Chemical Change Science Projects

Chemistry science projects involving a chemical change are often chosen by middle and high school students. Many kids like to do an experiment with a dramatic chemical change. When searching for a project, it can be difficult to find an experiment with chemicals that are easy to find, and easy to work with.

One popular project involving chemicals is an experiment determining which fruit or fruit juice has the most vitamin C. A simple indicator is made with cornstarch and iodine. Students (and parents) enjoy watching the chemical reaction that occurs along with titration, which is a fancy way of saying "putting in drops". This project can be modified in several different ways, allowing your student's creativity to shine. We get letters from many students telling us that this easy science project was submitted to the fair, and was chosen as a winner.

Another great science project involving a chemical change is watching what happens as yeast 'eats' sugar. In this project, warm water and yeast are placed in a bottle with a bit of sugar. A balloon is placed over the mouth of the bottle. As the yeast consumes the sugar, carbon dioxide is released, causing the balloon to blow up. This project is so much fun to watch that our kids did it over and over until we ran out of yeast.

Both of these projects can be done as demonstrations; they offer dramatic reactions that students will be able to observe immediately. Both science projects can also be experiments. They naturally lend themselves to a question, the formation of an hypothesis, and testing. The results can easily be graphed to form a conclusion.

Get step by step instructions for both of these projects at 24 Hour Science Projects. Along with a FREE Parent's Guide to Science Fair Projects, we have all sorts of ideas for your scientist, starting at the most elementary, and working up to the more advanced chemical change science projects.

Earth Science Projects

Earth science projects are an amazing way for kids to become interested in science as well as the earth around them. There are a lot of "earth sciences", giving kids lots of cool possibilities for experiments and demonstrations. Here are five down to earth ideas for your project:

1. Find out if salt affects the boiling point of water. Using distilled water, measure the temperature at which water boils with different amounts of salt added. This easy experiment can be done fast - in under an hour!

2. Test types of insulation to see which works best. Freeze bottles of water, insulate them with various building materials, and see which one stays frozen the longest. This is science project is great for students concerned about our environment.

3. Make a tornado. Simply half fill a clear 2 liter soda bottle with water, and swirl it until it makes a tornado. This is an easy elementary demonstration, that probably won't win the science fair, but will fascinate younger students while allowing them to observe swirling currents. (We bet you'll get a kick out of it, too!)

4. Measure the amount of oxygen that is in air. Put duct tape on a hand warmer, activate it, and quickly tape it to the bottom of a tall jar. Invert the jar and put the mouth into a pan of water. As the hand warmer heats up, it will use up the oxygen in the glass, causing the water level to rise. If you're traveling to and from the mountains and compare the amounts of oxygen, this is a great experiment. Otherwise, it's a cool demonstration.

5. Compare brands of toilet tissue to see which is most biodegradable. Weigh samples of different brands of tissue, place them in water and allow them to break down. After a day, 'flush' the samples through a funnel, then weigh what is left. Your results may change your shopping habits!

Get the instructions for this earth science project here.

Detailed instructions on these earth science projects - and a free parent's guide to science projects - are at http://www.24hourscienceprojects.com and Winning Science Projects Lens.

Winning Science Project Ideas

Having a winning science projects isn't the reason teachers send kids to the science fair, but most kids really want to have a winning project. Here are four ways to improve your chances of grabbing one of those first place ribbons:

1. Choose a Project That Interests You. Whether it be animals or vitamins, plants or race cars, pick a project that will let your enthusiasm shine through. Judges can tell if you have put your heart into your work, so choose a project you really like. You'll learn more, too!

2. Follow the Science Fair Guidelines. There are several types of science projects, and you must make sure your project is the correct type for the science fair you are entering. Most fairs require an investigatory project (an experiment), which means your project must follow the scientific method. Don't make the mistake of turning in a collection or a demonstration if these are not allowed.

You must also make sure that you include each required element of the science project. You may need a log or a journal. Almost all judges want to see a materials list and the steps you took for your project. Sometimes a chart and graph of results are necessary. Check the directions, and make sure you have everything you need.

3. Make Your Display Attractive. Your science board should be colorful, well organized, and easy to read. Use bold fonts, bullet points, and borders around papers and pictures. Be neat! Use glue instead of tape, and make sure your cutting is even.

4. Stand Out From the Rest. A catchy title will attract the attention of judges. One of our boys tested the biodegradability of toilet paper and called it "A Straight Flush". One girl tested which fruit had the most vitamin C, backed her board with great big pictures of fruit, then used coordinating paper for her information. A boy we know used toy cars in his experiment, and his display included the race track and cars. Include something that makes your project stand out from all the others in the science fair.

Our science project guides have great ways to stand out from the crowd. Read about them and get a free parent's guide to science projects - at http://www.24hourscienceprojects.com. Really, getting a ribbon should not be the focus of your project. If you've learned something and had fun, you already have a winning science project.