discussion on how these differences may have occurred and how they make impact the flowers’ fertility.

Starting with simpler dissection exercises can be an exciting way to introduce students to the fascinating and intricate world of anatomy.

I suggest you watching this video, in order to fully understand the proces of the experiment.

5. Homemade Thermometer

Thermometers have an impressive history of being essential to many parts of our world, such as health and the environment. Believe it or not – making your own thermometer is just a few steps away.

• Modeling clay
• Red food coloring
• A clear straw
• A clear plastic bottle

• Combine water, rubbing alcohol and a few drops of food coloring to create an experiment that will amaze you.
• Create a leak-proof seal by wrapping modeling clay around the straw and bottle opening before placing it inside – but be sure to leave some uncovered
• Finally, test your thermometer works as expected; watch in wonderment at how heat causes the liquid mixture to rise up through the straw – red hues dancing across its surface.

With just a few simple steps, you can make your own thermometer and explore how heat affects the world around us.

Show your students how to turn middle school science into a fun and educational experience by testing pH levels with something as common (and delicious) as cabbage.

• A red cabbage
• Eye droppers
• Orange juice
• Window cleaner

• Start by chopping up your quarter head and adding it to a shallow pot.
• Simmer until you can start detecting its purple hue, then strain out the contents before transferring them into test tubes.
• Now comes the exciting part – as you add acids or bases, watch in wonderment as they cause an immediate color change – turning solutions crimson for acid substances or greenish-tinted when combined with basic ones!
• Don’t forget to write down each result on a handy worksheet so that all your experiments are recorded accurately and safely.

Students can now explore the mysterious world of acids and bases in a fun, creative way. By testing different items with this method, students will develop an understanding of the general level of acidity. Unlocking secrets never seemed so easy.

After watching this video you’ll get understanding pH scales and identifying acidic and basic materials.

7. Oil Spills

Students may not be aware of the powerful tool human actions can take on our environment. While we’ve all seen pictures and videos from past oil spills, it’s only when students come face to face with how those events have profoundly impacted wildlife that they truly grasp their significance.

• Liquid soap
• Vegetable oil
• A toothbrush

• To find out how different substances interact with a feather, create a chart that compares water, oil and liquid soap.
• Observe whether the feather is absorbed or repelled when placed in each one of these liquids – noting any changes along the way.
• Splash some soapy water onto an oil-drenched feather to learn about its cleaning power, before finally measuring success by taking note of how easy it was (or wasn’t!) for your feathered friend to return to its original state!

This experiment will illustrate the devastating consequences of oil spills on our environment. It reveals how something as simple and harmless as a feather can be compromised, robbed of its ability to stay warm and dry due to contact with just one drop of oil.

Students will get a crash course in the major consequences of oil spills after watching this educational video.

Let this serve as an important reminder for us all to do whatever we can in protecting nature from further harm.

8. Water Clock

Water’s passage of time can be tracked by two distinct clocks. Inflow water clocks collect the liquid into a vessel, allowing users to measure its accumulation along graduated markings. Alternatively, outflow versions record how many escapes from their containers in order to calculate minutes and hours gone by.

• Styrofoam or Plastic Cup
• Small Plastic Lid – a pop bottle cap or milk jug cap works great
• String or yarn
• Toothpick or similar for poking a hole
• Bead (optional)
• Popsicle Stick

• Use a toothpick or something similar to poke a small hole through middle of plastic lid and bottom of styrofoam cup.
• Cut the string to length. To do this measure the distance from the top of the cup to just above the bottom of the cup.
• Then add a bit more length to ensure you have enough for tying on the cap and the bell.
• Run string through the hole you made in the plastic lid. To secure it, tie bead to one side of string (this keeps the yarn from slipping through) or create a large knot. The goal is to simply prevent the string from pulling through the hole.
• Tie a small bell to other end of string.
• Adjust your knots as required to ensure the string is the proper length.
• Place popsicle stick over top of cup and balance the bell on the end of the string on the popsicle stick, while the lid hangs down into the cup. Hold it in place while you fill the cup with water.
• The cap will float while the bell remains balanced on the popsicle stick.
• Immediately after adding the water you will notice the water starts dripping out of the bottom of the cup and into the jar and the water level will start going down. When the water drains outs, the bell will be pulled into the cup. The sound of the bell is your alarm.

Watch this video and try to make your own water clock.

9. Purify Water

With tap water becoming less and less reliable, it’s no surprise that so many are turning to filtration systems for their drinking needs. But how exactly do these machines in our homes get rid of contaminants?

Unveil the mystery behind clean and safe drinking with a closer look at this increasingly popular method!

• A measuring cup
• Two baby food jars
• Activated charcoal

• Mix ½ cup of water with 8 drops of food coloring
• Then fill up two jars halfway
• Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of activated charcoal to one and secure the lids on both
• Observe what happens over the course four days

This experiment is not only compelling and easy to do, it also promises an enriching outcome – students gain a newfound appreciation for fresh, filtered water. What better way to teach the importance of clean H2O in this day and age?

Watch this video and learn how to do own water filter using simple materials.

11. Grow Box

As the warm days of summer fade, a chill creeps in that demands we put on layers before stepping outside. Our gardens go dormant as plants wilt and our own homegrown produce bows out for the season.

It’s with sadness that I bid goodbye to those freshly picked veggies from my garden – always providing so much more satisfaction than store-bought varieties!

• A computer paper box
• Aluminum Foil
• Glue Sticks
• Light Bulb Socket
• 15 Watt Fluorescent Light Bulb
• Old Plastic Lid
• Planting Pots
• A trey or other pot to catch the water
• Potting Soil

• Lining the inside of an empty computer box with tinfoil – use glue stick or double sticky tape to make sure it’s secure.
• Cut out a round hole on one side so that the top is exposed
• Add aluminum curtain over this opening in order to keep heat trapped within.
• Now get started planting: fill some pots with potting soil, place seeds onto them, then pour water – don’t forget to also screw in an interior light bulb as well.
• With appropriate care and attention (and plenty of watering),soon enough sprouts should start appearing after just 1 week.
• Get green-fingered now for amazing results later

Witness the wonder of growth and life with your kids! Planting in our easy grow box ensures there’s no lack of excitement even during winter. Watching tiny seeds turn into plants is sure to bring a smile on everyone’s face.

Here’s a video with 5 variations of cheap grow boxes.

12. How Color Influences Memory

Is there a certain hue that unlocks improved memory recall? Could the shade of your notes and flashcards be helping or hindering you in retaining information? Explore how colors can elevate nuance during study sessions.

• A variety of colored pens or markers
• Index cards
• Participants

• Gather willing participants from classrooms, offices or even online communities, select a few dates in history with corresponding events written on three sets of index cards.
• Black marker can be used for control group, colors that match emotional responses to certain events (like red for danger) is recommended as well
• Whereas random color should represent third set – all aimed at testing long-term memory potentials through oral or written examinations without additional study time needed afterwards.

This simple middle-school science experiment isn’t just a fun activity – it gives students an excellent opportunity to learn skills that can help them be successful with any subject.

This video has a lot to say about how color affects our mood and behavior.

13. Da Vinci Bridge

This modern engineering experiment breathes new life into a 500-year-old design from the master of innovation, Leonardo da Vinci. It stands apart among other bridge building experiments and is sure to make an impact.

• 8 pencils with 3 rubber bands
• 4 pencils with 2 rubber bands

•  Gather all the supplies you need to build the Da Vinci Bridge. You will need 8 pencils with 3 rubber bands, 4 pencils with 2 rubber bands, and loom bands of a similar size for extra friction.
• Mark out where you want the rubber bands to go on each pencil. For the pencils going on the sides of the bridge, you want to make sure the rubber bands are all lined up at about the same locations.
• Start building the bridge by putting pencils in position with rubber bands attached. Make sure both sides are symmetrically balanced during construction and no misalignment occurs.
• Secure the bridge by wrapping loom bands of similar size around each pencil to increase friction. This will help the bridge stay in shape and keep it from collapsing due to misalignment or imbalance.
• Once the bridge is completed, you can decorate it with extra decorations such as ribbons, streamers

Watch this tutorial on how to build your own the Da Vinci Bridge.

14. Find Out How Sugary Drinks Affect Teeth

We all know that sugary drinks can have adverse reactions on our health, but what happens when we show young students the extent of those effects?

Seeing firsthand how soda and juice wreak havoc on teeth could be an eye-opening experience for them.

• A dark sugar-free drink like gatorade
• A dark juice like grape juice
• A dark soda like cola
• An orange juice

• Label each cup with its special beverage
• Add the eggs and place them in a secure area
• Monitor your progress every few hours
• After 24 hours of incubation, watch as the eggshells give you an intensified idea of how these drinks are impacting teeth like ename

Here’s an example how one of my colleagues experimented with her students.

Students in #PAGrade8 performing controlled experiments to determine which reactants are responsible for the changes observed in a chemical reaction. ?‍? ? #PAExplore @PA_Sciences pic.twitter.com/tT2Ew1Shpl — Middle School | Pulaski Academy (@PA_MidSchool) February 28, 2023

Keep Learning

• 16 Books for Middle Schoolers
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Overall, these science experiments for middle school are great for teaching middle school students the basics of science. Each experiment has its own unique approach to introducing scientific concepts and principles in an engaging way that will help them understand more complex topics later on.

Whether you’re looking for a fun activity or something educational, these experiments offer plenty of opportunities to explore different aspects of science with your middle schoolers. With patience and guidance from adults, kids can learn a lot about the world around them through experimentation!

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Paulie Ivanova is a novice teacher. She recently graduated as a teacher at the university and is full of new teaching ideas. She teaches elementary school students, so she doesn't get bored at work. Working with children Paulie is not afraid to experiment and is constantly applying new techniques.

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60 Physics Science Experiments For Middle School: Crafts, Investigations, Model Building, And DIYs

January 11, 2024 //  by  Carly Gerson

Physics is a subject that can be difficult for students to understand, so hands-on experiences like experiments are excellent to give your students a better understanding of tricky concepts and theories! Not only do experiments and activities help your kiddos’ understanding but they also create an interactive way to engage them in the learning. Read on to discover 60 phenomenal physics science experiments to try out with your middle school students!

1. Newton’s Cradle

Newton’s Cradle is a classic physics experiment that uses basic materials to demonstrate kinetic energy and potential energy . Your students will love creating their very own version using some string and straws! This is a great way to demonstrate the basic concept of energy transfer in an engaging way.

Learn More: 123 Homeschool 4 Me

2. Simple Bernoulli Experiment

The Bernoulli experiment is an excellent way to teach your kids about air pressure. Show your learners how to use construction paper, tape, a bendy straw, a ping pong ball, scissors, and a pencil to create a fun experiment that they can have a go at! This is a simple way to demonstrate to them how large vehicles like planes can stay high in the air. This abstract concept will be brought to life quickly!

3. Car Science Experiment for Air Resistance and Mass

A physics concept that is sure to be fun to teach your kiddies is the impact of mass on motion! They’ll feel like modern physicists as they place cars with different masses on their race track and time them on their journey! While this may seem like a pretty simple experiment, you can challenge your kids to complete lots of different trials to find out how a range of different factors affects the speed of their cars.

Learn More: Frugal Fun 4 Boys

4. Archimedes’ Screw Simple Machine

Can water flow up? Your kids will be able to answer this question after completing this fun experiment! The Archimedes’ Screw is a commonly known invention that moves water upward and transfers it from one place to another. Help your learners construct their own using a piece of plastic pipe and some clear plastic tubing, then let them experiment and see if they can make it work!

5. Layering Liquids Density Experiment

Children will love participating in this colorful activity. Have your students use different colored liquids to test out the density of each one by creating a density tower! Everyone will watch in amazement as the different colored liquids separate and float to different places in the jar!

Learn More: Green Kid Crafts

6. Launching Easter Eggs Experiment

This activity would make for an incredibly fun science fair project or a great science activity during the Easter season. Using a mini catapult and plastic eggs, your kiddies will have great fun testing how mass impacts the distance traveled by the egg. This experiment will definitely make you smile!

Learn More: STL Motherhood

7. Balloon in a Bottle Properties of Air Experiment

Challenge your learners to put a balloon inside a plastic bottle and blow it up; sounds easy enough, right? They’ll find this one to be a little trickier than they initially thought! As they work to try to blow up their balloons discuss the properties of air which makes this seemingly simple task almost impossible!

Learn More: Steve Spangler Science

8. How to Make a Pendulum Wave

This physics science project is both fun to make and incredible to look at! Using washers and a few other simple materials like string, your students will be captivated by their experiment for hours on end. Besides being completely mesmerized, they’ll also learn about waves and motion.

Learn More: YouTube

9. Creating Catapults

A homemade catapult is a great way to use cheap materials in a STEM project. Have your kiddos use simple household and craft materials to determine which combination makes for the best catapult. You can launch anything from scrunched-up paper to marshmallows! Encourage your middle schoolers to consider how they can scientifically measure which catapult is best!

Learn More: Science Gal

10. Inertia Tower Activity

Raise the stakes with this amazingly fun inertia activity. This creative activity uses sheets of paper or index cards to separate a tower of cups or blocks, which your students then need to pull out quickly without disturbing the tower. Can they remove all the pieces of paper?

Learn More: Perkin’s E-Learning

11. Rice Friction Experiment

Friction can be a challenging concept to teach middle school students. Thankfully this experiment makes it a little bit easier! Give your kids a better understanding of this tricky concept by using a plastic bottle, funnel, chopstick, and rice. They’ll learn how to increase and decrease friction and will be amazed when this amazing force lets them lift a bottle up with just a single chopstick!

Learn More: Carrots Are Orange

12. Balancing Robot

Combine arts and crafts and physics with this adorable activity! Use the printable template and have your kids customize their robots, decorating them however they like before cutting them out. Next, you’ll use some putty to stick a penny to the end of each of the robot’s arms. All that’s left is to let them find out where they can get their robots balancing! 

Learn More: Buggy and Buddy

13. Make Your Own Ice Cream in a Bag

You had us at ice cream! Your kiddies will be so excited to have a go at making their own ice cream using just a few Ziplock bags. Have them start by measuring cream, sugar, and vanilla flavoring into one bag, making sure it’s sealed up. Then, get them to place this bag inside another bag that also has ice and salt inside and shake! Once they’re done learning, make sure you set aside time for some taste testing!

Learn More: Delish

14. Skittles Density Rainbow

Build the rainbow with this fun density experiment. Start by having your kiddies dissolve Skittles in water, using a different quantity of each color of Skittles in each liquid. They’ll then gently use a pipette to layer their liquids while you discuss how the solids have impacted the density of each liquid!

Learn More: Gift Of Curiosity

15. Dancing Raisins Science Experiment

Did you know that you can make raisins dance? Ok, well maybe they’re not actually dancing, but they’re definitely doing something! Your learners will love this fun science experiment where they’ll watch as they watch the carbonation and bubbles of the soda water lift the raisins and “make them dance”.

16. Learning With Dry Ice

Dry ice is so exciting for your little learners! It has almost magical properties that give it a mysterious element that kids are completely captivated by. Using dry ice is a great way to teach students about how clouds are formed and how they eventually evaporate by capturing a dry ice cloud in a bag! You’ll be inspiring future meteorologists with this visually appealing experiment!

Learn More: Penguin Dry Ice

17. Learning About Arches

Arches are surprisingly impressive feats of architecture. Their unique shape actually makes them surprisingly strong! Teach your kiddos about how heavy-weight objects such as cars on a bridge are supported as they test out different types of arches to see which one holds the most weight!

Learn More: Imagine Childhood

18. Heat Changing Colored Slime

This unique experiment requires very specific materials, but we promise it’s worth it! Blow your kids’ minds as they learn about thermodynamics and how heat can change the color of certain materials as they make some heat-sensitive color-changing slime! 

Learn More: Left Brain Craft Brain

19. Homemade Marble Run

Let your kiddies get creative with any materials they can get their hands on with this next activity! Challenge them to create a track for marbles, testing out different course layouts to see how these impact the time it takes the marble to complete it. Encourage them to record their results and share their findings!

Learn More: Buggy And Buddy

20. Ice Hockey Puck Friction Experiment

The ice hockey fans in your class will love this next one! In this activity, your kids will use different flat circular items like bottle caps and coins to determine which materials make the best ice hockey puck! This is a great experiment to take outside on an icy winter day to let them learn about and see friction in action!

Learn More: Science Sparks

21. Transfer of Momentum Basketball Activity

Here’s a quick physics experiment your kiddos can do during recess or on a sunny day! Grab some basketballs and racquetballs and instruct your kids to hold the smaller ball on top of the basketball. Next, have them let go and watch in amazement as the basketball bounces up into the racquetball, transferring momentum as it makes contact! 

Learn more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys

22. Pumpkin Boats

Wondering what to do with all those leftover pumpkins after Halloween? Look no further! Get your learners to make them into boats as they investigate the link between density and buoyancy. Support them to make differently-sized pumpkin boats and then make predictions about whether or not their pumpkin boat will sink or float.

Learn More: The Preschool Toolbox

23. How to Make a Hovercraft

Hovercrafts were once something that only appeared in sci-fi stories, but now your kids will be making them in your classroom! Using simple household materials, they’ll learn how to harness the power of air resistance in this unique craft. Neat!

24. St. Patrick’s Day Balloon Rockets

This holiday-themed activity is a great way to teach students about air resistance and acceleration! Your kids will craft their balloon rockets with a balloon, some tape, and a straw to keep it attached to the line. All that’s left is to let go to watch their balloon rockets blast off down the track! Why not make it competitive with a prize for the winning balloon of each race?

Learn More: Housing A Forest

25. Marshmallow Shooter

Your learners will love this silly activity that incorporates a favorite sweet treat and a unique contraption! As they launch their marshmallows through the air, you can discuss how the force of the pull impacts the motion of the marshmallows.

Learn More: Teky Teach

26. Use The Force

Star Wars fans will have fun with this one as they use “the force” to magically pick up paper clips! This exciting activity will have your kiddos wanting to learn more about magnetism and how it works! Simply have them place a large magnet on the back of their hand, reach toward a pile of paper clips, and watch as the paper clips magically fly into their hands!

Learn More: Rookie Parenting

27. Magic Toothpick Star Experiment

You’ll have a tough time convincing your kids that this experiment shows physics at work and not magic! Have your kids take five toothpicks and snap them in half. Let them arrange them as shown, and then drip water in the middle of the sticks. They’ll be amazed as the water moves the sticks, seemingly mending them and creating a star!

Learn More: Living Life And Learning

28. Water Powered Bottle Rocket

Bottle rockets are a fun science experiment to bring the science classroom outdoors . Your students will love learning about pressure and how it impacts the velocity of an item using just a recycled plastic bottle, a cork, some water, and a pump with a needle adaptor. To add even more excitement to this activity, let your kiddos decorate their own rockets!

29. Magnetic Levitation Activity

With all these seemingly magical experiments, your kids are really going to wonder if you attended Hogwarts instead of a teacher-training college! Use the power of magnets to make a pencil float! Show your kids how to position their magnets so that they repel each other enough to suspend a pencil in mid-air! 

Learn More: Arvin D. Gupta Toys

30. Rubber Band Powered Car

This adorable craft will teach your kiddos about force and motion! Let them spend some time going through a trial and error process to make a working car that’s powered by applying force to a  rubber band! Once they’ve got their models working, let them race to see whose creation goes the fastest and the farthest!

Learn More: Stem Inventions

31. Making a Water Wheel

Waterwheels have been around since Roman times, over 2000 years ago! Historically they were used in mills to grind grains into flour but nowadays they can be used as a source of renewable energy. Task your pupils with making a working waterwheel out of some simple household items like plastic cups, straws, and tape- are they up to the challenge? 

Learn More: Deceptively Educational

32. DIY Pulley Physics

This pulley system will show your students that simple machines aren’t always so simple! Using whatever materials they can find and some string, they’ll need to create a fully functional, intricate pulley system along your classroom walls! This would make a great display for the entire school year!

Learn More: The Homeschool Scientist

33. How to Make an Orange Sink or Swim

What is more likely to float, a peeled or unpeeled orange? Let your kids vote on this seemingly straightforward question then reveal the answer with a simple demonstration. Your students will watch in awe as they learn that they can change the density and buoyancy of an object by slightly altering it. In the case of the orange, however, the results might not be what they were expecting!

Learn More: Woo Jr.

34. Paper Airplane Test

There’s nothing kids love more than making and throwing paper airplanes. If they’re usually banned in your classroom, then you might want to consider lifting that ban for one day! Turn this simple activity into an engineering investigation where your students will test out different designs to see which shape of the paper airplane will fly the furthest and which shape will stay in the air the longest! Physics made fun!

Learn More: Feels Like Home

35. Rising Water Experiment

Water experiments in the classroom can be so much fun! This activity will teach your students how temperature and oxygen levels can affect the density of the air! All you’ll need are some matches, a cork, a plate of water, and a glass! They’ll love watching what seems like magic!

Learn More: Teach Beside Me

36. Physics Mystery Bag Challenge

This unique physics activity will have your kiddos work in groups to solve a physics mystery. Each group will receive identical bags of mystery items and will be told what type of machine they need to create. The challenge is that there are no instructions! Using only the items in front of them and their ingenuity, your students will compete to see which group creates the best of the designated machine!

Learn More: Teaching Highschool Math

37. Solar Oven S’mores

Fun science experiments are even better when combined with food! This solar oven teaches your students about how transmission, absorption, and reflection are used in a solar cooker to cook food. Your middle schoolers will be amazed at how easy it is to make yummy smores using an array of simple supplies, such as plastic boxes, aluminum foil, cotton, and glass.

Learn More: PBS

38. Laser Jello

Here’s another edible science project for your class! In this fun project, your kiddos will put the concepts of reflection and refraction into practice in a hands-on experiment. Give them some red and blue Jello to investigate how differently colored lasers project through it; they’ll be amazed as the Jello changes the lasers’ color and sometimes blocks out the light altogether! 

Learn More: Exploratorium

39. The Electric Butterfly

Elevate the basic static-electricity balloon experiment by adding a paper butterfly! Teach your learners about positive and negative electrons by charging up the balloon with static electricity and using it to move the paper butterfly’s wings. This hands-on activity is a super way for them to see what can be a very abstract concept in action!

Learn More: CACC Kids

40. Homemade Thermometer

This classic science experiment is great for showing how heat affects certain liquids by making them expand. Using the simple supplies of a bottle, cold water, rubbing alcohol, food coloring, a straw, and some modeling clay, have your students build their very own thermometer. As they heat or cool the surroundings, your kiddos will observe the liquid rising and falling in the straw!

41. DIY Electromagnet

Creating an electromagnet is a cool way of combining middle-grade physics and engineering! This fun activity uses screws, some wire, and batteries to demonstrate how an electric current flows through metal to create a magnetic field. After this simple experiment, you can challenge your kids to take this activity to the next level and create bigger versions like their own electromagnetic cranes!

Learn More: Teach Engineering

42. Optical Illusion Fun

Experiments don’t get much cooler than optical illusions! You can use these amazing visual activities to teach your middle graders about how our eyes process light and send signals to our brains. Simply print out the template and let your kids add some color before they cut them out and attach them to a pencil. As they spin, they won’t believe their eyes! What a fun way to make this lesson about our eyes memorable!

43. Water Cycle in a Bag

This cute little experiment is a great way to give your kids their very own visual of the water cycle! Print off the template and let your kids trace it onto their own Ziploc bag. All that’s left is to add water and tape it to a window where it’ll catch the sun! These little experiments are really quick to make and set up, but your kids will spend days analyzing them!

Learn More: Kiwi Co

44. Homemade Barometer

Your students might have already made a DIY thermometer, but what about a barometer? You can help them learn about atmospheric pressure by crafting barometers using a jar or can, a balloon, a wooden stick, rubber bands, and some tape! As the weather changes over the next few days, so will the air pressure which will move the wooden stick of their barometers! Cool, right?!

Learn More: Easy Science For Kids

45. Basic Motor Mechanics

It is amazing what you can do with some modeling clay, a magnet, a battery, and wire! This cool project showcases how electric energy works, demonstrating the interaction between the current and a magnetic field. This nifty little experiment will definitely get your students’ physics motors running! 

Learn More: Education

46. Xylophone fun

Sound waves are much easier to teach and learn about when your kiddies can make visual connections. Have your learners fill empty jars with varying amounts of cold water (and a few drops of food coloring in each to make it look even more interesting) and then let them test the different pitches by hitting each one! 

Learn More: Sugar, Spice And Glitter

47. Build a Paper Bridge

This fantastic activity uses some really simple materials to challenge your kiddies to ‘build a bridge’. What seems like a pretty basic activity actually teaches them all about the scientific method and physics concepts behind building a bridge. They’ll learn about concepts like compression and tension to explain how bridges stay in place even under pressure! This is one your future engineers will love! 

48. Magnet Maze

Art and physics are combined in this clever classroom experiment! Task your students first of all, with drawing a colorful maze on the outside of the bottle. Next, have them put in different items like coins, marbles, paperclips, and buttons to explore which ones they can attach the magnet to from the outside and navigate through their maze. A -maze- ing, right?!

Learn More: Science Museum Group

49. Super Sundial

If you feel like taking your teaching outdoors, this sundial construction lesson is ideal! Bring some paper plates, bendy straws, and a pencil, and you’re good to go! Your learners won’t need a lot of background knowledge before the activity, but they’re sure to learn a lot about the Earth’s orbit and rotation in the process!

Learn More: Generation Genius

50. Sound Sandwich

Your kiddies might initially be confused when you announce that they’ll be making sound sandwiches! Their confusion will soon turn to fascination at how such simple materials can make really interesting sounds! In this activity, they’ll be learning how to make music with sticks, straws, and rubber bands. See if they can figure out that it is the rubber band vibrating that makes the differently-pitched sounds!

51. Optical Lens Experiment

Did you know that you can actually bend light? Your students will be surprised to learn this for sure! Through this investigation, you’ll teach them how when light goes from one medium to another (e.g. from air to glass), it usually bends. This series of simple activities covers the effects of convex and concave lenses on light, and thus how refraction works.

Learn More: Discover Primary Science And Maths

52. Density Tower floating experiment

Combine the previously mentioned density tower and floating experiments in this cool activity! Using just a few simple ingredients that can be found around most homes, you can instruct your learners to combine cornstarch, vegetable oil, and rubbing alcohol. This will create the colored layers in this cool activity! Then they’ll add small items of their choosing to see which ones float in the various liquids, and at what density!

53. Walking Water experiment

Capillary action isn’t a term that most of your kiddies will be familiar with but after doing this experiment they won’t forget it! Help your learners set up a row of cups with water and different colors of food dye. Next, they’ll add some strips of paper towels dipping each end into a different up and let them watch in amazement as the colored water seems to defy gravity and ‘walk’ up the paper and into the next cup!

Learn More: Made In A Pinch

54.  Build a Solar Still

This easy experiment is the perfect way to demonstrate the water cycle and how sunlight can purify water. Start by letting your kiddos have a bit of fun to make ‘dirty’ water using assorted safe and edible kitchen ingredients. Then you’ll challenge them to make their own solar stills from plastic glasses, cling wrap, and, a bowl. Finally, they’ll set their glass of ‘dirty’ water inside the bowl, cover it with cling wrap, and then sit it out in the sun. And voila – clean water!

55. Slinky Sound Waves

A metal slinky is a super simple but really effective source of demonstrating sound waves for your kids. Get two volunteers to hold the ends of the slinky and encourage your other students to take note of the different wave patterns when one or both of them shake it. This is a super way to make this abstract concept a little more visual for your class.

Learn More: Fizzics Education

56. Bike Wheel Gyroscope 

Momentum is an important concept that your little physicists will cover in middle school science. A bike wheel gyroscope activity will amaze and enthrall your students as you use it to show off how the wheel’s mass and rotation obey the laws of angular momentum! The best part is that you’ll only need a bike wheel and some willing participants! 

Learn More: NASA

57. DIY Kaleidoscope

Teach your kids all about the law of multiple reflections with this super fun, customizable activity! Using a cardboard tube, some mirrors, and small colorful items like confetti or sequins, these kaleidoscopes will be something they’ll always remember making. If you don’t have mirrors, why not try using aluminum foil instead? 

Learn More: Home Science Tools

58. Mapping Magnetic Field Lines

Teaching theoretical, intangible ideas is one of the hardest parts of teaching a subject like physics. Thankfully this short but practical activity makes this a whole lot easier by showcasing how the magnetic field lines of a bar magnet do not ever cross, are continuous, and go from north to south! All your kiddies will need is a magnet, a compass, and a marker!

59. Buzz Wire game

Electrical circuits can be really interesting to make, and this activity makes it fun too! Get your students to create their own ‘Buzz Wire’ game which will teach them about the loop system needed for electricity to work. Once they’ve made their loops, let them have a go at completing each others’ games! Can they get to the end without setting the buzzer off?

60. Galileo’s Gravity Experiment

As the story goes, Galileo dropped two items from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to see which hit the ground first. Though we can’t be sure he actually did this, you can be sure that your students will have fun trying out this similar activity to learn about the effects of mass and air resistance on falling objects! Simply have them pick out two different objects, drop them from a height, and record which lands first!

Learn More: Science-Sparks

Easy Science Experiments for Kids

Looking for some easy experiments to do with the kids? We’ve got you covered with all of our favourite, easy science experiments for kids. The best part about all of these ideas is that they may be simple, but the lessons are powerful! Plus they can be adapted for a wide variety of ages and learning environments.

100+ Genius Easy Science Experiments for Kids

Table of Contents

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Fun Science Experiments

First let’s kick things off with a list of easy science experiments for kids that we have done many times over and are a favourite of STEAM Powered Family readers around the world. Almost all of these projects use common household items and are tested by kids and teachers. We have science experiments for all ages, from preschool to middle school, even adults love to do these. The best part is that you can use these ideas to help students gain comfort and eventually mastery of the Scientific Method . This list is also a fantastic place to find ideas for your science fair projects.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments

It is incredible the number of cool science experiments you can create from this one simple chemical reaction between Baking Soda and Vinegar . This endothermic reaction, is a classic acid and base chemical reaction.

Here is the chemical formula of this reaction

C 2 H 4 O 2  + NaHCO 3  -> NaC 2 H 3 O 2  + H 2 O + CO 2 vinegar + sodium bicarbonate -> sodium acetate + water + carbon dioxide

Some of our favourite baking soda and vinegar science activities of all time include Bottle Rockets , Fireworks Experiment , Baking Soda Oobleck , and Hatching Dinosaur Eggs . No matter which one you pick, you must try at least one vinegar and baking soda experiment when little scientists are first learning about chemistry.

Balloon Races – Physics Science Experiment

This fast paced, exciting science experiment explores the principles of physics and Newton’s Laws of Motion. It is so simple, kids won’t believe how much they are learning while having fun! Balloon Races make a fantastic activity for the classroom, camp, after school program or at home when the kids need to burn off some energy while learning!

Build a Compass – A Magnetism Science Experiment

Did you know it is actually very easy to build a compass ? All you need is a bowl of water, a needle and a cork! Have your children explore the same magnetic forces that inspired Einstein as a child in this fun science experiment.

Lollipop Layers Density Experiment

Density is such a fun phenomenon to explore, and in this version of a density experiment we are using candy! Lollipop layers is so simple, all you need is a bunch of lollipops or hard candies, water, and a patient hand. The result… GORGEOUS!

Greenhouse Effect Science Experiment

Climate change experiments are so important for helping foster a deep understanding in our students. In this Greenhouse Effect Science Experiment we learn how gas are changing the atmosphere and affecting global temperatures.

Volcano Experiment

A classic science project for kids, making a volcano can be as simple or as complex as you want to make it. The goal of the exercise, a big, bubbly reaction that is sure to WOW students. Here are some of our favourite Volcano Experiments we have done.

Have you ever made a Lava Lamp at home? This sensory science experiment is mesmerizing! Watching those bubbles bounce and dance and play is sure to capture students of all ages. Best of all, we have 5 different ways you can make a Lava Lamp (including the old favourite with alka seltzer), so no matter what supplies you have available, we have a Lava Lamp experiment you can do.

Make Milk Plastic

While teaching elementary science I was always on the hunt for cool science experiments that would impress my kids and really stretch their interests and foster their curiosity. One of the biggest hits of all time was a surprisingly simple experiment, that we never really considered as possible… making plastics. Specifically making bioplastics out of milk . With this concept you can create a lesson that is a powerful way to explore polymers with kids. This easy science experiment is a sure fire hit with students and gives them a wonderful keepsake of their studies.

Bouncy Naked Egg in Vinegar Experiment

Have you ever tried to shell a raw egg? Impossible you say? Challenge your hypothesis in this egg in vinegar science experiment ! Not only will you remove the shell from a raw egg, but the result is a bouncy, rubbery, raw egg. An incredibly simple science experiment, it can also be used to teach higher level concepts in osmosis and biology for students learning about the parts of the cell.

Making Water Rise Experiment Magic

When we did this water experiment the kids jaws hit the floor! It is so simple, but the results shock the kids. This is one very easy science experiment that is also incredibly memorable. It teaches the science of creating a vacuum in a very simple approach with just a jar, water and a candle. Learn how to make water rise and wow your students!

Elephant Toothpaste

You have probably seen the Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment done on TV or at the Science Center where they create a massive gusher that goes many feet into the air, but did you know there is a very simple and easy way you can do this experiment yourself with items you already have available? This classic science experiment is one every student should experience.

Frozen Bubbles

If you live where it gets well below freezing, one of our favourite winter science experiments is to freeze bubbles . There are some specific science principles you need to understand to ensure this experiment is a beautiful success!

Growing Crystals

As a crystal lover and passionate family of rock hounds, the idea of growing crystals is something that we love! Over the years we have found all the ways to simplify and perfect the process so you can easily grow gorgeous crystals and learn the science behind crystallization. We have made crystals from borax, alum and sugar. We even have edible crystals called Rock Candy … yum!!

Explore Surface Tension with Glitter (or Pepper) and Soap

Surface tension is the focus of this simple science experiment that provides a powerful demonstration of the effect soap has on surface tension. Do this easy experiment, all you need is a plate, water, glitter or pepper and dish soap. Such an easy science experiment for kids!

Bottle Crush – Simple Heat Transfer Experiment

Got a soda pop bottle, some hot water and a cold winter day (or a bucket of ice)? Then you have all the makings of a cool science experiment! This this Bottle Crush science experiment , kids feel like all powerful magicians as they crush plastic bottles without touching them.

pH Testing Lab

Have you ever done a pH lab ex periment? In this simple version, you can use items from the kitchen to create a science lab that allows students to explore pH and learn more about acids and bases.

Gummy Mummies – Gummy Bear Mummification Experiment

Gummy Bear Science Experiments are always a hit with kids and in this easy science experiment we explore how the mummification process works. Add an extra fun comparison by also placing some of the gummy bears in liquid.

Walking Rainbow

Want a beautiful rainbow science experiment that is soooo easy it all happens without you even needing to do anything? Simply set it up, walk away, and come back to a beautiful rainbow of colours. In the Walking Rainbow Science Experiment kids learn about capillary action and color mixing. All you need is jars, paper towels, water and food coloring.

Rainbow Rain

On a rainy day, why not make Rainbow Rain in this simple science experiment for kids. The results are beautiful and will brighten a dreary day. All you need is water, shaving cream and a few drops of food colouring.

Skittles Experiment

It doesn’t get any easier than the simple Skittles Experiment . All you need is a plate, some Skittles and water. Soon you will have a spectacular science experiment the kids will beg to do again and again.

It’s been all the rage for a few years, and whether you love it or hate it, making slime can actually be a fantastic science experiment for kids.

Ready to do one of the most simple science experiments, but also the most fun? It’s time to make non-Newtonian Fluids! Known as Oobleck , it turns sold under pressure and liquifies when you remove pressure. And it will keep kids learning hands on and exploring for hours! The best part is all the different science experiments you can do with Oobleck.

Now when you think of Moon Dough , you don’t immediately think of easy science experiments for kids, but that’s because you have never made Moon Dough the way we make Moon Dough! In our recipes we learn about emulsifiers, glow in the dark science, chemical reactions, heat transfer, all while having so much fun exploring science and sensory play with kids of all ages.

Making playdough with your kids is a great way to teach them about mixtures, solutions, substances, and chemical changes. It is also teaches about the importance of formulas and the role each ingredient plays in creating one of the all time most popular sensory play items, playdough!

Magic Milk Experiment

Ready for some serious wow factor in a really easy science experiment? Magic Milk is a classic experiment that always mesmerizes kids. Over the years we have used it to learn about surface tension, space, pollution on Earth Day, and so much more. All you need is milk, dish soap and a drop of food colouring… and watch the magic colour explosion happen!

Simple Snow and Ice Experiment

Is it winter where you live? This is a fantastic, very simple and easy experiment to do with young students. All you need is some jars, snow, ice cubes and water… and watch the melting magic !

Heat Transfer Experiment – Slurpee Making

Kids love this simple slurpee science experiment where they get a cold, sweet treat at the end in the form of a homemade slurpee! Using the science of heat transfer, kids will make their very own slurpee out of juice. A great experiment for learning about temperature, heat and heat transfer.

Flying Ghosts Tea Bag Experiment

Obviously this easy science experiment is perfect for Halloween, but don’t let that stop you from doing it at any time during the year. The results of the flying tea bag experiment are always a hit with kids and all you need is fire and a tea bag to set flight to curiosity!

Ice Fishing

Inspire your little ones to learn more about how salt and water react in this fun ice fishing science experiment .

Water and Oil Experiment

Demonstrate how oil and water don’t mix in this colourful oil and water experiment. All you need is a few simple ingredients: water, oil and food colouring. When it comes to easy science experiments for kids, it doesn’t get easier than this!

Magnet Science – Harry Potter Inspired Wingardium Leviosa

Use the magic of science to wow students, or teach students this experiment so they can wow their friends with their new found magical abilities. You can also use this science to make ghosts fly! Who knew magnet science was so cool?

Marshmallow Science

Marshmallows are the secret to easy science experiments that you never knew existed in your pantry! Learn how to teach concepts around heat, molecules, expansion and more in this marshmallow science experiment .

Sky Science

Kids wondering why the sky changes colour during sunrise and sunsets? Or the always famous, why is the sky blue, question? Explore the science of the sky colours in this easy experiment .

Easy STEM Challenges

Why not combine Science with some Technology, Engineering and Math in these easy STEM Projects for kids.

Build a Popsicle Stick Catapult

One of the original STEM projects kids have been building for generations is the simple catapult. There are lots of different ways you can build a catapult, but here we are making the always easy and popular Popsicle Stick Catapult .

Build a Water Clock

This easy STEM project has some significant historical context that your history loving students will go wild over. Plus building a water clock is surprisingly easy but packs a powerful learning punch.

Make a Glow Salt Circuit

Before you start to worry, building a circuit doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, once your students master the basics of electricity and circuits, they will want to start adding circuits to everything. To get started, one of the most simple circuit projects you can make is our Glow Salt Circuit . Don’t worry, we provide all the detailed instructions to ensure your project is a hit.

Build a Battery

Another great way to explore electricity science is to build a simple battery out of food. We have built Lemon Batteries , Pumpkin Batteries and even Potato Batteries . Kids love capturing the energy in our foods and using it to light up!

Build a Bridge

A bridge building challenge is a great way to challenge a class either in school, at camp or in an after school program. Kids get to let their innovation, creativity, and understanding of science and engineering go wild as they build their creations. Then test them out against other designs to see which concepts come out on top.

Rube Goldberg Machine

Building simple machines is an incredible STEM project for all ages. With a Rube Goldberg Machine you are linking simple machines into a chain reaction to achieve an end goal. The best part about a Rube Goldberg Machine project is that it challenges students to work together and apply critical thinking and problem skills as they develop their STEM literacy. Check out the Rube Goldberg Machine we built as a Leprechaun Trap .

Build a Catapult Cannon

Catapults may be fun, but as kids get older, they want bigger challenges, bigger launches and bigger fun with their learning. Enter the Catapult Cannon , a Catapult design that launches harder and farther than your regular catapults, and challenges students to apply more advanced engineering and physics concepts.

Build a Confetti Cannon or Seed Bomb Launcher

For a smaller scale challenge with mini cannons, try making this Confetti Cannon , which includes two different designs, one for little learners and one more complex design for older kids. Plus you can use a similar design concept to make a Seed Bomb Launcher for homemade Seed Bombs.

Tower Construction Challenge

A very easy STEM Project is to challenge kids to build a tower. Now you can do this with blocks or LEGO, but up the challenge by having kids build with candy , marshmallows , paper, pasta or even frozen bubbles . Add a time limit to turn this into a one minute STEM challenge.

Make a Thaumatrope

Optical illusions are always a fun experiment for kids. For a quick and easy optical illusion for kids, try building Thaumatropes . It is so easy, especially with our ideas and templates.

Build a Balloon Car

This is a STEM build that is perfect for a classroom or after school group. Build a Balloon Car that is powered by air. For younger kids, challenge them with the Make It Move STEM Challenge .

Biology Science Building Models

Turn a boring Biology lesson into a fun science class with a STEM project inspired by the human body. Build functioning models of The Lungs , The Heart or The Hand .

Science Projects and STEM Activities for the Holidays

Need something specific to celebrate the seasons or holidays? Check out all of these resources featuring the best in easy science experiments for kids with a special theme!

Spring Activities

Summer Activities

Fall Activities

Winter Activities

End of School Year

Valentine’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day

Halloween Activities

Christmas Activities

5 Days of Smart STEM Ideas for Kids

Get started in STEM with easy, engaging activities.