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Middle school students are at an exciting stage where their curiosity aligns perfectly with their burgeoning scientific skills. They are capable of posing intricate questions, employing their grasp of the scientific process to carry out experiments, and presenting their findings in compelling ways. What better venue to display these talents than a science fair?
Discover scientific inspiration with an array of engaging and educational science fair projects tailored for middle schoolers. With experimental questions and resources requiring little to no preparation across various scientific disciplines, these ideas are sure to ignite new understanding.
Genius General Science Projects
Middle school science fair projects are instrumental in reinforcing the scientific process among young learners. Aligned with NGSS for middle school, students can formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, and analyze their results. They might begin with questions such as:
- Which ingredients help gum retain its flavor for a longer time?
- What factors influence the ripening speed of bananas?
- How does adjusting a violin’s string affect its pitch?
- Why do bicycles achieve higher speeds with fully inflated tires?
- Which brand of paper towel demonstrates the highest absorbency, and why?
Focus on the Scientific Method and Guide Students Through the Project Process
Regardless of the scientific inquiry they are pursuing, the right resources can facilitate effective planning. A variety of planning materials—including timelines, guided instructions, and rubrics—enable students to utilize the scientific method in executing quality experiments, while simplifying the grading process for educators.
Science Fair Project Guide – Grades 3-8 | PRINTABLE + DIGITAL + EDITABLE
By Courtney Schermerhorn – Mommy is a Teacher
Grades: 1st-8th
Subjects: Basic Principles, General Science
Organize your science fair project from the outset with a resource that guides students through each stage. This includes instructional sheets, suggested timelines, parent communication letters, project proposals, and evaluation rubrics, providing everything necessary to execute a successful project.
Science Fair Project with Project-Based Learning Ideas and Science Experiments
By HappyEdugator
Grades: 5th-7th
Subjects: General Science, Physical Science
Standards: CCSS SL.5.4, 5.5
Utilize a supportive science project resource that aligns with CCSS for speaking and listening to engage middle schoolers about the upcoming science fair. It includes 100 project ideas, instructions for data graphing and recording, guidance on creating a display board, and additional materials to reinforce the scientific method.
Complete Guide to Science Fair Projects Digital Editable Science Fair Rubric
By Beakers and Ink
Grades: 6th-8th
Subjects: General Science
Where should you begin when organizing a science fair project? Use a guide that encompasses 40 project ideas and a structured five-part framework that leads students through the scientific method while formulating and substantiating their hypotheses.
Phenomenal Physical Science Experiments
Prepare middle schoolers for high school physics with these inspiring science fair ideas. These projects emphasize energy conversion, temperature, magnetism, and engineering, making them suitable for individual efforts or collaborative projects in middle school engineering classes.
- Can waste produce energy for vehicles?
- What is the impact of temperature on a magnet’s strength?
- Which metals corrode most quickly?
- How can you design a humane and effective mousetrap?
- Which cereal contains the highest iron content?
Creative Chemistry Science Fair Projects
Chemistry projects often stand out as some of the most impressive science experiments for middle schoolers! They can test common substances, address everyday questions, and display results through simple mixtures. Consider these questions when selecting a chemistry-focused science fair project:
- Which shampoo brand is the most effective?
- Why do oil and water not mix?
- What causes onions to induce tears?
- Do sports drinks enhance athletic performance?
- What temperature effectively washes clothes without causing colors to run?
Demonstrate How Solutions Dissolve in Real-Time
Show how science reveals itself in real-time through chemistry-related science fair projects.
The Melting Snowman Science Fair Project
By Fabulous Figs
Grades: PreK-8th
Subject: General Science
It doesn’t have to be winter to witness a snowman melt! This print-and-go resource facilitates an experiment on solution dissolution, ideal for middle school science fairs and exhibitions. The package includes printable materials for creating a display board, along with editable slides available in both color and black and white.
Life-Changing Life Science Projects for Middle School
Some middle school science fair projects enhance students’ understanding of the world around them. Utilize these STEM activities focused on life science and biology to highlight critical organic processes.
- Which flowers attract the most pollinators?
- Is it safe to consume water from a pond?
- What variables influence the growth rate of mushrooms?
- How does sleep impact overall health?
- Which is more effective in eliminating bacteria: soap or hand sanitizer?
Excellent Earth Science Fair Projects
Move beyond pet rocks and model volcanoes—let’s choose junior high science fair projects that resonate more with their everyday experiences. Allow students to investigate these earth and environmental science questions to learn about the state of our planet.
- How do air and water pollution impact plant growth?
- Do higher temperatures influence evaporation rates?
- Why do some rocks have greater hardness than others?
- Are rain gardens more efficient in conserving water than traditional gardens?
- Do taller buildings withstand earthquakes more effectively than shorter ones?
Tips for Holding a Successful Science Fair
The science fair event may mark the culmination of students’ project timelines, but it is a critical phase, and ensuring its success is essential. Use these tips to facilitate a smooth science fair while challenging and inspiring middle schoolers in their scientific endeavors.
- Encourage students to delve into all aspects of their scientific inquiry, rather than merely answering the posed question.
- Teach students how to create both physical and digital science fair display boards.
- Review all experiments before students bring them to the fair.
- Encourage students to include their unsuccessful attempts in their projects, discussing what they learned from each experience.
- Ensure that all necessary resources for the fair are available, including tables, electricity, water, and other materials needed for experiments.
- Invite scientific professionals from the community, including local lab technicians and innovators from notable companies, to serve as judges at your fair.
- Consider presenting individual medals instead of designating first, second, and third places.
Judge Science Fair Projects Based on a Standardized Rubric
When organizing a science fair, every detail must be meticulously planned, including the judging criteria. Implement standardized rubrics and checklists to guarantee that student work is assessed fairly, helping to identify the true winner of the fair.
Science Fair Project Judging Form Rubric | Middle School | EDITABLE Template
By Kimberly Scott Science
Grades: 6th-8th
Subject: Basic Principles, General Science
Your middle school students have invested considerable effort into their science fair projects, and now it’s time to evaluate their work. Use an editable rubric form to align science fair rules with grading standards, encouraging students to utilize this form as a guide while completing their projects.
Showcase Stellar Work at the Science Fair
All remarkable science fair projects originate from a compelling question. When students showcase their work, they foster an inquiry-based mindset that highlights their interest, knowledge, and capability to explore their curiosity. These middle school science fair projects are an excellent starting point; if your junior high students have their own ideas, utilize additional science fair resources for middle school to guide them in the right direction.
