Experiments

First, the teacher models science processes (AKA the scientific method) with a sample lab sheet that compares evaporation in closed and open containers.

Second, kids conduct four more simple evaporation experiments (dark/sunny location, windy/still air, wide/narrow container, salt/fresh water). You may choose to do the labs one-by-one or simultaneously (with different groups tackling different experiments).

Third, students read a one-page informational text on gravity and air pressure. Then they ask their own questions, design and carry out fair tests.

These are great for kids new to the fair test - and teachers with limited materials.

In this experiment, kids compare leaves of different colors from the same tree. They ask, “Are the pigments in green leaves and leaves of other colors the same?” and hypothesize. Then they cut the leaves into tiny pieces and measure 50 ml of isopropyl alcohol into two cups. After adding the leaf pieces to the cups and stirring, they hang strips of coffee filters to touch the liquid. Although students may see some colors on the strips after one hour, it’s best to leave them overnight.

Students control variables, measure, and observe. In addition, they learn about pigments in leaves, as well as photosynthesis.

This is the perfect fall investigation for your third, fourth, or fifth grade students!

Looking for a fun Halloween science experiment? Grab some candy corn and get ready for some collisions! In this set of physics labs, kids plan and carry out investigations, explore changes in energy, and observe cause and effect relationships.

You can pick and choose from five experiments - or do them all. In each lab, students compare one variable: angle, material, length, position, and choose-your-own.

Here's a great Thanksgiving life science lab. Kids conduct full-blown experiments with Indian corn. They hypothesize; identify independent and controlled variables; use measurement tools; design and carry out fair tests, record results, and draw conclusions.

A variety of options are included, but comparing the germination of a soaked ear of corn with an unsoaked ear yields the most spectacular results.

What’s more fun than working with gummy bears?!

First, kids learn about testable and non-testable science questions. They complete a worksheet to distinguish between them.

Second, they conduct a guided experiment to compare gummy bears of the same color in water and vinegar. Specifically, they generate a question, hypothesize, name measurement tools, explain replication, conduct the lab, record the results, and draw conclusions.

Third, they generate their own questions, design and conduct fair tests.

These activities are great for any time of the year.

This fun apple lab engages kids in a science experiment. Each day for five days, they measure the mass of three apples: whole, halved, and sliced. Then they graph their results on bar and/or triple line graphs and draw conclusions.

In this lab, kids also get experience with balance scales. (If you only have one scale, just rotate groups to measure.)

In this set of water pollution activities, students explore how humans impact the environment. After watching a video and reading passages, they conduct an experiment. The lab explores eutrophication of lake water, which is caused by excess nutrients.