All Science Fair Projects for School Students

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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 the hole more g

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 green were less favorable. At high densities,

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 time # The double bottles touching retained the second amount

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. The

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 experiment showed a distinct relati

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 corrosion. Two sets

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 beaker. Next, I con

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 & pH; Dependent v

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 highest, it was 36 degree Celsius.

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

Rocketology

Objectives/Goals To determine the correct ratio of baking soda to vinegar that will result in the highest launch of a plastic canister Methods/Materials Material : 1. Plastic Fuji film canisters with the tops (at least 3). 2. Construction paper, any color, 9 inches (in.) X 12 in. (1 pack). 3. Sotch tape (1 roll). 4. Scissors. 5. Permanent marker. 6. Ruler, in inches. 7. Optional: Ladder. 8. Baking soda (1 box). 9. White vinegar (1/2 gallon bottle or jug). 10. Measuring spoon, 1/8 teaspoon (tsp.). 11. Measuring spoon, 1 tsp. 12. Bowl. 13. Water. 14. Spoon. 15. Safety goggles. 16. Adult volunteer. 17. Lab notebook. Methods : 1. We collected all over materials and put it on the Table. 2. We read the instruction for the experiment and made one change. The change was that we did not put construction paper onto the film canister as the canister was heavy and was not lifting up too much anyway. 3. We made a measur

The Green Machine

Objectives/Goals The objective of my project was to determine the effect of altering the mass and aerodynamics of a vehicle (rocket) on its fuel efficiency. Methods/Materials A pressurized, water powered, bottle rocket was chosen as the vehicle to remove the variables of ground friction and driver's style. After designing the optimal test rocket and establishing the controlled variables--namely the amount of fuel (propellant) and engine thrust (air pressure)--through testing, experiments were conducted to determine the effect of varying amounts of mass and different aerodynamics on the relative fuel efficiency of the rocket as measured by the altitude achieved during each test flight. The effect of mass on fuel efficiency was determined by placing varying amounts of cargo in the test rocket and calculating the altitude that each flight reached. The effect of aerodynamics on fuel efficiency was determined by placing nose cones of varying angles on the test rocket a

What A Drag!

Objectives/Goals Can a functional wind tunnel be constructed that allows the aerodynamic testing of automotive models? Will this testing match known aerodynamic values for modern vehicles? Can a model be constructed that is aerodynamically superior? What design features would this model incorporate? Methods/Materials Construct wind tunnel using plans from the internet. Build five model cars out of styrofoam blocks. Test each car ten times to determine aerodynamic force measured in ounces on a postal scale. Compare these values to known aerodynamic coefficients. Use derived information to begin independent testing of aerodynamic features. Cut and shape styrofoam blocks in pursuit of aerodynamically superior body shape. Analyze the effects of various features. Results The aerodynamic forces measured were similar to the results I hypothesized. The cars in order of least force to greatest drag force were: EV1, Toyota 2000GT, Porsche 911, Chevrolet Z28, and Hummer H2.

Unleash the Power of the Pinwheel

Objectives/Goals The objective is to determine if the orientation to the wind affects the amount of power generated by a wind turbine. Methods/Materials A wind turbine was constructed using an empty oatmeal canister weighted with heavy bolts to keep it grounded, a wooden skewer, a homemade rotor, two feet of thread, one end secured to the aft shaft and the other to five #1 size paper clips. Using a hair drier, wind was directed toward the rotor at the following angles; 0 deg., 45 deg., 90 deg., 135 deg., and 180 deg. The time to raise the load of paper clips to the base of the shaft was calculated in seconds, using a stopwatch, and the distance the paper clips were raised at each position was measured in inches, using a tape measure, but then converted into meters. After conducting three trials, times and distances were averaged to determine which orientaion to the wind source created the most power. Results After testing all five angles three times, I#ve found

Factors That Affect a Hovercraft's Speed

Objectives/Goals The objective of this project is to learn about how a hovercraft works, determine the factors that affect performance, and improve design. This project studies a number of forces acting on a homemade hovercraft such as weight, gravity, friction, and lift. Methods/Materials The 4-foot (1.22 m) diameter hovercraft was constructed out of a 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) plywood platform and a skirt made from visqueen plastic sheeting. A leaf blower was used to provide lift and duct tape was used to prevent air to escape at interface of the platform with the skirt and engine. A surface test, skirt test, weight test were performed. The surface test analyzed concrete, artificial turf, and natural grass. The skirt test analyzed a six-foot (1.83 m) and a seven-foot (2.13 m) skirt. The weight test examined three different payloads, 39.91 kg, 28.57 kg and 0 kg. The engine test was conducted using three different engine settings with varying flow rates/air velocities. Re

Swimming Can Be a Drag

Objectives/Goals To determine the effect surface condition (the suit) and different forms or body strokes (good form, bad stroke and streamlining) can have in relation to the speed of a swimmer. Methods/Materials Make wooden scale models of myself of 3 different swim forms or strokes. Use pennies to match density of a human body. Construct a swim tunnel using 8" pvc pipe. Attach a scale to measure drag force. Determine water speed. Conduct tests at different flow rates, measure the force on a scale, measure height of water in pipe, and calculate water speed. I conducted 108 trials. Results The experiment went well. The drag on the swimmer as related to form showed that at higher speeds, good form is important. For my size, the results indicated that a drag force of 2-6 pounds can be expected at my swimming speeds. My research indicated that swimming is only 9% efficient. So you have to apply 11 times more force to overcome the drag. Streamlining is more effic

Which Wind Turbine Blade Design Will Produce the Most Power?

Objectives/Goals The objective of my project is to determine the best aerodynamic blade design of a wind turbine that would produce the most power. I hypothesized that the feather shaped design (Design No. 4) would produce the most power (milliwatts). Methods/Materials Seven sets of three blades each were constructed by making a proof set and making duplicates of the blade. The blades were constructed of Model Magic because of its lightweight, fast drying, and non-cracking properties. These blades were then mounted on a wind turbine. The wind for the experiment was produced by a 45 centimeter diameter fan with the turbine 90 centimeters away. The voltage and amperage was collected at 100 samples per second for 60 second runs. The wattage was then calculated. This procedure was repeated for ten trials for the seven sets of blade designs. Results The average wattage produced for: Design No. 1 was 12451.86 milliwatts, Design No. 2 was 1756.21 milliwatts, Design No. 3

Wind Energy and a Better Blade

Objectives/Goals The objective is to determine what number and angle of windmill blades can produce the most energy. Methods/Materials 1. I constructed the windmill stand and blades with pine and balsa wood. 2. I used an erector set motor and reversed it into a generator. 3. I connected the turning part of the motor to the windmill shaft, and then connected the motor to a volt meter to measure the energy output. 4. I used a small house fan as a wind source to maintain a constant wind speed. 5. First I tested a windmill with 2 blades at angles of 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 degrees. 6. With each combination I took volt measurements from the volt meter. Then I did the same with 4 and 8 blades. Results The 2 bladed windmill produced the least amount of energy, the 4 bladed windmill was in the middle in energy output, and 8 blades produced the most. The 15 degree angled blade was best. Conclusions/Discussion The 8 bladed windmill at a 15 degree angl

Aerodynamics of a Golf Ball

Objectives/Goals The purpose of my project was to see if the number of dimples on a golf ball changes its range. Methods/Materials Materials: # Golf Ball Launcher (home made) # Compressed Air Supply # Multiple Golf Balls (test subjects) # Measuring Equipment # Camera # Safe Controlled Area Procedures: 1. Obtain different Titleist golf balls for testing 2. Make a golf all launcher to test the golf balls 3. Mark out every meter in an open area 4. Test each type of golf ball ten times 5. Record data while testing 6. Make a tables and graphs 7. Average the length for each ball 8. Share your results Results The results of my experiment showed that the golf ball with no dimples flew the farthest when launched at 7.6 bar and the ProV1 with 332 dimples flew the farthest when launched at 5.2 bar, proving my hypothesis partially wrong. Conclusions/Discussion During the testing of my project I was proved partially right. I believed