100 Amazing 5th Grade Science Fair Projects

Whether or not science is your favorite subject, science fairs offer a unique opportunity to pair science with your other interests. From food, to plants, to sports, and outer space, topics covered at the science fair are varied and diverse. Pairing creativity with science, these fairs are a popular project for schools to undertake on a yearly basis. If you or your student are preparing for the science fair, then you are likely looking for 5th grade science fair projects to consider. Keep reading to find our list of 100 ideas!

What are science fairs?

Science fairs include demonstration projects which showcase a student’s learning outside the classroom. At this event, students present their independent research projects, and more importantly, their findings and results of these experiments.

Ultimately, science fairs provide an opportunity for students to explore their interests outside of the school curriculum. Because of this, students have the freedom to choose which subjects they engage with and how. To complete their projects, students follow the scientific process by first choosing a hypothesis to test. Their project is the result of testing said hypothesis.

Science fairs take place at any level of a student’s education. From elementary school to high school, these events inspire community, curiosity, and engagement.

In this article, we will discuss ideas for 5th grade science fair projects that range in difficulty from easier projects to a more medium difficulty.

Easier projects are those which typically do not need other people—or participants—and do not require a lot of equipment to complete. Typically, these projects can be completed between one day to one week.

Medium difficulty projects typically require more specific materials and testing environments. Additionally, medium projects also need a greater amount of time to complete. If embarking on a medium-difficulty project, students should be aware they may need several weeks to complete their observation and data tracking.

So, let’s get started with the easier difficulty projects. Check out the list and see if any of these ideas resonate for your experimentation.

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5th Grade Science Fair Projects – Easy

1) What makes ice melt the fastest?

Of course, we know that ice melts at temperatures above freezing. But what if you live in a cold climate? What makes ice melt when it’s not above freezing?

For this experiment, students can test different substances with ice to see what makes ice melt the fastest and to see which material is most effective. Plus, students can use materials they already own in their kitchen! For example: Salt, baking powder, or sugar.

2) Decomposition

We all know that if food has mold on it, we should throw it out. But, how long does it take certain foods to mold, and in which conditions does mold grow the fastest?

Students can use slices of food they already own. From fruits, to potato chips, to bread, ensure the types of foods in the experiment are varied. Additionally, make sure to test the specimens in a controlled environment.

3) Temperature and decomposition

Along these lines, students can also test if temperature plays a role in decomposition. Does the temperature of an environment affect how quickly mold grows?

4) Organic v. non-organic

Which stays fresher longer, organic or non-organic fruit?

5) What leaves the most stains on our teeth?

There are a lot of choices for drinks out there. From coffee, to juice, to tea. In this experiment, the goal is to determine if there is a correlation between what we drink and what leaves the most stains on our teeth.

5th Grade Science Fair Projects (Continued)

6) Changing the colors of flowers

In this experiment, students will study how flowers can change colors. By using white daises, clear glasses of water, and food coloring, students will obverse how the white flowers become more vivid over time after their stems are submerged in the dyed water.

7) Exploring phases of the moon

Pairing scientific methods with observation, students will learn more about how and why the moon changes.

8) Studying sound waves

To learn more about sound waves and their effect, students will create a rubber band “guitar.” Place various rubber bands of different sizes and widths over the top of an empty cup. When students strum the rubber bands, different sounds will be produced.

9) Invisible ink

Use lemon juice to write a secret message on a piece of paper. When the paper is heated, using a hair dryer, the secret message will be revealed.

10) Solar system model

With materials like clay, play dough, foil, or even paper mâché, students can recreate the planets of our solar system. Then, they can display the planets in a mini model of the solar system.

List (Continued)

11) Fruit solar system

If you’re looking for a healthier and tastier way to display the solar system, try using fruits to represent the planets. The trick to a successful recreation is choosing fruits which match the sizes of the planets, ensuring the model is to scale.

12) Model constellations

If students are interested in the stars, they can use pipe cleaners and star-shaped beads to recreate their favorite constellations.

13) The stars at night

Do people who live in rural areas or big cities see more stars at night?

14) Magic milk

For this project, students will learn about surface tension. First, students pour milk in a shallow dish. Then, they add drops of food coloring. After using a Q-tip soaked in dish soap to disrupt the surface tension, colorful swirls appear as the soap reacts with the milk.

15) Filling a balloon without helium

First, students fill a jar with vinegar. Then, fill an empty balloon with baking soda. When students place the balloon over the top of the jar, the baking soda should fall into the jar. Due to the chemical reaction, the balloon will inflate on its own.

5th Grade Science Projects – cont’d

16) Do soda cans float?

Is there a difference between soda with sugar and soda made with artificial sweeteners? Fill a large container with water. Then, place unopened soda cans into the container, ensuring both diet and regular sodas are included. Depending on the contents of the soda, the cans will either sink or float to the top.

17) Carbonation

Sticking with the soda theme, students can also experiment with how carbonation is affected by the air. For example, students will consider how the length of time that a soda can is opened affects its fizziness.

18) Floating

Do objects float better in freshwater or saltwater?

19) Can fish tell time?

We’ve all heard the saying: a goldfish has a three-second memory. But, is this true? Put the theory to the test by creating a consistent feeding schedule for your fish. Then, record the fish’s reactions when feeding time approaches.

20) Keeping bread fresh

To help prevent bread from molding as quickly, which environment is best to store it in? For example, is a colder environment, like the refrigerator, or warmer environment, like on the kitchen counter, better?

5th Grade Science Fair Projects (Continued)

21) Baking soda volcano

It’s a classic science fair project for a reason! Test the chemical reaction of baking soda and vinegar by mixing the ingredients together inside a paper mâché model of a volcano for a fun surprise.

22) Baking soda lava lamp

Students will layer baking soda and oil into a bottle. Then, they will add food-colored vinegar into the mixture. The reaction will cause a lava lamp effect, where bubbles will rise.

23) Making slime

Playing with slime is fun, but learning how to make slime is even better. In this experiment, students test different slime recipes to determine which is best. (And yes, there are many different types of slimes!) Materials for this project include: glue, baking soda, shaving cream, contact lens solution, hand lotion, and food coloring.

24) Learn about air pressure

Is it possible to balance an object in mid-air? Test the theory by attempting to balance a ping-pong ball atop a hair dryer.

List (Continued)

25) Talking to plants

Does taking to plants actually help them grow? In this experiment, students will establish three groups: kind words; neutral words; and angry words. Over the course of several weeks, students will speak kindly to one plant, neutrally to another, and angrily to the last. At the conclusion of the experiment, students will observe if and how talking to their plants affected their growth.

26) How wind affects plant growth

Keep up your green thumb with this experiment. Test plant growth by letting a fan run against an indoor plant for a few hours every day. Using a control plant, free from the fan, students can see how wind affects plant growth.

27) Fertilizer

Which type of fertilizer helps plants grow the fastest?

28) Soil moisture

In this experiment, students will determine how soil moisture affects plant growth. Be sure to use the same type of seed for this experiment for the control group, while changing how often and how much the seeds are watered.

29) Boiling water

Using the same amount of water but different pot sizes, does water boil just as quickly?

30) Butterflies and flowers

Do certain types of flowers attract more butterflies than others?

5th grade science projects – cont’d

31) Birdseed

For students looking to observe nature, it might be fun to consider if different types of birdseed attract different types of birds.

32) Temperature and density

For this experiment, students will determine how water temperature affects its movement and density. Students will need three jars: one for cold water, one for room temperature water, and one for hot water. By adding food coloring to the water, students will observe how the food color moves through the water.

33) Escaping quicksand

To test vacuum pressure, students will create a mock quicksand, using cornstarch and water. When students move their hand slowly through the quicksand, they will find it easier to navigate. Conversely, when students punch the quicksand or attempt to quickly dislodge it, they will find it harder to navigate.

34) Static electricity

Do you think you can make your cereal jump? With this experiment, you can. By rubbing a wool sweater against a plexiglass surface, students will observe how static electricity builds up and affects it environment. By placing rice Krispies on the static-y plexiglass surface, the cereal will begin to jump.

35) Eggs in vinegar

Ever wonder how acidity affects food? Place an egg in a jar in vinegar, ensuring it is fully submerged. As a control, place an egg in a jar of water. After two days, check the eggs. The egg in vinegar will have it shell entirely dissolved, while the egg in the jar of water will not.

List (Continued)

36) Root beer floats

For a delicious way to learn about the properties of solids, liquids, and gases, use root beer floats! When ice cream—a solid—is added to the root beer—a liquid, a reaction takes place which causes the carbonation to fizz.

37) Popping popcorn

In keeping with the food theme, students will experiment to determine under which conditions popcorn kernels pop the best. By testing 100 kernels at a time, students will first set a control group. Then, they will create different conditions to test, such as soaking kernels in water beforehand or drying out the kernels in an oven beforehand.

38) Osmosis

Learn more about how osmosis works through this experiment with Orbeez water beads and salt. When using salt, water is drawn out from the Orbeez due to the higher osmotic pressure in the salt.

39) Drying Out

Does hair take longer to dry when using a hair dryer or when drying naturally? Does the length of a person’s hair affect this process?

40) Just desserts

A tasty experiment, students will test which type of frozen dessert melts the fastest: ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sorbet?

5th Grade Science Fair Projects (Continued)

41) Ice cream container

Another melting experiment, students will determine if the type of container affects how quickly ice cream melts at room temperature.

42) Grocery bags

For this project, students will consider which holds the most weight: plastic shopping bags or paper bags? By using the same groceries, students will test which type of bag is most effective.

43) Trash bags

Along similar lines, consider which brands of trash bags can withstand the most trash. Bonus points if it doesn’t leak!

44) Bandage brands

Which type of bandage brand’s adhesion is least affected by moisture?

45) Heartrate

How do different activities affect heart rate? For example, how does exercise affect heartrate versus another activity, like yoga.

5th grade science projects – cont’d

46) Exercise

How does exercise affect energy level?

47) Caffeine

How does caffeine affect someone’s heartrate? Does decaf have the same effect?

48) Wind chimes

Does the length of a wind chime affect its pitch?

49) Listening test

Can people identify the sound of their own dog’s barking in a blind hearing test?

5th Grade Science Fair Projects – Medium

These project ideas generally require more prep work than the ideas listed above. Meaning it may require more planning on your end to assemble both the time and materials to complete the project. Additionally, theses ideas may also require the participation of classmates, friends, or family members to serve as volunteers to be observed.

However, if you’re up for the challenge, then check out our list of 5^th grade science fair project ideas at a medium difficulty.

50) Egg Drop

In this project, students will design and test various contraptions used for safely landing an egg from a great height. They can test which materials protect the egg best and keep the shell from cracking.

51) Testing pH levels of drinks

Because there are a variety of beverages, it makes sense that all drinks are not created equal. By testing for the pH level of various drinks, students can see which type of drink is most acidic and which are more neutral. Therefore, they can determine which types of drinks are healthier than others.

52) Tap water and filtered water

For this project, students will need volunteers for a blind taste test. The results of the project will determine if there’s a distinct taste difference between tap water and filtered water. Plus, students can also go further and test if one type of water is safer to consume than the other.

53) Artificial light or sunlight?

To test which helps plants grow better, students will use both a variety of lightbulbs, including colorful and white lights, and sunlight. Over the course of two weeks, students will note which plant grew better: the one using only lightbulbs for light or the one using natural sunlight.

54) Zip line

Using chord or a thick string, students can create a zip line to test. They can learn more about how tension works to support weight and about how momentum keeps their test objects moving forward.

5th Grade Science Fair Projects (Continued)

55) Clothespin airplanes

With the help of clothespins, or wooden popsicle sticks, students can design a realistic airplane. The goal of this project is to create a working model which actually flies.

56) Solar Oven

Can you cook food without the use of an eclectic oven? Learn more about how powerful solar energy can be by cooking food in a solar oven, using tin foil to help capture the sun’s rays. S’mores are an especially delicious treat to test.

57) Melting point

Do all chocolate bars have the same melting point? Students can test which brands of chocolate would melt the quickest on a summer day.

58) Color and heat

Does color affect how much heat is absorbed? To test, students will test the warmth of different colors of shirts—light and dark—to determine how color can impact temperature.

59) Stain remover

After using those shirts for one experiment, use them for another. Students can test various stains, like jelly, chocolate, or pasta sauce, to see which is toughest to clear. Or, conversely, which product is best to remove stains.

60) Shirt material

Does the material of a shirt affect how quickly the shirt takes to dry after its washed?

List (Continued)

61) Hot drinks

For this experiment, students will test which type of cup keeps their drinks hotter for longer: plastic, ceramic, or Styrofoam.

62) Potato chips

Do certain brands of potato chips have less grease than others? Which brand of potato chip has the least amount of grease?

63) Construct a bridge

Students can use a variety of materials to create their bridges. From popsicle sticks to pipe cleaners, which material constructs the sturdiest bridge?

64) Construct a roller coaster

A model roller coaster is best demonstrated when a marble can complete the full run, as the “coaster.” Students can use materials like cardboard and foam to construct their coaster.

65) Sun prints

Will construction paper change color in the sunlight? For this experiment, students will collect leaves, flowers, and other natural objects. Students will then cover construction paper with these natural objects and seal them to the paper with saran wrap. The theory is that, when exposed to sunlight, the construction paper will change color where the natural objects don’t touch.

List– cont’d

66) Elephant toothpaste

Contrary to its name, no actual toothpaste is used in this experiment. Instead, students will create a chemical reaction between yeast being introduced to hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. The result? A foam shooting quickly from its container!

67) Gum flavor

Does sugar-free or regular gum keep its flavor the longest?

68) Air freshener

Keeping with the good smells, students can run experiments to determine which brand—or even scent—of air freshener lasts the longest.

69) Laundry detergent

Which laundry detergent brand keeps your clothes smelling the freshest the longest?

70) Feeling full

This project considers how the types of food we eat affect our ability to feel “full.” Which kind of foods keep us feeling fuller, longer?

71) Mosquito repellant

For this experiment, students will need to test in the summertime to determine if a natural mosquito repellant is better or a store brand.

72) Chalk paint

Who says you can’t mix science with art? For this experiment, students will mix water, cornstarch, and food coloring in muffin tins to create chalk paint for art projects.

73) Memorizing with rhyme

Does song and rhyme really help us to memorize better? To test out the theory, students will create two poems: one with rhymes and one without rhymes. They will read the poem to either their classmates or family members, and after a designated period of time has passed, they will test the participants on their memory of the poems.

74) Tennis balls

For this experiment, students will consider how temperature affects the height of a tennis ball’s bounce. Will it bounce higher if the ball is warmer or cooler? Students can also try different types of bouncy balls to verify their results.

75) Rolling down the ramp

This experiment tests how the height of a ramp affects how far a ball will roll.

5th grade science projects – cont’d

76) Baseball bats

For students interested in sports, it might be fun to test how the weight of a baseball bat affects how far the baseball is hit.

77) Bowling balls

Similar to the baseball experiment, students can test if the weight of a bowling ball influences the number of pins they are able to knock down.

78) Age and activity

In this project, students will conduct a test to determine if a person’s age affects the amount of time they are able to complete certain tasks. Volunteers of different ages will be required. These tasks can include: hula hooping or jumping rope.

79) Age and reaction time

Similarly, how does a person’s age affect their reaction time when completing activities like catching a ball?

80) Age and the news

Does a person’s age affect if they go to the radio, internet, TV, or newspaper for their news?

81) Height

Do taller people really take longer strides than shorter people?

82) Does the hearing make sense?

Based on a person’s hearing alone, can they tell the difference between a penny, a nickel, a quarter, and a dime?

83) Paper towel absorbency

Which brand of paper towel is the most absorbent? To test, use the same amount and type and liquid to see much can one square of paper towel really absorb.

84) The life of a lightbulb

Tying in environmental considerations, students can not test which type of lightbulbs last the longest: LED or incandescent bulbs. Additionally, they can also consider which type of lightbulb is better for the environment.

85) Reduce waste

Another environmental project, students can track how much waste they produce over the course of one week. Waste can be in the form of plastic wrappers, aluminum cans, etc. Then, they can hypothesize the best ways to reduce waste.

List– cont’d

86) Battery life

Considering the power of brands, students will test which brand of battery lasts the longest. Do some brands outperform others?

87) Battery life and temperature

Is there a correlation between the life of a battery and the temperature conditions it is exposed to?

88) At the pool

Does the temperature of a pool’s water affect how quickly someone can swim from side to side?

89) Noisy rooms

Does the type of flooring affect how noisy a room can be? For example, is a room with carpet louder or quieter than a room with hardwood floors?

90) Planting rooms

For the plant lovers, have you considered in which room of the house do plants grow the fastest?

91) Considering the weather

If you live in a place with different, distinct seasons, then it can be interesting to see how weather affects people’s moods. Does it affect them positively or negatively?

5th Grade Science Fair Projects (Continued)

92) Thunderstorms

Do thunderstorms happen more often in the morning or in the afternoon? Does the time of day affect when a thunderstorm occurs?

93) Sunlight

Does sunlight fade the pages of a book or a magazine faster?

94) Shower curtains

Test if mildew resistant shower curtains actually keep the mildew away longer than regular shower curtains.

95) Shower or Bath

Which uses more water, a shower or bath? Is one type of cleaning better for the environment?

5th grade science projects – cont’d

96) Conducting heat

Do some materials conduct heat better than others? For example: wood versus metal versus cardboard, etc.

97) Sandpaper

On which material is sandpaper the most effective?

98) Sleep and grades

We all know it’s important to get a good night’s rest. So, how does the amount of sleep a student gets affect their academic performance in school?

99) Breakfast and grades

Along those lines, how does eating a healthy breakfast in the morning affect a student’s academic performance in school?

100) TV time and grades

Does the amount of TV that a student watches affect their grade?

5th Grade Science Fair Projects – In Review

When choosing the perfect science fair project idea for you, you should be aware of several considerations.

First, does this project sound genuinely interesting you? The topic you choose should elicit a sense of curiosity. If you are intrigued to find out the results of the experiment, then you will be more likely to complete the project within a timely manner. Also, you will have the motivation to persist if the project takes longer to complete.

Next, you should consider the difficultly of the project against any time constraints that you may have. Do you have enough time to complete this project? Will it take a day, several days? Planning appropriately is key to competing the project.

Finally, once you establish that the project sounds interesting, then you need to consider the availability of materials. Do you have everything you need to complete this experiment? Will you need to buy additional materials? Considering the cost of the project is also an important factor.

We hope that you have enjoyed our list of 5th grade science fair projects and have found an idea that helps ignite your curiosity.

And don’t forget to check out science fair projects for 7th graders and our list for 8th graders for even more experimentation ideas!