Working Model Science Project

• A science project built on a working model allows students to combine their artistic talents as they unearth scientific information. A classic example of a working volcano allows students to have fun while creating a visible representation of the earth's powerful creative forces. A working volcano constructed from paper mâché features a chemical reaction initiated by mixing vinegar and baking soda. With a little bit of food coloring, the baking soda and vinegar reaction recreates lava pouring down the side of an active volcano. Alternatively, students could create a cross-section of a volcano and illustrate the layers of the earth and how they interact to form a volcanic eruption. Students can complete the project by writing a report on the geothermal activities that power a volcano from deep within the earth's crust.
  
  

Report-Based Science Project

• Some science fair topic ideas cannot be represented by a working model. Students with interests in astronomy, space exploration or medicine will have to rely on a report-style science project. Because of the abundant resources available on the Internet, students can retrieve up-to-date and detailed information on their complex subjects. Their science project is presented with charts, graphs, pictures and in-depth reports describing their topic in detail. For example, the Hubble space telescope has retrieved vivid images of deep space astronomical phenomenon, which scientists use to discuss the origins of the universe. Students interested in astronomy can retrieve these photographs and write reports on the big bang theory, the origins of the material universe and the possibility of long-distance space travel.
  
  

Traditional Experiment-Based Project

• Experiment-based science projects are some of the most entertaining projects for fifth-grade students. Middle schoolers' unbounded creativity is amplified as they complete experiments which grab their attention. Simple experiments involve growing limestone or popcorn crystals in a controlled environment. Students write a report describing the chemical reactions which fuel the crystal growth. Agriculturally minded students can grow plants from seeds, take pictures of the stages of development and discuss how different environmental conditions affect the plants' health and productivity. Even a simple experiment such as lighting a candle and then placing a large mason jar over the top of the burning flame demonstrates how fire requires oxygen to fuel the reaction. In this way, students learn that a flame will extinguish itself after it consumes all of the available oxygen.
  
  

Multimedia Science Projects

• Now that digital videos and music files are easy to create and share, students can create full multimedia science presentations. For those interested in the social sciences, such as American history, students can find video clips of virtually any topic at YouTube. Students can use video clips from Civil War reenactments, which take place regularly across the country, as the basis for science projects on the Civil War. Students interested in native American history, including traditional tribal music and art, can find samples of these ethnic tribal celebrations online and incorporate videos into a detailed report describing native American history and culture.