The following questions and topic ideas were collected from many sources including texts and internet. Projects ideas and questions not suitable for 8th grade students (elementary or high school topics) were eliminated. Please be aware that many science projects will require safety precautions. Always seek assistance from a parent, teacher, or professional.

Will a rubber band stretch the same distance every time that the same amount of weight is attached to it?

How does the trajectory of a projectile affect the distance traveled?

Can the design of a paper airplane make it fly farther? (be sure the mass of the airplane stays the same)

How do different wheels affect friction?

Does a ball-roll farther on grass, dirt, or carpet?

Do all objects fall to the ground at the same speed?

How can you measure the strength of a magnet?

Under what conditions does an ice cube melt faster?

Does the length of a vibrating object affect sound?

Which liquid has the highest viscosity?

Will more air inside a basketball make it bounce higher?

Do all colors fade at the same rate?

Does a baseball go farther when hit by a wood or metal bat?

What kind of glue holds two boards together better?

Does the width of a rubber band affect how far it will stretch?

Does the type of ground cover affect its temperature in sunlight?

Will a ball bounce higher if it is dropped at a greater distance from the floor?

What common liquids are acid, base or neutral?

Does baking soda affect the temperature of water?

Does the color of water affect its evaporation?

Can you separate salt from water by freezing?

Will water with salt evaporate faster than water without salt?

What type of soil filters water the cleanest?

Can the sun's energy be used to clean water?

What types of bacteria are found in tap water?

How do the gears on a bicycle compare in efficiencies?

What is the effect of different lubricants on gears?

Which type\size of light bulb produces the most light?

How do different materials affect the refraction and diffraction of light?

What principles and factors affect the efficiency of electric motors?

What factors affect the voltage, amperage, and resistance of electric circuits?

How do materials affect insulation? How does the thickness of these materials affect insulation?

How is paint affected by temperature changes?

How is the elasticity of rubber afected by temperature?

How is the effect of glue affected by temperature?

Use of solar energy- design and construct solar cookers, solar panels, etc.

Designing an energy efficient home.

Efficient use of renewable energy resources- E.G. Sun, Wind

How much heat is required to raise the temperature of various substances by an equal amount?

Comparing active & passive solar energy systems in cost and efficiency.

Snow- what happens when it melts; what does it contain?

Water levels- study and record varying levels over the year in a body of water; account for differences and the results on the surrounding environment.

Dew formation- how much is formed on a square meter for a period of time; account for variations

Wind-does wind travel at same speeds and in same directions at different heights?

Evaporation- which effects the rate of evaporation most- temperature, humidity, wind speed or other factors?

Rain- can you measure the speed and force of raindrops?-What is the effect on soil, with and without ground cover? Could you simulate the effect of rain?

Heat Retention- does fresh water hold heat longer than salt water? How does water compare to land and what effect does this have on the weather? What factors affect the cooling of land?

Sunlight- how do different surfaces affect the amount of sunlight reflected and absorbed? Design a method of measuring how much sunshine is available each day.

Humidity- can you collect the amounts of water in the air at different temperatures?

Temperature- what is the difference between direct sun and in the shade? Is the difference constant?

Weather records- Design and build an automatic recording weather device. Test it over a period of time.

Effects of temperature on viscosity of oil, chemical reactions, Brownian movement, burning of different materials.

Chemical reactions that transfer energy (output) or that require energy (input).

Find a way for the removal of pollutants.

Effects of sunlight on rubber, ink, paper.

Effects of increased concentrations on the rate of chemical reactions.

Compare the surface tension of various liquids.

Dealing with chemical spills from industry.

Analyzing snow and rain for pollutants; samples from different locations.

Effects of temperature on density of gases.

Effects of salt and other contaminants on rate of rusting.

Can you obtain water from ink, vinegar, milk?

Analyze soil samples for their components, ability to hold moisture, fertility, and pH.

Does the amount of particle pollution vary with distance from a road, with location, with height. Determine types of particles found in pollution fallout.

Catalysts- how they work and why; commercial applicants and problems.

Fire extinguishers-principles of operation and factors affecting their efficient use.

How do acids react with different metals under varying conditions?

New Ideas:

Test out the adhesive quality of different types of tape by rolling a steel ball down a ramp and on to the tape. Measure the distance it takes for the ball to stop.

Need more ideas? Try:

Physical Science Project Categories

Project samples from the GSDSEF, 2005

Science Project Links

Site Created by: Sean Gardinier