All Science Fair Projects for School Students

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Showing posts from July, 2013

Bam! The Strength of Rocks

Objectives/Goals I chose to study rock fracture because the San Francisco Bay Area is a major earthquake center. An experiment on the strength of rocks would help us understand earthquakes and understand ways of building structures to withstand them. I tested the fracture strength of four rock types: granite, soft granite, marble and slate, to investigate the question, "What type of rock can withstand the most pressure before fracturing?" My hypothesis was that granite would withstand the most pressure without breaking. Methods/Materials The strength of a rock is the amount of pressure it can withstand without breaking. There are three kinds of forces in breaking of materials: tension (pulling apart), compression (pushing together) and shear (sliding apart). When a bar of material is pushed down, the bending causes compression on the top and tension on the bottom. One standard measure of strength of a material, independen...

Landslides

Objectives/Goals The objective of my experiment was to determine which type of soil (sand, clay or sandy clay mixture) takes the least amount of water to landslide. I believe that sand would take the least amount of water to become unstable because it is has less strength than clay or clayey soils. Methods/Materials Materials: Stream table, sprinkling can, graduated cylinder, tare pan, water, soil, paper towels, scale, 30/60/90 triangle Method: 1. Measure 1360.8 grams (3.0 lbs) of soil being studied 2 Add the measured soil to the 74-1/2 inch stream table. Add the soil to the middle third of the stream table (between 24 and 48 inches) 3. Tilt the stream table to an angle of 30 degrees from horizontal 4. Add water from a sprinkling can, 200ml at a time, at a constant rate, until the soil mass moves. Record amount of water added. 5. Wipe the stream table dry and repeat steps 1-4 two mo...

The Fingerprints of Erosion

Objectives/Goals The point of this project was to see if the style of jetty on barrier islands affected the amount of erosion on the beach. I modeled my project after barrier island, Plum Island, for this island tends to have heavy erosion problems. Lately, the island has become so thin it is threatening to wash over. I care about the erosion on Plum Island because I have a house there that is also threatened. I wanted to find out if the jetty had any part in how much erosion occurred. Methods/Materials I used an apparatus to test my question. I used wood for the base, Olympian sand for the landmass, a fish tank pump for the river, and a six gear motor connected to a plank for the wave maker. I tested each jetty in the experiment for thirty minutes. I first took a plank and pushed the sand to the sand starting line, and placed a sheet of tinfoil up to the edge of the sand. Afterwards, I took a picture of the ending land mass and reco...

The Greenhouse Effect

Objectives/Goals My objective is to determine the effect of different gases on the greenhouse effect. I am doing this project because of the strong interest in the effect of gases like CO(2) and CH(4) on global temperature. Methods/Materials Materials: 1. Infrared test cell made up of PVC pipe containing a black-body absorber/radiator and closed off with polyethylene film. (Polyethylene was chosen because it is relatively transparent to IR.) 2. IR source (heat lamp) 3.Thermocouple for measuring temperature 4. CO(2) gas 5. Air Procedure: Purge test cell with air. Shine IR source into the cell for a fixed amount of time Measure temperature rise over time Purge test cell with CO(2) Shine IR source into the cell for the same amount of time Measure temperature rise over time Results The temperature rise in the cell when filled with CO(2) was slightly higher than when the test cell was filled with air. Conclusio...

Seeing Through the Haze

Objectives/Goals My objective was to find out how light of different wavelengths penetrates smoke. The hypotheses that I tested were that light penetration through smoke is independent of the a) type and b) amount of smoke it passes through. Methods/Materials Two different types of smoke were obtained by burning canola oil and juniper needles. A beam of white light was passed through the sample of smoke, and the amount of light at different wavelengths transmitted through the smoke was measured with a homemade spectrometer. An attempt was made to control the amount of smoke (high, medium or low density) per sample. Results The two different types of smoke did not have the same pattern of light transmission. At high densities (Approx. 20% light transmitted) canola oil smoke allowed more light of blue wavelengths to pass through. However at lower densities transmission of reds was equal to blue and yellow and gree...

Chill Out

Objectives/Goals To study if distance between warm bodies placed together and then apart affects their cooling rate. Methods/Materials I studied the cooling rate of one warm body with respect to the cooling rate of two bodies and then three bodies touching the maximum surface area. Then I studied if placing the warm bodies at a distance from one another would affect their cooling rate and what that affect would be. Glass bottles of equally warm water were used to simulate the warm body and temperatures of the bottles were taken over time at equal intervals (2-10min.). MATERIALS LIST # Three glass bottles of exactly the same size and shape; # Three laboratory thermometers scaled up to 200°F; # Metal Pot; # Stove Top; # Plastic Wrap; # One Timer; # Measuring cup; # Grid sheet with intervals of one(1) inch; # Towel; # Oven Mitts. ...

Wireless Devices and Plant Growth

I have heard on TV and from other people, that cellphones and wireless for computers are bad for your health and can cause diseases and cancer, and that they are bad for the environment. For my project, I wanted to find out if the kinds of wireless things I have in my house were causing an effect. I decided to test on plants that are growing, because it would be too hard to measure changes in humans. Background Research To find out why people think cell phones and wireless devices are a risk to living things, I read about it on the Internet. I discovered that these devices use radio frequencies which are called RF for short. RF is a type of radiation that has a low frequency and it is part of the electromagnetic field. Many people think that the radiation has a harmful effect on cells of people, plants and animals and can hurt growth and health of cells. There is especially a lot of concern about the wireless devices we use everyday like cellular phones and wireless comp...

A Dying Star

Objectives/Goals This study was conducted with the primary objective of determining which Solar System object(s) would be most viable during various stages of stellar evolution. Another goal of the research was analyzing the procedure to gauge feasibility in extrasolar planetary research. Methods/Materials The objects selected have evidence pointing toward the surface existence of presently frozen or liquid organic compounds or water [Wong, Rivkin, Morrison]. Using the Evolve ZAMS software, the raw outputs of solar luminosities were used to calculate equilibrium temperatures on selected objects in the following manner: The temperature variable in the Stefan-Boltzmann equation was solved given the object's albedo, radius, and semimajor axis length [Zeilik]. From this, the ability of the surface substances to be gravitationally bound to the object was determined using statistical analysis of the RMS speed when compared to the escape ...

The Mathematics of Sympathetic Vibrations

Objectives/Goals Which notes on a piano can induce sympathetic vibrations on an open string? Mathematical relationships between test note and open string frequencies will be used to predict which notes cause sympathetic vibrations. I predict the three test notes in my sample that are harmonics of the open string will resonate the longest. Methods/Materials Materials used were: a piano, a stopwatch, a frequency chart, and a helper. I depressed a piano key, the damper lifted and the string was "open," or free to vibrate. I played all the notes in one octave higher than the open string. My helper timed the durations of the tone coming from the open string. I averaged and graphed the results. Results The thirteen test keys in each sample caused the open string to resonate. Seven test keys caused brief resonance; the vibration inside the sound box caused the open strings to produce a tone. Three test keys produced tones of intermedi...

Metal's Thermal Conductivity to Melt Ice Cubes

Objectives/Goals The purpose of my science project was to see if the density of different metals has a correlation with their thermal conductivity. Methods/Materials To test my experiment, I constructed 18-1 cm^3 cubes of various metals (aluminum, brass, copper, steel, and zinc) into blocks measuring 3x3x2 cm^3. I weighed each block to determine the density of each metal. After the density of each metal was determined, I marked the surface of each block black to equalize possible radiation due to their naturally occurring color differences. I then placed an ice cube onto each block and timed how long it took the ice cube to melt completely. I performed this test eight times for each metal at this volume, also with blocks measuring 4x4x1 cm^3 and 5x4x1 cm^3. A control variable for each test was used by constructing blocks of wood with the same dimensions. Results The results of my experiment determined that the density for each metal ...

Ruben's Tube

Objectives/Goals If the smaller the holes on top of the tube would it differ from the size of the flames and the volume? If I drilled the holes 1/2inch from each other, then how about if I do it in a differ measurement will it change any part of the experiment? If I use a smaller tank of propane verses a bigger tank of propane will it make a difference to the size of flame that will be emitted from the tube? What if I want to measure the wavelengths of the soundwaves is it possible to measure it with the use of an algebraic equation to figure out the solution? Methods/Materials Ventilation Ducting Brackets x2 Propane Tubing Hose T Connector Hose Splicers x2 Latex Sheets Scrap Wood Drill Hammer Tape Measure Knife or Scissors Silicone Sealant Epoxy Putty Duct Tape Masking Tape Teflon Tape Results 1 The smaller the hole the less gas escapes the tube but there's more pressure inside the tube thus the emitted flame is more defined.The bigger ...

Seeing Through the Haze

Chill Out

Objectives/Goals To study if distance between warm bodies placed together and then apart affects their cooling rate. Methods/Materials I studied the cooling rate of one warm body with respect to the cooling rate of two bodies and then three bodies touching the maximum surface area. Then I studied if placing the warm bodies at a distance from one another would affect their cooling rate and what that affect would be. Glass bottles of equally warm water were used to simulate the warm body and temperatures of the bottles were taken over time at equal intervals (2-10min.). MATERIALS LIST Three glass bottles of exactly the same size and shape; Three laboratory thermometers scaled up to 200°F; Metal Pot; Stove Top; Plastic Wrap; One Timer; Measuring cup; Grid sheet with intervals of one(1) inch; Towel; Oven Mitts. Results # The triple bottles touching retained the most heat over ti...

The CD Balloon Hovercraft

Purpose My purpose is to see how far a CD balloon hovercraft will go with a push, compared to a push with air under the hovercraft sustaining it. Hypothesis I think that a hovercraft with air sustaining it will go farther with a push rather than pushing a hovercraft with no air sustaining it. Apparatus balloon CD strong glue pop-top lidruler Method 1) Put the balloon over the pop-top lid. 2) Open the pop-top lid and blow through it, blowing up the balloon, then closing it. 3) Put some strong glue (I used a glue gun) around the bottom rim of the pop-top lid and glue it to the center of the CD, cover the hole. 4) Push opens the pop-top lid, and the hovercraft glide! Observations 1) I placed the hovercraft on a level table and gave it a slight push. The distance was 40 cm. 2) I pushed the hovercraft again, this time with air sustaing the hovercraft. The distance was 77 cm. Conclusion My hypothesis was right. ...

Lick Your Wounds Away

Introduction There are two types of wounds: closed wounds and open wounds. A closed wound is a wound that happens under the skin and may cause internal bleeding. An open wound is a wound where the skin is broken and foreign material can get into the wound. A wound such as this can be a scratch or a cut. An open wound can get infected where as a closed wound cannot. When the skin is broken an open wound is formed. Wounds can sometimes get infected and the infection can get serious if not treated properly. Infections may result in death. Normally, the skin acts like a barrier and will keep bacteria, viruses, and germs from getting into your body. When bacteria enters the body through an open wound, they will start multiplying quickly. A person can get infected as long as the wound stays open. When a wound occurs, a blood clot will develop. The blood clot will then form a scab which will eventually come off once the skin is repaired. This will stop any further bacteria fro...

The Metronome of a Chemical Reaction

Objectives/Goals The objective of this project was to test the effect of temperature on the rate of a chemical reaction. I thought that reaction rates would increase with increasing temperature. Methods/Materials Sodium Thiosulfate, Potassium Iodide, Potassium Bromate, Hydrochloric Acid, distilled water, and 2-3 drops of soluble starch were mixed to start the chemical reaction. When the reaction reached a certain point, the solution would turn blue. To compare the speed of the reaction at different temperatures, the time taken to reach the color change was measured with a stopwatch (in seconds). All of the reactants were cooled or heated to the appropriate temperature before they were mixed to ensure accuracy. The experiment was conducted at three temperatures: room temperature (19.5 degrees Celsius), in an ice bath (4.5 degrees Celsius), and in a heat bath (30.5 degrees Celsius). Results The results of the experi...

The Magic of Metal Corrosion

Objectives/Goals Analyze the corrosive behavior between metal fully submerged in liquid versus metal partially submerged and determine whether corrosion reacts similarly when using three types of liquid: An acetic acid, a sodium bicarbonate solution, and salt water. I hypothesized that metals fully submerged will have more corrosion and that the metals will react similarly when tested in different liquid solutions, whether partially or fully submerged. Methods/Materials Six-inch strips of aluminum, brass, copper, and iron were cut into two-inch pieces and placed in three different types of liquid: An acetic acid consisting of one cup of full strength white vinegar; a sodium bicarbonate solution consisting of two teaspoons of baking soda dissolved in one cup of distilled water; and salt water produced by dissolving one cup of distilled water with 8 grams of sea salt. Each strip was divided into a 3x5mm hand drawn grid to track and measure the rate of corro...

Agent Sodium Chloride Strikes Again

Objectives/Goals This project focuses on manipulating the electrical conductivity of different solutions via electrolysis. There were three types of water tested: hard, soft, and R.O.(water purified through reverse osmosis). After testing these three types of water, I added approximately 58.443 grams of sodium chloride to each in hopes of increasing their electrical conductivity. My hypothesis was that if I sent an electric current through the previously mentioned solutions, then soft water with sodium chloride added would produce the most hydrogen and oxygen/chlorine gas. Methods/Materials To set up this experiment, I plugged the beaker with the rubber plugs with pencils inserted, propped the beaker on three wood blocks, and filled it with one liter of water. If I was running a test with sodium chloride, I would measure out 58.443 grams of it (to create a 1 mole solution) and mix it with the water in a separate bowl, then pour the solution into the beake...

Steel and Acid Rain

Objectives/Goals We in 8th grade have just started studying acids and pH. I wanted to utilize my limited after-school time to do experiments involving acids and learn practical aspects of effect of acid in daily living. During my research, I came to know that acid rain has an enormous economic impact due to its effect on rusting of metals. The purpose of my science project was to use simple, inexpensive and non-hazardous household materials to study the relationship between acid and rust formation. My Hypothesis were: 1) Model of acid rain water will rust steel wool faster than model of normal rainwater. 2) The temperature will rise when steel wool is in contact with the acids due to the oxidation reaction. 3) The rise in temperature will be higher when steel wool is subjected to more acidic rainwater as higher H+ ion availability will likely speed up the iron oxidation process and hence the rate of rusting. Independent variables were Time & p...

How to Increase the Speed of a Reaction

Objectives/Goals Reaction rate is what determines when bombs go off, and how we digest food. But can you change the speed it occurs? In order to find this out, I took two possible factors, particle size and temperature, and put them to the test. This project will look at the effects of both particle size and temperature on reaction rate. Methods/Materials These factors will be tested with alka-seltzers inside a gas collecting apparatus (air tight bottle connected by tube into a graduated cylinder filled with water). For particle size, 3 trials were done for 4 different particle-sizes (Whole seltzer, Half, Quarters, Powder). Trials were done for particle size by dropping the tablet into the bottle and quickly shutting the cap. For testing temperature I did 3 trials for 3 different temperatures (Room Temperature, Cold, Boiling). Trials were done by pouring the water until the standardized level has been reached, and dropping a whole alka-seltzer into the bottle and quickly ...

Boiling Point

Objectives/Goals If I boil water, sugar and salt solution which one will have the highest boiling point? How does thermal energy break the molecular bonds? Methods/Materials A pan; Water - 1 liter ( 4 cups); Sugar solution- 1cup of sugar in 1 liter of water; Salt solution- 1 cup of salt in 1 liter of water; A thermometer; A stop watch; Stove. 1. Take one third of water in a pan. 2. Place a thermometer in the pan. 3. Place the pan on a stove. 4.Then turn on the stove and start the stop watch. 5. Check temperature of water every 30 seconds. Continue till the water boils and temperature remains steady for some time. That temperature is the boiling point of water. Repeat the experiment with Sugar solution and Salt solution. Record the temperature every 30 seconds on the table. Thus we can find which liquid has the highest boiling point. Results In my data, at 1 minute the salt solution had the ...

Fire Burning

Objectives/Goals In my experiment, I burned different kinds of wood with different densities and timed how long they burned. My hypothesis is that the denser the wood is the longer it will burn. My question is obviously "does the density of the wood affect how long it burns." With my results fire fighters and reporters will be able make very realistic guesses as too how long a forest fire will burn and the way that it will burn. Methods/Materials I used four different kinds of wood and I burned them four times each. Poplar, Red Oak, Pine, and Douglas Fur were the different species. I had one independent variable which was the density and two dependent variables, one primary and one secondary. The primary variable was the flame time and the secondary variable was the smoke time. The constants in my experiment were used to minimize the number of confounding variables. After all the densities were found, I soaked them in two fluid ounces of lighter fluid for three ...

Wet Heat

Objectives/Goals This experiment will document the way in which the starting temperature affects an exothermic reaction. The reaction to be tested is an instantaneous reaction between Calcium Oxide and Water. Calcium oxide is also referred to as Lime or Quicklime. This will help determine the different conditions in which the reactions could be used in commercial applications. The hypothesis was that, if the two chemicals are reacted at different starting temperatures, then colder temperature will invoke a higher temperature gain, because research shows that Calcium Oxide is more soluble in colder water, which should yield a greater surface area for the reaction. Methods/Materials The reaction was tested at three different temperatures, with the goal of covering a wide range. Each starting temperature was tested three different times, for a total of nine trials. The first set of trials was at five Degrees Celsius, the second set was at twenty Degrees Celsius, the third at...

Design, Analysis and Optimization of Solid Fuel Rocket Engines

Objectives/Goals Increasing rocket engine efficiency requires maximizing the total impulse generated and tailoring thrust production to the mass of the rocket. By controlling the design elements of an engine, the total impulse generated can be maximized and the thrust profile can be customized. Last year, I demonstrated that optimal rocket flight parameters can be achieved by matching the rocket mass to engine thrust profile.The goal of this project is to identify critical design elements that can be manipulated to maximize total impulse and customize the engine thrust generation profile to optimize rocket lift. Methods/Materials I designed rocket engines that allowed me to investigate the contribution of the nozzle inlet shape, nozzle throat diameter and fuel core length and diameter to engine performance. All rocket engines were built to my design specifications and tested in a static engine test device that I built. Data from the test device was documented using a char...

All Science Fair Projects for School Students

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Posts

Kids Projects at Home

Bam! The Strength of Rocks

Landslides

The Fingerprints of Erosion

The Greenhouse Effect

Seeing Through the Haze

Chill Out

Wireless Devices and Plant Growth

A Dying Star

The Mathematics of Sympathetic Vibrations

Metal's Thermal Conductivity to Melt Ice Cubes

Ruben's Tube

Seeing Through the Haze

Chill Out

The CD Balloon Hovercraft

Lick Your Wounds Away

The Metronome of a Chemical Reaction

The Magic of Metal Corrosion

Agent Sodium Chloride Strikes Again

Steel and Acid Rain

How to Increase the Speed of a Reaction

Boiling Point

Fire Burning

Wet Heat

Design, Analysis and Optimization of Solid Fuel Rocket Engines

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