Start your search by looking  for science projects that suit your 8th grader’s science interests. For example, if they want to do a science experiment that has to do with star gazing or space, you can search  ”8th grade science projects, astronomy” to be sure to find a project that is appropriate for their grade level.  However, you will probably need to find a more specific science project website in order to get the best results. 

There are certain websites that exist to host whole databases of science projects for kids of all ages, and can be searched by grade level or subject area. Some great science project databases include http://www.akronlibrary.org/DBS/SFDB/Default.aspx as well as http://www.youth.net/nsrc/sci/sci.index.html. These websites that are intended specifically for students searching for feasible and fun science projects will likely be more reliable and easy to use than doing a broader search, where the results might be hard to verify. Another good resource are the 8th grade project guides available for free at http://www.middle-school-science-projects.com/guide.pdf, that are designed with the usual hypothesis through results structure in mind.

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 Always start with a 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. 

You can try searching for websites that contain large inventories of science project ideas, or if you are having difficulty narrowing down your results, browse several subject areas at once. 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

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 After finding out what area of science your middle school student is most interested, 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 feasible or clear 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.

No matter what your student’s interest, you’re sure to be able to find the internet for a fun and education science project. Just remember to always be safe, and to have fun!

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Here are the five projects in the Middle School Science Project package:

• Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow – Experiment to find the effect different hair products has on hair. You can test different conditioners or different ways to color hair. Most of the supplies for this project are as close your bathroom – and the head on your head!

• “C” You Later – This project teaches you how to make an indicator, and then use it to see if the amount of Vitamin C in juice diminishes over time. There are a ton of variations for this science project, and we tell you about them in the guide. This project has already won awards at science fairs.

• Yeast – Rising to the Occasion – Find out what makes yeast grow the best. Sugar, wheat, or maybe dog food!? This easy experiment always is amazing to do – and sharing it makes it even more fun. Hint: It would make a wonderful video to go along with your science board.

• Cheap Heats – You’ll get plans on how to make a solar heater from inexpensive or free products. We actually made one version of this project for zero dollars – scavenging in our attic and recycling bin for supplies! It was loads of fun to do, and we were warmed by the results.

• The Dirt on Dirt – Dig up some soil from your yard, analyze it, then test its water carrying capacity. We loved doing this earth science project! To do it, you only need dirt, water, nylon stockings, one tin can and some jars. We learned a ton doing the research for this project – and you will too!

But you shouldn’t take our word for it. Grab your copy of Middle School Science Projects today and get started on your next science experiment.

PS You can also find out how to get five MORE science project guides – a bargain if there ever was one.

For example, we had a heck of a time getting the hair the exact length we needed it. I mean, hair is little, tiny, and hard to grasp. We figured out a way – quite by accident – to get each strand the perfect length. Our other discovery is finding out what sort of stuff is in cosmetology products. We have boys, and they don’t exactly use anything on their hair other than shampoo – and sometimes I have to remind them to use that! Anyhow, I didn’t know about peroxide and lemon juice and the difference between highlighting and stripping color. Thanks to some interviews with real cosmetologists, I’m much better informed.

Of course, we have more fun middle school projects up our sleeve. Right now my kitchen has a slight smell of sour milk and our cabinets are splattered with purple cabbage juice. I’ve got orange pulp in my fingernails, and the taste of club soda in my mouth. (I know, you’re not supposed to taste any of the experiments!)

But we’re sailing toward getting this package of products done! I can’t wait.

PS If you need a science project now, get our free Parent’s Guide to a Science Project at 24 Hour Science Projects.com!

One of the things we’re working on today is our new science project about hair. In the experiment, we’re measuring the strength of hair after it’s been treated with various types of hair products. To do this, we had to find a way to hang strands of hair. The first attempt was to simply tie a knot. That was NOT easy, and after I tried for fifteen minutes, we decided it was too impractical to think that a middle schooler would be able to do it.

So then we thought about tape. First, I used medical tape, because it’s white and you can write on it – important to keep up with the variables. But the medical tape didn’t hold the hair; it just slipped out. Regular cellophane tape wasn’t successful either. I almost gave up, but we finally found a great solution. You’ll have to get the middle school guide to find out!

Experimenting before the science experiment is an important part of our science. We’ll have all the kinks worked out of the hair project (pun intended!) when it is published. Our goal is to take the guesswork out for families, so that they have a step by step list for a cool science project that works!

PS We’re kicking around titles for our science project about hair – “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow”, “Splitting Hairs”, “Hair Conditioning”, and other less catchy attempts. Leave a comment below if you have any ideas.

With today’s increased awareness of how important it is to take care of the environment, it’s great when kids can do a science experiment with results that could change the way their own family takes care of the earth. Our toilet paper experiment (or – as the supermarket calls it – “bathroom tissue”), does just that! A Straight Flush helps kids find out which toilet tissue is the most biodegradable. The results of the experiment may influence what brand of toilet paper that home purchases.

A Straight Flush compares the weight of tissue samples before and after spending time in our ’simulated’ toilet. It requires really accurate scales, which can be expensive. We’re cheap at our house, so we opted to use the scales in the post office. (You could also ask to use the scales at a pharmacy or at a grocery store.) We still laugh at the thought of how it looked for us to traipse into the post office with samples of toilet paper.

Whatever it takes for our kids!

PS Toilet Tissue science projects are just gross enough to be great Middle School Science Projects!

Go here to read more about toilet paper and septic systems.

We’re getting ready to roll out a whole new set of science project with science fair topics that are perfect for middle school! In fact, the projects are called Middle School Science Projects. We’ll be doing some cool experiments, and one demonstration. Here are the topics we have planned:

1. How do different hair products affect the strength of hair. Girls are especially interested in doing a science project about hair. In this project, we treat hair, then test its strength.

2. Does the amount of Vitamin C in Orange juice change over time? This is a slightly more advanced version of our popular Vitamin ‘C’itrus’ project.

3. What liquid is best for growing beans. This experiment involves pH and hydroponics, and you get to make your own litmus paper.

4. What makes yeast grow best? We have another project with yeast as the science fair topic, but its a demonstration. We’re releasing this because so many of our students have asked for a science experiment about yeast.

5. This one is a demonstration/model. We’ll be building a solar heater with cans and a window frame. I plan on using it in our upstairs bathroom, which currently is unheated!

I’m very excited about these projects!! Stay tuned for more information!

PS You don’t have to wait for the new package. Get a free science project guide here.

There are a lot of advantages homeschoolers have when doing a science project – especially in the middle school years. If they want, the family can spend the entire day doing an experiment, without worrying about the bell ringing, being late to lunch, or missing PE. Reading, math, and even social studies can be centered around science. The experiment can be attended round the clock, if necessary.

Shannon’s family does a lot of science, but they’ve never entered a science fair. Since we have entered more times than we can count, Shannon asked me to give her some advice. Whether you homeschool or not, take minute and read my post Seven Steps to a Successful Science Project. You’ll find advice that will help you as you choose your science project.

While you’re there, make sure you get your copy of The Non-Scientific Parent’s Guide to a Science Project. Download it and save it; science project time is fast approaching!

PS Did I mention that The Non-Scientific Parent’s Guide to a Science Project is FREE?!

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