interesting science experiments for class 5

• Grades 6-12
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75 Fantastic 5th Grade Science Projects, Experiments, and Activities

For the classroom or science fair.

There’s something so fascinating about hands-on science experiments and projects. They make learning so meaningful and so much fun! These 5th grade science projects help kids explore biology, physics, chemistry, and a whole lot more. Try one at the 5th grade science fair, or use a few to liven up your lesson plans.

To make things even easier, we’ve rated every one of these 5th grade science projects based on difficulty and materials:

Difficulty:

• Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much anytime
• Medium: These take a little more setup or a longer time to complete
• Advanced: Experiments like these take a fairly big commitment of time or effort
• Basic: Simple items you probably already have around the house
• Medium: Items that you might not already have but are easy to get your hands on
• Advanced: These require specialized or more expensive supplies to complete

5th Grade Science Fair Projects

Stem challenge 5th grade science projects, 5th grade matter and energy science activities, more 5th grade science projects and activities, slime science projects.

Choosing a science fair project means finding a subject that really interests you and coming up with a unique question to answer. Use some of these 5th grade science fair project ideas to create a cool experiment all your own.

1. Stop soil erosion with plants

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Soil erosion is a serious problem that can lead to natural disasters like landslides as well as causing problems for farmers, who lose valuable topsoil. Try this experiment to learn how plants help keep soil in place naturally, and change up the variables like soil composition or types of plants.

Learn more: Soil Erosion Experiment

2. Blow square bubbles

Bubble science experiments are always a hit! In this one, kids construct a device to see if they can blow a square bubble instead of a round one.

3. Discover the delights of decomposition

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium

This is a good chance to apply the scientific method and practice your observation skills, using only basic kitchen supplies. Ask the question: “Which food will rot (decompose) the fastest?” Have students hypothesize, observe, and then report their findings. Get a printable observation sheet at the link below.

Learn more: Food Decomposition

4. Mix up some magic sand

What if you could make sand that was “afraid” of water? This 5th grade science experiment uses waterproofing spray to create you-gotta-see-it-to-believe-it hydrophobic sand.

Learn more: Hydrophobic Sand

5. Make your own bouncy balls

Students learn about polymers as they mix borax with cornstarch, glue, and water in this playful experiment. Experiment with size, shape, and ingredients to see which work best.

Learn more: DIY Bouncy Balls

6. Study water filtration

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic

See the process of water purification firsthand. Layer coffee filters, sand, and gravel in the bottom of an empty cup punched with holes. Place the cup in an empty jar, pour in dirty water, and watch what happens. Mix up the variables and you’ve got a cool 5th grade science fair project.

Learn more: Water Filtration Experiment

7. Find out if a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s

Settle an age-old debate with this 5th grade science fair project. Collect saliva from both humans and canines with cotton swabs and place each sample in labeled petri dishes. Check the bacterial colonies in each and compare the results.

Learn more: Dog’s Mouth Project at Sciencing

8. Explore basic genetics

Watch this simple video to find out more about genes and inherited traits. You can have students try re-creating this Punnett square using different but possible scenarios.

9. Design a biosphere

This project really brings out kids’ creativity and helps them understand that everything in a biosphere is really part of one big whole. You’ll be overwhelmed by what they come up with!

Learn more: Biosphere Project

10. Measure heat capacity

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Advanced

Your students will venture into the world of physics with this experiment that tests the heat capacity of water. You’ll need to find the specific heat capacity of water using a power pack, a joulemeter, an electronic balance, and a calorimeter.

11. Hypothesize about climate change

This simple and easily re-created 5th grade science experiment can be used to make inferences and record findings on the effects of climate change.

12. Study greenhouse effects

This is a great idea for a 5th grade science fair project. Study the greenhouse effect while experimenting with chemical and endothermic reactions.

13. Test the pH levels of drinks

This is a fun 5th grade science project that might also encourage your kiddo to make healthier food choices! Gather as many different types of drinks as possible and then test the pH levels of each one to determine which are the most acidic versus which are the most neutral.

14. Fix prepackaged slime

This is a fun science fair project. Test different ways to improve upon different brands of store-bought slime.

15. Test different slime recipes

Fifth graders love slime, so here’s another fun science fair idea involving it. Test out different slime recipes and record the findings.

Learn more: Slime Recipes (Guide and Printable Reflection Sheet)

A good STEM challenge can spark a terrific science fair project too. These also make terrific classroom activities for 5th grade science students.

16. Do the Egg Drop Challenge

Challenge your students to create a vessel to protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a high height. Students will learn about energy and momentum as they experiment with different ways to buffer the collision of the egg with earth.

Learn more: Egg Drop Challenge Ideas

17. Levitate an eyeball

This is a fun 5th grade science project to do during the month of October or even on Halloween. Draw an eye on a Ping-Pong ball and then use a hair dryer to keep it afloat. It’s a great lesson on air pressure.

18. Create a self-powered boat

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

This elastic-powered boat will amaze your 5th graders. You only need a few basic materials to make it.

19. Make a pyramid catapult

Help ignite a love of engineering with this simple project. Take 2D triangles to the next level by building this catapult.

20. Make a mini robot bug

This project is a great introduction to building a simple circuit. Once students know the basics, they can experiment with making other robots out of household materials plus a few extras like an LED, batteries, wires, and a vibrating motor.

21. Play a balancing game

Use Popsicle sticks and wooden dowels perched atop paper cups to balance a cup of water. It’s all about each stick supporting another in this game of equilibrium.

22. Assemble an automatic water fountain

Water fountains were around long before humans harnessed the power of electricity to make pumps. Learn how they worked with this STEM challenge science project for 5th grade.

23. Race down a LEGO zip line

Every kid loves LEGO bricks, so incorporate them into your 5th grade science activities! Challenge kids to design and build their own zip line. You can set the parameters, like distance and slope, then let students get to work.

Learn more: LEGO Zip Line

24. Slow your roll

Ball-run challenges are always fun, but this one has a twist. Your goal is to build a run that gets the ball to the bottom taking the longest time possible! This requires kids to think about friction, slopes, and other creative features.

25. Fly clothespin airplanes

Put your 5th grade science students’ engineering skills to the test. Provide them with clothespins and wood craft sticks , and challenge them to build a realistic airplane. Bonus points if it can actually fly!

Learn more: Clothespin Airplane

26. Spin a candle-powered pinwheel

Prove that hot air rises by using candles to spin a homemade pinwheel. Then experiment to see how the number of candles affects the spinning speed. (As always, make sure kids use fire under safe conditions.)

27. Set off a chain reaction

Learn about potential and kinetic energy when you try this cool 5th grade science experiment. All you need are wood craft sticks and a bit of patience.

28. Bounce on a trampoline

Kids love bouncing on trampolines, but can they build one themselves? Find out with this totally fun STEM challenge. Plus, check out more 5th grade STEM challenges here.

Learn more: Trampoline STEM Challenge

29. Build a solar oven

Learn about the value of solar energy by building an oven that cooks food without electricity. Enjoy your tasty treats while discussing ways we can harness the energy of the sun and why alternative energy sources are important.

Learn more: Solar Oven Project (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

30. Launch your own bottle rocket

Blast off with a few supplies and a little help from the laws of motion. Encourage kids to design and decorate their rockets first and see which one can fly the highest.

Learn more: Bottle Rocket Experiment (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

31. Peer through a cardboard microscope

Microscopes can be pricey, so make your own at home! This is the kind of 5th grade science fair project that will really wow the judges.

32. Build a snack machine

Incorporate everything students learn about simple machines into one project when you challenge them to build a snack machine! Using basic supplies, they’ll need to design and construct a machine that delivers snacks from one location to another. ( Get more candy experiments here. )

Learn more: Snack Machine Challenge

33. Use rubber bands to sound out acoustics

Explore the ways that sound waves are affected by what’s around them using a simple rubber band “guitar.” (Your students will absolutely love playing with these!)

Learn more: Sound Absorption and Reflection Experiment

34. Assemble Archimedes’ screw

It’s amazing how often science looks like magic—until you understand the principles behind it. Such is the case with the simple pump known as Archimedes’ screw. It’s easy to build your own and makes for a cool 5th grade science fair project.

35. Recycle newspaper into an engineering challenge

It’s amazing how a stack of newspapers can spark such creative engineering. Challenge students to build a tower, support a book, or even build a chair using only newspaper and tape.

Learn more: Newspaper STEM Challenge

36. Construct a sturdy bridge

To design a safe bridge that meets the needs of the community, engineers must understand the capabilities and limitations of the bridge. This project is great for budding 5th grade engineers as they simulate constructing a bridge that serves its purpose and keeps community members safe.

Every 5th grade science curriculum is different, but many include some common concepts. Learn about the states of matter, matter and its interactions, and energy science with these neat 5th grade activities.

37. Model the states of matter

Create simple models to show the arrangement of molecules in solids, liquids, and gasses. Ping-Pong balls are perfect for this. ( Find more states of matter activities here. )

38. Drink root beer floats

This is our favorite way to learn about the various states of matter! Treat time becomes a learning lesson with this 5th grade science matter activity.

Learn more: Teaching Matter With Root Beer Floats

39. Fill a bubble with dry ice vapor

Discover the science of sublimation by turning dry ice from a solid directly into a gas. Then play around with surface tension as the resulting vapor fills a giant bubble. This one is so cool to see in action!

40. Discover density with hot and cold water

There are a lot of cool science experiments you can do with density. This one is very simple, involving only hot and cold water and food coloring.

Learn more: Hot and Cold Water Density Experiment

41. Whip up some magic milk

This is a very simple experiment, but it includes a lot of lessons. Fifth grade science students can learn about surface tension and chemical reactions between molecules using just a few ingredients.

Learn more: Magic Milk Experiment (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

42. Light(ning) it up indoors

Use some everyday objects to create a “lightning storm” in your classroom. Turn down the lights to give students a better view of the static electricity you’re creating.

43. Create convection currents

This easy experiment uses potassium permanganate to explore the thermal and kinetic energy that creates convection currents. Take things a step further and research how convection currents work in large bodies of water like oceans.

44. Sink or swim with soda cans

Here’s another easy density experiment. Place unopened cans of regular and diet soda into a bin of water to see which float and which sink. The differences are due to the use of sugar vs. artificial sweeteners.

Learn more: Sink or Swim Soda Can Science Experiment

45. Find out if water conducts electricity

We always tell kids to get out of the water as a storm approaches. This 5th grade science project helps explain why. (Conductivity vs. non-conductivity is one of the properties of matter too.)

Learn more: Electricity and Water Experiment

46. Blow up a balloon—without blowing

This is the classic science experiment that helps you teach the reactions between acids and bases, plus what happens when you mix different substances together. 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: Baking Soda Balloon Experiment (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

47. Play with salt and Orbeez

Orbeez water beads are fun for all ages (yes, even adults), and they can be used to learn about osmosis. Students will be amazed as the introduction of the salt causes the water to be drawn out of the Orbeez beads due to the higher osmotic pressure.

Use these hands-on science activities to spice up your lesson plans or as enrichment projects for science-loving kids to try at home.

48. Erupt a baking soda volcano

Need a 5th grade science fair project? Go with a classic: the volcano ! This one’s made from salt dough, which is easy to work with and inexpensive to make.

Learn more: Baking Soda Volcano Experiment (Guide + Printable Student Recording Sheet)

49. Peel an orange to understand plate tectonics

If students are learning earth science, use an orange to make plate tectonics easier to understand. Peel it, then reassemble it and look at the pieces as plates floating on Earth’s mantle.

Learn more: Orange Peel Plate Tectonics

50. Discover the strength of eggshells

We think of eggshells as very fragile, but their shape makes them surprisingly strong. Try this experiment to learn why arches are such a useful shape in architecture.

51. 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 students’ minds. Once they’re suitably impressed, teach them how the “trick” works by explaining the chemistry of polymers.

Learn more: Pencil Through a Bag Experiment (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

52. Explore the science of glow sticks

Glow sticks are always a big hit with kids, so they’ll have a terrific time learning about the chemical reactions that make glow sticks work.

Learn more: Glow Stick Science Experiment

53. Grow crystal snowflakes

Kids love crystal projects, and this one results in winter decorations for your classroom. Your students will learn about supersaturated solutions and crystallization. ( See more winter science activities here. )

54. Escape from quicksand

Dive deep into the science of quicksand and learn about saturation and friction along the way. You’ll create a small “quicksand” pool from cornstarch and water, then experiment to find out the best ways to escape.

55. Watch the heart beat with marshmallows

If you can get your 5th grade science class to quiet down enough for this one, they might be able to see a marshmallow jump with each beat of their hearts!

Learn more: Heartbeat Marshmallows

56. Make a foil bug walk on water

Surface tension allows water striders to dance across the surface of the water. Re-create this scientific phenomenon with little “bugs” made of aluminum foil.

Learn more: Water Strider STEM Activity

57. Find out how bile breaks down fat

Learning about the digestive system? This 5th grade science demo explores the purpose of the bile produced by the liver, which breaks down fat.

Learn more: Bile Experiment

58. Construct a homemade lava lamp

This 1970s trend is back—as a 5th grade science project! Learn about acids and bases while putting together a totally groovy lava lamp.

59. Investigate osmosis with gummy bears

Gummy bears are not only tasty, but they can also help teach your 5th graders about the concepts of osmosis and equilibrium as well as solvents and solute.

60. Replicate a sunset

With just water, milk powder, a flashlight, and a glass dish, your 5th graders will investigate why the sky appears to change colors as the sun sets.

Learn more: Sunset Sky STEM Experiment

61. Defy gravity with floating water

This one might cause a bit of a mess, but it’s only water, and it’s all in the name of your students discovering air pressure. All you’ll need is a cup, index card, water, and crossed fingers that your classroom doesn’t become a puddle!

62. Model constellations

Space delights students of all ages. The mystery and mystique is intriguing, and creating a constellation out of pipe cleaners is a fun STEM activity to explore the night sky.

Learn more: Constellations Model

63. Elephant toothpaste explosion

This experiment works through a chemical reaction that results from a catalyst (potassium iodide, aka yeast) being introduced into a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. The hydrogen peroxide is decomposed into water and oxygen and the catalyst speeds up the reaction, forcing the oxygen into the soap bubbles. The resulting effect is the substance quickly pouring up and out of the container.

Try it:  Elephant Toothpaste Experiment (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

64. Learn about air pressure

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Easy

This one is so simple but is sure to amaze your students. All you’ll need is a bowl, a glass, a paper towel, and some water.

65. Mix up some chalk paint

Difficulty Medium / Materials: Medium

You might think you’re baking at first since you’ll need water, cornstarch, food coloring, a measuring bowl, and a muffin tin. Really though, you’ll be making sidewalk paint chalk! Grab some foam brushes and head outside on a nice day to experiment with it.

Learn more: How To Make Chalk Paint (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

66. Make a spinning doll

Make a new toy while learning about magnetism and magnetic fields. Cupcake toppers would work well as the spinning object. You can purchase the ring magnets at Amazon .

67. Have a blast with Mentos and coke

Before getting started, have your students create funnels from card stock. Once you’re ready to try the experiment, you’ll want to head outside because things might get messy. Drop the Mentos into the top of a Coke bottle using the funnel, and then watch the explosion!

Learn more: Mentos and Coke Experiment (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

68. Mix an egg with some vinegar

This is a great way to safely demonstrate a chemical reaction. Simply have students drop an egg into a cup of vinegar and then wait a few days to see the progression. They’ll be amazed by the egg’s transformation into a bouncy ball of sorts!

Learn more: Egg and Vinegar Experiment (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

69. Make popcorn dance

A little baking soda, vinegar, and popcorn are perfect for a lesson on density and acid-base reactions. We love 5th grade science projects like this one that the kids can do themselves!

Learn more: Dancing Popcorn (Guide + Reflection Sheet)

70. Defy gravity

Demonstrate the chain fountain, or Mould effect, using nothing more than a cup and 50 feet of beads. When the beads are pulled out of the cup, gravity pulls them up and out of the cup like an invisible siphon.

Looking for more unique ways to make slime? Check out the recipes below.

71. Try out some butter slime

We love slime at We Are Teachers. Not only is it super fun and a hit with any 5th grade class, it also teaches about chemical reactions and molecules. Butter slime is a fun twist on an old favorite thanks to the secret ingredient: Model Magic!

72. Whip up some fluffy slime

What’s better than a slime recipe? A fluffy slime recipe!

Learn more:  How To Make Fluffy Slime (Guide + Printable Reflection Sheet)

73. Make glitter slime

This slime recipe calls for some interesting ingredients like contact lens solution and, of course, glitter! In addition to being a great sensory experience, slime teaches viscosity. Take the opportunity to introduce students to the concept of a non-Newtonian fluid.

74. Experiment with magnetic slime

Slime is obviously a favorite science experiment for kids, but the addition of iron filings really takes this up a notch. Get some magnets and let kids experiment with the magnetism.

75. Go simple

This is just so simple! Grab some cornstarch and dish soap and make the perfect slime. Use it as an opportunity to introduce the concept of states of matter.

Continue the STEM learning with these 5th Grade Math Games for Teaching Fractions, Decimals, and More .

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25 Cool Science Fair Projects for 5th Graders

Kids learn best when they are able to connect ideas and concepts through hands-on learning and it’s even better if they can do it while having fun! We’ve compiled a list of fun science experiments and science projects that are perfect for your next 5th grade science fair or anytime.

Many of these 5th grade science fair projects are easy to set up, quick to perform, and use inexpensive, readily available materials found almost anywhere. Plus, we include helpful preparation questions and a clear, easy to understand explanation of “why it works” with every tutorial.

Science Fair Project Difficulty Level and Required Materials –  Our list includes the following ratings to help you quickly and easily find the best science fair experiment or science lab activity for you.

Experiment Difficulty:

• Simple: Quick to perform experiments that can be done anytime without much advance planning 
• Moderate: Experiments that take longer to perform or take more time to prepare for or set up 
• Challenging: Higher commitment experiments requiring more preparation, longer performance time, and more effort

Materials Required:

• Simple: Requiring only a few basic items from the supply closet or items found in most homes 
• Moderate: Inexpensive, readily available materials found almost anywhere for easy purchase 
• Challenging: Needs special items that might require items to be ordered in advance or that are more expensive

Investigate Density with Floating and Sinking Soda Pop Cans

Collect your materials and investigate density in action. Be sure all your soda cans are the same shape, size and volume, and that you have a variety of different types of pop, both regular and diet. The activity takes only about 5 minutes to perform after set up and is a simple, yet effective density experiment with exciting results.

Questions: Do you think all the cans will sink or float when placed in water? Do you think they will all behave the same way? Experiment Difficulty: Moderate Materials Required: Moderate Experiment Details & Lab Kit: Floating and Sinking Soda Pop Cans 

Explore Pitch By Making a Wine Glass Sing

With only two supplies needed (a wine glass and water), this experiment is super easy and fun to perform. Kids can explore and test how the pitch and volume of sound changes by changing a few variables.

Questions: What do you think makes the wine glass sing? Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: How to Make a Wine Glass Sing 

Test the Earth’s Magnetic Field with a Needle Compass

This is a super simple experiment, is quick to perform, and only requires a few materials. Make your own compass then test magnetism, magnetic poles, and the Earth’s magnetic field.

Questions: What makes the needle function like a compass? Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: Floating Needle Compass

Investigate Atmospheric Change as you Make a Cloud Form in a Jar 

Explore the physical changes and reactions that happen as clouds form within the atmosphere with this easy to perform experiment. Watch in amazement as you watch a cloud begin to take form inside a glass jar. Includes a chart to explore the different types of clouds and where they form in the sky.

Questions: How do clouds form in the atmosphere? Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: Make a Cloud Form in a Jar

Discover Buoyancy and Test Density as the Orange Floats

Experimenting with objects to determine what will float and what will sink allows students to explore and test density while learning more about buoyancy. It’s a quick experiment that will only take a few minutes to perform with only a few needed materials.

Questions: Why does the heavier orange float? Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: Orange Float

Musical Jars Investigate Sound Waves and Pitch

Investigate and explore pitch, sound waves, and more as you make your own simple musical instrument. Easy to set up and easy to perform with glass jars, water, and a metal spoon. Food coloring is optional.

Questions: Why do the jars make different sounds? Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Moderate Experiment Details: Musical Jars 

Make Hair Stand on End with Static Electricity 

Students explore static electricity while having a great time with the science behind this experiment. Learn how to change an object’s charge and see the results in action with only a few items and an assistant with long hair.

Questions: How does static electricity make hair stand on end? Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: Hair Stand on End 

Explore How Liquid Viscosity Impacts Magnetic Attraction

Students learn about magnetic attraction, resistance, and viscosity through this simple experiment. Use a variety of different liquids to test the concept and your theory.

Questions: Does the type of liquid in a glass impact a magnet’s attraction? Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Moderate Experiment Details: How Liquid Viscosity Impacts Magnetic Attraction

Colorful Exploration of Capillary Action

Students can observe the water walking AND changing color with only a few supplies you probably already have in your kitchen. The water in this simple experiment appears to defy gravity and change colors like magic while you learn about capillary action, attraction, and cohesive forces.

Questions: Is it possible for the water to move into the empty glass? What happens to the color of the water?  Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: Color Changing Walking Water

“See Sound” When You Investigate Sound Waves

Using just a few common household materials, you can explore sound and answer the question, “Is it possible to see sound?” Students investigate the properties of sound waves and demonstrate how to see them in action with this easy, yet impressive experiment. 

Questions: Is it possible to see sound? Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: How to See Sound

Explore Convection Currents in Action

With a few drops of food coloring, cooking oil, and a candle you can explore and observe convection currents in action. In this simple yet exciting science experiment, kids explore the concepts of convection and density as they watch convection currents in motion. Adult supervision is advised since this experiment requires fire. 

Questions: Can heat cause movement? Experiment Difficulty: Moderate Materials Required: Moderate Experiment Details: Convection – How Heat Moves

Investigate Air Pressure with Ping Pong Balls

This simple, yet fascinating experiment leaves students amazed with the results. Test Bernoulli’s principle, air pressure and more when learning how it works.

Questions: Does air pressure affect stationary objects? Experiment Difficulty: Moderate Materials Required: Moderate Experiment Details: Air Pressure Impact on Ping Pong Balls

Create Your Own Balloon Rocket

This simple and fun science experiment demonstrates Newton’s Third Law of Motion while exploring Action and Reaction. Using simple materials, students learn how air movement can propel balloon like a rocket!

Questions: Does air pressure affect stationary objects? Experiment Difficulty: Moderate Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: Balloon Rocket

Blow Up a Balloon with a Simple Chemical Reaction 

Using everyday items, this impressive science experiment demonstrates how to blow up a balloon while exploring a simple chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar.

Questions: Is it possible to blow up a balloon without using your mouth? Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: Balloon Blow Up

Test Polymers with Water That Doesn’t Leak

This quick and easy science experiment tests the properties of polymers in a fun and exciting way. Using only three materials found in almost every home, students can see if they can poke holes through a full bag of water without any water leaking out. 

Questions: Is it possible to poke holes in a bag of water without it leaking? Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: Water Doesn’t Leak

Explore Density with Oil Bubbles

Although oil and water don’t mix, students can learn about density and a little bit of chemistry as they watch oil bubbles form with just a few common kitchen items.

Questions: What happens when you add salt to oil and water? Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: Oil Bubbles in Water

Test Air Pressure with An Upside Down Glass of Water

It only requires a glass, a thick piece of paper or cardstock, and water to test the strength of air pressure! But, how does air pressure make it possible to turn a full glass of water upside down without it spilling? Find out how with this impressive experiment.

Questions: What happens if you turn a full glass of water upside down? Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: Upside Down Glass of Water

Explore Density with Your Own Cartesian Bottle Diver

Test and demonstrate the properties of density and how it impacts an object’s ability to sink or float when you create a bottle diver out of everyday materials found at home. 

Questions: Is it possible to make an object sink and float in water? Experiment Difficulty: Moderate Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: Bottle Diver

Test and See Viscosity in Action

Define and investigate, and test viscosity while you predict how an object reacts in liquids with different properties. 

Questions: How does the consistency of a liquid impact how long it will take a marble to sink in a jar of liquid? Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: Viscosity of Liquids

Investigate Bernoulli’s Principle with Floating Ping Pong Balls

Enjoy learning about gravity, force, and air pressure while making ping pong balls float. This experiment allows students to test and make observations as you test and consider Bernoulli’s Principle with ping pong balls and other objects. Note: The air from the hairdryer in this experiment can get hot, so please use caution as needed.

Questions: What makes it possible for the ping pong ball to float in the air? Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: Floating Ping Pong Balls

Test and Observe Refraction As a Ruler Changes Sizes

This simple experiment is fun and exciting to demonstrate. Students explore how light travels through different mediums as well as how and why it bends and reacts in different liquids.

Questions: Why does the ruler appear to change sizes when placed in different liquids? Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Moderate Experiment Details: Ruler Changes Sizes

Explore Hydrothermal Vents and Density with an Underwater Volcano

This is a fun volcano experiment with an underwater twist. Students create an impressive visual demonstration while testing the scientific fact that hot water rises and cold water sinks. It is a simple way to explore the concept of hydrothermal vents.

Questions: What makes the bottle react like an underwater volcano? Experiment Difficulty: Moderate Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: Underwater Volcano

Keep a Paper Towel Dry Underwater and Demonstrate the Volume of Air

It might not seem possible to keep a paper towel dry underwater, but science proves that it is! This simple experiment helps students explore the volume of air and density with an impressive visual.

Questions: Is it possible to submerge a paper towel in water without it getting wet? Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: Dry Paper Towel 

Test Temporary Magnets with a Paperclip Chain

This quick and easy science experiment only takes minutes to set up and perform, but the result seems magical. Using simple science, students explore magnet transference as they demonstrate the power of temporary magnets with an impressive paperclip chain. 

Questions: What makes it possible to create a paperclip chain simply by touching them together end on end?  Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Moderate Experiment Details: Paperclip Chain 

Investigate Freezing Temperatures When You Pick Up Ice with a String

Demonstrate the power of freezing points with this quick and easy 3-minute science experiment. Students test freshwater versus saltwater as they experiment with freezing temperatures.

Questions: What makes it possible to pick up ice with only a string?  Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Moderate Experiment Details: Pick Up Ice with a String 

Make an Arrow Changes Direction with Light Refraction

Using only paper and a glass of water, science can explain how an arrow can change directions right before your eyes! This visually impressive experiment is so quick and easy to perform while students demonstrate the properties of light refraction.

Questions: Is it possible to use water and light to change the direction of an arrow?  Experiment Difficulty: Simple Materials Required: Simple Experiment Details: Light Refraction

You may also be interested in:

• Easy Science Experiments – 35 cool experiments you can easily do today
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5th Grade Science Project Ideas: Experiments, Model Building, DIYs, Challenges, And More

March 8, 2024 //  by  Sean Kivi

Hands-on experiments. They’re one of the greatest tool tips at a teacher or parent’s fingertips to ensure that their students understand new concepts. But where do you start with these? How do you know which experiments are the best for your 5th-graders, or which ones will help to promote learning in the most stimulating way? Well, look no further. This list of 65 5th-grade science projects compiles the best activities for encouraging your students’ discovery and passion for science, from biology, physics, chemistry, and more.

1. Bouncing on a trampoline

Get your kids learning while exercising! This mini trampoline experiment will help your 5th graders by challenging their construction skills and understand the basic principles of a rubber band. By adjusting their own contraption, they will discover how to make the highest bounce.

Learn More: Teach Student Savvy

2. The “magic” leakproof bag

Challenge your students to create a leakproof bag. They might think it’s magic, but you can use it to teach them all about the science of polymers. You can even develop on this by using other materials, too, like plastic bags that have a different size or thickness. Definitely one for your messier kids!

Learn More: Steve Spangler Science

3. Clothespin and popsicle stick airplanes

For this engineering activity, your student will need to create all sorts of airplanes using different household items, such as popsicle sticks and clothespins. Using different methods and construction material, they will see if their planes can actually fly! This experiment also has excellent links to STEAM, too.

Learn More: STEAMsational

4. Tornado in a Bottle

Bring the outside world inside with this fun and simple science experiment. You’ll only need a few things, like a bottle, water, and glitter, to help your students to understand the science behind natural disasters like a hurricane. You can even develop this to teach them about centripetal force as well.

Learn More: Cool Science Experiments Headquarters

5.  Float or Sink Pop Cans

Your students might already be familiar with the version of this experiment that uses eggs, so why not shake things up with soda cans instead? This experiment is a great way for your students to learn about density with different types of artificial sweeteners. You can also teach them about the dangers of too much sugar!

6. Invisible Ink

Your students will love transforming into secret agents with this amazing activity! Using baking soda as ink, they’ll turn their writing invisible. You can then reveal the message with grape juice or a heat source to teach them about paper fibers.

Learn More: ThoughtCo

7. D.I.Y. Snowflakes

All of the fun of snow, but with none of the mess and cold! This is a perfect way to teach your students about molecules and the separation of liquids in a way that they’ll find interesting. You can also use these as beautiful decorations all year round.

Learn More: Little Bins for Little Hands

8. Quicksand escape

Have you ever seen your students playing superhero games together? Well, this is your chance to turn those games into learning! This experiment scaffold kids’ learning of solid and liquid properties by learning through play. They will also discover the best ways to escape from this tricky texture!

Learn More: Education.com

9. Solar S’mores

Create a solar oven that traps the Sun’s energy in this delicious science experiment. Your students are to enjoy these tasty treats while they learn about alternative energy resources and greenhouse gases.

Learn More: Desert Chica  and   Climate Kids NASA

10. Monster Dry Ice Bubble

This experiment does require a little preparation, but it’s sure to be a hit with your students. They will explore the process of sublimation and learn about pressure as they watch the bubbles expand. As this involves dry ice, you will need to be careful with it.

Learn More: Wonder How To

11. Soil Erosion Experiment

This is a great activity to do outdoors on a nice day, as your students will find out about soil erosion and its harmful effects on the natural world. They’ll discover the importance of having vegetation cover the soil.

Learn More: Orlando Science Center

12. Newspaper STEM Challenge

Put those old newspapers to use in this innovative experiment that will foster the creative engineering skills of your kids. They will not only build up their teamwork skills but also develop their problem-solving capabilities by creating their own constructions using only paper materials. This makes it an excellent tool for introducing STEAM engineering concepts.

Learn More:  STEM Activities for Kids

13. Create a Bouncy Ball

Polymers are a hard concept for students to wrap their heads around, so you’ll want to keep the borax aside for this fun learning experiment. You’ll only need a few other spare ingredients to help create your own bouncy balls for your students. They can even play with them afterward!

Learn More:  Babble Dabble Do

14. Build a Snack Machine

Yet another delicious experiment, this one involves learning and applying everything they know about simple machines to create their own Mimi snack machine. It only requires a little basic mechanical engineering but it can be a little challenging trying to re-allocate the snacks.

Learn More:  Left Brain Craft Brain

15. Hot and Cold Density

If you’re looking for a quick science experiment, check out this rainbow density jar experiment. In less than 10 minutes, your kids will explore challenging concepts like water density, molecule science, and more. Try using food coloring for even better results!

Learn More:  STEAMsational

16. Build a Bridge

Challenge your students to re-construct their own models of famous bridges around the world to see which one is the strongest. You should encourage your students to make predictions about each bridge’s strongest design and weight limitations before testing.

Learn More:  Education

17. Testing Heat Capacity

This heat capacity experiment will answer any questions that your students have about why water takes so long to boil in comparison to oil. Your 5th-graders will also understand the different ways that liquids absorb heat and the amount of heat required to modify the object’s temperature by a certain amount (heat capacity).

Learn More: YouTube

18. Rock Candy

The tasty experiments continue with this rock candy creation. You can use it to show your kids the shape of sugar on a bigger scale. They will need your help with mixing boiling water, but they’ll definitely be able to enjoy the sweet results!

Learn More:   Steve Spangler Science

19. Sunlight vs. Artificial Light

Your students will learn about photosynthesis and the factors that can affect it in this science experiment. They will investigate whether plants grow better under natural sunlight or artificial light, as well as the plants’ general health, too.

20. Make a Compass

This excellent experiment is a great introduction to ideas about magnetism and the Earth’s magnetic field. Your students will make their own compass with a magnetized needle. Try challenging your students to compare the differences between magnetic north and geographic north.

21. Musical Glasses

Make some cross-curricular connections with this charming project. Using basic knowledge of physics, your students will create their own musical glasses of water. By studying the different types of material used, they can explore the various properties of glass with these musical masterpieces.

Learn More:  Teach Beside Me

22. Melting Ice Challenge

By adding different solids to ice cubes, your students will test what ingredients can be used to make ice melt faster. They can then record these to determine the melting time of each material. You’ll only need a few ingredients, such as salt, sugar, or baking soda.

Learn More:  Little Bins Little Hands

23. Exploring Fluorescence

This experiment will help your students to solve the mystery of “black lights” in an interesting way. It will also introduce them to the power of ultraviolet light and the electromagnetic spectrum, as well as the different ways that black light can be used.

Learn More:  Supply me

24. Flying Popsicle Sticks

Definitely one for your more active students! They’ll simply love learning about potential by weaving popsicle sticks together, then discovering kinetic energy when they throw them. You can challenge them further to see how long of a chain they can make.

Learn More:  Steve Spangler Science

25. Chalkboard Slime

Almost all 5th-graders love playing with slime, and this experiment is sure to be no different. By adding a few extra ingredients to a normal slime recipe, they’ll create their own slime that is thicker than ever before. An unmissable tool for learning about polymers.

26. Water Conductivity

This is a simple experiment, but it is certainly effective! Your 5th-graders will finally be able to understand the dangers of touching electrical sockets with wet hands. They’ll learn about conductivity and whether water really works as a conductor or not.

Learn More:  Rookie Parenting

27. Magic Marker Stick Man

Your students will think this marker stick man is magical when it comes to life! Instead, you can use this viral experiment to explain the solubility of materials and the use of adhesives.

Learn More:  Gizmodo

28. Making Lightning

A science experience that allows you to bend electricity to your will , even bring it … into the classroom? Dim the lights and bring on a foil-covered fork to find out how static electricity is created.

29. Watching the heartbeat with marshmallows

Mix this delicious treat with science to help your students learn about the circulatory system. They’ll see how the marshmallows “jump” with their heartbeats and understand even one of the hardest units on the human body.

Learn More: Growing Grade by Grade

30. Water Filtration

Demonstrate the water purification process as part of this engaging experiment. Your 5th-graders will explore ideas about water pollution and how to remedy it. You can try expanding on this by using different materials like oils and food coloring to see what happens.

31. Make Oxygen with the help of a plant

A plant’s ability to make oxygen is the main reason that we are alive today. Ene still, this is a difficult concept for students to understand. This project will help you teach how plants help us by producing oxygen. Try different plants to see which ones are best at producing the air we breathe.

Learn More: MEL Science

32. Pendulum Painting

This hands-on activity will help your students learn about important science concepts of potential and kinetic energy while making beautiful art they can be proud of.

Get painting at Jenny Rambles WordPress

33. Greenhouse Gases Experiment

Learn about how greenhouse gases affect the temperature of the planet by using baking soda and lights. You create a chemical reaction using baking soda and water to understand the effects of carbon dioxide on the atmosphere. Have fun!

Learn More: Da Vinci TV

34. Cabbage Chemistry Acid-Base Science Project

A great chemistry science fair experiment that will help your students learn about how acids, neutrals, and bases work. You will make a red cabbage acidity indicator. It’s a smelly but engaging experiment, so plug your nostrils and get to testing acidity.

35. Acid Rain Earth Science Effects

Acid rain is a big problem! It is created when we burn fuels to make electricity and has devastating effects on the areas where it falls. This project will teach Earth science principles by checking how acid rain affects chalk at different levels of acidity. Kids will love this!

36. Tooth Decay Model and Exploration

Teach your students the importance of oral health by demonstrating how tooth decay affects our teeth using our favorite body learning science experiment. You don’t need your teeth because you will use eggshells.

Learn More: Sciencing.com

37. Do Paper Clips Float?

This is a simple experiment to help your students understand surface tension. This is done with household products that you probably have lying around. You can substitute a paper clip for other items to see if they float and how surface tension affects the float-ability of objects. 

Learn More: Champak World

38. Make a Heart with Pumping Blood Model

Many people think that engineering projects are only good for earth sciences, but they work great for life sciences too. Your students will build a model of the circulatory system and test how it works in this hands-on project. 

Learn More: Exploratorium Teacher Institute

39. Electroscope Static Electricity

Built-up static electricity has given us all a shock once or again. This project aims to teach your students about how static electricity gathers and then shocks us. It can also teach about the best electrical conductors if you use various materials.

Learn More: The Kitchen Pantry Scientist

40. Apple Oxidation Experimentation

This is an engaging hands-on activity to get your students to understand the process of oxidization that takes place on objects left exposed to rain and water. We recommend using a variety of artificial sweeteners to test out how they affect the process.

Learn More: Mom Brite

41. Explore Density with a Lava Lamp

Acids and bases are a basic scientific concept and there is no better way to demonstrate them than with a groovy homemade lava lamp. Here you can also demonstrate the density of different liquids.

Learn More: OSC

42. Convection Currents in a Glass

By using water of different temperatures, students can observe convection currents when they drop food coloring in. This can be tied to ocean currents or currents in any large bodies of water.

Learn More: The Homeschool Scientist

43. Biospheres

Students must create one or several biospheres, each enclosed to show how they are all different. They must explain how the parts of each biosphere are interconnected and how it would be affected if one is removed.

Learn More: Laney-Lee

44. Discover Genetics

Students must collect basic information about their family’s characteristics on a gene table. This table must then be interpreted in a family tree to show how some traits can be inherited.

Learn More: Science Buddies

45. Digestive demonstration

With simple kitchen items, students can observe how bile from the liver breaks down fat in the digestive tract. Biological science is a fascinating world the students love exploring.

Learn More: Simple Southern

46. Archimedes’ Screw

This ancient invention is something students can make themselves, showing how a simple invention can change lives.

Learn More: Steps Engineers Ireland

47. Bottle Rocket Competition

Bottle rockets are an exhilarating way for students to explore aerodynamics and the laws of motion. They can change many aspects of their rockets to see who can fly higher or stay in the air longer.

Learn More: Teaching Engineering

48. Catapult Launches

Students can build their own catapults from popsicle sticks and try and catch the launches or aim them at a target. They must make conclusions about how shorter or longer arms on their design will change the outcomes.

49. Candle Carousel

This experiment lets your students prove that hot air rises! Start by having them follow the instructions to make cuts on an aluminum plate and then let them decorate it with colored markers before attaching a metal nut and straw. Once it’s set up, they can then add candles underneath and they’ll see the pinwheel at the top turning. More candles will also make it spin faster!

50. Water Balloon Density

Fill balloons with various liquids and have students predict which ones will float. They must explore the properties of each liquid that helps them to come to their conclusion.

Learn More: 123 Homeschool 4 Me

51. Self-Watering Plant

One hands-on way to teach your students about plant physiology is by having them create a self-watering plant system. While discovering how to create an efficient irrigation system, they’ll get to learn how plants absorb water through their roots and stems via capillary action.

52. Bottle Terrarium

Imagine a miniature world within a bottle! That’s exactly what your students get to build when creating a plant-based microcosm! It’s an exercise in understanding ecosystems, the water cycle, and photosynthesis. As they craft a terrarium in a bottle, they’ll observe firsthand how environmental changes impact these systems.

Learn More: Soul Flower

53. Homemade Battery

Electricity is fundamental to our world, but how is it generated? Your students can unravel this mystery by creating a homemade battery using everyday objects like lemons and pennies. Through this project, they’ll learn about core concepts such as current, voltage, and electrochemical reactions.

54. Dancing Rice Experiment

This fun and intriguing experiment demonstrates gas behaviors. To get their rice grains dancing, they’ll need to add vinegar to a mix of water, baking soda, and rice. What a nifty way to discover more about states of matter and gas production!

Learn More: Mott Children

55. Egg Drop Challenge

This isn’t just a fun science project- it’s a crash course in physics! Your students will need to construct a protective device to prevent an egg from cracking when dropped from a height. To do so they’ll need to think critically about concepts like gravity and force.

Learn More: Sciencing

56. Making a Sundial

Step back in time as your students take a crack at this project! As they craft a sundial, one of the earliest tools for telling time, they’ll learn about Earth’s rotation and how it affects our understanding of time.

Learn More: KDVR

57. Crystal Growing Experiment

What’s more fascinating than watching crystals grow? Your students are sure to love taking this project on! If they do, they’ll transform into little geologists and learn more about how geological processes result in amazing structures.

58. Homemade Rain Gauge

Who knew you could measure rainfall with a DIY tool? Students can build their own rain gauge and gain insights into the water cycle, precipitation, and the significance of data accuracy in science.

Learn More: Spectrum News

59. Sound Wave Experiment

Have your students explore the fascinating world of sound waves using just a spoon and a string. In conducting this experiment, they’ll dive into learning about how vibrations create sound and how sound travels differently through various mediums.

Learn More: KC Edventures

60. Invisible Extinguisher

Fire and oxygen – a relationship your students will explore by putting a candle out without blowing on it. As they pose various hypotheses, they’ll discover the role oxygen plays in combustion and observe what happens when fire is deprived of it.

61. Growing Mold Experiment

A slightly ‘yucky’, but fascinating experiment is to get your students to grow mold on different food items! This will provide them with insights into decomposition, microbial growth, and the importance of proper food storage.

62. Salt Water Desalination

This experiment prompts your pupils to consider how they could solve the world’s water crisis. As they take on a desalination experiment, they’ll develop an understanding of the processes of evaporation, condensation, and the water cycle.

Learn More: Teach Beside Me

63. DIY Barometer

Bring the weather station into your classroom with a DIY barometer! This science project will help students understand atmospheric pressure and how it’s used for weather predictions. All they’ll need to get started is a glass jar, rubber band, doctor’s glove, tape, markers, paper, and a straw. 

Learn More: Housing A Forest

64. DIY Wind Vane

Learning about wind direction becomes an art project when your students create their own! This fun project combines weather patterns, creativity, and problem-solving.

Learn More: Generation Genius

65. Paper Chromatography

Using paper chromatography, your students will break down black ink into its component colors. This project allows them to develop an understanding of solubility and intermolecular forces. 

Learn More: Rainy Day Mum

Science and STEM learning is best when it’s hands-on, and each of these experiments is a great example of this. Don’t forget to encourage your students to complete a write-up activity before and after each one to really push their scientific understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good science project for a 5th grader.

A good science project should introduce students to new concepts, but with hands-on and exciting experiments. Take a look at the list above for the most exciting.

What are some easy experiments?

Each of the experiments that we have listed above requires very little setup and is easy to do in the classroom or at home. Plus, they all have proven results that will get your students interested in learning science, too!

Science Experiments for 5th Graders

5th Grade is a fantastic age to do science. The kids are old enough to start doing some projects independently and they have an insatiable curiosity and passion for learning. Especially when it is hands on experiments with great wow factor! These science experiments for 5th graders will inspire curiosity, spark a passion for learning, and excite young scientists. If you are working on lesson plans for your grade 5 students (or 5th year), here are some of our top picks!

The Best Science Experiments for 5th Graders

Table of Contents

Although the topics covered in 5th grade vary based on where you are in the world, there are some consistent themes that are commonly covered at this age. We’ve looked into syllabuses from all over and came up with this list of topics that appear most often. These themes include lesson plans around:

• Earth and Space
• Lifecycles (plants and animals)
• The human body
• Electricity
• Chemistry (such as crystallization)
• States of Matter

Scientific Method

Phew! That’s a lot! But trust me, it can also be fun! Plus this is based on reviewing school curriculums all around the world. You don’t need to tackle all of these subjects. Or maybe you do if you have a passionate young scientist!

Based on this list of topics I have gathered up some of our favourite science experiments (and STEM projects) that are perfect for adding to your 5th grade science lessons.

5th Grade Science Project Ideas

Oobleck states of matter exploration.

Oobleck is always a hit with kids! We have done a lot of different Oobleck experiments over the years. One of our favourites was a science fair style investigation which also worked on the sense of touch (learning about the body), as we explored different recipes and evaluated how the texture varied with each recipe. But that is just one of many awesome Oobleck ideas we have done. Check them out!

Growing Crystals (Chemistry)

Growing crystals is a great way to introduce students to lab work and chemistry. Usually before this age they have already played around with the basic baking soda and vinegar type reactions , but if they haven’t definitely add those into the mix too. For crystals growing there are lots of different ways to grow crystals. Some use borax which is not available in some countries, but we also have crystal growing options using other solutions such as alum, salt or sugar! With sugar crystals (candy science), you can also explore taste, which ties into the human body studies too.

Building a Heart Model

Learning about the human body is fascinating and important. We want kids to understand their bodies, how they work, and how to properly care for their bodies. One of our favourite body learning activities was building a heart model that we made beat and move “blood” around. It was a great project for 5th years!

Windmill (STEM Project)

I love when I can combine a great science project with a fantastic book. If you decide to try a windmill engineering challenge (a brilliant STEM Project for 5th grade) there is a fantastic book called The Book Who Harnessed the Wind. This unit study is fantastic because it brings together literacy/reading, history (it’s a true story) plus engineering and physics lessons. The book is a great read with multiple levels of difficulty available.

Elephant Toothpaste

Elephant Toothpaste is a great science experiment for grade 5 that explores chemistry, biology, and states of matter. Plus it is a lot of fun for students!

Space Projects

Space is a fantastic topic to tackle with 5th graders! They love learning about the stars, planets and and our place in the universe. We have been obsessed with our space studies for many years and have compiled a great resource with tons of space related science experiments , all perfect for 5th grade! My personal favourite is the pipe cleaner constellations and the space inspired bath bombs!

Coding Challenges

Coding is the second language of today and the future and something all kids should explore and learn. It can be intimidating to teach coding if it is not something you are familiar with, but thankfully there are a lot of programs and options out there to help kids learn coding. We have a number of screen free options, plus there are programs, toys and more all designed to make learning coding fun and easy!

Circuit Building

Light it up! Kids in grade 5 are the perfect age to build circuits and learn how electricity works. From salt circuits, to circuits built with food, to circuit bugs, there are so many cool options for you to explore.

Wingardium Leviosar

Magnets are fascinating for kids and a great tool for doing some simple science experiments. One of our favourite science experiments we did in grade 5 tied into the Harry Potter books, Wingardium Leviosar Magnetism Experiment . Making this another fun cross subject activity!

Water Science

Water is an incredible tool for doing science experiments with liquids in 5th grade. You can use it to study states of matter, physics, chemistry, and more. It is readily accessible, safe for kids and the experiments are a ton of fun! We have done lots of experimenting with water science over the years. Check out our comprehensive resource on Water Science Projects for the perfect experiment for your studies.

Make It Move

Make it Move is a fantastic classroom challenge, where kids need to innovate and come up with ways to make their car race across a track or table without pushing it! Give them a variety of supplies and a matchbox car, then watch those imaginations go wild.

Balloon Races

A wonderful activity for introducing physics concepts to kids in 5th year is balloon races . It gets them up and moving and having a blast exploring these fundamental concepts around Newton’s Laws of Motion. Budget friendly, fun and perfect for home or the classroom, this is one activity you must do!

Layers of the Earth Soap

Learning about the layers of the Earth with this soap making project is a great way to explore our gorgeous planet. Plus, every time the kids wash their hands they will remember the lessons on the planet layers, helping to reinforce those concepts.

Climate Change and the Greenhouse Effect

Students will gain a greater understanding of the water cycle, climate change and the way greenhouse gases capture and hold heat in this experiment in a jar . Fantastic as an experiment, science fair project, or a classroom demonstration.

Lifecycle Activities

Learning about lifecycles is a very popular topic for our 5th grade students. We have a fun Lifecycle Decoding Activity that is perfect for some screen free learning. Plus it combines coding skills with learning about lifecycles.

Rain Clouds

Looking for a gorgeous, simple, and fairly quick experiment? Try this Rainbow Rain Clouds experiment and learn how clouds work when it rains. It’s easy, fast and kids can do this experiment independently.

One of the key concepts kids should be learning not just in grade 5 but throughout their schooling is the Scientific Method . Using the method should become natural and easy with practice and encourages critical thinking and analysis which is important for all students to master.

The Science Fair

Grade 5 is a very popular grade for science fair projects! We LOVE doing science fair projects and have so many ideas. Check out our comprehensive resource to find the perfect science fair project idea. We also provide tips on how to prepare, what to expect, and topic ideas.

Grade 5 is a wonderful year for science experiments and hands on learning. Enjoy these top picks for Science Experiments for 5th Graders.

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80 Science Fair Projects for 5th Graders

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5th Grade Science Fair Project FAQ

What are some easy 5th grade science fair projects.

Any one of these easy 5th grade science fair projects will teach you important scientific concepts and help you have fun while learning. An easy science fair project is a great way to introduce the wonders of science to 5th graders!

Storing Bread Safely

Windy Wonders: Plant Growth

Dancing Spaghetti

Colorful Temperature

Collecting Micrometeorites

Can Fish Tell Time?

Levitating Train

The Painted Lady Butterfly

Staining Teeth with Beverages

Breakfast and School Performance

Science fair project details right above the FAQ!

What is the best 5th grade science project ever?

We absolutely love the Uncovering Fall Colors science fair project for 5th graders. This project uses chromatography to separate the colors in leaves and helps students discover the hidden colors inside them. It's a great way to learn how to use a common experiment used in chemistry to separate substances. If it's not fall or you can't find different colored leaves, you can always use flower petals of different colors instead.

If you're looking for more 5th grade science projects, check out the 5th grade science fair projects at the top of this page! 

Check out more Best Science Fair Projects →

What are some cool 5th grade science fair projects?

Get ready to be amazed by these super cool 5th grade science projects for 5th graders! With just a few simple things, introduce students to the wonders of science and have tons of fun!

Growing Mold

Is Yeast Alive?

Can You Taste With a Plugged Nose?

Electrifying Lemon Battery

Making Oobleck: Liquid or Solid?

Egg Drop Project

Colors of Skittles Experiment

Cloud in a Bottle

What are 5 testable questions for 5th grade?

A testable question is a question that we can answer through a science experiment. To do this, we do a control science experiment, then we change one thing in the experiment to see how it affects what happens. This is how we can discover the answer to our question!

What makes a cloud form?

Can drink and food taste different just by changing its color?

Does the color of light affect photosynthesis?

Does temperature affect seed sprouting?

What makes popcorn pop?

Here are more testable questions along with their science projects →

What are the top 10 science projects for 5th grade?

These are our top 10 5th grade science projects, with projects from Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These projects can be used as science fair project ideas or as a fun experiment to explore different areas of science!

Uncovering Fall Colors

How Temperature Affects Taste

The Doppler Effect

Science project details right above the FAQ!

Can I do a 5th grade science fair project in a day?

Yes! Quick experiments can be a great option for a science fair project! If you want to explore quick reactions, we have science project ideas on various topics to get you started.

Acid-base reactions: Mixing acids with bases quickly makes carbon dioxide gas!

Make a rocket fly sky high with just baking soda and vinegar! Rocket Film Canisters

Learn how to make your own acid/base indicator using red cabbage and use it to test different fluids! Make Your Own PH Indicator

Chromatography reactions: Separate out colors!

Did you know that some Skittles have a secret rainbow hiding inside them? Colors of Skittles Experiment

Have you ever wondered why leaves change color in the fall? Let's find out by using chromatography to separate the colors of a green leaf! Uncovering Fall Colors

Heat reactions: Heat speeds things up!

Do you want to find out which color candle burns the fastest? Which Candle Burns the Fastest?

Ever wondered if a balloon filled with water can withstand fire? Fire-Resistant Balloons

What are some hands-on ways to find inspiration for my science fair project?

There may be free admission days or free passes to a science museum near you! Check your local library for free museum passes, nearby science museums for free entrance days and your credit card for offers.

Find a science museum near you and prepare to be awed by all that you can learn there! I always learn something new and am inspired whenever I go to a science museum!

How do I start a science fair project?

What should I do after I have a science fair project idea?

How do I make a science fair board?

What is the scientific method?

What is the engineering design process?

Where can I find a science fair competition?

The www Virtual Library: Science Fairs website also has a collection of science fairs from all over the world, as well as national, state, regional, local, and virtual competitions!

Science fair can be the highlight of your child’s 5th grade school year. We have rounded up 31 great fifth grade science fair ideas to get you started! With one previous science fair behind his or her belt, your 5th grader is now ready for a little more challenge.

In this post, we’ve assembled 31 easy science fair project ideas for 5th grade. We link each project description to its original source, where you can get more information and step-by-step instructions.

Tornado in a Bottle

In this fascinating experiment, water will create a channel as it is emptied from a bottle. A device connecting the two bottles allows the water to empty into a second bottle.

Recommended for Grade 5.

Source: www.scinado.com

Effects of Temperature on the Sublimation of Dry Ice & How Soap Reacts in the Microwave

Two projects in one! Testing how temperature affects two different solids: dry ice and soap.

Source: GlobalPost.com

Do People Have a Dominant Side of Their Brain?

These experiments will help the scientist to determine if people have a dominant hand, foot, eye or ear. A great behavioral discovery project.

Recommended for Grades 5-6.

Source: www.faculty.washington.edu

When life gives you lemons, make a battery!

Lemon Power is a fascinating experiment that you can attempt to duplicate with other fruit. Which fruit makes the best battery? Experiment and find out!

Recommended for Grades 4-5.

Source: www.kidsactivitiesblog.com

A Science Fair Project on Tooth Decay by Jennifer Elrod

Doing an experiment on tooth decay is both beneficial and interesting. It only requires a few inexpensive materials and a week’s worth of observation and record keeping. The experiment requires no work after the initial setup.

Source: www.ehow.com

Homemade Lava Lamp by Alexa Bach McElrone

This project takes about 2 hours to complete the experiment and the write-up. Kids will get to explore the relationship between oil and water in terms of density as well as hydrophilic/hydrophobic compounds.

Source: http://www.education.com

How the Amount of Light Affects Germination and Growth.

The goal of the project is to find out how different lighting conditions affect seeds germination and growth. This article will give you the step by step procedure for this project.

Source: www.scienceprojectlab.com

Growing Bacteria in Petri Dishes by Steve Spangler

A Petri dish prepared with nutrient agar (a seaweed derivative with beef nutrients) is an ideal food source for the bacteria you’ll be growing. Collect samples from around the house or classroom and record the results for the one with the most bacteria.

Source: www.stevespanglerscience.com

Bridge Project by Sarah Benton

This project explores the basic physics of bridges. The goal is that the student will develop an understanding through experimentation of which shapes are the most structurally strong, and that many factors are taken into account in engineering and building.

Source: www.education.com

Paper Airplane Science Fair Project

Create your own hypothesis about paper airplanes, then start your experiment. This article gives you all of the information you need.

Source: www.easy-science-fair-projects.net

Barometer Science Project

Make your own barometer and then use it to test weather conditions on a dry day, a rainy day, a cloudy day, etc.

Source: www.hubpages.com

How Do Antacids Work?

In this activity, learners explore the chemical reaction between water and effervescent antacid tablets. This hands-on activity models how a material can act differently when it’s nanometer-sized. Learners compare the reaction rate of an effervescent antacid tablet that is broken in half with one that is broken into many pieces.

Source: www.howtosmile.org

Gummy Bear Osmosis

Do Gummy Bears dissolve in water? In vinegar? In liquid soap? Test your hypothesis on a variety of liquids and find out.

Source: www.homeschool.com

Is Your Dog’s Mouth Cleaner than Your Mouth?

Is it a myth or fact that a dog’s mouth has less germs that a human’s mouth? Follow these simply instructions and test for yourself.

Does Mint Actually Cool Things Down? By Jennifer Penn-Chiu

Mint-flavored gum, breath fresheners, and hard candies often advertise that mint has a cooling effect, and use images of frost and ice to demonstrate this sensation. But is this sensation a result of the mint actually lowering temperatures?

Which Food Will Rot First?

This example tests the rotting of 4 different foods, but your scientist can test as many different types of food as they can imagine.

Source: www.notimeforflashcards.com

Helmet Crash Test by Steve Spangler

Not only will your little scientist gain a better appreciation for using a helmet, she can also learn more about the science behind it. Try testing different size melons and different height drops.

Source: www.parenting.com

Can Magnets Affect the Growth Process of Radish?

In this experiment, your scientist will determine whether magnets make radish plants grow faster or slower.

Source: www.buzzle.com

Playground Teeter-Totter

The goal of this project is to create a compound machine using pulleys and levers that would be able to lift a Barbie doll up and down by pulling a string by the player. A common problem on the playground is that you sometimes can’t find another person to go on the teeter totter with you.

Recommended for Grades 4-6.

Source: www.projects.juliantrubin.com

Growing a “Mold Garden”

The goal of this project is to grow different mold species on different kind of substrates to find out if the same bread mold species will grow on all of them. Do all mold species have the same taste and preferences?!

Recommended for Grades 4-5

Source; www.scienceprojectlab.com

Making a Simple Sundial and Testing Its Accuracy

Learn how to make a sundial and then test its accuracy with a series of experiments.

Recommended for Grades 4-6

Source: www.explorable.com

A Pint Pot Planet

This experiment will demonstrate the water cycle and test different hypotheses on rainfall and the water cycle.

Source: www.raisingsparks.com

Build and Test a Paper Bridge

This project helps you discover how to create a strong bridge using just paper. Instructions also offer some additional parameters to add into the experiment.

Recommended for grades 4-5

Source: www.teacherstryscience.org

Paper Airplane Experiment

Experiment to find the best design for a paper airplane

Source: ScienceFairMath

Use the Energy in a Peanut to Heat Water

Just about everything has potential energy stored in it. The problem is releasing that energy to be able to do some work.

A tiny peanut contains stored chemical energy. When we eat them, the stored energy is converted by our bodies so we can do work. We can also use the energy in a peanut to heat a container of water.

Recommended for grades 4-6

Source: www.energyquest.ca.gov

Oil Spill Experiment

This experiment will demonstrate the detrimental effects of oil spills to marine life

Make Your Own Microscope with Water

Make a simple microscope using water and take a closer look at the world around you.

The lens you create with water works like a microscope or magnifying glass, allowing you to see objects in much greater detail than if you were just looking with the naked eye.

Source:  www.sciencekids.co.nz

How Does the pH of the Soil Affect the Type of Plants?

Plants’ survival can be based on the pH of the soil. This experiment lets you test soil pH based on the type of plants that live there.

Source: www.livescience.com

Surface Tension Experiment

Surface tension is one of water’s most important properties. It is the reason that water collects in drops, but it is also why water can travel up a plant stem, or get to your cells through the smallest blood vessels. You can experiment with surface tension using just a few household items.

Source: www.hometrainingtools.com

50 5th Grade Science Projects for the Classroom or Science Fair

There’s something so fascinating about hands-on science experiments and projects. They make learning so meaningful and so much fun! These 5th grade science projects help kids explore biology, physics, chemistry, and a whole lot more. Try one at the 5th grade science fair, or use a few to liven up your lesson plans.

To make things even easier, we’ve rated every one of these 5th grade science projects based on difficulty and materials:

Difficulty:

• Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much anytime
• Medium: These take a little more setup or a longer time to complete
• Advanced: Experiments like these take a fairly big commitment of time or effort
• Basic: Simple items you probably already have around the house
• Medium: Items that you might not already have but are easy to get your hands on
• Advanced: These require specialized or more expensive supplies to complete

5th Grade Science Fair Projects

Choosing a science fair project means finding a subject that really interests you and coming up with a unique question to answer. Use some of these 5th grade science fair project ideas to create a cool experiment all your own.

Stop soil erosion with plants

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Soil erosion is a serious problem that can lead to natural disasters like landslides as well as causing problems for farmers, who lose valuable topsoil. Try this experiment to learn how plants help keep soil in place naturally, and change up the variables like soil composition or types of plants.

Learn more: Soil Erosion Experiment at Life Is a Garden

Blow square bubbles

Bubble science experiments are always a hit! In this one, kids construct a device to see if they can blow a square bubble instead of a round one.

Discover the delights of decomposition

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium

This is a good chance to apply the scientific method and practice your observation skills, using only basic kitchen supplies. Ask the question: “Which food will rot (decompose) the fastest?” Have students hypothesize, observe, and then report their findings. Get a printable observation sheet at the link below.

Learn more: Food Decomposition at No Time for Flash Cards

Mix up some magic sand

What if you could make sand that was “afraid” of water? This 5th grade science experiment uses waterproofing spray to create you-gotta-see-it-to-believe-it hydrophobic sand.

Learn more: Hydrophobic Sand at Teaching Mama

Make your own bouncy balls

Students learn about polymers as they mix borax with cornstarch, glue, and water in this playful experiment. Experiment with size, shape, and ingredients to see which work best.

Learn more: DIY Bouncy Balls at Babble Dabble Do

Study water filtration

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic

See the process of water purification firsthand. Layer coffee filters, sand, and gravel in the bottom of an empty cup punched with holes. Place the cup in an empty jar, pour in dirty water, and watch what happens. Mix up the variables, and you’ve got a cool 5th grade science fair project.

Learn more: Water Purification at Teach Beside Me

Find out if a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s

Settle an age-old debate with this 5th grade science fair project. Collect saliva from both humans and canines with cotton swabs and place each sample in labeled petri dishes. Check the bacterial colonies in each and compare the results.

Learn more: Dog’s Mouth Project at Sciencing

Explore basic genetics

Send your students on a quest to find out more about their genes and inherited traits. The link below includes a printable chart they can use to learn about recessive and dominant genes.

Learn more: Inherited Traits at Education.com

Design a biosphere

This project really brings out kids’ creativity and helps them understand that everything in a biosphere is really part of one big whole. You’ll be overwhelmed by what they come up with!

Learn more: Biosphere Project at Laney Lee

Measure heat capacity of different liquids

Your students will venture into the world of chemistry with this experiment that tests the heat capacity of different liquids, such as salt water, olive oil, and liquid soap, using a hot plate . They’ll incorporate math into their experiment when they plot their results!

Learn more: Heat Capacity at Education.com

STEM Challenge 5th Grade Science Projects

A good STEM challenge can spark a terrific science fair project too. These also make terrific classroom activities for 5th grade science students.

Assemble an automatic water fountain

Water fountains were around long before humans harnessed the power of electricity to make pumps. Learn how they worked with this STEM challenge science project for 5th grade.

Race down a LEGO zip line

Every kid loves LEGO bricks, so incorporate them into your 5th grade science activities! Challenge kids to design and build their own zip line. You can set the parameters, like distance and slope, then let students get to work.

Learn more: Zipline at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Slow your roll

Ball-run challenges are always fun, but this one has a twist. Your goal is to build a run that gets the ball to the bottom taking the longest time possible! This requires kids to think about friction, slopes, and other creative features.

Fly clothespin airplanes

Put your 5th grade science students’ engineering skills to the test. Provide them with clothespins and wood craft sticks , and challenge them to build a realistic airplane. Bonus points if it can actually fly!

Learn more: Clothespin Airplane at STEAMsational

Spin a candle-powered pinwheel

Prove that hot air rises by using candles to spin a homemade pinwheel. Then experiment to see how the number of candles affects the spinning speed. (As always, make sure kids use fire under safe conditions.)

Set off a chain reaction

Learn about potential and kinetic energy when you try this cool 5th grade science experiment. All you need are wood craft sticks and a bit of patience.

Bounce on a trampoline

Kids love bouncing on trampolines, but can they build one themselves? Find out with this totally fun STEM challenge. Plus, check out more 5th grade STEM challenges here.

Learn more: Trampoline STEM Challenge at Student Savvy

Build a solar oven

Learn about the value of solar energy by building an oven that cooks food without electricity. Enjoy your tasty treats while discussing ways we can harness the energy of the sun and why alternative energy sources are important. ( Love edible science projects? Get more ideas here. )

Learn more: DIY Solar Oven S’mores at Desert Chica

Launch your own bottle rocket

Blast off with a few supplies and a little help from the laws of motion. Encourage kids to design and decorate their rockets first and see which one can fly the highest!

Learn more: Bottle Rocket at Science Sparks

Peer through a cardboard microscope

Microscopes can be pricey, so make your own at home! This is the kind of 5th grade science fair project that will really wow the judges.

Build a snack machine

Incorporate everything students learn about simple machines into one project when you challenge them to build a snack machine! Using basic supplies, they’ll need to design and construct a machine that delivers snacks from one location to another. ( Get more candy experiments here. )

Learn more: Snack Machine Challenge at Left Brain Craft Brain

Use rubber bands to sound out acoustics

Explore the ways that sound waves are affected by what’s around them using a simple rubber band “guitar.” (Your students will absolutely love playing with these!)

Learn more: Rubber Band Guitar at Science Sparks

Assemble Archimedes’ screw

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

It’s amazing how often science looks like magic—until you understand the principles behind it. Such is the case with the simple pump known as Archimedes’ screw. It’s easy to build your own and makes for a cool 5th grade science fair project.

Recycle newspaper into an engineering challenge

It’s amazing how a stack of newspapers can spark such creative engineering. Challenge students to build a tower, support a book, or even build a chair using only newspaper and tape.

Learn more: Newspaper Tower at STEM Activities for Kids

Construct a sturdy bridge

To design a safe bridge that meets the needs of the community, engineers must understand the capabilities and limitations of the bridge. This project is great for budding 5th grade engineers as they simulate constructing a bridge that serves its purpose and keeps community members safe.

5th Grade Matter and Energy Science Activities

Every 5th grade science curriculum is different, but many include some common concepts. Learn about the states of matter, matter and its interactions, and energy science with these neat 5th grade activities.

Model the states of matter

Create simple models to show the arrangement of molecules in solids, liquids, and gasses. Ping-Pong balls are perfect for this. ( Find more states of matter activities here. )

Drink root beer floats

This is our favorite way to learn about the various states of matter! Treat time becomes a learning lesson with this 5th grade science matter activity.

Learn more: Teaching Matter With Root Beer Floats at Learning Lab Resources

Fill a bubble with dry ice vapor

Discover the science of sublimation by turning dry ice from a solid directly into a gas. Then play around with surface tension as the resulting vapor fills a giant bubble. This one is so cool to see in action!

Discover density with hot and cold water

There are a lot of cool science experiments you can do with density. This one is extremely simple, involving only hot and cold water and food coloring.

Learn more: Hot and Cold Water Density at STEAMsational

Learn to layer liquids

This density demo is a little more complicated than other science projects, but the effects are spectacular. Slowly layer liquids like honey, dish soap, water, and rubbing alcohol in a glass. Your 5th grade science students will be amazed when the liquids float one on top of the other like magic (except it is really science).

Learn more: Liquid Density at Wonder How To

Light(ning) it up indoors

On a cool, low-humidity day, use a foil-covered fork and a balloon to create a “lightning storm” in your classroom. Turn down the lights to give students a better view of the static electricity you’re creating.

Learn more: Indoor Lightning at Education.com

Create convection currents

This easy experiment uses hot and cold liquids and some food coloring to explore the thermal and kinetic energy that creates convection currents. Take things a step further and research how convection currents work in large bodies of water, like oceans.

Learn more: Heat Convection at Education.com

Sink or swim with soda cans

Here’s another easy density experiment. Place unopened cans of regular and diet soda into a bin of water to see which float and which sink. The differences are due to the use of sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Learn more: Sink or Swim at Cool Science Experiments HQ

Find out if water conducts electricity

We always tell kids to get out of the water as a storm approaches. This 5th grade science project helps explain why. (Conductivity vs. non-conductivity is one of the properties of matter too.)

Learn more: Electricity and Water at Rookie Parenting

Blow up a balloon—without blowing

This is the classic science experiment that helps you teach the reactions between acids and bases, plus what happens when you mix different substances together. 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 Reaction at All for the Boys

More 5th Grade Science Projects and Activities

Use these hands-on science activities to spice up your lesson plans or as enrichment projects for science-loving kids to try at home.

Erupt a salt dough volcano

Need a 5th grade science fair project? Go with a classic: the volcano ! This one’s made from salt dough, which is easy to work with and inexpensive to make.

Learn more: Salt Dough Volcano at Teach Beside Me

Peel an orange to understand plate tectonics

If students are learning earth science, use an orange to make plate tectonics easier to understand. Peel it, then reassemble it and look at the pieces as plates floating on the Earth’s mantle.

Learn more: Orange Tectonics at Science Sparks

Discover the strength of eggshells

We think of eggshells as very fragile, but their shape makes them surprisingly strong. Try this experiment to learn why arches are such a useful shape in architecture.

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 students’ minds. Once they’re suitably impressed, teach them how the “trick” works by explaining the chemistry of polymers.

Learn more: Magic Leakproof Bag at Paging Fun Mums

Explore the science of glow sticks

Glow sticks are always a big hit with kids, so they’ll have a terrific time learning about the chemical reactions that make glow sticks work.

Learn more: Glow Stick Science Experiment at A Dab of Glue Will Do

Grow crystal snowflakes

Kids love crystal projects, and this one results in winter decorations for your classroom. Your students will learn about supersaturated solutions and crystallization. ( See more winter science activities here. )

Learn more: Crystal Snowflakes at Little Bins for Little Hands

Escape from quicksand

Dive deep into the science of quicksand and learn about saturation and friction along the way. You’ll create a small “quicksand” pool from cornstarch and water, then experiment to find out the best ways to escape.

Learn more: Quicksand Experiment at Education.com

Watch the heart beat with marshmallows

If you can get your 5th grade science class to quiet down enough for this one, they might be able to see a marshmallow jump with each beat of their hearts!

Learn more: Heartbeat Marshmallows at Growing Grade by Grade

Make a foil bug walk on water

Surface tension allows water striders to dance across the surface of the water. Re-create this scientific phenomenon with little “bugs” made of aluminum foil.

Learn more: Foil Water Strider at The Homeschool Scientist

Find out how bile breaks down fat

Learning about the digestive system? This 5th grade science demo explores the purpose of the bile produced by the liver, which breaks down fat.

Learn more: Bile Experiment at Simple Southern

Construct a homemade lava lamp

This 1970s trend is back—as a 5th grade science project! Learn about acids and bases while putting together a totally groovy lava lamp.

Learn more: Homemade Lava Lamp at Education.com

Investigate osmosis with gummy bears

Gummy bears are not only tasty, but they can also help teach your 5th graders about the concepts of osmosis and equilibrium as well as solvents and solute.

Replicate a sunset

With just water, milk powder, a flashlight, and a glass dish, your 5th graders will investigate why the sky appears to change colors as the sun sets.

Learn more: Sunset Sky at Rookie Parenting

Defy gravity with floating water

This one might cause a bit of a mess, but it’s only water, and it’s all in the name of your students discovering air pressure. All you’ll need is a cup, index card, water, and crossed fingers that your classroom doesn’t become a puddle!

Model constellations

Space delights students of all ages. The mystery and mystique is intriguing, and creating a constellation out of pipe cleaners is a fun STEM activity to explore the night sky.

Learn more: Constellations Model at STEAM Powered Family

Continue the STEM learning with these 5th Grade Math Games for Teaching Fractions, Decimals, and More .

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Science Struck

5th Grade Science Fair Projects

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5. Grade Science Fair Projects provide kids with an opportunity to become more self-reliant while engaging their creativity, instilling passion for learning, and preparing them for future science classes and competitions.

Conduct an easy density experiment using regular and diet soda. Craft secret messages using baking soda and reveal them for further insight into acids and bases.

Volcanic eruptions can range from minor to violent; scientists typically classify eruptions according to what material comes out, how much of it rises into the air, and its path.

Volcanoes can be found all across Earth and its moons, as well as on other planets. Voyager 2 observed cryovolcanoes on Triton – one of Neptune’s satellites – while Cassini-Huygens detected fountains of methane erupting from Saturn’s moon Enceladus.

Students can conduct an easy experiment to gain more insight into convection currents by creating their own lava lamp project. Furthermore, students will explore density by pouring regular and diet soda into a bin of water to see which one floats or sinks.

Arches is a comprehensive platform for data management, discovery and visualization that comes without licensing fees and provides access to numerous features.

Children will love this messy yet educational experiment that explores surface tension using Mentos candy and Diet Soda. Furthermore, this engaging activity teaches them the value of carefully observing scientific results as well as providing them with knowledge of gas molecules and gravity.

Apply the scientific method to an observational project that allows students to test different food preservation methods such as boiling, baking and freezing before reporting back their results – this project is perfect for engaging fifth graders in scientific investigation!

Put your students’ engineering abilities through their paces with this straightforward catapult! It provides a quick way of demonstrating Newton’s Laws of Motion as well as the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy.

Students can conduct experiments to see how weight affects launch distance of different objects. Furthermore, they can explore various rubber band lengths and thicknesses to study how these impact the projectile trajectory.

Kids can go the extra step by creating theme catapults to shoot pom poms, candy or jingle bells! This STEM challenge provides endless fun for all ages while practicing counting and measuring!

Static Electricity

Static electricity – that familiar zap that makes your hair stand on end – results from an imbalance of positive and negative electric charges, and when left undischarged can build up and damage sensitive electronics. Electrons can build up on people while walking across carpeted floors with socks on or touching doorknobs; when neutralized it creates sparks which shock people.

Students explore pitch and sound waves through this simple yet effective physics experiment utilizing jars, water, and a balloon. Furthermore, it introduces them to the scientific method – something essential for fifth graders!

Saliva may not come to mind often, but it plays a pivotal role in maintaining good oral and digestive health. While saliva consists of approximately 98% water, its components also include proteins, minerals, electrolytes and antibacterial compounds that work to moisten food for chewing and swallowing, neutralize harmful acids to ease swallowing, kill germs that cause bad breath as well as heal wounds.

This project examines the ability of dog saliva to kill bacteria in Petri dishes. Results demonstrate that dogs’ saliva can significantly reduce bacterial growth in samples, with experimentation exploring why this occurs. This activity can teach 5th graders the science behind everyday occurrences that seem magical but are actually scientific processes; additionally it allows students to gain experience layering liquids slowly until they float to one side as part of an interactive demo on density.

Newspaper Engineering

5th graders love engaging in hands-on projects that allow them to explore their world and develop a love of learning. These hands-on science experiments for fifth grade will captivate and engage pupils while sparking curiosity while strengthening problem-solving abilities.

Utilizing household items, this easy yet impressive science experiment demonstrates the power of magnet transference. Students create paperclip chains as they demonstrate this scientific principle.

This engineering challenge simulates the challenges that real engineers encounter: limited supplies, time restrictions and other restrictions. Teams build towers from newspaper to see how well it supports weight and stands up against wind; additionally, this newspaper engineering project fosters communication and teamwork skills.

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