3rd grade science project hypothesis

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55 Terrific 3rd Grade Science Projects Anyone Can Do

Engage students in the classroom, or prep for the science fair!

Want to see your students’ eyes light up? Tell them they’re going to do an experiment! These 3rd grade science projects are easy enough for any classroom or kitchen, and they’re full of science concepts kids need to learn.

To make things even easier, we’ve rated every one of these 3rd grade science experiments based on difficulty and materials:

Difficulty:

• Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much any time
• 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

3rd Grade Science Fair Projects

3rd grade stem challenge projects, magnet and electricity science experiments for 3rd grade, more 3rd grade science projects and activities.

Use these ideas to build a 3rd grade science fair project. Form your own hypothesis, alter the variables, and see what happens!

Discover the chemistry of slime

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium

Kids adore slime, and it’s actually a terrific way to teach them about polymers. Learn the basics of slime chemistry, then experiment with the formula to make your own unique concoctions.

Make sun prints to display

You’ll need special sun-print paper for this project, but it’s inexpensive and easy to find. Kids learn about chemical reactions as they use the power of the sun to create unique works of art.

Experiment with ice, salt, and water temperature

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic

This simple experiment requires only water, ice, salt, and a thermometer. Your 3rd grade science class can explore how ice and salt affect the temperature, a simple but effective lesson on heat transfer and freezing points.

Learn more: Ice, Salt, and Temperature at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Experiment with colors

Play around with colors, mix them together, and then use a little science magic to pull them apart again. This chromatography science project requires only simple supplies like coffee filters and markers.

Learn more: Chromatography at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Understand the science behind bath bombs

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Bath bombs certainly make bath time more fun, but what makes them work? Explore chemical reactions and get squeaky clean all at the same time!

Learn more: Bath Bomb Science at Learning Hypothesis

Investigate the effects of erosion

Compare the effects of “rain” on hills of bare soil vs. those covered with grass. Have your 3rd grade science students predict which they think will stand up to erosion better and then test their hypotheses.

Learn more: Erosion Experiment at Third Grade Thinkers

Give flowers a glow-up

This one will make kids’ eyes pop out of their heads! Use highlighters and a black-light flashlight to reveal the vascular system of flowers.

Learn more: Plant’s Vascular System at Tamara “Tamawi” Horne

Grow bacteria from common surfaces

There’s never been a better time to learn about the way germs spread! Take samples from a variety of surfaces, then watch bacteria grow in petri dishes just like grown-up scientists.

Learn more: Growing Germs at Happiness Is Here

Take friction for a ride

Your students will love pulling their way across the floor as they discover more about friction and its effects on motion. Build your own “sled” or use a premade box or tray.

Craft fossils from glue

Create clay molds of natural objects, then fill them with school glue to make your own “fossil” casts. This is a great project to try before a trip to the natural history museum.

Learn more: Glue Fossils at Education.com

Go green with recycled paper

We talk a lot about recycling and sustainability these days, so show kids how it’s done! Recycle old worksheets or other papers using screen and picture frames.

Learn more: Recycled Paper at Undercover Classroom

Filter sediment from dirty water

Explore sediments and water filtration with this easy 3rd grade science experiment. It’s a fun way to learn more about the water cycle.

Learn more: Water Filtration at Teach Beside Me

Put together a compost bottle

Learn about the decomposition of food and how composting can provide nutrients for growing more food with this easy earth science project.

Learn more: Soda Bottle Compost at Busy Mommy Media

Sprout new potatoes

Potatoes grow from tuberous roots, and under the right conditions, new shoots appear from those roots. This 3rd grade science experiment explores the biological science behind cloning.

Use flowers to learn about acid rain

Have you ever wondered what happens to plants when they are exposed to acid rain? Your students can find out by conducting a simple acid rain experiment using flowers and vinegar!

Learn more: Acid Rain Experiment at Little Bins for Little Hands

Keep apples from turning brown

What’s the best method to keep sliced apples from turning brown? Find out with this popular 3rd grade science project.

Learn more: Apple Browning at Teach Beside Me

Fizz it up with antacid

Fizzy fantastic fun! Learn about chemical reactions by mixing water and effervescent antacid tablets to see what happens, comparing the time it takes for whole tablets and small pieces.

Drop objects to learn about gravity

Do heavier objects fall faster than lighter ones? Try this hands-on gravity activity for 3rd graders to find out!

Use these STEM challenges as the basis for science fair project ideas, or try them as in-class science activities your 3rd graders will love!

Design a candy-delivery machine

Learn about inclined planes with this fun simple-machines project. Kids can get creative and develop any kind of delivery system they like!

Learn more: Candy Machine at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Determine the most waterproof roof

Calling all future engineers! Build a house from LEGO, then experiment to see what type of roof prevents water from leaking inside.

Learn more: Waterproof Roof at Science Sparks

Run marble races with pool noodles

Crack open a pool noodle or two and create your own marble racetracks. Experiment with angles, force, and surface materials to find the fastest way to get the marble to the bottom. ( Find more fun ways to use pool noodles in the classroom here. )

Learn more: Pool Noodle Marble Races at The Techy Teacher

Build a better umbrella

Challenge students to engineer the best possible umbrella from various household supplies. Encourage them to plan, draw blueprints, and test their creations, using the scientific method.

Learn more: Best Umbrella STEM Challenge at Raising Lifelong Learners

Construct a marshmallow catapult

Fling some sweet treats in the name of science! All you need is an old tissue box, pencils, rubber bands, and a few other supplies to learn about trajectory, air resistance, gravity, and more.

Learn more: Tissue Box Catapult at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Blow through a water whistle

Learn about the science of sound with this easy experiment. Kids will love building their own whistles from straws and a glass of water.

Learn more: Water Whistle at My Baba

Step through an index card

With carefully placed scissor cuts on an index card, you can make a loop large enough to fit a (small) human body through! Kids will be wowed as they learn about surface area.

Learn more: Index Card Experiment at Mess for Less

Construct a Hero’s engine

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

Sir Isaac Newton came up with rules about how things work in the world. One of these rules is called Newton’s third law. It says that “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Do an experiment with your 3rd graders to learn more about this rule!

Model the effect of air drag

To learn about the role of drag in flight, students can fold paper planes in different styles and observe how these changes affect the distance and flight pattern of the planes. Turn this 3rd grade science project into a fun competition to see which plane flies the farthest or stays in the air the longest.

Put together an anemometer

This very simple weather instrument is easy enough for kids to build, allowing them to observe and think like a real meteorologist.

These shocking (OK, not literally!) electricity experiments will fit nicely into many 3rd grade science curriculum programs. Give them a try in the classroom, or encourage an interest in science at home.

Assemble a simple circuit

To test the conductivity of different materials, your students can use a simple electric circuit. Invest in a few of these inexpensive gadgets to allow for all kinds of 3rd grade science projects.

Learn more: Simple Circuits at Science Projects

Turn a safety pin into a circuit

Looking for an even easier simple circuits project? This one requires only a few supplies you can grab at the hardware store and an ordinary everyday safety pin.

Investigate how liquids affect magnets

Are magnets equally effective in water? What about oil or a thicker liquid like, say, a milkshake? This would make for an easy 3rd grade science fair project that’s fun too.

Ask a magnet to dance

This is so cool! Make a magnet dance without touching it in this activity that’s part STEM challenge, part magnet experiment, and 100% amazing.

Capture lightning in a bottle

Well, it’s not quite that dramatic, but this cool electricity experiment for 3rd grade will still wow your students.

Separate salt and pepper with static electricity

When you mix up salt and pepper, you’d think it would be almost impossible to separate them again. But using a little static electricity and a plastic spoon, it’s surprisingly simple.

Learn more: Separate Salt and Pepper at Science Kiddo

Explore static electricity with jumping goop

Your students have probably tried rubbing a balloon on their heads to create static electricity with their hair. This experiment is even cooler to see, as a mix of cornstarch and oil seems to leap off the spoon in front of their eyes!

Learn more: Static Electricity Goop at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Predict the distance of lightning

This weather science experiment never fails to impress. Use a stopwatch to measure the difference between the flash and the sound of lightning and thunder, then calculate the distance between you and the strike.

Find your way with a DIY compass

Here’s an old classic that never fails to impress. Magnetize a needle and float it on the water’s surface—it will always point north.

Learn more: DIY Compass at STEAM Powered Family

Defy gravity with magnets and paper clips

Magnets are always a hit in the classroom. Use this simple experiment to discover more about gravity and the effects of magnets on metal objects.

Learn more: Magnet Gravity at Buggy and Buddy

These science experiments for 3rd graders explore all sorts of concepts, from the laws of motion to earth and planetary science and beyond.

Flick pennies to learn about inertia

This is one of those science experiments that kind of looks like magic, but it’s really all about the laws of motion. It might take a little practice to get the index card flick just right, but the results are always cool!

Learn more: Penny Inertia at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

See the temperature rise in a chemical reaction

When iron meets oxygen, rust forms. Use vinegar to remove the protective coat from steel wool  and watch the temperature rise from the chemical reaction.

Learn more: Thermal Reaction at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Float an iceberg

Use a balloon to make an iceberg, then float it in a dish of water to learn how much you can see above and below the waterline. Try experimenting with salt water to see how the density changes things.

Learn more: Icebergs at Science Sparks

Take a Play-Doh core sample

Learn about the layers of the Earth by building them out of Play-Doh. Then students can take a core sample with a straw. ( Love Play-Doh? Get more learning ideas here. )

Learn more: Core Sampling at Line Upon Line Learning

Spin a disappearing color wheel

Color a paper disk with the six primary and secondary colors. Then thread a string through the middle and make it spin. The colors will seem to disappear!

Crystallize some pretty fall leaves

Every kid loves making crystals. In this 3rd grade science project, learn about supersaturated solutions by crystallizing some colorful fall leaves. Then use them as fall classroom decor!

Learn more: Salt Crystal Leaves at STEAMsational

Find a robot’s center of gravity

Print out, cut, and color this free paper robot. Then glue some coins to the back and have your students try to find its center of gravity!

Learn more: Balancing Robot at Buggy and Buddy

Make your own bouncing bubbles

Have your 3rd grade science students put on gloves and watch the bubbles bounce! Then encourage them to experiment with their own bubble solution. Try different soaps, mixing up the ratios to make the strongest bubble possible.

Project the stars on your ceiling

Use the video lesson in the link below to teach 3rd grade science students why stars are only visible at night. Then create a DIY star projector to explore the concept hands-on.

Learn more: Star Projector at Mystery Science

Blow bubbles inside bubbles inside bubbles

If there’s a more fun 3rd grade science project about surface tension than bubbles, we haven’t found it yet! Create a soap solution by using dissolved sugar and discover more about elasticity and volume as you blow bubbles inside bubbles inside bubbles …

Use water balloons to explore buoyancy

Fill water balloons with different solutions (oil, salt water, plain water, etc.) and place the balloons in a large bucket of water to see if they sink or float. This is a cool project to do with your 3rd grade science class on the playground on a sunny day.

Learn more: Balloon Density at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Learn how water temperature affects density

Looking for a simple, quick, and colorful science experiment? This one just requires some mason jars , hot and cold water, and food coloring . Kids will be amazed at the results!

Learn more: Water Density Experiment at STEAMsational

Dissolve cups to learn about types of change

Teach your 3rd grade science class about the differences between physical and chemical changes with this quick and easy experiment involving Styrofoam cups.

Learn more: Dissolving Cups at The Owl Teacher

Turn crayons into rocks

Demonstrate the effects of heat and pressure on crayon shavings to explain the different types of rocks to students. It’s a colorful intro to geology!

Learn more: Crayon Rocks at The Owl Teacher

 Stab a straw through a potato

Plastic straws may seem flimsy, but by using the power of air pressure, you can make one strong enough to stab all the way through a potato!

Learn more: Stab a Potato at KiwiCo

Shake up some ice cream

Get kids up and moving when they shake their way to ice cream, made from scratch using ice and plastic zipper bags! Talk about heating and cooling as well as condensation while you enjoy your snack.

Learn more: Ice Cream in a Bag at Mom of 6

Examine pine cones opening and closing

Pine cones can sense changes in humidity and adjust their scales in response. Gather several pine cones, glass containers, tweezers, and both hot and cold water to conduct a fun experiment to discover what makes pine cones open and close.

Learn more: Pine Cone Experiment at Parenting Chaos

If you liked these 3rd grade science projects, keep up the STEM enthusiasm with these fun and engaging 3rd grade math games .

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Home » Tips for Teachers » 14 Engaging Science Fair Projects for 3rd Graders to Ignite Curiosity and Explore the Wonders of the Natural World

14 Engaging Science Fair Projects for 3rd Graders to Ignite Curiosity and Explore the Wonders of the Natural World

In 3rd grade, science education plays a transformative role in shaping young minds. As students progress from foundational learning to deeper understanding, their curiosity reaches its peak. Engaging science fair projects offer a gateway to scientific discovery, moving beyond traditional classroom teaching. By creating, executing, and presenting these projects, 3rd graders gain insights into scientific concepts and develop essential skills.

Science fair projects provide immersive experiences fueled by curiosity. Students become architects of their learning, exploring real-world phenomena, asking questions, and seeking answers. Bridging theory with practice, these projects make science tangible, igniting enthusiasm among young learners.

The impact of science fair projects extends beyond science itself. They foster critical thinking, nurture creativity, hone problem-solving abilities, and refine communication skills. This holistic approach blends knowledge with practicality, curiosity with collaboration, and individual exploration with shared learning.

In the upcoming sections, we’ll explore 14 tailored science fair projects for 3rd graders. Each project aims not only to educate but also to spark wonder and excitement, leaving a lasting impression. Through these projects, we’ll witness the magic of education and curiosity intertwining, creating a vibrant tapestry of knowledge, growth, and an insatiable thirst for discovery.

After reading this article, you’ll get to know about:

• The Significance of Science Education in 3rd Grade→

4 Benefits of Science Fair Projects

• What Do 3rd Graders Learn in Science?→

Discover the Importance of Science Education in 3rd Grade, Uncover the 4 Advantages of Science Fair Projects, and gain insight into the science curriculum for 3rd graders before diving into the projects.

The Significance of Science Education in 3rd Grade

The 3rd grade marks a pivotal point in a student’s educational journey, representing a phase of immense growth and cognitive development. As young learners transition from foundational skills to more advanced learning, their minds become fertile ground for cultivating a deeper understanding of the world. In the 3rd grade, students begin to bridge the gap between concrete and abstract thinking, as their cognitive abilities evolve to encompass more complex concepts.

At this juncture, children are not only curious about the world but are also developing the cognitive tools to explore it in a systematic and structured manner. Their emerging ability to think logically, ask probing questions, and apply critical thinking to their observations makes the 3rd grade a fertile ground for introducing science education. By nurturing this curiosity through science education, educators lay the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of the subject. This early exposure to scientific concepts equips students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for their future academic pursuits and prepares them to be informed, engaged citizens who can navigate an increasingly complex and scientific world.

Science fair projects offer a myriad of invaluable benefits to 3rd graders that extend far beyond the classroom walls:

• These projects serve as a bridge that connects theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, providing hands-on learning experiences that are both tangible and relatable. By engaging with scientific concepts through practical experimentation, students develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. As they actively participate in designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments, they transition from passive recipients of information to active contributors in their own education.
• Furthermore, the process of planning and executing science fair projects cultivates essential life skills. Teamwork is fostered as students collaborate with peers, brainstorm ideas, and share responsibilities. Effective communication skills are honed as students articulate their hypotheses, methodologies, and findings to their classmates, teachers, and parents. Presentation skills are polished as they deliver their findings in an organized and engaging manner, fostering confidence and poise from an early age.
• Additionally, science fair projects spark curiosity and a genuine excitement for learning. The hands-on nature of these projects taps into students’ innate desire to explore and discover, making learning an immersive and enjoyable experience. This, in turn, paves the way for the development of a growth mindset, encouraging students to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and persist in the face of difficulties.
• In essence, science fair projects are vehicles of holistic education. They not only convey scientific principles but also instill essential life skills, foster a passion for learning, and prepare 3rd graders for the ever-evolving demands of the future. Through the process of active exploration and discovery, these projects empower young learners to become confident, curious, and capable individuals who approach both education and life with a sense of wonder and possibility.

What Do 3rd Graders Learn in Science?

In the realm of 3rd-grade science education, students embark on a journey of discovery that mirrors the immersive nature of the curated science fair projects. The foundation is laid through the introduction of fundamental scientific concepts and processes. Much like the science projects encourage experimentation and communication, students learn the art of scientific observation, hypothesis formation, and experimental design. These skills not only echo the hands-on approach of the projects but also equip 3rd graders with the ability to investigate the world around them and effectively convey their findings.

Beyond the building blocks, 3rd graders delve into the diverse branches of science—life science, earth science, and physical science. This mirrors the multidisciplinary nature of the projects, where young learners encounter a tapestry of scientific realms. In life science, they explore living things, their characteristics, and ecosystems, paralleling their interaction with the natural world through experiments. The explorations extend to earth science, where they delve into the planet’s structure, atmosphere, and climate, mirroring their hands-on engagement with the environment. In the realm of physical science, students comprehend matter, energy, and motion, aligning with their manipulation of materials in experiments.

As students navigate the dynamic landscape of 3rd grade science, they foster critical thinking akin to the problem-solving elements of the science fair projects. By asking questions, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions, students are primed to address challenges and dissect complex scenarios. Just as the projects encourage drawing insights from data, 3rd graders are equipped to unravel patterns, make informed decisions, and approach problems strategically.

Furthermore, the correlation between 3rd grade science and everyday life mirrors the practical applications emphasized in the science fair projects. By recognizing the impact of the water cycle on agriculture or understanding the force of gravity’s influence, students grasp the tangible relevance of their scientific knowledge. This parallel enables them to appreciate science’s profound effects on the world, just as the projects merge theory with practice. The connections formed between 3rd grade science and everyday life cultivate a deeper understanding, inspiring students to pursue lifelong learning and cultivate a genuine affection for the realm of science.

My 3rd grader is doing her first science fair project, and it’s somehow one that I don’t already know the outcome for. She’s looking at how temperature affects magnetic strength. We’ll do a bunch of runs of using a magnet to pick stuff up at room temp, 1/x — Humphrey Bogart’s Hairpiece (@Onychomys2) March 22, 2023

14 Engaging Science Fair Projects for 3rd Graders

Now, let’s delve into the realm of science fair projects. Explore a range of projects accompanied by detailed descriptions and instructional videos. These projects are designed to be relatively simple to execute, although occasional assistance from adults may be necessary for children.

1. Floating Egg Experiment

Explore the concept of buoyancy with this experiment. By adding salt to water in a tall glass, you’ll observe an egg floating. Discover the science behind why certain objects float while others sink.

Materials: Eggs, salt, water, tall glass

Level of Difficulty: Easy

• Fill a tall glass with water.
• Gently place an egg into the water. Observe that it sinks.
• Begin adding salt to the water while stirring until the egg starts to float.
• Record your observations and note the amount of salt required.
• Research and explain the scientific principles behind buoyancy and density.

View the video and adhere to the provided instructions. The video serves as an illustrative demonstration of how the experiment can be conducted.

2. Balloon Rocket Race

Embark on a journey to uncover Newton’s third law of motion. Create a balloon rocket by attaching a straw to a balloon and securing it with tape. Release the air from the balloon to propel the rocket forward and measure its distance traveled.

Materials: Balloon, string, straw, tape

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

• Attach a straw to a balloon using tape, ensuring it’s secure.
• Thread a length of string through the straw, creating a taut line.
• Find an open space and have a friend hold the string taut.
• Inflate the balloon and release the air, propelling the rocket along the string.
• Measure the distance the rocket traveled and record the results.
• Research and explain Newton’s third law of motion and the forces at play.

The video presents a demonstration of the experiment’s procedural steps. Additionally, the experiment can be undertaken as a challenge.

3. Rainbow in a Jar

Dive into the world of density by creating a rainbow in a jar. Layer liquids of different densities – honey, dish soap, water, and food coloring – to witness stunning separation and understand the principles of density.

Materials: Honey, dish soap, water, food coloring

• Gather the liquids: honey, dish soap, water, and food coloring.
• Start by adding the heaviest liquid, honey, to the jar.
• Carefully pour the dish soap, followed by water and a drop of food coloring.
• Observe the distinct layers forming in the jar.
• Research and explain the concept of density and how liquids with different densities interact.

This video provides an explanation of density and illustrates the process of conducting the experiment. The video can serve as an instructional guide for performing the experiment.

4. Simple Circuit Project

Immerse yourself in the realm of electricity through a basic circuit project. Construct a simple circuit using a battery, wires, a bulb, and paper clips. Illuminate the bulb by completing the circuit, gaining insights into electricity flow and switches.

Materials: Battery, bulb, wires, paper clips

• Gather the materials: battery, bulb, wires, and paper clips.
• Connect one end of a wire to the positive terminal of the battery and the other end to one side of the bulb.
• Attach a second wire to the negative terminal of the battery and the other end to the opposite side of the bulb.
• Use a paper clip to bridge the gap between the two ends of the wires, completing the circuit and illuminating the bulb.
• Experiment with switches by inserting a paper clip between the wires to break the circuit and turn off the bulb.
• Research and explain the flow of electricity in a circuit and how switches control it.

This video functions as a visual guide, offering instructions that can be utilized during your preparation for a science fair project.

5. Plant Life Cycle Observation

Witness the stages of plant growth with this project. Plant bean seeds in pots, nurture them with soil and water, and observe their transformation from seeds to thriving plants.

Materials: Bean seeds, pots, soil, water

• Fill pots with soil and make a small hole in each.
• Plant bean seeds in the holes and cover them with soil.
• Water the pots regularly and ensure they receive sunlight.
• Observe and document the growth stages of the plants, including seed germination, sprouting, leaf development, and flowering.
• Research and explain the various stages of a plant’s life cycle.

This video offers a valuable resource for students aiming to enhance their science fair presentations. It provides comprehensive insights into the different stages of a plant’s transformation from a seed to a fruit. The content is skillfully simplified to cater to the understanding of primary school students, making it a useful tool for speech preparation.

6. Solar System Model

Embark on a cosmic journey by crafting a solar system model. Use different-sized balls and objects to represent the planets and their positions relative to the sun. Paint and label each planet to create a visually accurate representation of our solar system. Present your model and explain the order of the planets, their unique characteristics, and their relationship to the sun. This project offers an interactive way to learn about the vastness of space and the arrangement of celestial bodies.

Materials: Various-sized balls, paint, labels

• Gather different-sized balls to represent the planets. Use a larger ball for the sun.
• Paint each ball according to the color of the corresponding planet.
• Arrange the balls in their proper order and distance from the sun, following the real solar system layout.
• Label each planet with its name and distance from the sun.
• Research and explain the unique characteristics of each planet and their positions in the solar system.
• Present your solar system model and demonstrate your knowledge of the planets’ arrangement and features.

This video illustrates a method for painting your own planets. It provides a simple and efficient technique to create your customized solar system model quickly.

7. Volcano Eruption

Embark on an explosive journey by creating your own miniature volcano. Craft the volcano using clay, then simulate an eruption by combining baking soda and vinegar. Observe the chemical reaction that triggers the eruption and learn about volcanic processes in a fun and interactive way.

Materials: Baking soda, vinegar, clay, dish soap

• Mold the clay into a volcano shape, leaving an opening at the top.
• Place the clay volcano on a tray or container to catch the eruption.
• Add a small amount of baking soda into the volcano’s opening.
• Mix dish soap with vinegar in a separate container.
• Pour the vinegar and dish soap mixture into the volcano.
• Observe the eruption as the mixture reacts with the baking soda, creating a bubbly foam that mimics volcanic activity.
• Research and explain the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar that causes the eruption.

The video showcases the process of creating a volcano and demonstrates how to conduct the associated experiment. By watching the video, you can learn how to construct your own volcano and replicate the experiment for yourself.

8. Homemade Lava Lamp

Fuse science and art with a homemade lava lamp experiment. Mix water, oil, and food coloring in a clear container, then drop an effervescent tablet to witness mesmerizing bubbles that resemble a lava lamp. Explore the science of density and chemical reactions while creating a visually captivating display.

Materials: Water, oil, food coloring, effervescent tablet

• Fill a clear container with water, leaving some space at the top.
• Add vegetable oil to the container, ensuring it forms a separate layer on top of the water.
• Add a few drops of food coloring to the oil, which will gradually sink into the water.
• Break an effervescent tablet into smaller pieces.
• Drop a piece of the tablet into the container and observe as it interacts with the liquids.
• Witness mesmerizing bubbles that rise from the oil layer to the water layer and back.
• Research and explain the science behind the formation of bubbles due to chemical reactions and the role of density in this process.

This video provides detailed instructions on creating 11 different types of DIY lava lamps. Explore various methods and techniques to make your own mesmerizing lava lamp creations.

9. Static Electricity Butterfly

Unleash the power of static electricity by creating a butterfly that “flies” with the touch of a balloon. Inflate the balloon and generate static electricity, causing the tissue paper butterfly to levitate. Understand the science behind static charges and engage in a playful exploration of electric forces.

Materials: Balloon, tissue paper, thread

• Inflate a balloon and tie it to a stationary object.
• Cut out a butterfly shape from tissue paper and attach a piece of thread to its center.
• Rub the balloon against your hair or clothing to generate static electricity.
• Hold the charged balloon near the tissue paper butterfly.
• Observe as the butterfly is attracted to the balloon and hovers in the air due to the static charges.
• Experiment with different objects and distances to control the butterfly’s movement.
• Research and explain the phenomenon of static electricity and how opposite charges attract.

Watch the video to gain insights into the preparation process for the Static Electricity Butterfly science project. Discover the steps and materials required to successfully undertake this engaging experiment.

10. Bouncing Egg Experiment

Discover the extraordinary properties of eggs by conducting a bouncing egg experiment. Submerge a raw egg in vinegar to dissolve the shell, leaving behind a bouncy, membrane-covered egg. Explore the concept of osmosis and observe the egg’s transformation while investigating the inner workings of cellular membranes.

Materials: Raw egg, vinegar

• Place a raw egg gently into a clear container.
• Carefully pour enough vinegar into the container to fully submerge the egg.
• Observe the initial reaction between the eggshell and the vinegar, which will create bubbles.
• Cover the container and let it sit for at least 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, carefully remove the egg from the vinegar and rinse it with water.
• Gently tap the egg on a surface to see how bouncy it has become due to the membrane.
• Research and explain the scientific processes of osmosis and the dissolution of the eggshell.

Observe the video to understand the essential steps in preparing for the Bouncing Egg science project. Acquire valuable insights into the necessary materials and procedures to effectively conduct this engaging experiment.

11. Solar Oven

Harness the power of the sun by constructing a solar oven using a shoebox, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap. Use the oven to heat small items and understand the principles of solar energy conversion. Delve into sustainable energy sources and the potential of harnessing sunlight for practical applications.

Materials: Shoebox, aluminum foil, plastic wrap

• Line the inside of the shoebox with aluminum foil, ensuring it’s reflective.
• Cut a flap in the box lid and cover it with plastic wrap, securing it with tape.
• Place small items, such as marshmallows or chocolate, on a tray inside the box.
• Set up the solar oven in direct sunlight, adjusting the flap to focus sunlight onto the tray.
• Monitor the temperature inside the oven using a thermometer.
• Observe as the items on the tray heat up and potentially melt.
• Research and explain the principles of solar energy conversion and its applications.

View the video tutorial to gain comprehensive guidance on preparing for the Solar Oven science project. Acquire a clear understanding of the required materials and step-by-step procedures to successfully execute this captivating experiment.

12. Water Cycle in a Bag

Condense the water cycle into a simple yet enlightening experiment. Fill a ziplock bag with water, seal it, and observe the water cycle in action as condensation forms on the bag’s interior. Witness evaporation, condensation, and precipitation in a miniature, controlled environment.

Materials: Ziplock bag, water, marker

• Fill a ziplock bag with a small amount of water.
• Seal the bag, ensuring it’s airtight.
• Hang the bag in a sunny window or place it outside in direct sunlight.
• Observe as the water inside the bag heats up and evaporates.
• Over time, notice droplets of condensation forming on the inner surface of the bag.
• As condensation builds up, it may eventually resemble raindrops.
• Research and explain the stages of the water cycle: evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Observe the instructional video to acquire valuable insights on how to prepare for the Water Cycle in a Bag science project. Discover the essential materials and follow the step-by-step instructions provided to effectively conduct this enlightening experiment.

13. Magnet Maze

Embark on a magnetic adventure with a maze designed for a paperclip “magnet.” Construct a cardboard maze with hidden metal objects, guiding the paperclip through magnetic forces. Explore magnetism’s invisible yet powerful effects and navigate through the intricacies of magnetic fields.

Materials: Cardboard, magnets, metal objects

• Create a maze design on a flat piece of cardboard.
• Attach magnets to a paperclip, creating a “magnet” that can navigate the maze.
• Place small metal objects strategically within the maze’s walls.
• Hold the maze at an angle, allowing the paperclip “magnet” to move through the maze via magnetic forces.
• Use the magnetic field to guide the paperclip and navigate the maze’s twists and turns.
• Experiment with different angles and approaches to navigate the paperclip through the maze.
• Research and explain the principles of magnetism and magnetic fields.

Discover the process of crafting a magnet maze in this instructional video. The video demonstrates the creation of a maze using cardboard, popsicle sticks, and two rare-earth magnets. Learn how the maze functions as the indicator is maneuvered through it, experiencing resistance from the magnets upon encountering walls or dead-ends.

14. Edible Rock Cycle

Take a delectable journey through geology by crafting an edible rock cycle model. Mold layers of chocolate to represent different rock types, then use a mallet to mimic the forces that transform rocks over time. Learn about the rock cycle while savoring the sweet rewards of hands-on learning.

Materials: Chocolate, wax paper, mallet

• Melt the chocolate and pour it into layers on a piece of wax paper.
• Create layers to represent different types of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic).
• Let the chocolate layers cool and harden.
• Once hardened, use a mallet to break the layers into smaller pieces, symbolizing the rock cycle’s forces.
• Arrange the chocolate pieces to illustrate the stages of the rock cycle: melting, cooling, weathering, and pressure.
• As you enjoy the edible rock cycle, research and explain the geological processes behind rock formation and transformation.

Explore the process of conducting the Edible Rock Cycle science project in this informative video. The video provides step-by-step instructions on how to create the edible rock cycle model using chocolate and a mallet. Discover how the layers of chocolate represent different rock types and learn about the geological processes behind rock formation and transformation.

Useful Resources

• 18 3rd Grade Classroom Management Tips and Ideas
• Teaching 3rd Graders Problem Solving Skills
• How to Do a Great Elementary Science Fair Project and Board Layout

In the dynamic landscape of 3rd-grade science education, the power of hands-on learning shines through science fair projects. These 14 engaging science fair projects for 3rd graders offer a gateway to discovery, nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. As these young minds delve into density towers, erupting volcanoes, and edible rock cycles, they forge a deeper connection with the world around them. Through these projects, 3rd graders not only grasp scientific concepts but also develop lifelong skills that fuel their journey of exploration and growth. The journey of scientific inquiry has never been more exciting, setting the stage for a future marked by wonder, learning, and unbridled curiosity.

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VanCleave's Science Fun

Your Guide to Science Projects, Fun Experiments, and Science Research

Science Project: Slime/Hypothesis

By Janice VanCleave

A hypothesis is your guess about the answer to the project question. This is not a “wild” guess. You need to have a good reason for the hypothesis you state.

Project Question

1. If two solution, glue and borax, are mixed, what effect would the viscosity of the  glue used have on the viscosity of the slime ?

independent variable: viscosity of glue

dependent variable: viscosity of slime

Project Hypothesis

1. Viscosity measures how easy something flows. Glues that are thick and slow to flow will produce thick, slow flowing slime.

2. Viscosity is the resistance to flowing, so the more viscous the glue the more viscous will be the slime.

Step 6 : Experiment

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Science Experiments

Floating Egg Science Experiment

Can you make an egg float in water? In this simple science experiment, we take just a few minutes to test the laws of density and discover just how easy it is to make an egg float!

Below you’ll find detailed instructions and our demonstration video as well as the scientific explanation of “why it works.” We’ve also included a more ideas to explore the concept a bit further.

JUMP TO SECTION: Instructions | Video Tutorial | How it Works

Supplies Needed

• 2 Tall Drinking Glass

Floating Egg Science Lab Kit – Only $5

Use our easy Floating Egg Science Lab Kit to grab your students’ attention without the stress of planning!

It’s everything you need to  make science easy for teachers and fun for students  — using inexpensive materials you probably already have in your storage closet!

Floating Egg Science Experiment Instructions

Experiment Setup – Start with some observations about the eggs. Note that they are both raw eggs and have a similar size and weight. Then ask some questions. Do you think that the eggs will sink or float when placed in water? Do you think it’s possible to make them float? If so, how? Write down your hypothesis (prediction) and then follow the steps below.

Step 1 – Fill a tall drinking glass about 3/4 full of water and carefully place the egg into the glass. What happens to the egg? That’s right, it sinks to the bottom.  

Did you know there is a way to make it float? Continue on in the experiment to find out how. 

Step 2 – Fill another tall drinking glass about 3/4 full of water. 

Step 3 – Add 3 Tablespoons of salt to the water and stir until it is completely combined. What do you think will happen if you place the egg into the glass with the salt water? Write down your hypothesis (prediction) and then test it to see if you were right. 

Step 5 – Next carefully place the second egg into the glass with the salt water. What happens to the egg? That’s right, it floats. Take a moment to make some observations. Why do you think one egg sinks and the other egg floats?

Find out the answer in the how does this experiment work section below.

Video Tutorial

How Does the Floating Egg Science Experiment Work

Why does the egg sink in regular tap water, but float in saltwater? The answer lies in the density of water!

Density is a measure of the mass per unit volume of a substance. Simply said, how much “stuff” in a given volume. Water has a density of 1 g/mL (g/cm3). Objects will float in water if their density is less than 1 g/mL. Objects will sink in water if their density is greater than 1 g/mL.

The egg will sink in regular tap water because the density of the egg is greater than the density of water. The egg’s density is only slightly higher than water at 1.03 g/mL, but that is enough to make the egg sink.

When you add salt to the water, you are increasing the density of the water by adding more mass (or stuff) in the given volume. You don’t really change the volume of the water by adding salt. By adding enough salt, you increase the density of the water so that it is higher than the density of the egg and the egg will float!

Other Ideas to Try

Try this experiment again, but instead of using an egg use a potato slice or a carrot slice. You will have to play around with the amount of salt you add to the water because all objects have their own unique density. Add salt a tablespoon at a time and mix well until you cannot see any salt in the solution, then add your object to see if it floats or sinks. Remove your object and keep adding salt until you can get your object to float. To make it a true science experiment, create a data table to keep track of how much salt you add to the solution.

I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here are some printable instructions.

• Drinking Glass

Instructions

• Fill a tall drinking glass about 3/4 full of water
• Place the egg into the glass of watch and watch it sink
• Fill another tall drinking glass about 3/4 full of water
• Add 3 Tablespoons of Salt and stir until combined
• Place the egg into the glass and watch it float

Reader Interactions

April 3, 2019 at 2:58 pm

i love this experiment

January 23, 2020 at 11:14 pm

I really loved doing this experiment with my class

August 26, 2020 at 2:59 pm

The egg floats because the density of the salt water changes to be greater than the egg and the density of the egg becomes less dense so then the egg floats. But when you put an egg in tapwater the density of the egg is greater than the density of the tapwater which makes the egg sink.

January 20, 2022 at 11:33 am

bro I loved this experiment it was amazing!!! I tried it out with my friends and it worked! Thank you!

February 10, 2022 at 7:19 pm

this is very helpful thank you

March 7, 2022 at 9:56 am

i loved this experiment : )

April 16, 2023 at 11:35 am

I love doing this experiment at home

May 1, 2023 at 9:00 am

It’s amazing thank you for sharing.

November 3, 2023 at 10:18 am

This is my science fair experiment! YAY!

November 25, 2023 at 7:41 am

wow what a great experiment m!!!

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Science Project Ideas

Gummy Bear Experiment

The gummy bear experiment is a fun activity that teaches the basic concept of osmosis to the little ones in an easy manner. They will also be thrilled at the idea that their favorite gummy bears could teach them a lesson or two in science.

Gummy Bear Science Project Instructions

Hypothesis for growing/shrinking gummy bears.

When a gummy bear is placed in a hypotonic solution (e.g. water) then it will increase in mass and volume. On the other hand, its mass and volume decrease when placed in a hypertonic solution (e.g. salt water). Hypertonic refers to a higher concentration of solutes and hypotonic is just the reverse.

Things Needed

• Physical balance or digital weighing machine
• Sieve, plastic fork or screen
• Graph paper
• Measure the dimensions (length, breadth and height) of the bear with a scale. Measure its mass with the balance.
• Fill the bowl with water.
• Completely immerse the gummy bear in the water.
• Let the bowl sit overnight in a place away from direct sunlight.
• Next day, lift the bear from the water with a plastic fork, sieve or screen.
• Record the dimensions and mass of the bear again.
• Do the same observation each day for a couple of days more.
• Plot a graph with the time in hours along the X-axis (the dependent variable) and the mass or weight of the gummy bear along the Y-axis (independent variable). Check the nature of the graph.

Things You Can Try

• Set up a series of bowls on the table and fill them with different solutions like that of baking soda, vinegar, salt, distilled water, etc. Make similar observations as above for each one of them. Compare your results.
• Also, check if the taste and/or color of the bears have changed.

Gummy Bear Osmosis Video

How does it work.

The ingredients of gummy bears are sugar, water, and gelatin, with little water content. Due to the process of osmosis, i.e., the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of high concentration to that of a lower concentration, the bear starts to grow. However, it doesn’t get dissolved as the gelatin is insoluble in water.

On trying out the different ideas, you will find that the degree of expansion of the candy depends on the liquid on which it is kept. However, vinegar, which is actually an acid, can dissolve the candy .

This simple trick can prove to be a cool science fair idea. The kids will be enthralled to display their knowledge to the audience in a fun way.

References:

https://biozone.weebly.com/uploads/2/7/4/2/274298/gummy_bear_osmosis.pdf

https://tinkerlab.com/incredible-growing-gummy-bears/

https://www.childrensmuseum.org/blog/saturday-science-growing-gummy-bears

https://www.homeschool.com/blog/index.php/2014/04/homeschool-science-gummy-bear-osmosis/

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Are you looking for science activities to do with your 3rd graders? No sweat. We have you covered. Check out our list of 20 science projects and experiments that you can try with your 3rd 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.
• How Does Color Affect Eyesight? | Education.com – Grades 1-5, Find out which colors are easier and more challenging to read at a distance. This super simple project requires volunteers and color charts you can print from the web.
• How Many Letters? | ScienceBuddies.org – Grades 1-4, How much memory does a computer use to “remember” a series of letters? Find out how much memory a computer uses to remember 1000 letters.
• Jumping For Geodes: Can You Tell the Inside from the Outside? | ScienceBuddies.org Grades 1-4, Can you tell what’s inside a geode from looking at the outside? Learn more out these unique rocks and crack some open to discover the surprises inside.
• 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.
• Condensation and the Water Cycle | Easy-Science-Fair-Projects.net – Grades 2-4, Gather up some jars, bowls, and ice water to determine how the amount of ice affects condensation.
• Ready, Set, Search! Race to the Right Answer | ScienceBuddies.org – Grades 2-5, Find out how Internet search engines work and how you can get different results depending on the type of information you request.
• Paper Airplane Science | Easy-Science-Fair-Projects.net – Grades 2-5, Put your paper airplane making and flying skills to the test. Design and fly a variety of different planes and determine which design flies the farthest.
• Mag-nificent Breakfast Cereal – Grades 2-5, Use a blender and a magnet to find out how much iron is in different kinds of breakfast cereal.
• The Big Dig | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 2-5, Find out which materials are biodegradable, and which ones are not. How can you use this information to help the environment?
• Weather-Related Science Projects | Hubpages.com – Grades 2-5, Learn more about the weather and other aspects of meteorology by using instruments you build. Make a barometer, hygrometer, anemometer… even lightning!
• Hero’s Engine and Newton’s Third Law | Education.com – Grades 2-5, Build an aeolipile(Hero’s Engine) to explore Isaac Newton’s Third Law – for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.  Can you predict the movement of the Hero’s Engine?
• Rocky Secrets: Where Does Oil Hide? | ScienceBuddies.org -Grades 2-5, Can you get petroleum oil from a stone? Find out which kinds of rocks can soak up and store the most fat. Learn how petroleum geologists and engineers use this information to find the best places to get oil from the earth.

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Science Fair Projects Made Simple

Background and Hypothesis

Materials 

Results- Data/Analysis-Conclusion

You can grab the blank journal we used here.   

Wow! I love this idea! All kids love popcorn and they will definitely love this experiment. Thank you for sharing! imgrum

3rd Grade Science Fair Projects

• Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
• B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College

The 3rd grade may be the first time students are introduced to science fair projects. Children ask questions from a young age, but this is a great time to begin to apply the scientific method .

Introduction to 3rd Grade Science Fair Projects

3rd grade is a great time to answer "what happens if..." or 'which is better..." questions. In general, elementary school students are exploring the world around them and learning how things work. The key to a great science fair project at the 3rd-grade level is finding a topic that the student finds interesting. Usually, a teacher or parent is needed to help plan the project and offer guidance with a report or poster . Some students may want to make models or perform demonstrations that illustrate scientific concepts.

3rd Grade Science Fair Project Ideas

Here are some project ideas appropriate for 3rd grade:

• Do cut flowers last longer if you put them in warm water or in cold water? You can test how effectively flowers are drinking water by adding food coloring . You'll get the best results with white cut flowers, such as carnations. Do flowers drink warm water faster, slower, or at the same rate as cold water?
• Does the color of your clothing affect how hot or cold you feel when you're outside in the sunlight? Explain your results. This project is easiest if you compare solid colors, such as black and white t-shirts.
• Do all students in the class have the same size hands and feet as each other? Trace outlines of hands and feet and compare them. Do taller students have larger hands/feet or does height not seem to matter?
• How much does the temperature have to change for you to feel a difference? Does it matter whether it's air or water? You can try this with your hand, a glass, a thermometer, and tap water of different temperatures.
• Are waterproof mascaras really waterproof? Put some mascara on a sheet of paper and rinse it with water. What happens? Do 8-hour lipsticks really keep their color that long?
• Do clothes take the same length of time to dry if you add a dryer sheet or fabric softener to the load?
• Which melts faster: ice cream or ice milk? Can you figure out why this might happen? You can compare other frozen treats, such as frozen yogurt and sorbet.
• Do frozen candles burn at the same rate as candles that were stored at room temperature ? Ideally, compare candles that are identical in every way except their starting temperature.
• Research what dryer sheets do. Can people tell the difference between a load of laundry that used dryer sheets and one that didn't use them? If one type of laundry was preferred over the other, what was the reason? Ideas might be scent, softness, and the amount of static.
• Do all types of bread grow the same types of mold? A related project would compare types of mold that grow on cheese or other food. Keep in mind mold grows quickly on bread, but might grow more slowly on other food. Use a magnifying glass to make it easier to tell the types of mold apart.
• Do raw eggs and hard-boiled eggs spin the same length of time/number of times?
• What type of liquid will rust a nail the quickest? You could try water, orange juice, milk, vinegar, peroxide, and other common household liquids.
• Does light affect how fast foods spoil?
• Can you tell from today's clouds what tomorrow's weather will be?

Tips for Success

• Choose a project that won't take too much time to complete. Performing an experiment or making a model often takes longer than one expects, and it's better to have extra time than to run out at the last minute.
• Expect a 3rd-grade project to require adult supervision or help. This doesn't mean an adult should do the project for a child, but an older sibling, parent, guardian, or teacher can help guide the project, offer suggestions, and be supportive.
• Select an idea that uses materials you can actually find. Some project ideas might look great on paper, but be difficult to perform if the supplies are unavailable.
• Second Grade Science Fair Projects
• First-Grade Science Projects
• 6th Grade Science Fair Projects
• 8th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas
• 4th Grade Science Fair Projects
• 5th Grade Science Fair Projects
• Elementary School Science Fair Projects
• Middle School Science Fair Project Ideas
• 9th Grade Science Fair Projects
• Grade School Science Fair Project Ideas
• Chemistry Science Fair Project Ideas
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• Household Product Testing Science Fair Projects
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Gummy Bear Science Experiment: DIY Science Project Ideas for Kids

Gummy bears sure are yummy, but they are tiny. What if you could grow a huge gummy bear? Do you think that’s possible? Will the large gummy bear be as yummy as the regular one? Perform the gummy bear science experiment with your little ones to find out. Science experiments for kids are a great way to help children understand difficult science lessons, like the concept of osmosis. 

Step-by-Step Instructions on Gummy Bear Science Experiment

Here is a step-by-step guide to performing the growing gummy bear science experiment at home.

What You’ll Need?

The growing gummy bear experiment is not only fun but inexpensive too. All you need are:

• 3 gummy bears, one red, one green and one yellow (you can use any color of your choice)
• 3 glasses filled with water
• ¼ cup of sugar
• ¼ cup of salt
• Pen and paper

How to Perform Gummy Bear Science Experiment?

Setting up the expanding gummy bear experiment is very easy. Follow these instructions to perform the experiment:

• Place the 3 glasses of water on your work surface. Ensure that the level of water in all 3 glasses is the same.
• Add ¼ cup of sugar into the 1st glass of water. Stir with the spoon until it’s completely dissolved.
• Now add ¼ cup of salt to the 2nd glass of water and stir till it is completely dissolved.
• Using the ruler, measure the height, length and width of each of the gummy bears and write it on the paper.
• Now, measure the weight of each gummy bear using the scale and note it down.
• Now, add the red gummy bear into the glass with sugar and the green gummy bear into the glass with salt. Finally, add the yellow gummy bear into the glass with plain water. 
• Note down the time and allow the gummy bears to sit undisturbed in their water bath for 12 hours.
• After 12 hours, check the gummy bears. Take them out of the water and measure and weigh them.

What You’ll See?

After 12 hours, you’ll see something magical in the 3 glasses. 

• You’ll notice that the yellow gummy bear, which we put in the plain water, has expanded and grown into a big gummy bear.
• The green gummy bear, which was in the salt solution, has barely grown. 
• The red gummy bear, which was in the sugar solution, has shrunk.

Science Behind Gummy Bear Experiment

So, why did the 3 gummy bears behave differently? Let’s find out by learning the science behind the expanding and shrinking gummy bears.

• Why did the gummy bear in plain water become bigger?

When the gummy bear is added to the plain water, it expands because of a process called Osmosis.

Gummy bears are made of gelatin, sugar, and flavoring, which are dissolved in warm water. A bit of the water leaves the solution as it cools leaving a firm but chewy candy bear. When you add the gummy bear into the water, the water moves into the gummy bear to balance the amount of water and sugar. With more and more water moving into the gummy bear, it expands and grows bigger.

• Why did the gummy bears in the sugar solution shrink?

In the glass with the sugar solution, the concentration of sugar is greater than the amount of sugar in the gummy bear. So, the water in the gummy bear moves out to balance the concentration of sugar, which makes the gummy bear shrink.

• Why did the gummy bear in the salt solution not grow much?

Salt molecules are much smaller than gelatin. So, the concentration of salt in the salt solution is greater than the salt content in the gummy bear. As a result, the water in the gummy bear moves into the salt solution to balance out the concentration of salt. This is why the gummy bear in the salt solution doesn’t grow much.

• What is Osmosis?

Osmosis is the process where water molecules or any solvent moves from an area with a lower concentration of solute to an area with a higher concentration of solute to balance the 2 solutions.

Other Way to Perform Gummy Bear Science Experiment

Now that we know how gummy bears behave in water, sugar, and salt, let’s see how they behave with other solutions. Let’s perform the gummy bear science experiment with liquids other than water.=

Here is what you need to perform this experiment:

• Gummy bears

How to Perform Gummy Bear Science Experiment for Kids?

Check out stepwise instructions on gummy bear science experiment for kids below.

• Place the vinegar, milk and olive oil in 3 different bowls.
• Now, measure the height, length, width and weight of each of the gummy bears. Note the measurements down.
• Then, place 1 gummy bear in each of the 3 bowls. Note the time.
• After 12 hours, check the gummy bears. Note down the changes in each of the gummy bears. 
• Ask the children to check how the gummy bears behaved differently in each of the liquids.

Check Osmo for more experiments, activities, games, and worksheets to aid in your kids learning .

Frequently Asked Questions on Gummy Bear Science Experiment

Why should you do the growing gummy bears science experiment.

The gummy bear science experiment is a wonderful way to help little children understand the concept of osmosis.

What do you need for the expanding gummy bears experiment?

The gummy bear in the water science experiment is very simple and needs very few things. All you need are 3 glasses of water, gummy bears, sugar, salt, scale, ruler, pen, and paper.

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Acid Rain Experiment

What happens to plants when rain is acidic? Set up an easy acid rain science project with this flowers in vinegar experiment. Explore what causes acid rain and what can be done about it. A great project for Earth Day !

What Is Acid Rain?

You might already know that water is necessary for all living things on Earth. Rain provides much of the water for the planet. Check out our water cycle in a bag activity ! What happens though when rainwater becomes acidic?

Most water, including the water we drink, has a neutral pH between 6.5 and 8.5. Acid rain is rainfall and other forms of precipitation that are acidic, that is, they have a pH lower than 6.5. Learn more about the pH scale.

• What causes acid rain?

Some acid rain is caused by gases released from rotting vegetation and volcanic eruptions, but most is caused by chemicals released into the air from burning coal, petroleum, and other products.

The main gases leading to acid rain are sulfur and nitrogen dioxide. These gases become acids when they come into contact with water and oxygen. A chemical reaction takes place!

How does acid rain affect the environment?

Can acid rain hurt us? Although acid rain is not acidic enough to directly burn our skin, it has a harmful effect on forests, plants, soil, insects, and other life forms.

Acid rain is especially damaging for aquatic habitats, like streams, ponds, lakes and rivers as it affects the organisms that live in the water. See our ocean acidification experiment with seashells.

Fish, and other aquatic animals and plants, are very sensitive to changes in the water’s pH. For example, at a pH of 5, fish eggs won’t hatch, which in turn affects other organisms that feed on them.

How can we reduce acid rain?

Using renewable energy, such as power from windmills , water, and the sun ( solar ), instead of fossil fuels helps reduce acid rain in the environment.

You can help too by reducing your energy use at home and at school. Turn off lights, computers, TVs, video games, and other electrical equipment when you’re not using them.

Get Your FREE Printable Acid Rain Project!

How To Set Up An Acid Rain Experiment

Let’s explore the effect of acid rain on the environment with this simple experiment. It’s a great hands-on STEM activity that is sure to get kids thinking.

This acid rain project asks a few questions!

• What is acid rain?
• What impact does acid rain have on the environment?

Let’s explore the answers together!

• 3 Containers

Instructions:

STEP 1: Add water to the three containers: the first one should be full, the second one half full, and the third one 1/4 full.

STEP 2: Add vinegar to the second two, enough in each so that all three containers are equally full.

STEP 3: Add a flower into each container and wait.

Observe them for 24 hours. What do you see happen?

Acid Rain Experiment Explanation

When you add vinegar to water, it lowers the pH and makes the solution acidic, similar to acid rain. Which flower looked the best after a day? You would have found that the flower sitting in the water with a neutral pH was the freshest.

What does acid rain do to plants? Acid rain may damage the leaves of trees and plants, making it harder for them to photosynthesis . It also changes the pH of the soil, dissolving essential minerals that the plants need to grow.

Turn It Into A Science Fair Project

Science projects are an excellent tool for older kiddos to show what they know about science! Plus, they can be used in all sorts of environments, including classrooms, homeschools, and groups.

Kids can take everything they have learned about using the scientific method , stating a hypothesis, choosing variables , and analyzing and presenting data.

Want to turn one of these experiments into an awesome science fair project? Check out these helpful resources.

• Science Project Tips From A Teacher
• Science Fair Board Ideas
• Easy Science Fair Projects

More Environmental Science For Kids

Discover many fun and doable Earth Day activities for kids , including art and crafts, slime recipes, science experiments, and more. Like these ideas…

Explore the impact of stormwater runoff pollution for Earth Day.

Make this edible soil erosion model .

Explore ways to help the Earth by reducing your carbon footprint .

Learn about the effect of storms on coastal erosion and set up a beach erosion demonstration .

Here is a simple ocean science experiment you can set up with seashells in vinegar that explores the effect of ocean acidification.

Try this oil spill cleanup experiment to learn about ocean pollution right at home or in the classroom.

Printable Earth Day Activities Pack

40+ Earth Day science activities and STEM projects  for kids that are easy to set up and fit into your available time, even if it’s limited!

• Printable Earth Day theme STEM activities  that are simple but engaging for home or classroom. Perfect for K-2 and beyond but easily adaptable to many skill levels.
• Dive into simple background science explanations to share with kids. At the same time, kiddos can  explore hands-on and playful experiments, projects, and activities  such as cleaning up oil spills, exploring water filters, and more!
• Engaging Earth Day Enginers pack  with theme activities, journal pages, and design process steps! Learn about the design process and think like an engineer while you design and build a better recycling can and more!
• Easy to gather supplies  makes these STEM activities ideal when you have limited resources available. Specialty activities include  growing a grass head, making an insect hotel, DIY birdseed ornaments , and more!
• Additional STEM activities include a  recycling sort, brick-building ideas, puzzles, and screen-free coding activities .
• Earth Day Bingo Activity Pack is included as well.

~ Projects to Try Now! ~

May 18, 2017

Build a Balloon-Powered Car

A zippy science activity

By Science Buddies & Ben Finio

Start your (balloon) engines! Learn how you can power a toy car with air--and a little knowledge of physics. Then challenge a friend to a race! 

George Retseck 

Key concepts Physics Kinetic energy Potential energy Conservation of energy Newton's laws of motion

Introduction Turn a pile of trash into a toy car—and watch it go! In this activity you will learn some physics concepts and use recycled materials to build a toy car that is propelled by a balloon. You can even find a friend, build two cars and race them against each other. Whose car will go the fastest?

Background It might not seem like it at first, but a simple balloon car is loaded with physics and engineering concepts! When you inflate a balloon, it stores potential energy in the form of stretched rubber and the compressed air inside. When you release the balloon, this energy is converted to kinetic energy—the energy of motion—as the balloon zooms around the room. Some of the energy is also converted to heat due to friction. According to the law of conservation of energy, the total amount of energy is conserved. Energy never “disappears”—it just changes to another form.

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Another way to think about the balloon's movement is to use Newton's third law of motion: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. When you inflate a balloon and then release the nozzle, the rubber contracts and pushes the air out the nozzle. This means that there must be an equal and opposite reaction—the air pushes back on the rubber, propelling the balloon forward. This principle is used in real rockets and jets that shoot a high-speed stream of gases out the back of their engines, propelling the vehicle forward. In this project you will use this principle to build a toy car that is propelled forward by the stream of air escaping a balloon as it deflates.

The car also contains a simple machine: the wheel and axle. This invention has been around so long, we take it for granted—and many of us ride in wheeled vehicles every day. You will see, however, getting your wheel and axle to spin smoothly is a critical part of getting your balloon car to work!

Plastic bottle

Four plastic bottle caps

Wooden skewer

Scissors or sharp knife (Have an adult use or supervise your use of this tool.)

An adult helper

Preparation

Cut one of the straws in half.

Tape both pieces of the straw to one side of the water bottle.

Cut the wooden skewer in half and push each piece through one of the straws. These will form your axles. (Have an adult help.)

Have an adult help use the scissors to poke a “+”-shaped hole directly in the center of each plastic bottle cap.

Press each bottle cap onto the ends of the wooden skewers. These will form your wheels.

Put your car down on a flat surface and give it a good push. Make sure the car rolls easily and coasts for a bit before stopping. If your car gets stuck or does not roll smoothly make sure: your axles are parallel to each other; the hole in each bottle cap is centered; and the straws are securely taped to the water bottle and do not wobble. You can add some glue if tape is not sufficient.

Tape the neck of the balloon around one end of the other straw. Wrap the tape very tightly so the connection is airtight.

Cut a small hole in the top of the water bottle, just big enough to push the straw through.

Push the free end of the straw through the hole and out the mouth of the bottle.

Use tape to secure the straw to the bottle.

Blow through the straw to inflate the balloon, then put your finger over the tip of the straw to trap the air. What do you think will happen when you put the car down and release your finger?

Put the car down on a flat surface and release your finger. What happens?

See what adjustments you can make to make the car go farther.

What happens if you inflate the balloon more?

What happens if you adjust the direction the straw is aimed? Does it work best if the straw is aimed straight back?

Extra: There are many different ways to build a balloon car. Turn this into an engineering design project and try building your car with different materials. For example: What happens if you use a cardboard box instead of a plastic bottle for the body? What happens if you use different diameter straws? What about different materials for the wheels and axles? Get some friends and try building different cars and racing them against one another. What materials work the best?

Observations and results When you inflate a balloon and let it go, it zips randomly around the room. When you tape the balloon to a straw and attach it to the body of your car, however, you can control the direction of the escaping air. When the end of the straw is aimed backward, the air pushes your car forward, as described by Newton's third law of motion. Your design will be most efficient if the straw is pointed straight back and not downward or to the side. The more you inflate the balloon the more potential energy it stores, which in turn is converted to more kinetic energy, according to the law of conservation of energy—so the car will go faster.

You may find your car does not work perfectly on the first try, particularly if its axles are not parallel or the wheels wobble. Too much friction can cause the wheels to get stuck, and the balloon will not be powerful enough to push the car forward. Test your car to make sure the wheels spin freely and, when you give it a push, the car rolls easily. If not, you might need to make some adjustments to your design. You should also make sure no air escapes the balloon where it is taped to the straw, and re-tape it more tightly if necessary.

More to explore Balloon-Powered Car Challenge , from Science Buddies Newton's Laws of Motion , from Physics4Kids Under Pressure: Launch a Balloon Rocket , from Scientific American Science Activities for All Ages! , from Science Buddies

This activity brought to you in partnership with Science Buddies