Science projects for grammar school students should be fun and educational, yet be simple enough so as not to discourage the child from completing the task on his or her own with limited adult supervision. There are a number of projects that fit into this category. Below are a few examples of grammar school science projects that will help to get your child interested in science.
Volcano
The volcano model is a favorite of students because of the eruption at the end. This project is as much a chemical reaction experiment as it is a geology experiment. The student will learn what can happen during a simple chemical reaction and will get an idea of what a volcano looks like when it is erupting.
For a simple version of this experiment, gather a large paper plate, a small bathroom sized disposable paper cup, aluminum foil, clear tape and scissors, according to Kaboose.com. You will also need a spoon, some water, vinegar and baking soda.
Attach the paper cup, open side up, to the middle of the plate with tape. Cut a piece of aluminum foil large enough to cover the cup and plate. Cover the cup and plate and fold the foil under the plate, taping it in place.
Poke a hole in the top of the foil in the center of the cup and cut slits in the foil so that it can be taped inside the cup.
Place 2 tbsp. of water in the cup and stir in 1 tbsp. of baking soda to dissolve. Measure 2 tbsp. of vinegar into a different cup. When you are ready to make the volcano erupt, pour in the vinegar. Mold putty or play dough around the volcano for a more realistic look.
Electromagnet Nail
Build a simple electromagnet by coiling some insulated copper wire around an iron nail, according to Jefferson Lab. When an electric current is hooked to the wire, the coil will form a magnetic field around the nail.
All you need for this experiment is a long nail, insulated copper wire, wire strippers and a D-cell battery.
Wrap the wire tightly around the nail, making as many circles around the nail as you can get. The more coils, the more powerful the magnet. The wire must be wrapped in one direction only.
Strip the ends of the wire that is not wrapped on the nail and connect them to the positive and negative terminals on the battery and your magnet should be working. Even a small magnet should pick up paper clips and other small items if properly assembled.
Do not use a more powerful battery without the help of an adult, as the heat generated by the current will increase dramatically with higher voltage batteries.
Tags: around nail, aluminum foil, baking soda, chemical reaction, copper wire, insulated copper, insulated copper wire