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Science Experiments and Science Fair Ideas for Kids, Parents, and Teachers: Physics

Parent and teacher resources about the scientific method, conducting experiments, and local citizen scientist opportunities.

Academic Search Elite

  • Rainsticks: Integrating Culture, Folklore, and Physics of Sound: The purpose of this activity is for students to build a rainstick out of materials in their own environment and imitate the sound of rain while investigating the physical principles of sound. Students will be able to relate the sound produced by an instrument to the type and quantity of materials used in its construction.
  • The Hydraulic Jump: The article discusses the science topic of the hydraulic jump, focusing on how this concept can be taught in the high school physics classroom. The author presents teaching suggestions to develop a classroom activity on hydraulics. Topics include science experiments in the classroom and their use of engineering practices, as well as the difficulties of transferring a confined classroom experiment to natural settings.
  • The Notion of Motion: Presents a class activity that deals with momentum. Methodology; Role of mass and velocity in changing the momentum of an object; How to discuss the results obtained from the experiment.

Explora Elementary

  • Toying with Physics: Presents some experiments in physics using toys. Magnetic marbles; Billiard balls; Gyroscope.
  • Marvelous Molly, the World's Smallest Dolly: Presents an experiment on static electricity.
  • Mystery Photo: The article presents a physics experiment which asks students to identify the concept of gravity and momentum.

MAS Ultra School Edition

  • Quantum Erasing at Home: The article offers step-by-step instructions for an at-home quantum erasure experiment.

What Is Physics? From Lukey B. The Physics G

Scholastic Teachables

  • Here's the Pitch! (Sound and Musical Instruments): Students discover how different musical instruments control the pitch of a sound through a demonstration and a hands-on investigation.
  • It's Electric! (Static and Current Energy): Students discover the differences between static and current electricity through a demonstration and a hands-on investigation.
  • Engaging Energy (Potential and Kinetic Energy): Students investigate the difference between potential and kinetic energy through a demonstration and a hands-on investigation.
  • Machines Made Simple (Levers): Students explore how levers help give us a lift through a demonstration and a hands-on investigation.
  • Reflection Detection (Light Reflection): Students explore the difference between regular and diffuse reflection through a demonstration and hands-on investigation.
  • Ol' Mo' (Force, Motion, and Momentum): Students investigate how momentum is controlled by mass and velocity through a demonstration and a hands-on investigation.
  • Magnetic Moments (Magnetism): Students investigate the basic properties of magnets through a demonstration and a hands-on investigation.
  • Wave as You Go (Wave Motion): Students observe how wave motion works through a demonstration and hands-on investigation.
  • What's the Rub? (Friction): Students discover how the force of friction works through a demonstration and a hands-on investigation.
  • Bend a Beam (Refraction and Lenses): Students explore the concept of refraction through a demonstration and hands-on investigation.