5th grade research project ideas

Bell Ringers

Independent research projects in upper elementary, independent research projects in upper elementary ela.

Every year, I plan to give my students more choice, voice, and independent project work. Of course, we also have to deal with state testing and loads of other requirements. However, giving your students independent research projects not only helps them demonstrate learning and mastery of standards, it also gives them some choices and ability to share their own unique voice! Here are some independent research projects in upper elementary ELA that your 4th through 6th graders will love!

Genius Hour

You may have heard of Genius Hour or Passion Projects. Genius Hour is considered project-based learning, and it starts with a question. Students choose their own research question about anything really, and they study it at least an hour a week. After reading/researching about their question, their final project can be something as simple as an explanatory slideshow or building their own dollhouse. The possibilities are endless.

Genius Hour can require some scaffolding at the beginning. For example, you may ask your students to research a question related to a certain topic. If you’re reading Watsons Go to Birmingham, for example, they may ask a question surrounding the Civil Rights Movement or the 1960s. The topics can be open-ended to give the students some choice but still have an overarching theme.

Once students get practice researching and coming up with their own final project, they can choose a Genius Hour topic about anything. Some example questions may include:

• How do I promote healthy eating in elementary school?
• How do I prepare for middle school?
• What is the best place to take a family vacation, and how can I plan one for my family?
• How do you start a small business as a student?

Genius Hour gives students choice and voice in the classroom, and you’ll love learning about their passions!

Author Studies

This is one of my favorite projects to use for upper elementary ELA students! I first implemented this project with fifth graders after state testing. This is the perfect time of year for an independent study, and it reinforces reading, writing, and research concepts used throughout the school year!

This project includes almost everything you need for your students to complete a research project on the author of their choosing . It sets them up to brainstorm, research, take notes, plan, and then complete a research paper on their selected authors. I have also made sure to leave some of the note-taking more generic so that you and your students can use as little or as many pages as they need.

Start by giving students the included list of possible authors to research or let them choose their own. This author may already be a favorite or one they want to know more about! Once the author is chosen, your job is to facilitate. Remind them of resources to use for research, note-taking skills and options, and let them learn and explore!

The author study resource includes everything your students need to get started. You’ll have the author examples, note sheets, rubrics, and an example research paper to help guide your instruction and student learning!

Differentiate by having students work in groups to research an author together or study different authors within the same genre. This is also a great way to culminate literature circles by having students research the author they read!

These independent research projects in upper elementary ELA are some of my favorites to provide choice while differentiating for all learners. What research projects have you tried in your ELA classroom?

• Read more about: Upper Elementary Reading

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50 Fantastic 5th Grade Science Projects, Experiments, and Activities

For the classroom or science fair.

There’s something so fascinating about hands-on science experiments and projects. They make learning so meaningful and so much fun! These 5th grade science projects help kids explore biology, physics, chemistry, and a whole lot more. Try one at the 5th grade science fair, or use a few to liven up your lesson plans.

To make things even easier, we’ve rated every one of these 5th grade science projects based on difficulty and materials:

Difficulty:

• Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much anytime
• Medium: These take a little more setup or a longer time to complete
• Advanced: Experiments like these take a fairly big commitment of time or effort
• Basic: Simple items you probably already have around the house
• Medium: Items that you might not already have but are easy to get your hands on
• Advanced: These require specialized or more expensive supplies to complete

5th Grade Science Fair Projects

Stem challenge 5th grade science projects, 5th grade matter and energy science activities, more 5th grade science projects and activities.

Choosing a science fair project means finding a subject that really interests you and coming up with a unique question to answer. Use some of these 5th grade science fair project ideas to create a cool experiment all your own.

Stop soil erosion with plants

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Soil erosion is a serious problem that can lead to natural disasters like landslides as well as causing problems for farmers, who lose valuable topsoil. Try this experiment to learn how plants help keep soil in place naturally, and change up the variables like soil composition or types of plants.

Learn more: Soil Erosion Experiment at Life Is a Garden

Blow square bubbles

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium ADVERTISEMENT

Bubble science experiments are always a hit! In this one, kids construct a device to see if they can blow a square bubble instead of a round one.

Discover the delights of decomposition

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium

This is a good chance to apply the scientific method and practice your observation skills, using only basic kitchen supplies. Ask the question: “Which food will rot (decompose) the fastest?” Have students hypothesize, observe, and then report their findings. Get a printable observation sheet at the link below.

Learn more: Food Decomposition at No Time for Flash Cards

Mix up some magic sand

What if you could make sand that was “afraid” of water? This 5th grade science experiment uses waterproofing spray to create you-gotta-see-it-to-believe-it hydrophobic sand.

Learn more: Hydrophobic Sand at Teaching Mama

Make your own bouncy balls

Students learn about polymers as they mix borax with cornstarch, glue, and water in this playful experiment. Experiment with size, shape, and ingredients to see which work best.

Learn more: DIY Bouncy Balls at Babble Dabble Do

Study water filtration

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic

See the process of water purification firsthand. Layer coffee filters, sand, and gravel in the bottom of an empty cup punched with holes. Place the cup in an empty jar, pour in dirty water, and watch what happens. Mix up the variables, and you’ve got a cool 5th grade science fair project.

Learn more: Water Purification at Teach Beside Me

Find out if a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s

Settle an age-old debate with this 5th grade science fair project. Collect saliva from both humans and canines with cotton swabs and place each sample in labeled petri dishes. Check the bacterial colonies in each and compare the results.

Learn more: Dog’s Mouth Project at Sciencing

Explore basic genetics

Send your students on a quest to find out more about their genes and inherited traits. The link below includes a printable chart they can use to learn about recessive and dominant genes.

Learn more: Inherited Traits at Education.com

Design a biosphere

This project really brings out kids’ creativity and helps them understand that everything in a biosphere is really part of one big whole. You’ll be overwhelmed by what they come up with!

Learn more: Biosphere Project at Laney Lee

Measure heat capacity of different liquids

Your students will venture into the world of chemistry with this experiment that tests the heat capacity of different liquids, such as salt water, olive oil, and liquid soap, using a hot plate . They’ll incorporate math into their experiment when they plot their results!

Learn more: Heat Capacity at Education.com

A good STEM challenge can spark a terrific science fair project too. These also make terrific classroom activities for 5th grade science students.

Assemble an automatic water fountain

Water fountains were around long before humans harnessed the power of electricity to make pumps. Learn how they worked with this STEM challenge science project for 5th grade.

Race down a LEGO zip line

Every kid loves LEGO bricks, so incorporate them into your 5th grade science activities! Challenge kids to design and build their own zip line. You can set the parameters, like distance and slope, then let students get to work.

Learn more: Zipline at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Slow your roll

Ball-run challenges are always fun, but this one has a twist. Your goal is to build a run that gets the ball to the bottom taking the longest time possible! This requires kids to think about friction, slopes, and other creative features.

Fly clothespin airplanes

Put your 5th grade science students’ engineering skills to the test. Provide them with clothespins and wood craft sticks , and challenge them to build a realistic airplane. Bonus points if it can actually fly!

Learn more: Clothespin Airplane at STEAMsational

Spin a candle-powered pinwheel

Prove that hot air rises by using candles to spin a homemade pinwheel. Then experiment to see how the number of candles affects the spinning speed. (As always, make sure kids use fire under safe conditions.)

Set off a chain reaction

Learn about potential and kinetic energy when you try this cool 5th grade science experiment. All you need are wood craft sticks and a bit of patience.

Bounce on a trampoline

Kids love bouncing on trampolines, but can they build one themselves? Find out with this totally fun STEM challenge. Plus, check out more 5th grade STEM challenges here.

Learn more: Trampoline STEM Challenge at Student Savvy

Build a solar oven

Learn about the value of solar energy by building an oven that cooks food without electricity. Enjoy your tasty treats while discussing ways we can harness the energy of the sun and why alternative energy sources are important. ( Love edible science projects? Get more ideas here. )

Learn more: DIY Solar Oven S’mores at Desert Chica

Launch your own bottle rocket

Blast off with a few supplies and a little help from the laws of motion. Encourage kids to design and decorate their rockets first and see which one can fly the highest!

Learn more: Bottle Rocket at Science Sparks

Peer through a cardboard microscope

Microscopes can be pricey, so make your own at home! This is the kind of 5th grade science fair project that will really wow the judges.

Build a snack machine

Incorporate everything students learn about simple machines into one project when you challenge them to build a snack machine! Using basic supplies, they’ll need to design and construct a machine that delivers snacks from one location to another. ( Get more candy experiments here. )

Learn more: Snack Machine Challenge at Left Brain Craft Brain

Use rubber bands to sound out acoustics

Explore the ways that sound waves are affected by what’s around them using a simple rubber band “guitar.” (Your students will absolutely love playing with these!)

Learn more: Rubber Band Guitar at Science Sparks

Assemble Archimedes’ screw

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

It’s amazing how often science looks like magic—until you understand the principles behind it. Such is the case with the simple pump known as Archimedes’ screw. It’s easy to build your own and makes for a cool 5th grade science fair project.

Recycle newspaper into an engineering challenge

It’s amazing how a stack of newspapers can spark such creative engineering. Challenge students to build a tower, support a book, or even build a chair using only newspaper and tape.

Learn more: Newspaper Tower at STEM Activities for Kids

Construct a sturdy bridge

To design a safe bridge that meets the needs of the community, engineers must understand the capabilities and limitations of the bridge. This project is great for budding 5th grade engineers as they simulate constructing a bridge that serves its purpose and keeps community members safe.

Every 5th grade science curriculum is different, but many include some common concepts. Learn about the states of matter, matter and its interactions, and energy science with these neat 5th grade activities.

Model the states of matter

Create simple models to show the arrangement of molecules in solids, liquids, and gasses. Ping-Pong balls are perfect for this. ( Find more states of matter activities here. )

Drink root beer floats

This is our favorite way to learn about the various states of matter! Treat time becomes a learning lesson with this 5th grade science matter activity.

Learn more: Teaching Matter With Root Beer Floats at Learning Lab Resources

Fill a bubble with dry ice vapor

Discover the science of sublimation by turning dry ice from a solid directly into a gas. Then play around with surface tension as the resulting vapor fills a giant bubble. This one is so cool to see in action!

Discover density with hot and cold water

There are a lot of cool science experiments you can do with density. This one is extremely simple, involving only hot and cold water and food coloring.

Learn more: Hot and Cold Water Density at STEAMsational

Learn to layer liquids

This density demo is a little more complicated than other science projects, but the effects are spectacular. Slowly layer liquids like honey, dish soap, water, and rubbing alcohol in a glass. Your 5th grade science students will be amazed when the liquids float one on top of the other like magic (except it is really science).

Learn more: Liquid Density at Wonder How To

Light(ning) it up indoors

On a cool, low-humidity day, use a foil-covered fork and a balloon to create a “lightning storm” in your classroom. Turn down the lights to give students a better view of the static electricity you’re creating.

Learn more: Indoor Lightning at Education.com

Create convection currents

This easy experiment uses hot and cold liquids and some food coloring to explore the thermal and kinetic energy that creates convection currents. Take things a step further and research how convection currents work in large bodies of water, like oceans.

Learn more: Heat Convection at Education.com

Sink or swim with soda cans

Here’s another easy density experiment. Place unopened cans of regular and diet soda into a bin of water to see which float and which sink. The differences are due to the use of sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Learn more: Sink or Swim at Cool Science Experiments HQ

Find out if water conducts electricity

We always tell kids to get out of the water as a storm approaches. This 5th grade science project helps explain why. (Conductivity vs. non-conductivity is one of the properties of matter too.)

Learn more: Electricity and Water at Rookie Parenting

Blow up a balloon—without blowing

This is the classic science experiment that helps you teach the reactions between acids and bases, plus what happens when you mix different substances together. Fill a bottle with vinegar and a balloon with baking soda. Fit the balloon over the top, shake the baking soda down into the vinegar, and watch the balloon inflate.

Learn more: Balloon Experiments

Use these hands-on science activities to spice up your lesson plans or as enrichment projects for science-loving kids to try at home.

Erupt a baking soda volcano

Need a 5th grade science fair project? Go with a classic: the volcano ! This one’s made from salt dough, which is easy to work with and inexpensive to make.

Learn more: Baking Soda Volcano Experiment (With Free Printable Student Recording Sheet)

Peel an orange to understand plate tectonics

If students are learning earth science, use an orange to make plate tectonics easier to understand. Peel it, then reassemble it and look at the pieces as plates floating on the Earth’s mantle.

Learn more: Orange Tectonics at Science Sparks

Discover the strength of eggshells

We think of eggshells as very fragile, but their shape makes them surprisingly strong. Try this experiment to learn why arches are such a useful shape in architecture.

Demonstrate the “magic” leakproof bag

So simple and so amazing! All you need is a zip-top plastic bag, sharp pencils, and some water to blow your students’ minds. Once they’re suitably impressed, teach them how the “trick” works by explaining the chemistry of polymers.

Learn more: Magic Leakproof Bag at Paging Fun Mums

Explore the science of glow sticks

Glow sticks are always a big hit with kids, so they’ll have a terrific time learning about the chemical reactions that make glow sticks work.

Learn more: Glow Stick Science Experiment at A Dab of Glue Will Do

Grow crystal snowflakes

Kids love crystal projects, and this one results in winter decorations for your classroom. Your students will learn about supersaturated solutions and crystallization. ( See more winter science activities here. )

Learn more: Crystal Snowflakes at Little Bins for Little Hands

Escape from quicksand

Dive deep into the science of quicksand and learn about saturation and friction along the way. You’ll create a small “quicksand” pool from cornstarch and water, then experiment to find out the best ways to escape.

Learn more: Quicksand Experiment at Education.com

Watch the heart beat with marshmallows

If you can get your 5th grade science class to quiet down enough for this one, they might be able to see a marshmallow jump with each beat of their hearts!

Learn more: Heartbeat Marshmallows at Growing Grade by Grade

Make a foil bug walk on water

Surface tension allows water striders to dance across the surface of the water. Re-create this scientific phenomenon with little “bugs” made of aluminum foil.

Learn more: Foil Water Strider at The Homeschool Scientist

Find out how bile breaks down fat

Learning about the digestive system? This 5th grade science demo explores the purpose of the bile produced by the liver, which breaks down fat.

Learn more: Bile Experiment at Simple Southern

Construct a homemade lava lamp

This 1970s trend is back—as a 5th grade science project! Learn about acids and bases while putting together a totally groovy lava lamp.

Learn more: Homemade Lava Lamp at Education.com

Investigate osmosis with gummy bears

Gummy bears are not only tasty, but they can also help teach your 5th graders about the concepts of osmosis and equilibrium as well as solvents and solute.

Replicate a sunset

With just water, milk powder, a flashlight, and a glass dish, your 5th graders will investigate why the sky appears to change colors as the sun sets.

Learn more: Sunset Sky at Rookie Parenting

Defy gravity with floating water

This one might cause a bit of a mess, but it’s only water, and it’s all in the name of your students discovering air pressure. All you’ll need is a cup, index card, water, and crossed fingers that your classroom doesn’t become a puddle!

Model constellations

Space delights students of all ages. The mystery and mystique is intriguing, and creating a constellation out of pipe cleaners is a fun STEM activity to explore the night sky.

Learn more: Constellations Model at STEAM Powered Family

Continue the STEM learning with these 5th Grade Math Games for Teaching Fractions, Decimals, and More .

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Science Fair Projects for 5th Grade: Teacher's Guide

Finding meaningful science fair projects for 5th graders can be a real challenge for teachers.

This comprehensive guide for teachers promises to make planning and executing winning science fair projects for 5th grade easy and enjoyable.

You'll discover the top 10 project ideas, step-by-step instructions for developing testable experiments, gathering materials, recording observations, analyzing data, creating visual displays, tips for captivating presentations, and evaluating outcomes to celebrate student success.

Introduction to Science Fair Projects for 5th Grade

Science fair projects provide an engaging way for 5th grade students to explore science topics that interest them. As a teacher, guiding students through the process of developing a science fair project teaches important research, critical thinking, and communication skills. This guide offers tips and resources to help 5th grade teachers mentor students in creating meaningful science fair projects.

Exploring the Benefits of Science Fair Projects

Science fair projects have many benefits for 5th grade students:

• Spark interest and engagement in STEM topics
• Build research, experiment design, and data analysis skills
• Boost confidence through independent investigation of a topic
• Allow creativity and choice in project development
• Develop scientific thinking and communication abilities

By participating in science fairs, students gain exposure to the scientific method and learn how to conduct experiments.

Selecting Winning Science Fair Topics

Choosing an appropriate topic is key to developing a successful science fair project. Consider these strategies for helping 5th graders select a topic:

• Brainstorm areas of interest from the 5th grade science topics list
• Determine if a topic can be tested through an experiment at home
• Ensure required materials are easily accessible
• Match topics to students' abilities and skill levels

Some winning 5th grade science fair projects have focused on testing the effects of different variables on plant growth, modeling weather phenomena, investigating properties of matter, and more.

Crafting a Compelling Research Question

A strong research question guides the entire science experiment. Here are tips for developing a focused research question:

• Frame the question around testing a specific variable
• Make the question clear, narrow, and answerable through an experiment
• Use the scientific method to inform the phrasing of the question

For example, "How does the amount of sunlight affect the growth rate of bean plants?" is an effective research question.

What are the top 10 science fair project?

Here are 10 great science fair project ideas for 5th grade students:

1. Investigating the Effect of Different Soil Types on Plant Growth

This project tests how plants grow in different soil types like clay, sand, potting mix, etc. Students can measure plant height over time to compare growth rates.

2. Measuring the Effect of Music on Memory

Students can test how different music genres affect memorization of words or numbers. A control group with no music can be used for comparison.

3. Creating a Solar Water Heater

Using basic materials, students can build a solar powered water heater to test temperature changes over time. This explores renewable energy.

4. Investigating the Effect of pH on Enzyme Activity

By changing pH, students can measure how enzyme activity is affected. This shows how acidity impacts chemical reactions in living things.

5. Measuring the Effect of Temperature on Electrical Resistance

Using wire and a multimeter, the resistance of conductors can be tested at different temperatures. This demonstrates scientific principles.

6. Building a Simple Wind Turbine

Students can construct small wind turbines to power LED lights. This explores mechanical energy conversion.

7. Testing Strength of Different Bridge Designs

Using materials like popsicle sticks or toothpicks, students can build different bridge models and test their strength by adding weights until structural failure. This is an engineering design challenge.

8. Investigating Which Materials Best Insulate Heat

By timing how long ice cubes last when wrapped in various materials, insulation properties can be compared. Everyday items like cotton, foil, and Styrofoam can be tested.

9. Observing Osmosis in Cells

Using eggs, students can observe the process of osmosis and diffusion across semi-permeable membranes. This demonstrates biology concepts.

10. Testing Paper Airplane Designs

Students can build different paper airplane models and measure flight distance and duration. Aerodynamics principles are explored through iterative testing.

What is the best science project for Class 5?

Here are some of the best science fair project ideas for 5th grade students:

Bouncing on a Trampoline

This project looks at how the height of a trampoline bounce changes depending on the weight of the person jumping. Students could test different weights and record bounce heights.

The "Magic" Leakproof Bag

Students can create a bag out of a plastic zipper storage bag that seems to defy gravity and doesn't leak water even when turned upside down. This demonstrates air pressure and density.

Clothespin and Popsicle Stick Airplanes

Students can build simple airplanes out of clothespins and popsicle sticks and test how far they fly when launched by hand. They can experiment with different wing shapes and angles.

Tornado in a Bottle

Using a plastic bottle, water, glitter or small pieces of paper, and dish soap, students can create a mini tornado and observe how tornadoes form.

Float or Sink Pop Cans

By crushing pop cans and placing them in water, students can observe differences in density and record whether crushed cans float or sink compared to normal cans.

These are just a few fun and easy science project ideas that demonstrate science concepts like gravity, density, pressure, and forces. Students get hands-on experience coming up with a hypothesis, testing variables, collecting data, and drawing conclusions. And they'll learn some really cool science facts along the way!

What are the topics for grade 5 science?

Here are some of the most common science topics studied in 5th grade:

Earth and Space Science

• Structure and layers of the Earth
• Landforms and changes in the Earth's surface caused by weathering and erosion
• The water cycle
• Weather patterns and severe storms
• The solar system, planets, stars, galaxies

Life Science

• Plant structures and functions
• Plant life cycles and reproduction
• Ecosystems and food chains
• Human body systems and functions
• Animal classification, structures, and adaptations

Physical Science

• Properties and states of matter
• Atoms and molecules
• Energy, heat, light, and sound
• Forces and motion
• Electricity and magnetism

5th graders typically learn about these topics through hands-on activities, experiments, projects, and demonstrations that connect the concepts to real-world examples relevant to where they live. For instance, they may study local weather patterns, plant life cycles in their area, organisms in a nearby ecosystem, or conduct experiments with household materials related to physical science concepts. Tying the learning to their surroundings helps cement understanding.

What are testable questions for science fair projects 5th grade?

Science fair projects allow 5th grade students to explore scientific concepts through hands-on experiments. When coming up with a testable question, it's important to choose a topic that interests your student and can be tested using the scientific method.

Here are some examples of testable questions for 5th grade science fair projects:

How does temperature affect crystal growth?

• Students can grow crystals using different solutions and observe how temperature impacts crystal size and shape. This allows them to learn about states of matter.

How do different liquids affect how quickly an ice cube melts?

• Students can measure how long it takes ice cubes to melt when placed in different liquids like water, oil, soda etc. This teaches them about heat transfer.

How does the angle of a ramp affect the distance a toy car travels?

• Students can build ramps at different angles and test how far toy cars roll down them. This demonstrates concepts of potential and kinetic energy.

How does the amount of light affect plant growth?

• Students can grow plants under different lighting conditions to observe the effects on plant height, leaf number etc. This illustrates photosynthesis and plant biology.

The key is choosing questions that allow students to measure data and draw conclusions. This teaches the scientific method and critical thinking skills. Review science fair project ideas for 5th grade when helping your student select a topic.

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Preparing and executing the experiment.

Executing a successful science experiment requires careful preparation and precise execution. As a teacher guiding 5th graders through science fair projects, focus on facilitating engaging hands-on learning experiences.

Gathering Data and Materials for Science Experiments

• Recommend students use household materials that are safe and easy to acquire. Simple materials like paper, cardboard, basic craft supplies, food items, and recycled containers work well.
• Have students research reliable sources to gather background information and data to inform their hypothesis and procedures. Useful sources include science textbooks, library books, museum websites, and other vetted educational sites.
• Compile a classroom kit of basic supplies like tape, scissors, rulers, notebooks, and pencils to have on hand. Consider creating a sharing system for students to borrow specialty items as needed.

Implementing Procedures Safely and Accurately

• Supervise all experiments to ensure safety protocols are followed properly. Review safety rules and demonstrate proper handling of any potentially hazardous materials.
• Guide students to follow procedures precisely as outlined to control variables and yield reliable results. Encourage recording detailed notes on each step.
• Allow flexibility for iterations and improvements if initial trials reveal flawed procedures. Discuss troubleshooting techniques.

Recording Observations with Precision

• Instruct students to record qualitative observations through detailed notes, drawings, photos, or videos. Emphasize thorough, objective descriptions.
• Have students take precise quantitative measurements with metric rulers, scales, timers, thermometers, etc. Stress the importance of accurate data.
• Consider using student-friendly apps, like Google Science Journal, to assist with gathering observational data.

Organizing and Analyzing Data Like a Scientist

• Help students organize recorded observations into user-friendly tables, charts, and graphs. Online tools like Google Sheets simplify data analysis.
• Explain basic statistical concepts like mean, percentages, rates of change, correlation vs causation, and margin of error. Guide analysis appropriate for 5th grade level.
• Compare results to background information gathered. Did the data support or contradict the original hypothesis? Why?

Drawing Conclusions from Experimental Results

• Facilitate constructive discussion around interpreting results and assessing hypotheses. What conclusions can reasonably be made given the data? How might the experiment be refined and expanded in future trials?
• Stress that "failed" experiments still provide learning opportunities if students can thoughtfully analyze their procedures, observations, and conclusions to determine improvements for next time. The scientific process involves ongoing questioning, testing, and refinement of ideas.

With thoughtful mentorship, 5th grade science projects grant meaningful opportunities to engage students in core aspects of the scientific process. Patience and creativity are key to guiding young scientists as they build critical thinking skills through hands-on discovery and analysis.

Creating a Standout Science Fair Presentation

Teachers can provide guidance to help students create an impactful science fair presentation that clearly communicates their project and findings.

Developing a Clear and Engaging Presentation

• Have students outline key sections to include in their presentation:
• Introduction
• Materials & Methods
• Suggest students make supplements like posters, models, or prototypes to showcase the project.

Incorporating Visuals and Science Fair Boards

• Encourage the use of charts, graphs, photos to present experiment data and results.
• Colorful visuals grab attention and illustrate findings.

Assembling the Science Fair Board with Creativity

• Use borders, title headers, and section dividers to organize display boards.
• Incorporate photos, diagrams, and other graphics to showcase the project.
• Utilize color strategically to highlight important elements.

Practicing the Oral Presentation for Impact

• Have students rehearse presenting to build confidence.
• Focus on clearly explaining the science concept.
• Prepare for likely questions to demonstrate knowledge.

Showcasing the Project at the Science Fair

• Strategically place projects to maximize foot traffic and visibility.
• Have students engage fairgoers to explain their project and findings.
• Collect feedback for students to help further develop projects.

With thorough preparation and creative presentation, students can effectively showcase their science fair projects and communicate experiment outcomes. Teachers play a key role in guiding the development of impactful science fair displays.

Evaluating and Reflecting on Science Fair Outcomes

Teachers can utilize several methods to evaluate student learning and development of science process skills through science fair projects.

Reflecting on Student Growth and Science Skills

• Have students complete self-reflection forms about their research process, including questions like:
• What science concepts did you learn through this project?
• What research skills did you develop or improve?
• What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
• Assign journal prompts for students to write about their science fair experience, such as:
• Describe the most interesting thing you learned while doing your science project.
• What science process skills (observing, inferring, predicting, etc.) did you use?
• Create rubrics to assess science process skills like developing a hypothesis, designing procedures, collecting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating findings.

Gathering Feedback from Judges and Peers

• Survey science fair judges on project qualities like creativity, effort, scientific thought, and skill development.
• Have students share constructive critiques on peers' projects.
• Encourage audience members to leave feedback or ask engaging questions.
• Review judges' rubrics and comments for areas of growth.

Evaluating Learning Objectives Through Projects

• Align science fair projects to curriculum standards for scientific investigation.
• Create project guidelines and rubrics that assess specific learning objectives.
• Evaluate projects on the degree students demonstrate target skills like:
• Asking scientific questions
• Developing models
• Planning investigations
• Analyzing data
• Using mathematical thinking
• Constructing explanations
• Engaging in arguments from evidence

Adjusting Teaching Approaches Post-Science Fair

• Identify common gaps in understanding or skill that projects revealed.
• Differentiate instruction going forward, providing extra support in challenging areas.
• Update science units and activities to better scaffold key science and engineering practices.
• Reflect on how science fairs can be improved to maximize learning.

Innovative Science Fair Project Ideas for 5th Grade

Science fair projects allow 5th grade students to explore scientific concepts through hands-on experiments and investigations. Choosing an innovative idea can help spark curiosity and engagement. Here are some creative science fair project suggestions suitable for 5th graders.

Science Fair Projects for 5th Grade at Home

• Test how different liquids affect the buoyancy of an egg. This allows students to learn about density at home using common household materials.
• Explore how sugar affects the rising process of yeast dough. Students can observe biological processes using ingredients found in most kitchens.
• Investigate how acidity impacts plant growth by watering plants with liquids of different pH levels. Everyday materials like lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda can be used.

Last Minute 5th Grade Science Projects

• Evaluate how different surfaces like carpet, tile, and wood impact the speed of a toy car. This fast experiment teaches concepts of friction and gravity.
• Test how the shape of pasta impacts the time it takes to cook. Students can explore why certain shapes cook faster, learning about geometry.
• Investigate how salt impacts the freezing point of water by freezing salty and plain water samples. This demonstrates states of matter.

5th Grade Science Fair Projects with Food

• Explore how freezing, heating, or mixing different liquids affects a hard-boiled egg inside the shell. Students can apply scientific concepts through edible experiments.
• Test how antioxidants in fruits impact oxidation by leaving apple slices exposed to air. Students can measure browning rates, learning about botany.
• Investigate how acids in vinaigrette salad dressing impact vegetable color. Students can explore concepts of chemistry using familiar foods.

5th Grade Science Fair Projects with Plants

• Analyze how natural and artificial light impacts plant growth by exposing plants to various light sources. This teaches foundations of botany and ecology.
• Explore how microwaving seeds impacts the sprouting ability compared to untreated seeds. Students can learn about plant reproduction through this experiment.
• Test how salt, sugar, vinegar, baking soda, etc. affect the wilting rate of flowers. Students can identify what damages or preserves plants.

Science Fair Projects for 5th Grade Biology

• Investigate how antibiotics impact bacterial growth by exposing cultures to antibiotics. This demonstrates germ theory and microbiology.
• Analyze how different liquids impact an earthworm's ability to move by exposing earthworms to assorted liquids. Students learn about invertebrate biology.
• Explore what insects are attracted to different food baits by leaving various foods outdoors. Students can categorize insects and analyze data.

Conclusion: Celebrating Science Fair Success

Science fairs provide an exciting opportunity for 5th grade students to explore science topics that interest them through hands-on projects. This guide has covered key tips for successfully mentoring students through the process, from choosing a topic to presenting the finished project.

Key Takeaways for 5th Grade Science Fair Projects

• Select an experiment-based project that aligns with your student's interests and grade level standards. Focus on testable questions.
• Set a realistic timeline for research, experimentation, analysis, and putting together the presentation.
• Provide guidance on research skills, scientific method, data collection, and safe procedures.
• Have students reflect on what they learned and how they can build on their project in the future.

Building on Projects for Future Success

Students can continue developing their science fair project by:

• Repeating experiments with different variables or sample sizes
• Competing at school, district, or state-level fairs
• Expanding into a long-term research project across multiple years
• Exploring extensions into engineering, computer science, or mathematics

The science fair experience allows students to build critical thinking, communication, and research skills that will serve them well in future science endeavors.

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Ideas for Fifth-Grade Research Projects

Christopher cascio, 26 sep 2017.

Students often receive research project assignments with groans of disdain, but these projects can be fun and deeply satisfying to produce. Fifth grade is a time when students study a wide range of topics, from the makeup of the solar system to the development of The United States Constitution, so there's no shortage of interesting material from which to choose.

Explore this article

• English and Art Projects
• Social Studies Projects
• Science Projects
• Health Projects

1 English and Art Projects

Research projects in English and Art normally fall in to the category of essays. You could write a paper about the work of a famous author you have studied, which examines how that author's work was received by critics. You could also write about painters who painted during the same time period. You could even compare and contrast two paintings by by the same artist; perhaps one is realistic and one is abstract. Also, you don't necessarily have to write paper -- unless your teacher says that you do. You could create a diorama or Powerpoint presentation that illustrates the important moments and works of an artist's life.

2 Social Studies Projects

Social studies projects allow for a wide range of topics, many of which are significant historical events. You could write a paper about Thomas Edison's life up until the time he invented the light bulb, or about Albert Einstein's life when he developed his Theory of General Relativity. You could also produce a physical report, such as a model of one of the famous moments of The American Revolutionary War, such as Washington Crossing the Delaware. You could even create a slideshow that shows illustrations of American Indian-inhabited lands alongside photographs of the actual locations today.

3 Science Projects

The physical sciences present opportunities to perform an experiment. You could write a report that explains what you did and what you learned from your experiment. You could experiment to see if electricity moves faster through thick wires or thin wires, or use wadded tin foil and a hammer to investigate how pressure and heat shape metamorphic rock. However, you don't have to perform an actual experiment to complete a research project. You could simply study a scientific phenomenon and then write a report about it. For example, you could study how a house can be built to run entirely on solar energy.

4 Health Projects

As is the case with the physical sciences, the health sciences allow you to perform experiments as well. You could investigate how quickly certain types of food spoil when left out at different temperatures, or how fast mold can grow on a surface in different atmospheric conditions. You could also write a report on a significant medical condition. For example, you could write about how the percentage of the population with diabetes has increased over the years, or which kinds of cancer have become more common. You could also incorporate a slideshow into your project to add visual aides to your presentation.

• 1 California Department of Education: Fifth Grade in Californis Schools and The Common core state Standards
• 2 Education.com: Does Electricity Move Better through Thick Wires or Thin Ones?; Tricia Edgar
• 3 Education.com: How Do Heat and Pressure Create Metamorphic Rocks?; Michelle formoso

About the Author

Christopher Cascio is a memoirist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing and literature from Southampton Arts at Stony Brook Southampton, and a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in the rhetoric of fiction from Pennsylvania State University. His literary work has appeared in "The Southampton Review," "Feathertale," "Kalliope" and "The Rose and Thorn Journal."

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Science Experiments for 5th Graders

5th Grade is a fantastic age to do science. The kids are old enough to start doing some projects independently and they have an insatiable curiosity and passion for learning. Especially when it is hands on experiments with great wow factor! These science experiments for 5th graders will inspire curiosity, spark a passion for learning, and excite young scientists. If you are working on lesson plans for your grade 5 students (or 5th year), here are some of our top picks!

The Best Science Experiments for 5th Graders

What you will discover in this article!

Although the topics covered in 5th grade vary based on where you are in the world, there are some consistent themes that are commonly covered at this age. We’ve looked into syllabuses from all over and came up with this list of topics that appear most often. These themes include lesson plans around:

• Earth and Space
• Lifecycles (plants and animals)
• The human body
• Electricity
• Chemistry (such as crystallization)
• States of Matter

Scientific Method

Phew! That’s a lot! But trust me, it can also be fun! Plus this is based on reviewing school curriculums all around the world. You don’t need to tackle all of these subjects. Or maybe you do if you have a passionate young scientist!

Based on this list of topics I have gathered up some of our favourite science experiments (and STEM projects) that are perfect for adding to your 5th grade science lessons.

5th Grade Science Project Ideas

Oobleck states of matter exploration.

Oobleck is always a hit with kids! We have done a lot of different Oobleck experiments over the years. One of our favourites was a science fair style investigation which also worked on the sense of touch (learning about the body), as we explored different recipes and evaluated how the texture varied with each recipe. But that is just one of many awesome Oobleck ideas we have done. Check them out!

Growing Crystals (Chemistry)

Growing crystals is a great way to introduce students to lab work and chemistry. Usually before this age they have already played around with the basic baking soda and vinegar type reactions , but if they haven’t definitely add those into the mix too. For crystals growing there are lots of different ways to grow crystals. Some use borax which is not available in some countries, but we also have crystal growing options using other solutions such as alum, salt or sugar! With sugar crystals (candy science), you can also explore taste, which ties into the human body studies too.

Building a Heart Model

Learning about the human body is fascinating and important. We want kids to understand their bodies, how they work, and how to properly care for their bodies. One of our favourite body learning activities was building a heart model that we made beat and move “blood” around. It was a great project for 5th years!

Windmill (STEM Project)

I love when I can combine a great science project with a fantastic book. If you decide to try a windmill engineering challenge (a brilliant STEM Project for 5th grade) there is a fantastic book called The Book Who Harnessed the Wind. This unit study is fantastic because it brings together literacy/reading, history (it’s a true story) plus engineering and physics lessons. The book is a great read with multiple levels of difficulty available.

Elephant Toothpaste

Elephant Toothpaste is a great science experiment for grade 5 that explores chemistry, biology, and states of matter. Plus it is a lot of fun for students!

Space Projects

Space is a fantastic topic to tackle with 5th graders! They love learning about the stars, planets and and our place in the universe. We have been obsessed with our space studies for many years and have compiled a great resource with tons of space related science experiments , all perfect for 5th grade! My personal favourite is the pipe cleaner constellations and the space inspired bath bombs!

Coding Challenges

Coding is the second language of today and the future and something all kids should explore and learn. It can be intimidating to teach coding if it is not something you are familiar with, but thankfully there are a lot of programs and options out there to help kids learn coding. We have a number of screen free options, plus there are programs, toys and more all designed to make learning coding fun and easy!

Circuit Building

Light it up! Kids in grade 5 are the perfect age to build circuits and learn how electricity works. From salt circuits, to circuits built with food, to circuit bugs, there are so many cool options for you to explore.

Wingardium Leviosar

Magnets are fascinating for kids and a great tool for doing some simple science experiments. One of our favourite science experiments we did in grade 5 tied into the Harry Potter books, Wingardium Leviosar Magnetism Experiment . Making this another fun cross subject activity!

Water Science

Water is an incredible tool for doing science experiments with liquids in 5th grade. You can use it to study states of matter, physics, chemistry, and more. It is readily accessible, safe for kids and the experiments are a ton of fun! We have done lots of experimenting with water science over the years. Check out our comprehensive resource on Water Science Projects for the perfect experiment for your studies.

Make It Move

Make it Move is a fantastic classroom challenge, where kids need to innovate and come up with ways to make their car race across a track or table without pushing it! Give them a variety of supplies and a matchbox car, then watch those imaginations go wild.

Balloon Races

A wonderful activity for introducing physics concepts to kids in 5th year is balloon races . It gets them up and moving and having a blast exploring these fundamental concepts around Newton’s Laws of Motion. Budget friendly, fun and perfect for home or the classroom, this is one activity you must do!

Layers of the Earth Soap

Learning about the layers of the Earth with this soap making project is a great way to explore our gorgeous planet. Plus, every time the kids wash their hands they will remember the lessons on the planet layers, helping to reinforce those concepts.

Climate Change and the Greenhouse Effect

Students will gain a greater understanding of the water cycle, climate change and the way greenhouse gases capture and hold heat in this experiment in a jar . Fantastic as an experiment, science fair project, or a classroom demonstration.

Lifecycle Activities

Learning about lifecycles is a very popular topic for our 5th grade students. We have a fun Lifecycle Decoding Activity that is perfect for some screen free learning. Plus it combines coding skills with learning about lifecycles.

Rain Clouds

Looking for a gorgeous, simple, and fairly quick experiment? Try this Rainbow Rain Clouds experiment and learn how clouds work when it rains. It’s easy, fast and kids can do this experiment independently.

One of the key concepts kids should be learning not just in grade 5 but throughout their schooling is the Scientific Method . Using the method should become natural and easy with practice and encourages critical thinking and analysis which is important for all students to master.

The Science Fair

Grade 5 is a very popular grade for science fair projects! We LOVE doing science fair projects and have so many ideas. Check out our comprehensive resource to find the perfect science fair project idea. We also provide tips on how to prepare, what to expect, and topic ideas.

Grade 5 is a wonderful year for science experiments and hands on learning. Enjoy these top picks for Science Experiments for 5th Graders.

More Science Ideas

5 Days of Smart STEM Ideas for Kids

Get started in STEM with easy, engaging activities.

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A year after cuts, wv still bleeding faculty, administrators, kentucky is working hard to educate non-traditional students in higher ed | opinion, more australians repaying student loans early, uhv school psychology grant funds 10 students’ education, university of dayton to shed faculty, weigh program cuts, 30 higher ed it influencers to follow in 2024, roanoke higher education- retail, oklahoma voice: most grads from state’s higher education system are retained in state workforce, n.c. a&t enrollment tops 14,311, 26 of the best 5th grade science projects and experiments.

Are you looking for science activities to do with your 5th graders? No sweat. We have you covered. Check out our list of 26 science projects and experiments that you can try with your 5th graders this month.

• Hand-Eye Coordination and Age | All-Science-Fair-Projects.com – Grades 2-5, Use a stopwatch and ping-pong ball to find out how hand-eye coordination changes as children get older.
• What Do Yeast Eat…and How Can You Tell? | Education.com – Grades 2-5, The objective of this project is to examine which foods yeast cells eat.
• How Do Antacids Work? | Biochemistry Discovery Lab – Grades 3-6, Simulate out how antacids work to treat heartburn by using fake stomach enzymes.
• Mice & Music | Hubpages.com – Grades 3-6, Find out if music affects the performance of mice in a maze.
• A Magnetic Primer Designer | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 3-6 Biology project that utilizes magnets to mimic the process that scientists use to replicate DNA, using the polymerase chain reaction.
• Growing Bacteria in Petri Dishes | Stevespanglerscience.com – Grades 3-6 biology In this science fair project, you must find samples of bacteria from an assortment of surfaces to find the surfaces that are the dirtiest.
• Effects of Ozone on Plants and Health | Julian’s Science Fair – Grades 4-6, Environmental conditions can dramatically impact plant growth and germination. Does increased ozone stunt germination and plant growth? Grow some plants and find out.
• Making Batteries from Fruits and Vegetables | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 4-7, Use veggie power to build a simple battery from a variety of vegetables. Which ones are the most powerful?
• How Water Beats Rock | Education.com – Grades 1-5, Discover how water is more potent than rocks.  Experiment with ways that water can break the stone.
• Soil Type and Liquefaction | All-Science-Fair-Projects.com – Grades 1-5, Experiment with sand, clay, and loam and find out which type of soil dissolves most easily.
• Effects of Temperature and Humidity on Static Charges | Education.com – Grades 1-5, Use balloons, a rubber ball, and a scarf to investigate why those socks stick together when you take them out of the dryer and how conditions in the air affect static electricity.
• Dig This: Biodegradation | Education.com – Grades 2-6, How do organic materials become soil? This science experiment measures which materials biodegrade.
• Geology 101 | Education.com – Grades 2-6, Water carries lots of soil and minerals in a creek. In this project, you’ll examine the behavior of water and gravel in creek beds and the formation of sedimentary rocks.
• Geothermal Power Plant Model | Energyquest.ca.gov – Grades 3-6, Use a pinwheel and a can of boiling water to simulate geothermal power production. Determine how to generate the most energy from your “power plant.”
• Egg Substitutes | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 3-6, Many people avoid eggs because of allergies or diet preferences. But eggs play a vital chemical function in baking and cooking. Evaluate the ability of egg substitutes to mimic their binding, leavening, or thickening properties.
• How Much Water is Required to Cook Pasta? | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 3-6, We’re used to cooking our pasta in a big pot of boiling water. Do you actually need that much water, time, and energy to cook pasta? Perform some experiments to find out.
• Building the Best Bridge | Education.com – Grades 3-6, This project helps students develop an understanding of architecture and engineering through experimentation of which shapes are the most structurally strong.
• Rubber Bands for Energy | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 3-6, Put the energy of rubber bands to work and learn about the relationship between potential and kinetic energy.
• Properties of Pendulums | Illinois Institute of Technology – Grades 3-6, Pendulums have been used for timekeeping for hundreds of years. Find out how changes in mass and length affect the oscillation of a pendulum.
• Bust That Rust! | Education.com – Grades 3-10, Investigate the chemistry of rust and the oxidation process. Younger students will use steel wool, water, salt, and vinegar. Older students will explore the chemistry of rust.
• Wind Around the Home | Education.com – Grades 4-6, Learn about wind speed and duration and different locations around your home. Determine the best site(s) for a windmill.
• Arch Magic: The Unbreakable Egg | Education.com – Grades 4-7, Tell you, folks, tonight is a good night for an egg dinner. Use the eggshells to explore how arches distribute weight. Demonstrates the power of arches by asking students to pile telephone books on top of eggs without damaging them.
• How a Comet’s Size Affects How Fast It Melts | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 4-7, Comets are often compared to giant, dirty snowballs, and the comet tail you see in the sky is evidence of melting. In this project, you’ll use figure out how the size of a comet affects its melting rate.
• Make an Electromagnet | Energyquest.ca.gov -Grades 4-7, Learn how to create an electromagnet from batteries, wire, and a knife switch. How does changing to kind of batteries used affect the power of your
• Bombs Away! A Ping Pong Catapult | Science Buddies.org – Grades 4-7, They fly through the air with the greatest of ease. Find ways to put a ping pong ball accurately on target time after time.
• The Mechanics of Carnival Games | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 5-8, Find out why those carnival games are so hard. Learn the fundamental laws of science that help the concessionaires engineer the games in their favor.

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5th Grade Science Project Ideas: Experiments, Model Building, DIYs, Challenges, And More

March 8, 2024 //  by  Sean Kivi

Hands-on experiments. They’re one of the greatest tool tips at a teacher or parent’s fingertips to ensure that their students understand new concepts. But where do you start with these? How do you know which experiments are the best for your 5th-graders, or which ones will help to promote learning in the most stimulating way? Well, look no further. This list of 65 5th-grade science projects compiles the best activities for encouraging your students’ discovery and passion for science, from biology, physics, chemistry, and more.

1. Bouncing on a trampoline

Get your kids learning while exercising! This mini trampoline experiment will help your 5th graders by challenging their construction skills and understand the basic principles of a rubber band. By adjusting their own contraption, they will discover how to make the highest bounce.

Learn More: Teach Student Savvy

2. The “magic” leakproof bag

Challenge your students to create a leakproof bag. They might think it’s magic, but you can use it to teach them all about the science of polymers. You can even develop on this by using other materials, too, like plastic bags that have a different size or thickness. Definitely one for your messier kids!

Learn More: Steve Spangler Science

3. Clothespin and popsicle stick airplanes

For this engineering activity, your student will need to create all sorts of airplanes using different household items, such as popsicle sticks and clothespins. Using different methods and construction material, they will see if their planes can actually fly! This experiment also has excellent links to STEAM, too.

Learn More: STEAMsational

4. Tornado in a Bottle

Bring the outside world inside with this fun and simple science experiment. You’ll only need a few things, like a bottle, water, and glitter, to help your students to understand the science behind natural disasters like a hurricane. You can even develop this to teach them about centripetal force as well.

Learn More: Cool Science Experiments Headquarters

5.  Float or Sink Pop Cans

Your students might already be familiar with the version of this experiment that uses eggs, so why not shake things up with soda cans instead? This experiment is a great way for your students to learn about density with different types of artificial sweeteners. You can also teach them about the dangers of too much sugar!

6. Invisible Ink

Your students will love transforming into secret agents with this amazing activity! Using baking soda as ink, they’ll turn their writing invisible. You can then reveal the message with grape juice or a heat source to teach them about paper fibers.

Learn More: ThoughtCo

7. D.I.Y. Snowflakes

All of the fun of snow, but with none of the mess and cold! This is a perfect way to teach your students about molecules and the separation of liquids in a way that they’ll find interesting. You can also use these as beautiful decorations all year round.

Learn More: Little Bins for Little Hands

8. Quicksand escape

Have you ever seen your students playing superhero games together? Well, this is your chance to turn those games into learning! This experiment scaffold kids’ learning of solid and liquid properties by learning through play. They will also discover the best ways to escape from this tricky texture!

Learn More: Education.com

9. Solar S’mores

Create a solar oven that traps the Sun’s energy in this delicious science experiment. Your students are to enjoy these tasty treats while they learn about alternative energy resources and greenhouse gases.

Learn More: Desert Chica  and   Climate Kids NASA

10. Monster Dry Ice Bubble

This experiment does require a little preparation, but it’s sure to be a hit with your students. They will explore the process of sublimation and learn about pressure as they watch the bubbles expand. As this involves dry ice, you will need to be careful with it.

Learn More: Wonder How To

11. Soil Erosion Experiment

This is a great activity to do outdoors on a nice day, as your students will find out about soil erosion and its harmful effects on the natural world. They’ll discover the importance of having vegetation cover the soil.

Learn More: Orlando Science Center

12. Newspaper STEM Challenge

Put those old newspapers to use in this innovative experiment that will foster the creative engineering skills of your kids. They will not only build up their teamwork skills but also develop their problem-solving capabilities by creating their own constructions using only paper materials. This makes it an excellent tool for introducing STEAM engineering concepts.

Learn More:  STEM Activities for Kids

13. Create a Bouncy Ball

Polymers are a hard concept for students to wrap their heads around, so you’ll want to keep the borax aside for this fun learning experiment. You’ll only need a few other spare ingredients to help create your own bouncy balls for your students. They can even play with them afterward!

Learn More:  Babble Dabble Do

14. Build a Snack Machine

Yet another delicious experiment, this one involves learning and applying everything they know about simple machines to create their own Mimi snack machine. It only requires a little basic mechanical engineering but it can be a little challenging trying to re-allocate the snacks.

Learn More:  Left Brain Craft Brain

15. Hot and Cold Density

If you’re looking for a quick science experiment, check out this rainbow density jar experiment. In less than 10 minutes, your kids will explore challenging concepts like water density, molecule science, and more. Try using food coloring for even better results!

Learn More:  STEAMsational

16. Build a Bridge

Challenge your students to re-construct their own models of famous bridges around the world to see which one is the strongest. You should encourage your students to make predictions about each bridge’s strongest design and weight limitations before testing.

Learn More:  Education

17. Testing Heat Capacity

This heat capacity experiment will answer any questions that your students have about why water takes so long to boil in comparison to oil. Your 5th-graders will also understand the different ways that liquids absorb heat and the amount of heat required to modify the object’s temperature by a certain amount (heat capacity).

Learn More: YouTube

18. Rock Candy

The tasty experiments continue with this rock candy creation. You can use it to show your kids the shape of sugar on a bigger scale. They will need your help with mixing boiling water, but they’ll definitely be able to enjoy the sweet results!

Learn More:   Steve Spangler Science

19. Sunlight vs. Artificial Light

Your students will learn about photosynthesis and the factors that can affect it in this science experiment. They will investigate whether plants grow better under natural sunlight or artificial light, as well as the plants’ general health, too.

20. Make a Compass

This excellent experiment is a great introduction to ideas about magnetism and the Earth’s magnetic field. Your students will make their own compass with a magnetized needle. Try challenging your students to compare the differences between magnetic north and geographic north.

21. Musical Glasses

Make some cross-curricular connections with this charming project. Using basic knowledge of physics, your students will create their own musical glasses of water. By studying the different types of material used, they can explore the various properties of glass with these musical masterpieces.

Learn More:  Teach Beside Me

22. Melting Ice Challenge

By adding different solids to ice cubes, your students will test what ingredients can be used to make ice melt faster. They can then record these to determine the melting time of each material. You’ll only need a few ingredients, such as salt, sugar, or baking soda.

Learn More:  Little Bins Little Hands

23. Exploring Fluorescence

This experiment will help your students to solve the mystery of “black lights” in an interesting way. It will also introduce them to the power of ultraviolet light and the electromagnetic spectrum, as well as the different ways that black light can be used.

Learn More:  Supply me

24. Flying Popsicle Sticks

Definitely one for your more active students! They’ll simply love learning about potential by weaving popsicle sticks together, then discovering kinetic energy when they throw them. You can challenge them further to see how long of a chain they can make.

Learn More:  Steve Spangler Science

25. Chalkboard Slime

Almost all 5th-graders love playing with slime, and this experiment is sure to be no different. By adding a few extra ingredients to a normal slime recipe, they’ll create their own slime that is thicker than ever before. An unmissable tool for learning about polymers.

26. Water Conductivity

This is a simple experiment, but it is certainly effective! Your 5th-graders will finally be able to understand the dangers of touching electrical sockets with wet hands. They’ll learn about conductivity and whether water really works as a conductor or not.

Learn More:  Rookie Parenting

27. Magic Marker Stick Man

Your students will think this marker stick man is magical when it comes to life! Instead, you can use this viral experiment to explain the solubility of materials and the use of adhesives.

Learn More:  Gizmodo

28. Making Lightning

A science experience that allows you to bend electricity to your will , even bring it … into the classroom? Dim the lights and bring on a foil-covered fork to find out how static electricity is created.

29. Watching the heartbeat with marshmallows

Mix this delicious treat with science to help your students learn about the circulatory system. They’ll see how the marshmallows “jump” with their heartbeats and understand even one of the hardest units on the human body.

Learn More: Growing Grade by Grade

30. Water Filtration

Demonstrate the water purification process as part of this engaging experiment. Your 5th-graders will explore ideas about water pollution and how to remedy it. You can try expanding on this by using different materials like oils and food coloring to see what happens.

31. Make Oxygen with the help of a plant

A plant’s ability to make oxygen is the main reason that we are alive today. Ene still, this is a difficult concept for students to understand. This project will help you teach how plants help us by producing oxygen. Try different plants to see which ones are best at producing the air we breathe.

Learn More: MEL Science

32. Pendulum Painting

This hands-on activity will help your students learn about important science concepts of potential and kinetic energy while making beautiful art they can be proud of.

Get painting at Jenny Rambles WordPress

33. Greenhouse Gases Experiment

Learn about how greenhouse gases affect the temperature of the planet by using baking soda and lights. You create a chemical reaction using baking soda and water to understand the effects of carbon dioxide on the atmosphere. Have fun!

Learn More: Da Vinci TV

34. Cabbage Chemistry Acid-Base Science Project

A great chemistry science fair experiment that will help your students learn about how acids, neutrals, and bases work. You will make a red cabbage acidity indicator. It’s a smelly but engaging experiment, so plug your nostrils and get to testing acidity.

35. Acid Rain Earth Science Effects

Acid rain is a big problem! It is created when we burn fuels to make electricity and has devastating effects on the areas where it falls. This project will teach Earth science principles by checking how acid rain affects chalk at different levels of acidity. Kids will love this!

36. Tooth Decay Model and Exploration

Teach your students the importance of oral health by demonstrating how tooth decay affects our teeth using our favorite body learning science experiment. You don’t need your teeth because you will use eggshells.

Learn More: Sciencing.com

37. Do Paper Clips Float?

This is a simple experiment to help your students understand surface tension. This is done with household products that you probably have lying around. You can substitute a paper clip for other items to see if they float and how surface tension affects the float-ability of objects. 

Learn More: Champak World

38. Make a Heart with Pumping Blood Model

Many people think that engineering projects are only good for earth sciences, but they work great for life sciences too. Your students will build a model of the circulatory system and test how it works in this hands-on project. 

Learn More: Exploratorium Teacher Institute

39. Electroscope Static Electricity

Built-up static electricity has given us all a shock once or again. This project aims to teach your students about how static electricity gathers and then shocks us. It can also teach about the best electrical conductors if you use various materials.

Learn More: The Kitchen Pantry Scientist

40. Apple Oxidation Experimentation

This is an engaging hands-on activity to get your students to understand the process of oxidization that takes place on objects left exposed to rain and water. We recommend using a variety of artificial sweeteners to test out how they affect the process.

Learn More: Mom Brite

41. Explore Density with a Lava Lamp

Acids and bases are a basic scientific concept and there is no better way to demonstrate them than with a groovy homemade lava lamp. Here you can also demonstrate the density of different liquids.

Learn More: OSC

42. Convection Currents in a Glass

By using water of different temperatures, students can observe convection currents when they drop food coloring in. This can be tied to ocean currents or currents in any large bodies of water.

Learn More: The Homeschool Scientist

43. Biospheres

Students must create one or several biospheres, each enclosed to show how they are all different. They must explain how the parts of each biosphere are interconnected and how it would be affected if one is removed.

Learn More: Laney-Lee

44. Discover Genetics

Students must collect basic information about their family’s characteristics on a gene table. This table must then be interpreted in a family tree to show how some traits can be inherited.

Learn More: Science Buddies

45. Digestive demonstration

With simple kitchen items, students can observe how bile from the liver breaks down fat in the digestive tract. Biological science is a fascinating world the students love exploring.

Learn More: Simple Southern

46. Archimedes’ Screw

This ancient invention is something students can make themselves, showing how a simple invention can change lives.

Learn More: Steps Engineers Ireland

47. Bottle Rocket Competition

Bottle rockets are an exhilarating way for students to explore aerodynamics and the laws of motion. They can change many aspects of their rockets to see who can fly higher or stay in the air longer.

Learn More: Teaching Engineering

48. Catapult Launches

Students can build their own catapults from popsicle sticks and try and catch the launches or aim them at a target. They must make conclusions about how shorter or longer arms on their design will change the outcomes.

49. Candle Carousel

This experiment lets your students prove that hot air rises! Start by having them follow the instructions to make cuts on an aluminum plate and then let them decorate it with colored markers before attaching a metal nut and straw. Once it’s set up, they can then add candles underneath and they’ll see the pinwheel at the top turning. More candles will also make it spin faster!

50. Water Balloon Density

Fill balloons with various liquids and have students predict which ones will float. They must explore the properties of each liquid that helps them to come to their conclusion.

Learn More: 123 Homeschool 4 Me

51. Self-Watering Plant

One hands-on way to teach your students about plant physiology is by having them create a self-watering plant system. While discovering how to create an efficient irrigation system, they’ll get to learn how plants absorb water through their roots and stems via capillary action.

52. Bottle Terrarium

Imagine a miniature world within a bottle! That’s exactly what your students get to build when creating a plant-based microcosm! It’s an exercise in understanding ecosystems, the water cycle, and photosynthesis. As they craft a terrarium in a bottle, they’ll observe firsthand how environmental changes impact these systems.

Learn More: Soul Flower

53. Homemade Battery

Electricity is fundamental to our world, but how is it generated? Your students can unravel this mystery by creating a homemade battery using everyday objects like lemons and pennies. Through this project, they’ll learn about core concepts such as current, voltage, and electrochemical reactions.

54. Dancing Rice Experiment

This fun and intriguing experiment demonstrates gas behaviors. To get their rice grains dancing, they’ll need to add vinegar to a mix of water, baking soda, and rice. What a nifty way to discover more about states of matter and gas production!

Learn More: Mott Children

55. Egg Drop Challenge

This isn’t just a fun science project- it’s a crash course in physics! Your students will need to construct a protective device to prevent an egg from cracking when dropped from a height. To do so they’ll need to think critically about concepts like gravity and force.

Learn More: Sciencing

56. Making a Sundial

Step back in time as your students take a crack at this project! As they craft a sundial, one of the earliest tools for telling time, they’ll learn about Earth’s rotation and how it affects our understanding of time.

Learn More: KDVR

57. Crystal Growing Experiment

What’s more fascinating than watching crystals grow? Your students are sure to love taking this project on! If they do, they’ll transform into little geologists and learn more about how geological processes result in amazing structures.

58. Homemade Rain Gauge

Who knew you could measure rainfall with a DIY tool? Students can build their own rain gauge and gain insights into the water cycle, precipitation, and the significance of data accuracy in science.

Learn More: Spectrum News

59. Sound Wave Experiment

Have your students explore the fascinating world of sound waves using just a spoon and a string. In conducting this experiment, they’ll dive into learning about how vibrations create sound and how sound travels differently through various mediums.

Learn More: KC Edventures

60. Invisible Extinguisher

Fire and oxygen – a relationship your students will explore by putting a candle out without blowing on it. As they pose various hypotheses, they’ll discover the role oxygen plays in combustion and observe what happens when fire is deprived of it.

61. Growing Mold Experiment

A slightly ‘yucky’, but fascinating experiment is to get your students to grow mold on different food items! This will provide them with insights into decomposition, microbial growth, and the importance of proper food storage.

62. Salt Water Desalination

This experiment prompts your pupils to consider how they could solve the world’s water crisis. As they take on a desalination experiment, they’ll develop an understanding of the processes of evaporation, condensation, and the water cycle.

Learn More: Teach Beside Me

63. DIY Barometer

Bring the weather station into your classroom with a DIY barometer! This science project will help students understand atmospheric pressure and how it’s used for weather predictions. All they’ll need to get started is a glass jar, rubber band, doctor’s glove, tape, markers, paper, and a straw. 

Learn More: Housing A Forest

64. DIY Wind Vane

Learning about wind direction becomes an art project when your students create their own! This fun project combines weather patterns, creativity, and problem-solving.

Learn More: Generation Genius

65. Paper Chromatography

Using paper chromatography, your students will break down black ink into its component colors. This project allows them to develop an understanding of solubility and intermolecular forces. 

Learn More: Rainy Day Mum

Science and STEM learning is best when it’s hands-on, and each of these experiments is a great example of this. Don’t forget to encourage your students to complete a write-up activity before and after each one to really push their scientific understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good science project for a 5th grader.

A good science project should introduce students to new concepts, but with hands-on and exciting experiments. Take a look at the list above for the most exciting.

What are some easy experiments?

Each of the experiments that we have listed above requires very little setup and is easy to do in the classroom or at home. Plus, they all have proven results that will get your students interested in learning science, too!

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Finally, a guide for upper elementary teachers that will show you how to teach research reports in a step-by-step format!

If you are struggling with teaching the research report process, you are not alone. Seriously, we’ve all been there!

I spent several years avoiding research reports for my 5th grade writers or simply depending on the Library-Media Specialist to teach the research process.

One year, I decided to take the plunge and teach my students how to research a topic and write a research report.

The process was clunky at first, but I learned a lot about how students approach research and how to guide them from choosing a topic to completing their final copies.

Before we discuss the HOW , let’s talk about the WHY .

Why You Should Be Assigning Research Reports to Your 5th and 6th Grade Students

I have three main reasons for assigning research reports to my students.

First, the skill involved in finding reliable sources and citing sources is valuable.

Beginning in 5th grade, and possibly even before, students need to be able to discern the reliability of a source . They should be able to spot propaganda and distinguish between reputable sources and phony ones.

Teaching the procedure for citing sources is important because my 5th grade students need to grasp the reality of plagiarism and how to avoid it.

By providing information about the sources they used, students are consciously avoiding copying the work of authors and learning to give credit where credit is due.

Second, by taking notes and organizing their notes into an outline, students are exercising their ability to find main ideas and corresponding details.

Being able to organize ideas is crucial for young writers.

Third, when writing research reports, students are internalizing the writing process, including organizing, writing a rough draft, proofreading/editing, and writing a final draft.

When students write research reports about topics of interest, they are fine-tuning their reading and writing skills.

How to Teach Step-By-Step Research Reports in Grades 5 & 6

As a veteran upper elementary teacher, I know exactly what is going to happen when I tell my students that we are going to start research reports.

There will be a resounding groan followed by students voicing their displeasure. (It goes something like this…. “Mrs. Bazzit! That’s too haaaaaaard!” or “Ugh. That’s boring!” *Sigh*  I’ve heard it all, lol.)

This is when I put on my (somewhat fictional) excited teacher hat and help them to realize that the research report process will be fun and interesting.

Step 1: Help Students to Choose a Topic and Cite Sources for Research Reports

Students definitely get excited when they find out they are allowed to choose their own research topic. Providing choice leads to higher engagement and interest.

It’s best practice to provide a list of possible research topics to students, but also allow them to choose a different topic.

Be sure to make your research topics narrow to help students focus on sources. If students choose broad topics, the sources they find will overwhelm them with information.

Too Broad: American Revolution

Just Right: The Battle of Yorktown

Too Broad: Ocean Life

Just Right: Great White Shark

Too Broad: Important Women in History

Just Right: The Life of Abigail Adams

Be sure to discuss appropriate, reliable sources with students.

I suggest projecting several examples of internet sources on your technology board. Ask students to decide if the sources look reliable or unreliable.

While teaching students about citing sources, it’s a great time to discuss plagiarism and ways to avoid it.

Students should never copy the words of an author unless they are properly quoting the text.

In fact, I usually discourage students from quoting their sources in their research reports. In my experience, students will try to quote a great deal of text and will border on plagiarism.

I prefer to see students paraphrase from their sources because this skill helps them to refine their summarization skills.

Citing sources is not as hard as it sounds! I find that my students generally use books and internet sources, so those are the two types of citations that I focus on.

How to cite a book:

Author’s last name, First name. Title of Book. City of Publication: Publisher, Date.

How to cite an internet article:

Author’s last name, First name (if available). “Title of Article or Page.” Full http address, Date of access.

If you continue reading to the bottom of this post, I have created one free screencast for each of the five steps of the research process!

Step 2: Research Reports: Take Notes

During this step, students will use their sources to take notes.

I do provide instruction and examples during this step because from experience, I know that students will think every piece of information from each source is important and they will copy long passages from each source.

I teach students that taking notes is an exercise in main idea and details. They should read the source, write down the main idea, and list several details to support the main idea.

I encourage my students NOT to copy information from the source but instead to put the information in their own words. They will be less likely to plagiarize if their notes already contain their own words.

Additionally, during this step, I ask students to write a one-sentence thesis statement. I teach students that a thesis statement tells the main point of their research reports.

Their entire research report will support the thesis statement, so the thesis statement is actually a great way to help students maintain a laser focus on their research topic.

Step 3: Make a Research Report Outline

Making an outline can be intimidating for students, especially if they’ve never used this organization format.

However, this valuable step will teach students to organize their notes into the order that will be used to write the rough draft of their reports.

Because making an outline is usually a new concept for my 5th graders, we do 2-3 examples together before I allow students to make their outlines for their research reports.

I recommend copying an outline template for students to have at their fingertips while creating their first outline.

Be sure to look over students’ outlines for organization, order, and accuracy before allowing them to move on to the next step (writing rough drafts).

Step 4: Write a Research Report Draft

During this step, each student will write a rough draft of his/her research report.

If they completed their outlines correctly, this step will be fairly simple.

Students will write their research reports in paragraph form.

One problem that is common among my students is that instead of writing in paragraphs, they write their sentences in list format.

I find that it’s helpful to write a paragraph in front of and with students to remind them that when writing a paragraph, the next sentence begins immediately after the prior sentence.

Once students’ rough drafts are completed, it’s time to proofread/edit!

To begin, I ask my students to read their drafts aloud to listen for their own mistakes.

Next, I ask my students to have two individuals look over their draft and suggest changes.

Step 5: Research Reports – Students Will Write Their Final Drafts! 

It’s finally time to write final drafts!

After students have completed their rough drafts and made edits, I ask them to write final drafts.

Students’ final drafts should be as close to perfect as possible.

I prefer a typed final draft because students will have access to a spellchecker and other features that will make it easier to create their final draft.

Think of a creative way to display the finished product, because they will be SO proud of their research reports after all the hard work that went into creating them!

When grading the reports, use a rubric similar to the one shown in the image at the beginning of this section.

A detailed rubric will help students to clearly see their successes and areas of needed improvement.

Once students have completed their first research projects, I find that they have a much easier time with the other research topics assigned throughout the remainder of the school year.

If you are interested in a no-prep, step-by-step research report instructional unit, please click here to visit my Research Report Instructional Unit for 5th Grade and 6th Grade. 

This instructional unit will guide students step-by-step through the research process, including locating reliable sources, taking notes, creating an outline, writing a report, and making a “works cited” page.

I’d like to share a very special free resource with you. I created five screencast videos, one for each step of the research report process. These screencasts pair perfectly with my Research Report Instructional Unit for 5th Grade and 6th Grade! 

Research Report Step 1 Screencast

Research Report Step 2 Screencast

Research Report Step 3 Screencast

Research Report Step 4 Screencast

Research Report Step 5 Screencast

To keep this post for later, simply save this image to your teacher Pinterest board!

Hi, If i purchase your complete package on grade 5/6 writing does it come with your wonderful recordings on how to teach them? Thanks

Hi Gail! The recordings on this blog post can be used by anyone and I will leave them up 🙂 The writing bundle doesn’t come with any recordings but I did include step-by-step instructions for teachers. I hope this helps!

Thank you for sharing your information with everyone. I know how to write (I think, haha), but I wanted to really set my students up for success with their research and writing. Your directions and guides are just what I needed to jar my memory and help my students become original writers. Be blessed.

You are very welcome, Andrea! Thank you for this comment 🙂

Hi Andrea, I am a veteran teacher who has taught nothing but primary for 25 years. However, this is my first year in 5th. I’m so excited to have found your post. Can you direct me to how I can purchase your entire bundle for writing a 5-paragraph essay. Thanks, Sue

Sure, Susan, I can help with that! Here is the link for the 5th Grade Writing Bundle: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5th-Grade-Writing-Bundle-3611643

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50 Fantastic 5th Grade Science Projects, Experiments, and Activities

There’s something so fascinating about hands-on science experiments and projects. They make learning so meaningful and so much fun! These 5th grade science projects help kids explore biology, physics, chemistry, and a whole lot more. Try one at the 5th grade science fair, or use a few to liven up your lesson plans.

To make things even easier, we’ve rated every one of these 5th grade science projects based on difficulty and materials.

Attributes: 4-5

Resource Link:  https://www.weareteachers.com/5th-grade-science-projects/

• Kindergarten
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State Report Research Project Made Easy!

Are you getting ready to do research on one of the fifty U.S. states? This 19 page unit comes with all the templates students need to complete a research project on one of the fifty states. Students can record information they gather, glue images, photos and draw maps on these templates to create an informational state report.

Research organization templates are included to help students create a research plan and keep track of their resources.

Over 1,000 copies sold! Grab your copy today!

State Report Research Project

Nancy Alvarez

Nancy Alvarez is a principal in Texas. She is a speaker, national presenter, and early childhood curriculum creator.