As kids reach the 8th grade, their exposure to science goes up a notch. Equipped with basic knowledge, they can begin to explore more complicated concepts and satisfy their curiosity for deeper answers to the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of the world. This can translate to better science fair projects, whether that’s a DIY experiment or a science kit.
Examples of common sights during 8th-grade science fairs include testing hypotheses on the effects of music on plant growth, how the concept of the center of gravity allows almost anything to balance, studies on mammal organs, and how to make batteries powered by fruits or vegetables. Here’s a breakdown of some of these science fair projects for 8th graders:
We’re taught that plants are living things–but how alive are they, really? A great way to test this is to observe how they grow under varying environments. Introduce different types of music to multiple plants and observe how their exposure to their respective genres affects their growth. Your kiddo might be surprised to see the contrast in the development between plants exposed to pop, classical, and heavy metal music, among others.
The center of gravity is an imaginary point in a body of matter that represents the average location of its weight. One of the most interesting concepts concerning the center of gravity is how it can be used to determine how almost any object can be balanced.
Your 8th grader can have fun exploring this idea by finding the center of gravity of random objects, and then recording their findings to present during the science fair. You can help them document their attempts to find the balance of different things!
One of the most effective ways to teach kids about bodies is to expose them to animal anatomy through hands-on activities like dissection. Home Science Tools offers a variety of dissection kits, from mammals to fetal pigs to frogs.
An 8th grader will enjoy exploring the anatomy of animals using these kits, and their learnings can make a great science project! For a bit more fun, they can play around with science project name suggestions related to their dissected animal of choice.
Batteries work through a chemical reaction that occurs between two pieces of metal called ‘electrodes’ and a liquid or paste called an ‘electrolyte.’ Many fruits and vegetables, such as potatoes, contain enough moisture to work similarly as an electrolyte.
To make your own battery, you’ll need some special tools and equipment, and Home Science Tools’ Veggie Power Battery Kit for Science Buddies has got you covered with the essentials–including reusable electronic components, oversized electrodes, and a quality multimeter.
Home Science Tools makes it easy for kids to conduct fun science experiments that they can present at science fairs. With easy-to-use science kits, your child can learn in the most convenient way, all while having tremendous fun! Explore the different science fair kits on our website today.