Seventh Grade Science Projects

July 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

It can be daunting when your 7th grader brings home that annual science project packet. On the other hand, maybe you’re trying to think of a fun and educational project to do with your favorite middle school student. There are several places you can look to try to find age appropriate and feasible science projects including the internet, your child’s teacher, even the public library. The most important thing is to use your resources to find a project you and your student can actually execute, and enjoy at the same time. 

 One of the best places to begin finding 7th grade science projects is by talking with your child’s science teacher. They can give you advice based on your what the science class is currently studying, and make sure that the project your child chooses fulfills the project requirements for the class. Their teacher might also be able to recommend a good science project book, which brings us to our next useful tool, the public library. The library is full of kid friendly science books, even books geared specifically toward science projects for any age. A great science project book might be helpful as you know you’d be using reliable information that will walk you through the experiment. 

F inally, the internet is a great resource for finding a 7th grade science project. Either by searching specifically for a type of project i.e. “7th grade science project, chemistry,” or by searching for a database full of science projects like http://www.akronlibrary.org/DBS/SFDB/Default.aspx or http://www.youth.net/nsrc/sci/sci.index.html, you’re sure to be able to find an assortment of science experiments that your child will be interested. Another great find on the internet is the free science project guide at http://www.middle-school-science-projects.com/guide.pdf

Get your science experiment for your kid today at

24 Hour Science Projects!

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Eighth Grade Science Projects

July 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

middle_school_projectFinding the right science project for your eighth grader can be a challenge if you don’t know where to look. Luckily, you probably have several useful tools at your disposal to help you find a grade appropriate science project that will interest your student. 

 One of the best strategies for finding the right science fair project for your eighth grader would be to consult with their science teacher, especially if the science project was assigned through school. By asking for some ideas from the teacher, you’ll be able to clarify all of the project guidelines and requirements, and be able to find a project that is relevant to your student’s course work. 

Another great place to find good eighth grade science projects would be your local library. At the library you’ll find lots of science project books with helpful project ideas and explanations, all of which are from a reliable source.  Additionally, if you need any help finding something suitable for your eighth grader, at a library you can always ask for the help of a librarian to point you in the right direction. 

Finally, the internet is a great way to find eighth grade science projects, but with so much information out there, you have to know where to start. You can do a general search, but it might be wise to be more specific, looking for “8th grade science projects, earth sciences” or “8th grade science projects, physics,” depending on what your student is interested in. You can also find great online guides, often for free, that are loaded with science projects, directions on what materials you’ll need and how to complete them. To get started finding a science project idea, you can try the free project guides at  http://www.middle-school-science-projects.com/guide.pdf. 

Check out 24 Hour Science Projects

for your students science experiments!

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Science Projects for Middle School

July 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

When your middle school student comes home with that annual science fair project packet, it might be overwhelming.   Sure, they are supposed to choose a project that interest them, but they often need help finding a topic, an executable project, and finding the materials they need to get it done. Luckily, the internet is full of resources that will help you find middle school science projects for every students’ interest, with all the necessary materials, and steps to get it done.  

When you find out what area of science your middle school student is most interested in, then you can begin searching for a relevant science project with more narrow results. For example, if your child wants to do a chemistry-related project that is appropriate for their age and grade level, you might search for “chemistry science fair projects, 6th grade.” If you can’t easily find a project by just using a search engine, you can also try using a science project guide or inventory online.  Some websites like http://www.youth.net/nsrc/sci/sci.index.html  or http://www.akronlibrary.org/DBS/SFDB/Default.aspx have searchable databases of science fair projects that you can narrow down by subject matter or grade level. Another good resource to try is the free middle school science project guide at http://www.middle-school-science-projects.com/guide.pdf.

Whatever your student’s interest, you’re sure to be able to find the internet a fun and educational science project.   Always remember to be safe and have fun!

Go to 24 Hour Science Projects

today and get your science experiment!

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Eighth Grade Science Projects on the Internet

June 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

One of the most diverse tools at your disposal when trying to find a great 8th grade science project is definitely the internet. No matter what your student’s interests, you are sure to be able to help them find a fun and education science project that will satisfy their school science project requirements. The trick is just knowing where to look. 

You can always start with a more general search for a project in your child’s area of interest. For example, “8th grade science projects, marine biology” or “8th grade science projects, earth sciences.” This route might yield some useful results, but you may be at risk of becoming overwhelmed with too many results, or too many projects that don’t suit your child’s curriculum or interests. 

If you are having difficulty narrowing down your results, or if you’d like to browse several subject areas at once, you can try searching for websites that contain large inventories of science project ideas. Very often these databases, like the ones found at http://www.akronlibrary.org/DBS/SFDB/Default.aspx or http://www.youth.net/nsrc/sci/sci.index.html, are capable of being searched by grade level or subject, and have reliable science projects that are age appropriate for your student. This might be a better strategy than finding a project idea on an independently run website that might not be trustworthy. You can also find a free online 8th grade science project guide at http://www.middle-school-science-projects.com/guide.pdf

Get your kids science experiment today at

24 Hour Science Projects!

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Sixth Grade Science Projects on the Internet

June 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The internet is an amazing resource when trying to find the perfect science project for your 6th grader. It’s important to find a project that is challenging, education, but also grade level appropriate and interesting for your student, and internet searches allow for the type of specificity that will help you find a science project that balances all of these crucial elements. 

Once you have decided what type of project your child would like to attempt, you can search for projects along with more specific search criteria like their grade level, or the subject matter. For example, “6th grade science project ideas, butterflies.” This should hopefully yield plenty of results. It’s important to narrow your results with criteria like your child’s grade level, age, or a subject matter so that you can be sure you are getting results that will be useful to you. 

If your student isn’t exactly sure what subject matter they want to do a project on, it might be wise to browse an online database of 6th grade science projects, like those found at http://www.akronlibrary.org/DBS/SFDB/Default.aspx or http://www.youth.net/nsrc/sci/sci.index.html, which you can look through by grade level or subject area. Databases like these are full of ideas and instructions, and are easier to use than just a simple general search that might bring you to an unreliable site. Another great resource for one-stop 6th grade science project ideas are the free guides found at http://www.middle-school-science-projects.com/guide.pdf. 

Get your science experiment for your kid today at

24 Hour Science Projects!

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Where to Find Science Experiments for Kids

June 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

winning-science-projectIf you know where to look, you just might have access to lots of great kids science experiment ideas in places you visit everyday.  Public libraries or school libraries often carry books geared toward children full of fun and age appropriate science projects. Be sure to look for one with good instructions and pictures to help you along. Your child’s teacher or science teacher might also be a great resource for finding a science experiment idea that is relevant to what your child’s class is studying in science at that time.

Kids of all ages are curious about how the world works, why things are the way they are, or how stuff works. By engaging their attention with a fun science experiment, you can help them understand the world around them, and have fun at the same time. Unless you’re a teacher or scientist though, it might be tricky to know what experiments are best, what materials you need, or what to look for in an experiment.  Searching for kids science experiments will yield tons of helpful results,  many of which are free like the science project guides you can find at http://www.24hourscienceprojects.com/guide.pdf. Remember to have fun by doing a project your child is interested in, and always be safe!

Get your science experiment for your kids today at

24 Hour Science Projects!

Filed Under: Choosing a Science Project Topic, Middle School Science Project Tagged With: , ,

What Makes A “Good” Science Project?

December 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment

What makes a good science project? Well, there are many answers to that question: From a philosophical standpoint, one that encourages your student to enjoy science (instead of fearing/dreading it). From an academic viewpoint, one that gets a high grade. From a parenting standpoint, one that requires minimal supervision, assistance, and hair-pulling/nagging. For this discussion, however, I am going to look at what makes a “good” science project from a SCIENTIFIC viewpoint. In other words, I am going to discuss good scientific priniciples to consider when you are approaching a scientific investigation, whether it is on the elementary, middle school, or high school level.

1. Be creative. While you may read suggestions from books, friends, the internet, etc., approach each project as a unique experience. In other words, add your own “twist” or different approach. The whole point is to be discovering NEW things, not doing the exact same project that Susie did last year. This also personalizes the project and increases interest from a student when they have added their own preferences.

2. Be a control freak. Yes, you read that correctly. When setting up your project, you want to eliminate unnecessary variables that may skew your results. Basically, you want to keep things as uniform/standard EXCEPT for the variables you are testing. For example, if you are investigating the effect of soil on plant growth, you want to ensure that the plants are getting the same amount of sunlight, equal pot size, same room temperature (if you are growing indoors), and of course equal amounts of plant food/water. In other words, you want SOIL to be the only thing that differs in your experiments. You want to be as “scientific” as possible….when measuring, use a graduated cylinder or measuring cup (and yes, use the same measuring utensil unless you are using laboratory grade glassware; household measures can vary greatly from one to another). While most students won’t be doing their science projects in a laboratory, try to mimic the standards of laboratory protocol as much as you can.  Take copious notes and include this as part of your presentation!

3. Be honest. Part of science is trial and error. Some of the best science projects that I’ve seen had unexpected results. If your results are completely opposite of your hypothesis, still report your results honestly and accurately. If you have a disaster (my dog literally ate my science project), don’t be afraid to report it with candor and do the best you can with the results you have. Fudging, white lies, and made-up results are all the same thing: lying. And completely unscientific.

 

Hope this gets your young scientist off to a GREAT start on your “good” science project, at least from the view of this scientist!

Cecilia

PS: Need some help getting your ideas flowing for that good science project? Try 24 Hour Science Projects to get you started on your scientific journey!!

Filed Under: Choosing a Science Project Topic, Elementary Science Projects, Science Project Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Science Projects, Cheap! No Bailout Required

November 25, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Lunch money, field trips, school pictures, clothes, shoes, teacher appreciation, snack day, book fair, fundraisers galore…am I the only one that feels as if the school year is an endless drain on my finances?  A proverbial syphon on my wallet?  I’m always wondering, “What next?”  And then it comes home one day in the backpack (which, now that you mention it, is getting ratty and probably needs to be replaced)….the dreaded science project.  Great.  What’s this going to run me?  Twenty dollars?  Thirty?  Gulp.  More?!?!

Years ago (before I was a mom), I worked as a technical consultant for a large chemical company that, among other things, produced chemical test kits.  Even though I didn’t have children, I knew exactly when the science project assignments were coming out.  I received calls from all over the country asking many of the same things:  “Where can I find a cheap, reliable test for lead?”  (You can’t.)   “How much is a spectrometer?”  (More than you want to spend on a science fair project.)  “Do you sell any test kits without chemicals?”  (I preferred to answer that one with silence.)  These calls came from parents of two types:  (a) those that were genuinely unaware of the cost, hazard and knowledge of such prefab kits and (b)  those that regarded money as no object as long as little Susie or Johnny could get a good grade.

Well, I’ve been called many things in my life (some of which I don’t care to repeat in an open forum).  Coupon Lady.  Junker (not to be confused with junkie). Penny Pincher.  And my favorite—-Queen of Cheap.  I decided that there has to be ways to do quality science projects and keep costs to a minimum.    So, here are some thoughts on creative ways to produce quality science projects without breaking the bank.

1.  Consider the cost BEFORE choosing a project.   Make sure you look over the list of required components.  Are you going to have to buy almost everything new?  Don’t forget to allow some money for producing the final product (if you aren’t crafty and don’t have a supply of cardstock, glue, & accesories, remember that you’ll be buying some stuff to make a project board).  If the project you want to do requires five variables that you will have to purchase at $10 each, you might want to move on to a more budget friendly idea.  Have your young scientist brainstorm on ideas that can be done using everyday household “stuff.”  Personally, I think of a new science project almost every time I do laundry or cook supper (the effect of time on stains, home remedy stain removers, water temperature, boiling points, surface area, etc.)

2.  Make it a game to see how little you can spend on the project.  Perhaps you can incorporate it into the theme  and subtitle accordingly.  For example, “Cheap Heats/Building a solar heater without spending a dime”  This is particularly great if you are doing an experiment or demonstration on something like recyling.  Let the entire assignment be a lesson on budgeting, especially if you have a child in middle school or older!  Can you do a project using only resources at home/borrowed/donated?  How about five dollars?  Ten?  Make it fun!!

3.  Know or learn where to shop.  This can be time consuming, but extremely cost-effecctive.  Many, if not all, of your materials can be found at local thrift stores.  Depending on your area, you may have a plethora of “junk” sources right in your backyard–Salvation Army, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, and many local ministries as well.   Also, yard sales are a great resource.  The typical rule of thumb for yard sale prices is 1/8 of the original sales price (so it pays to know the value of things).  Often, you can get people to donate stuff if they know it is for school.  Whether you are shopping at thrift stores or yard sales, don’t be afraid to ASK for deals and/or freebies.  Finally, the internet is a great resource for hunting out great deals.  Craigs’ List is a neat tool for finding local deals.  If a parent or someone you know is on websites such as facebook, you can put out a request…”looking for 2 yards of fabric for science fair project” or “need three different brands of sunscreen…”  You’ll be amazed at the response!

Hope this helps you create a great science project without having to sell an organ!  Happy deal hunting!

Cecilia

PS:  Want an inexpensive way to launch your budget friendly science project?  Consider 24 Hour Science Projects.  There are some excellent ideas with very easy to find (and inexpensive) components!!

Filed Under: Cheap science projects, Choosing a Science Project Topic, Middle School Science Project Tagged With: , , , , ,

I’m a nerd, but don’t hold it against me…

November 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

It’s that time of year again. Fall is in the air, leaves are on the ground. Pumpkin pies in the oven, and the kids are back in school. While for many parents the kids being in school is a sigh of relief, a calm in the midst of the storm of childhood angst, it also brings about its own set of ramifications. What to wear today? Where’s my homework? Does Billy like me? But perhaps that scariest of questions, the one many a parent has sworn was immediately followed by the Psycho soundtrack (rreeeennn, rrreeeen, rrreeeen), the Holy Grail of parent nightmares—-”Mom, I have a science project due next week. Uhmmm, what should I do?”

Now, we all know that this is immediately followed by the lecture that my dearly departed father titled, “You need to get your priorities in order…” i.e. “This assignment didn’t just pop up overnight.” However, no amount of lecturing by the parent is going to accomplish the end goal: a satisfactory project that the STUDENT can complete and actually LEARN.

So, here I am. I’m sure in this world of cyber-anomynity, I will feel free to divulge many dark secrets. Here is one of my deepest: I LOVE science. Not just a little bit. A whole lotta love. Like a bee to the flower. Moth to the flame. Nerd to the pocket protector. While my classmates in highschool all had a crush on the quarterback of the football team, I secretly thought my chemistry teacher was “IT,” in a pale skinned, balding, corduroy-pants-with-flannel-shirt sort of way. Why? Because he brought science to life. Yes, chemistry was challenging. Yet I saw so many applications to everyday life. Do you realize how often you use the concept of limiting reagents? So, I went on to college to graduate with a B.S. in Chemistry and spent many years as a bench top chemist and later as a technical consultant.

But I digress. These days my job title is mostly “Mom.” Occasionally, I get a chance to tutor in math and science. The only chemicals I’m touching these days, however, are the ones found in diaper ointment and children’s Tylenol. I miss it, though, and these fall days where school is in session remind me of my science past. As I watch the parents around me struggle with the elusive science projects, I realized that perhaps I could offer some help. A Geek’s Guide to the School System, if you will. From elementary to middle school to high school science. From someone that enjoys science and was excited to do science fair projects, let me share some ideas, concepts, insights.

Science is amazing. It is real. It is doable. Let’s jump into it together…but for tonight, that is enough. Next post: “What I would do for a science project if I knew then what I know now.”

Until then,

Cecilia

PS Need a fast and easy project for elementary school or middle school? You can have one in 24 Hours – before tomorrow’s post! Visit 24 Hour Science Projects and be finished with a GREAT science project by this time tomorrow!

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Fifth Grade Science Projects

October 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Fifth Grade Science Projects

Fifth Grade Science Projects

By the time they do their fifth grade science projects, most students will already have entered the science fair. Projects done in the lower grades may have had somewhat lenient standards, but more is expected of a fifth grader. Here’s a quick parent’s guide to helping kids in grade five to have success as they head to the fair.

1. Have them choose the right kind of project. Most of the time, you’ll have to do an experiment that follows the scientific method – also known as an investigatory project. Collections, models, and even demonstrations are usually not accepted in sometimes not accepted in elementary school science fairs.

2. Make sure your child is interested in their science project topic. If he or she likes what they are doing, they’ll learn more. And that learning will be reflected in the final project. Teachers – and science fair judges – love that!

3. Have your CHILD do the project. This should go without saying, but I get emails all the time asking for a project that has all the answers already. Teachers will recognize a plagiarized project. They’ll also know if a parent did all the work.

4. Include all required elements. Experiment logs, charts, graphs, supply lists and even photographs are often part of the judging at the science fair. Make sure that you follow the directions exactly.

5. Provide supplies for an attractive science board. Be neat. Use bright colors, attractive fonts, interesting props, and clear pictures. Think of a catchy title so you’re science project will get noticed.

5th grade science projects provide one more chance for your child to become more interested in science. It also gives one more chance to learn – before all the middle school science fair projects roll around!

Parents, get a free guide to 5th Grade Science Projects- including how to find experiments with step by step instructions – at 24 Hour Science Projects.

Filed Under: Choosing a Science Project Topic, Elementary Science Projects, Fifth Grade Science Project Tagged With: ,
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