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Archives for December 2009

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At a Glance – All of our Science Fair Topics

People often ask me for an entire list of all the science fair topics we have. Here’s a list of each project topic, and along with a link where you can get instructions on how to get the topic turned into something ready for your science fair!

24 Hour Science Fair Topics:
demonstration topic
• Does the shape of ice affect melting time?
• Does covering the mouth really help prevent the spread of germs?
• Which toilet tissue is most biodegradable?
• How does salt affect the boiling point of water?
• Which citrus fruit has the most Vitamin C?

These experiments are available here: 24 Hour Science Projects

Weekend Science Fair Topics: weekend science project topic
• Take the shell off an egg without boiling, and find out if water will go through the membrane.
• Use toy cars to find out about friction!
• Are two ears better than one? Get a group of friends to find out the answer.
• Which brand cereal stays crunchy longest? You’ll love this tasty experiment.
• Feeling a bit warm? Which type of insulation works best?

Turn these topics into experiments here: Weekend Science Projects

Watch This! Science Project Topics:
vitamin c topic
• Demonstrate that yeast is alive by watching it blow up balloons!
• Show how one Lego sinks, and another one floats in this amazing lesson on density.
• Show off how static electricity works – you’ll make aluminum foil dance!
• Prove that chemical reactions can be sped up – right in front of your friends.
• Make oil and water mix.

Get these demonstration science fair project here Watch This! Science Project Topics.

Middle School Science Project Topics:
chemistry topic
• Experiment to find the effect different hair products has on hair.
• Analyze soil, then test its water carrying capacity.
• Find out what makes yeast grow the best.
• Test and see if the amount of Vitamin C in juice diminishes over time.
• Make a solar heater from inexpensive (or recycled!) products.

Get all five Middle School Science Project Topics.

P.S. Each of our Science Fair Topics are great for the science fair. They’re educational, affordable, and fun! AND they can all be finished by this time tomorrow!

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Middle School Science Project Topics

Almost all middle schools require for their sixth, seventh and eighth graders to participate in their school’s science fair. The middle school fair has higher standards than an elementary school, sometimes leaving students feeling overwhelmed.

But take a deep breath. Here are five steps to a middle school science project that is easy and fun, but advanced enough to teach you something and make your teacher happy.
science project application

1. Pick the right type of science project. Most of the time, students are asked to do an experiment – although your teacher may call it ‘an investigatory project’. An experiment has to follow the scientific method. It has to be a repeatable test with measurable results that proves or disproves an hypothesis. You can’t submit a model of the solar system or a collection

2. Do the project yourself. Your parent can help you, but you should be the one doing the project – not the other way around.

3. Find a project that interests you. If you like what you’re doing, you’ll learn more. And if you’re learning, your project will show that you are interested. Teachers – and science fair judges – like that.

4. Make sure you follow the directions. You may be asked to include an abstract, project logs, charts and graphs with your project. Read the instructions closely, so you’ll get credit for all your hard work.

5. Create a great science project board. Give your project a clever title to attract attention. Use bright colors, attractive fonts, interesting props, and clear pictures. Check your spelling, and be very neat.

Middle School is a great time to learn and to grow. Your science project can be a part of that!

PS Get great guides for Middle School Science Projects here!

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They’re LIVE – Middle School Science Projects!

We’re happy to report that Middle School Science Projects are now live! As you know, we’ve been working like – well – mad scientists at our house, and we can’t wait for you to choose your favorite project and start experimenting!soil science project

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.

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

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Science Project Application – Or How to Cool Turkey Broth

It’s always great when you come across a really great science project application. And today, I cooked up a great one. (Pun intended – sorry!)science project application

We had our big Thanksgiving meal over the weekend, and I’m just getting to making broth from that huge turkey carcass. I covered it with water, added a couple of onions and garlic…and simmered away. I needed the broth to be ready quickly, so after it cooled a bit, I got ready to put it into the refrigerator.

So I grabbed a pot. And then saw a second pot. Hmmm. One pot was tall and thin, another was wider at the base. Which one would allow the broth to get cold the fastest?

Then I remembered the science project, A Slice Of Ice, where you experiment to see if ice melts faster at a high surface area or a lower one. I knew that the opposite was true, too, so I looked at the two pots, and realized that the one with the wide base had a greater surface area than the tall and skinny one.

Who says science can’t be applied to everyday life?! I love it.

P.S. So – with my science project application hat on – which one did I choose? Get your copy of A Slice of Ice here – and find out!