science experiments for 8th graders

• Grades 6-12
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80 Best 8th Grade Science Fair Projects and Classroom Activities

Find interesting ideas to engage all learners!

For even more free science ideas and printables,  head to our science hub!  You’ll find resources in every science subject for middle and high school.

Whether your students are preparing for the science fair or you’re looking for classroom ideas to grab their interest, we’ve got you covered! This list of 8th grade science fair projects and experiments has projects from biology to physics, from easy to difficult. Plus, check out fun classroom demos and hands-on experiments and activities your students will love.

To make it easier to find classroom activities or science fair projects for 8th graders, we’ve rated all the projects and activities by difficulty and the materials needed:

Difficulty:

• Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much anytime
• Medium: These take a little more setup or a longer time to complete
• Advanced: Experiments like these take a fairly big commitment of time or effort
• Basic: Simple items you probably already have around the house
• Medium: Items that you might not already have but are easy to get your hands on
• Advanced: These require specialized or more expensive supplies to complete

Biology and Life Science 8th Grade Science Fair Projects

Chemistry 8th grade science fair projects, physics 8th grade science fair projects, engineering 8th grade science fair projects.

Explore human behavior, plants and animals, the water cycle, and more with these 8th grade science fair project ideas.

FEATURED TEACHER PICK

Ward’s Science OpenSciEd Kit : Earth’s Resources & Human Impact

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic (Everything is provided for you!)

Absolutely perfect for teachers using OpenSciEd’s free curriculum for middle school classes , but this awesome classroom activity kit can also be used by any teacher working with their students on subjects like human impact on Earth’s resources and climate solutions.

Measure and compare lung capacity

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium

This experiment combines math and biology to measure lung capacity using a balloon. There are a lot of interesting hypotheses students can form, document, and explore while taking these measurements.

Learn more: How To Measure Lung Capacity

Guide a growing plant through a maze

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

Prove that plants really do seek out the light by setting up a simple or complex maze. Then, put a potted plant at the start of the maze, provide sunshine at the other end, and observe what happens. This is a simple 8th grade science project with really cool results.

Learn more: Plant Light Maze

Test water quality

A water-testing kit opens up limitless options for 8th grade science fair projects. Test the water quality of local streams, swimming pools, or even the taps at home.

Buy it: Water Test Kit

Cast animal tracks

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Explore wildlife biology by becoming an expert tracker. Learn to identify tracks and take casts. Turn this into an experiment by trying different methods to take casts, or use it as a method of identifying wildlife in the woods.

Learn more: Find and Collect Animal Tracks

Determine a plant’s favorite music

Play different types of music for plants, then observe and document any changes in the growth and development of the plants as they’re exposed to different genres of music.

Conduct fingerprint analysis

Budding forensic scientists will love this idea. Learn to dust for prints and try a technique called “fuming” for trickier surfaces. See if you can compare prints and make accurate matches in the classroom.

Buy it: Fingerprint Kit at Amazon

Learn more: Fingerprinting

Measure algae growth

Fertilizer runoff has become a serious cause of water pollution. In this experiment, students will see its effects firsthand and brainstorm ways to keep it in check.

Learn more: Algae and Pollution Experiment

Water plants with different liquids

In this easy science fair project, kids water plants with different liquids, like rainwater, tap water, salt water, and even soda. They might be surprised at the results!

Learn more: Effecting Plant Growth

Do plants need light?

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic

The answer seems obvious, so the experiment and presentation is to figure out why plants need light and to explain photosynthesis. In this experiment, students create different light conditions and see if plants can grow in each.

Learn more: Do Plants Need Light?

Observe capillary action

This is the classic celery-and-colored-water demonstration. Eighth graders can focus on explaining capillary action and how it works in this example and others.

Learn more: How Plants Drink Science Experiment

Examples of symbiosis

This project is about understanding and presenting the concept of mutualism and symbiosis. Students design and explain two animals that live in a symbiotic relationship. This is a great way to use a 3D printer if you have one.

Learn more: Symbiosis Project

Demonstrate homeostasis

Students learn about homeostasis and how to create a compound that is in homeostasis.

Learn more: Homeostasis Experiment

Simulate osmosis with water beads

Demonstrate what happens to water beads when they are in different solutions—isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic.

Learn more: Osmosis Simulation

Explain cell membranes with bubbles

Explain how cell membranes work using bubbles. This fun demonstration is a great way for students to engage participants at the science fair.

Learn more: Cell Membrane Bubble Lab

Grow plants from scraps

This is a great science project that engages students in thinking about how plants grow, ways to reuse and recycle plant material, and the larger topics of how to reduce food waste.

Extract DNA from an onion

After studying DNA, students can extract DNA from an onion. This is a simple way to practice following procedures and explain what DNA is.

Model the greenhouse effect

Show how greenhouse gasses trap heat with this demonstration that uses various gasses in glass jars and a thermometer to show what happens as the gas collects.

Show the carbon cycle

Another way to show the greenhouse effect is by showing the carbon cycle. For 8th graders, explaining and modeling the carbon cycle is a good way to build on their understanding of cycles.

Plant seed dispersal methods

In this experiment, students study how seeds are dispersed and explore the results of different dispersal methods. 

Observe plasmolysis

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Advanced 

Use red onions to show plasmolysis. Put the onion on a cell slide and add salt water. After a few minutes, students can observe plasmolysis. Add pure water to reverse the reaction. 

Extract your own DNA

DNA is the blueprint of life, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to extract your own with a few simple supplies. Preserve it in alcohol in the freezer when you’re done.

Learn more: How To Extract DNA at Home

Beakers and test tubes, pouring and mixing … do it all with these fun chemistry science fair project ideas for 8th graders.

Perform a starch test with iodine

This simple chemistry experiment uses iodine to determine the starch content of food items. Use the process to perform a variety of 8th grade science experiments related to food.

Learn more: Starch Test

Keep your hands warm

If you live in a chilly part of the world, chances are you’ve seen chemical hand warmers for sale. In this 8th grade science fair project, use oxidation to make your own hand warmer, and find other creative ways to use this heating process.

Learn more: Homemade Hand Warmer

Compare electrolytes in sports drinks

Sports-loving kids will enjoy the chance to learn just how many valuable electrolytes their favorite sports drinks contain. Compare them with water or orange juice for a cool science fair project. You’ll need a few special supplies, like a multimeter and an ohm resistor, but they’re not too expensive.

Buy it: Multimeter and Ohm Resistor at Amazon

Turn juice into spheres

You’ll need a few special supplies for this experiment, but the results are so cool. Turn spherification into a science fair project by experimenting with different beverages and liquids.

Buy it: Spherification Kit at Amazon

Block the sun’s UV rays

Use color-changing UV beads to test the protective power of medicine bottles, hats, clothing, and more. This is an easy 8th grade science fair project with nearly endless possibilities.

Buy it: UV Beads at Amazon

Grow a carbon sugar snake

Remember those little black pellets that fire up into long snakes on the 4th of July? This is the same concept but much bigger! The simple chemical reaction of sugar and baking soda makes it happen. Turn this into an 8th grade science fair project by varying the formula to create even bigger results!

Create a rainbow of flames

You can change the color of fire by adding chemicals found at your local grocery store—what a sight! How can you use these flame colors to determine the chemical content of other materials? Sounds like a cool 8th grade science fair project!

Study the effects of acid rain

In this project, students use chalk as a stand-in for stone to learn how acid rain affects buildings, statues, and more. Turn this into a science fair project by exploring ways to mitigate the effects of the acidity.

Extract bismuth from Pepto Bismol

Difficulty: Advanced / Materials: Advanced

This is the kind of project that really makes you feel like a scientist. Grinding tablets with a mortar and pestle, filtering in beakers, heating over a Bunsen burner … this is what chemistry is all about!

Optimize fermentation temperature

Delve into the mystery of how temperature affects the fermentation process and determine the optimum temperature for yeast development. (Test your hypothesis by baking a loaf of bread!)

Learn more: Hot Yeast Experiment

Brew up some root beer

Who says science can’t be delicious ? Tinker with the basic root beer recipe to make it sweeter, fizzier, or better in any way you like!

Learn more: Homemade Root Beer

Magic milk experiment

Students show how adding dish soap to milk changes the chemical bonds, creating hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules that create the chasing, swirling effect.

Learn more: Magic Milk Experiment

Balloon baking soda experiment

This classic science fair project can be elevated for 8th graders by focusing on why the chemical reaction occurs the way it does, and encouraging them to get creative with ways that they can make this reaction work to move a car or rocket.

Learn more: Balloon and Baking Soda Experiment

Elephant toothpaste

Another chemical reaction experiment that students can do that has a dramatic result.

Learn more: Elephant Toothpaste Experiment

Egg and vinegar experiment

Show what happens when an egg is in an acidic solution. This is a cool experiment to talk about chemical reactions, in this case the reaction that dissolves the outside of an egg.

Learn more: Egg and Vinegar Experiment

Make a lava lamp

Create a lava lamp using chemical reactions. This demonstration can be created right at the science fair, making it a good one to explain to participants.

Create candy geodes

Students show the process of crystallization by creating candy geodes, a fun spin on the rock candy experiment.

Learn more: Candy Geodes

Mummify an apple

In this experiment, students remove the moisture from an apple and don’t let bacteria grow.

Learn more: Apple Mummy

Extinguish a candle without blowing it out

Combine an acid-base experiment with some fire science in this really popular classroom science demo. It seems like magic, but it’s just science!

Exploding lunch bag

This demonstration shows the dramatic reaction between an acid and a base. Fill the bag with the ingredients, shake, and step back.

Make and test slime

Show how chemicals coming together can make more chemicals. Students can get creative in how they combine the slime ingredients to make their own version.

Learn more: How To Make Slime

Investigate advanced properties of liquids

Water is an interesting molecule. Eighth graders can explore it with different experiments and demonstrations. They can answer questions about whether surface tension and viscosity decrease with increasing temperature.

Relight a candle without touching it

Tell students you’re going to relight a candle without touching the flame to the wick. The results will boggle their minds!

Learn more: Magic Traveling Flame

Candle carousel

Model heat conduction and show how heat creates energy with this fun carousel project. 

Learn more: Candle Carousel Experiment

For those who love to build and tinker, try a science fair project that experiments with various physics concepts like energy, electricity, motion, and more.

Build a better light bulb

First, use the steps at the link to build a simple light bulb with a jar, some wire, and a 6-volt battery. Then, turn it into an 8th grade science fair project by tinkering with the various materials to make a light bulb that lasts longer, burns brighter, or is powered by an alternative source.

Learn more: Build a Light Bulb

Buy it: 6-volt battery at Amazon

Test the strength of interleaved paper

Paper seems smooth and slides apart easily, right? Not when you add friction into the mix! MythBusters was amazed at how much strength it took to pull apart two interleaved phone books. Try this with smaller books for an 8th grade science fair project that people won’t believe!

Cook up a tasty treat with solar energy

Students can design and build a solar oven, and then use it to cook food to compare the cooking time and temperature with a conventional oven. See if you can improve on the original design by changing up the materials or construction.

Learn more: Solar Oven Science Project

Make a solar desalinator

Clean fresh water is a valuable commodity. Construct solar-powered desalination devices with readily available materials, and find the most effective desalination methods.

Capture a picture of lightning

Difficulty: Advanced / Materials: Medium

Lichtenberg figures capture the branching path of electricity as it travels through an object. You can make your own in a variety of ways, including burning it into wood or acrylic.

Learn more: Lichtenberg Figures

Discover the center of gravity

Once you find and maintain its center of gravity, almost any object will balance, even in surprising circumstances. Using this concept, what amazing objects can you balance and where?

Learn more: Center of Gravity Experiment

Power up homemade batteries

Building batteries is a classic science experiment for any age. Make it into an 8th grade science fair project by trying different variables and exploring the amount of power you can produce.

Learn more: DIY Batteries

Assemble a spring balance scale

Apply Hooke’s law to find out if the stretching of a spring can be used to accurately measure the weight of objects. The materials are simple, but you’ll need patience and physics to calibrate a spring and use it to test weights.

Build an infinity mirror

Experiment with optical illusions by creating a tunnel of lights that seems to stretch away into infinity. Eighth grade science students will learn about engineering and the physics of optics along the way.

Drop an egg to prove the first law of motion

This experiment looks like a magic trick, but it’s firmly grounded in Newton’s first law of motion. When you knock the pie tin out of the way, the egg falls straight into the glass thanks to inertia. (Worried about making a mess? Use plastic eggs instead.)

Learn more: Egg Drop Inertia Challenge

Break out the leaf blower to teach Bernoulli’s principle

Eighth grade science students have probably seen a Bernoulli demo or two, often with straws and Ping-Pong balls. So grab their attention by trying it with a leaf blower and beach ball instead!

Assemble a Newton’s cradle

Newton’s cradle is a fascinating way of demonstrating momentum and energy transfer. Follow the directions at the link to build one, or challenge 8th grade science students to experiment with their own construction methods.

Learn more: Newton’s Cradle

Demonstrate the “unpoppable” balloon

Your students won’t believe you when you say you can hold a balloon up to a flame without popping it. Use the conductivity of water to prove your point.

Measure surface temperature

Students measure and track the differences in surface temperature when various materials are put under a heat lamp.

Learn more: Surface Temperature Lab

Measuring the volume of pennies

This experiment combines math and science as students use the displacement of water to calculate the volume of a penny and a stack of pennies.

Learn more: Volume of a Penny Lab

Make a seismograph

There’s a lot students can do with earthquakes. They can create and test a structure that could withstand an earthquake or make a seismograph. Either way, this project will shake it up! 

Learn more: Earthquake STEM Challenge

Egg drop challenge

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic 

Even if you’ve done the egg drop challenge in class, some students might like to explore the principles and science behind it for the science fair. The trick, for the fair, is to be able to explain what students are doing and why they are making those decisions as they cushion or protect their egg. 

Learn more: Egg Drop Challenge Ideas

Engineering projects are a great way to bring math and science together for students who love to build, build, build!

Make catapults

Demonstrate principles of movement with catapults. This project is a great way for students to learn about movement and trajectory. Students can experiment with different ways to build catapults that produce large and small trajectories, and invite participants to try out their catapults too. 

Learn more: Catapult Project

Navigate a light maze

Here’s the STEM challenge: Bounce a beam of light around a corner past an obstacle. Increase the difficulty by adding more obstacles and variables.

Create a magnet maze

Combine engineering and magnets with this project. Students create a maze that requires them to use a magnet to navigate through. 

Stand on a pile of paper cups

Combine physics and engineering and challenge 8th grade science students to create a paper cup structure that can support their weight. This is a cool project for aspiring architects.

Learn more: Stand on a Paper Cup

Create an electric circuit game

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium 

Students learn how to create an electrical circuit and combine multiple circuits to create a game. So fun! 

Create a wind-powered car

A great opportunity to use a 3D printer if you have one, creating a wind-powered car teaches students about engineering and physics. 

Protect an egg in a crash

We love this spin on the classic egg-drop project. In this version, students build a structure to protect an egg during a collision with a wall, making the connection between crash tests and physics concepts.

Construct a Rube Goldberg machine

Create a machine to complete a simple task in the most complicated fashion! This is a neat 8th grade STEM fair project because it allows you to use a variety of physics concepts in a fun way.

Design a robotic hand

This is a project that can be tweaked by coming up with ways to improve upon the design. Can you build a hand that can pick up a ball? How about one that can pluck up a piece of string? So many possibilities!

Learn more: DIY Model Robot Hand STEM Activity

Crash cars for science

This is a great class project for teachers, but it’s also excellent for an 8th grade science fair project. Build cars and crash-test them to learn the best methods of keeping passengers safe.

Learn more: STEM Car Crash Project

Engineer a roller coaster loop

Kids may have created roller coasters with marbles before, but have they ever built one with a loop-the-loop? They’ll have to experiment to find out which initial height gives a marble the speed it needs to complete the journey.

Build a trash can air cannon

This is such a fun way to demonstrate an air vortex! It takes a little effort to build the air cannon, but you can use it year after year for amazing 8th grade science demos.

Separate water into hydrogen and oxygen

Use electrolysis to prove that water really is made up of hydrogen and oxygen. It’s a simple concept but one that never fails to amaze.

Learn more: Separating Water Into Hydrogen and Oxygen

Assemble a ring of Pringles

Everybody loves an edible STEM challenge! Here’s one that seems simple but takes some time to work out: Build a ring of Pringles chips without using any other materials.

Construct a cup holder

Can your 8th grade science students build a device to stabilize and carry two cups of water using only a few simple supplies? Oh, and can they manage it in just 5 minutes? This timed challenge pushes their creative engineering limits!

Learn more: Cup Holder STEM Challenge

Make solar oven s’mores

Demonstrate the principle of converting solar radiation into heat in the yummiest way possible by having your students construct their own solar ovens and baking s’mores using nothing but the light from the sun.

Learn more: Solar Oven Experiment

Check out even more ready-to-go science kits for hands-on learning your students will love

Ward’s Science OpenSciEd kits come with every item you need to start exploring with your students immediately. Your students will develop their critical questioning, research, and teamwork skills while working to solve problems that feel real and important.

Engage your 8th grade science students further with these Science Kits for Middle and High School That Make Hands-On Lessons Easy .

You might also like.

The Big List of Science Fair Project Ideas, Resources, and More

Options for every age, interest, and skill level! Continue Reading

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All Science Fair Projects

1000 science fair projects with complete instructions.

75 Science Fair Projects for 8th Graders

Are you looking for an intriguing eighth grade science fair project? We've got you covered with this carefully selected list of science fair projects specifically for eighth graders.

8th Grade Science Fair Project FAQ

What are some easy 8th grade science fair projects.

Each one of these easy science fair projects is ideal for eighth grade science students to learn important scientific concepts using readily available materials. These are terrific project ideas to get 8th grade students interested in science and have fun doing it!

Static Electricity: What's Attracting?

The Effect of Temperature on Fingerprints

Soap and Surface Tension

Bicycle Helmet Shock Absorption

Glowing in the Dark

Growing Plants from Fragmentation

Extracting DNA from Onions

Temperature and Solubility

Viewing Sunspots

Bacteria on Chopping Boards

Science fair project details right above the FAQ!

What is the best 8th grade science project ever?

We think the Extracting DNA from Onions science fair project is awesome for middle school students! This science project aims to demystify DNA by showing how easy it is to extract from onions and what DNA looks like when it's outside of the cell. It's a classic science experiment to learn about DNA and how DNA can be extracted from many kinds of cells. Check out the video on the project page where DNA is extracted from strawberries too! What other fruits and vegetables can you extract DNA from?

If you're looking for more 8th grade science projects, check out the 8th grade science fair projects at the top of this page! 

Check out more Best Science Fair Projects →

What are some cool 8th grade science fair projects?

Get ready to be amazed by these super cool science projects for 8th graders! With just a few common items, get ready for have tons of fun with a cool science fair project!

Soap Bubbles in Carbon Dioxide

Exploring Cave Formations

Busting Acne Bacteria

What are 5 testable questions for 8th grade?

A testable question is a question that we can answer through a science experiment. To do this, we do a control science experiment, then we change one thing in the experiment to see how it affects what happens. This is how we can discover the answer to our question! Eighth grade science students can use the following testable questions for a science fair project.

Do detergents affect plant growth?

Can drink and food taste different just by changing its color?

Does the color of light affect photosynthesis?

Does temperature affect seed sprouting?

What makes popcorn pop?

Here are more testable questions along with their science projects →

What are the top 10 science projects for 8th grade?

These are our top 10 science projects for 8th grade, with projects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering and Environmental Science. These projects can be used as science fair project ideas or as a fun experiment to explore different areas of science!

Testing Fabric Types for Water Resistance

The Greenhouse Effect

Science project details right above the FAQ!

Can I do a 8th grade science fair project in a day?

Yes! Quick experiments or making a model can be a great option for a science fair project! Since you're short on time, they all use readily available materials. Here are quick science fair project ideas to get you started.

The Solar System: See it in the correct scale!

Create your own solar system model to scale on the sidewalk and take a walk through space! Solar System Scale Model on the Sidewalk

Chromatography reaction: Separating out colors!

Have you ever wondered why leaves change color in the fall? Let's find out by using chromatography to separate the colors of a green leaf! Uncovering Fall Colors

Heat reactions: Heat speeds things up!

Does the temperature of a room affect how quickly a candle burns? Burn Rate of a Candle

What are some hands-on ways to find inspiration for my science fair project?

There may be free admission days or free passes to a science museum near you! Check your local library for free museum passes, nearby science museums for free entrance days and your credit card for offers.

Find a science museum near you and prepare to be awed by all that you can learn there! I always learn something new and am inspired whenever I go to a science museum!

How do I start a science fair project?

What should I do after I have a science fair project idea?

How do I make a science fair board?

What is the scientific method?

What is the engineering design process?

Where can I find a science fair competition?

The www Virtual Library: Science Fairs website also has a collection of science fairs from all over the world, as well as national, state, regional, local, and virtual competitions!

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8th Grade Science Projects: Experiments, Model Building, DIYs, And Investigation

April 2, 2024 //  by  Katie Trethewy

Are you ready to inspire and amaze your 8th graders like never before?! Get ready to embark on an exciting journey of scientific discovery with our handpicked selection of 68 captivating science projects. These challenges are designed to not only educate but also ignite the curiosity and enthusiasm of your students. So, if you’re eager to create unforgettable learning experiences, join us as we explore these incredible 8th-grade science projects that will leave your students craving more. Let’s dive in!

1. What Makes Ice Melt the Fastest?

Grab your 8th graders’ attention with this hands-on challenge! You’ll need to arm your students with stopwatches and the essential materials: sand, sugar, and salt. The challenge is to measure the speed at which ice melts when in contact with different substances. This is a wonderful opportunity to spark discussions about environmental issues. 

Learn More:  Little Bins Little Hands

Looking for fun and educational kits for kids? Check out our Favorite Subscription Boxes for Kids

2. Are Fingerprints Inherited?

Challenge your students to think about identity through the lens of genetics. With your encouragement, they’ll examine fingerprints and ponder questions about individuality. This project is suitable for budding scientists, detectives, and philosophers, and is a surefire debate starter! 

Learn More: We Have Kids

3. Build an Infinity Mirror

Let your students’ creativity shine with a project that’s the perfect blend of art and science. Direct them in positioning mirrors so that the reflective surfaces are facing one another to create a mirror that gives the illusion of endless depth. What an awesome, mind-bending project that’s great for introducing concepts like optics.

Learn More: Instructables

4. Make Your Own Shampoo

Time to dabble in cosmetic chemistry! Your students will love the opportunity to make their own shampoo and then take the next step and compare it to store-bought versions. You’ll need some essentials like liquid soup, glycerine, and essential oils for this recipe.

Learn More:  Humblebee & me

5. Can Plants Stop Soil Erosion?

Empower your students to be eco-warriors. Your youngsters will get their hands dirty by planting seeds to combat soil erosion. This project will help them dive into ecology, botany, and social responsibility; teaching them science while saving the planet!

Learn More:  Life is a Garden

6. Build Your Own Solar-Powered Car

Future engineers, assemble! Allow your students to build solar-powered cars and then test them out. It’s a fusion of mechanical engineering and environmental science as they need to be hands-on in designing and building their cars before researching the best strategies to power them up. May the fastest, most efficient, car win!

Learn More:  Home Science Tools

7. Make Your Own Bath Bomb

Transform your classroom into a fragrant laboratory by challenging your learners to create bath bombs and learn about the chemical reactions involved. Arm your youngsters with baking soda, citric acid, and some essential oils before encouraging them to find the best combination for the ultimate chemical reaction. It’s an aromatic journey into chemistry that’s exploding with fun and knowledge just waiting to be unlocked!

Learn More: Inspired by Charm

8. Extracting the DNA of an Onion

Are you looking for a microscopic exploration? Allow your students to venture into cellular biology by isolating onion DNA. This experiment will require a good scientific method as you guide your students in collecting the microscopic particles of an onion and using alcohol to separate the DNA. This experiment could serve as a gateway into discussions on genetics. Plus, it’s all done with easily accessible materials. 

Learn More:  Pak Science Club

9. Candy Chronography

Have you ever wondered about the chemistry behind the vibrant colors in candy? With a project that’s a feast for the mind and the eyes, your kiddos can now discover more! You’ll need a saltwater solution, candy, and filter paper to kick off this investigation. Guide your students to follow the scientific process by carefully working through each step in separating the mixture that makes their sweet treats so colorful. 

Learn More:  Science Sparks

10. Heart Health: How does heart rate change during exercise?

Get the heart and mind racing with this project! Get your students moving and prompt them to monitor their heart rates during different activities. It’s an educational journey into cardiovascular health: a blend of exercise and science that’s both fun and informative. Perfect for those seeking to learn while they burn calories.

11. Create Your Own Fossils

Immerse your kiddos in the fascinating world of fossils. Show them how fossils are formed over time and let them craft their own examples from shells or leaves using Plaster of Paris. This amazing project allows them to gain a better understanding of the process of fossilization and will bring an ancient past into your classroom!

Learn More: Mad About Science

12. Exploring Photosynthesis

Let there be light—and plant growth! Have your learners test how different colored light conditions affect photosynthesis by placing plants in a multicolored spectrum of light environments. They’ll uncover whether or not different wavelengths of light are more beneficial to photosynthesis than others. Talk about an illuminating look at this vital scientific process!

Learn More: YouTube

13. Build a Raft Powered by Surface Tension

Ahoy, maties! You can have your students crafting petite vessels and sailing them on the high seas of a classroom basin. Anchored in the science of surface tension, this hands-on lesson requires basic materials like sponges, toothpicks, and some detergent to make complex physics tangible. 

Learn More:  Be a Fun Mum

14. How Far Can You Throw or Kick a Ball?

Game on! Ask your students to measure their athletic prowess by seeing how far they can kick or throw a ball. Whether kicking soccer balls or hurling baseballs, you’ll guide them to capture metrics to explore force, distance, and trajectory. Science becomes a sport, and your students are its star players. Touchdown for team “Curiosity”!

Learn More:  Science Buddies

15. Homemade Water Filter Project

Your students will become everyday heroes when you have them craft DIY water filters. Beyond learning, this project cultivates a sense of global responsibility. You’ll require a plastic bottle that’s been cut in half and filled with layers of sand and stone to act as the filter. The ultimate aim? Making the world a better place by learning how to filter water one drop at a time. 

Learn More: Love to Know

16. Build a Simple Electric Motor

Here’s a project for your keen little sparkies! Your students will be excited when you steer them toward the magic of creating their very own motors. With a few basic materials, they’ll be able to use a battery to harness energy to give life to inanimate objects Sparks will fly, both literally and metaphorically. 

Learn More:  Education.com

17. The Power of Heat is Right Under Your Feet!

Welcome to the underworld of geothermal energy! Under your tutelage, your students will create a mockup of a tiny geothermal plant. With a pinwheel, a soup can, a heat source, and a few simple school materials, you’ll be able to model the generation of heat sources.

Learn More:  Venessa Williams Blog

18. Plants on the Move! An Experiment on Phototropism

Transform your classroom into a botanical runway, with plants strutting toward their light source. Supply some seeds and develop an optimal germinating environment for your kiddos to see how they can best spur on plant growth! The student who generates the most phototrophic movements can be awarded a prize. 

Learn More: UNTAMED Science

19. Rusting Out: How Acids Affect the Rate of Corrosion

Rust is the crimson signature of time and chemistry! Have your learners explore the ravages and beauty of oxidation by allowing them to observe how acids accelerate rusting. All you need to prepare is a simple acidic solution and a rusty nail!

Learn More: David Science Centre

20. Build Your Own Marble Machine

Ladies and gentlemen, start your marbles! First, you’ll allow your students to design the ultimate marble labyrinth. Then, the race is on: your young scientists will guide their marbles through an odyssey of obstacles to explore the effect of angles, curves, and slopes. 

Learn More: Scientific American

21. Supercooling Water and Snap Freezing   

Is it getting cold in here? Have your kiddos supercool water in a freezer for 2 hours and 30 minutes to discover if it can remain a liquid. Once they bring it out of the freezer have them shake the bottle and watch physics in action! This exciting project is a lesson in the unstable properties of supercooled liquids!

22. Making Your Own Marshmallows

S’mores anyone? Let your kiddos create some delicious marshmallows with this next idea! As they follow and play about with the recipe, they’ll discover that, by changing the amount of sugar and corn syrup used, they can make different kinds of marshmallows. All that’s left is to build a campfire and some graham crackers!

Learn More: The Flavor Bender

23. Discover Chlorophyll Variety in Plants

Have your learners explore the amazing properties of chlorophyll! Let them have a go at this series of 4 different experiments to learn if plants need sunlight to be green, what happens when chlorophyll is heated, how it reacts to water, and if it really is green! Your green-fingered kiddos will love these fun, hands-on experiments!

Learn More: Science Projects

24. Test The Best Insulation Materials

Your kiddos will become mini-builders for this project! Provide a range of materials and allow your students to test which contains better insulating properties! They’ll hypothesize, research, and experiment all in the pursuit of energy efficiency. Let them build it and knowledge will come.

Learn More: Teach Engineering

25. Test For Hard Water

Suds galore! Have your little researchers collect water samples from different sources and conduct a simple test to determine which source has the hardest water. They’ll shake their water samples up to observe which creates the most bubbles, this indicates the softest water! The bubbles may disappear, but your kiddos’ curiosity never will!

Learn More: Layers of Learning

26. Applying Hooke’s Law: Make Your Own Spring Scale

Ready, set, stretch! Your students will create spring scales as they apply their knowledge of physics laws to measure weight and tension. What a fun, hands-on way to explore Hooke’s Law in your classroom!

Learn More: Julian Trubin

27. How to Make the Boldest, Brightest Tie-Dye

Did you know there’s science behind the fun swirls and patterns of tie-dye? Give each of your kiddos a white t-shirt to scrunch up, then use rubber bands to hold the shirts in place whilst you dip them into the dyes! Have them try out different materials to learn how different fibers react differently to colors! Who knew science could be so colorful?

Learn More: Handmade Charlotte

28. Fallen Arches: The Surprising Strength of Eggshells

Your kiddies will turn sceptics into believers with this un-egg-spected experiment. They’ll load weights onto eggshells to demonstrate their surprising strength. To have them totally captivated, place eggs in their cartons on the ground and ask for a volunteer to stand on it – they’ll be amazed to discover it supports their weight! It’s an eggs-ample of engineering fundamentals, served sunny side up!

Learn More: Scholastic Parents

29. Make Your Own Crystals

There’s no denying the enchanting qualities that crystals possess! Have your kiddos grow their very own crystals, and in the process, learn about solubility and saturation. Your first step is to get your young scientists to saturate some water with salt, then ideally, you’ll add some food coloring for effect. Leave the water to evaporate and they’ll be amazed at the crystals left behind!

Learn More: Science Fun for Everyone

30. The Effect of Oil Spills on Wildlife

Learn all about the impact that oil spills have on our planet with this next project idea. Start by setting up some trays with water and some plastic fish, then add some cooking oil. Next, set your kiddos on the almost impossible task of getting the oil out of the water. This is a sobering lesson in man-made disasters but one that could shape future eco-warriors. Planet-saving starts in your classroom!

Learn More: Boundless Brilliance

31. Roll a Can With Static Electricity

Step right up, future Einsteins! Have your kids rub a balloon on their heads and watch the magic unfold. Once charged up with this static electricity, they can then maneuver cans without even touching them! Prepare for their minds to be electrified!

32. Blow Up A Balloon Using Sugar And Yeast

Show your learners how to inflate a balloon by creating a chemical reaction! Have them place some yeast, sugar, and a little water inside a plastic bottle, then stretch a balloon over the opening. Then stand back and witness science and culinary arts merge into a gas-filled wonder! It’s a super exciting and very visible experiment that’s sure to get them excited!

33. Bend a Bone With Vinegar

Merge nutrition and science learning with this next project idea! Have your kiddos use vinegar to dissolve calcium and soften bones into rubbery textures. This spellbinding experiment highlights the importance of calcium in our bodies and getting enough of it in our diets. Your kids will definitely drink up their milk after this experiment!

34. Make a Fog Tornado

Meteorological wonders will take center stage as your learners craft their own mini-tornadoes with this next idea! Under your guidance they can slowly add warm water to dry ice to create fog, then whip this up into a tornado using a specialized simulator. Step aside, weather apps – the future meteorologists are here. Classroom weather reporting has never been this exhilarating!

35. Rainwater Acid Test

Study the chemical science of rain with this next idea! Have your kiddos collect and measure the acidity of rainwater over time, using pH testing equipment, and they’ll not only learn about the concept of acid rain but also get hands-on experience with environmental science methodology. This is science making a real-world impact!

Learn More: STEAM Powered Family

36. Dissect a Flower

Who’s ready for some floral surgery? Don your lab coats, botanists of tomorrow! With a scalpel in hand, your kiddies will dissect a flower, exploring its intricate anatomy. Ovaries, stamen, and petals become the stars of this horticultural show. What a blooming marvelous science project idea!

Learn More:  Elemental Science

37. Make a Water Purifier

It’s time to get your hands dirty and your water clean! Set the scene for your eager youngsters – they’re in the wild and have run out of water. How do they survive? Creating a layered water filter of course. You’ll need to provide them with charcoal, stones, and sand and allow them to experiment to find just the right technique to clean their H2O. The result? Pure learning, in every drop!

38. Build a Candle-Powered Thermoelectric Fan

Engineers, ignite your creativity! This isn’t just a cool science project, it’s also a great example of renewable energy. Challenge your kiddos to discover just how much energy a tealight candle can generate by building their own thermoelectric fan! This simple paper windmill and a tealight candle show what an enormous potential this type of renewable power has. Science and sustainability, united!

39. Do White Candles Burn Faster Than Colored Candles?

Does style have an impact on substance? Let your kids decide after this next project! Get them to predict which will burn faster, white or colored candles before they put their different colored candles to the test, burning them side by side. Guide them to record the burn rates and wick lengths, and then let them write up their results! They’ll no longer be in the dark on this question after this project!

40. Make a Lightning Spark

Sparks will fly this next project idea! Have your students rub a styrofoam block on their heads to build up a static charge, then place the block on the table. They can then place an aluminum pie tin on top and move their fingers close to the tin to see the tiny sparks! It’s like a tiny, safe lightning storm right in the classroom.

41. Make Exothermic Elephant Toothpaste

Get ready for a frothy spectacle! Get your kids to mix baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, and some food coloring in a bottle which will then erupt with an oozing foam called elephant toothpaste. Chemistry has never been this silly!

42. Go Fishing For Ice

It’s ice fishing, but not as you know it! Set your kiddos the challenge to lift a piece of ice, using only a piece of string. Just when they’re about to give up, you can reveal your method! Add a sprinkle of salt to the string which will create the perfect conditions where the ice will melt a little then refreeze, but to the string this time. This is science, not angling, and it’s all about understanding density and melting points!

43. Make Glowing Bubble

Turn down the lights and turn up the fun! Your learners will jump at the chance to make glow-in-the-dark bubbles using fluorescent dye and black lights. This experiment, whilst visually stunning, is also the perfect opportunity to learn about phosphorescence. Light up their curiosity and their classroom!

44. Bring The Bernoulli Principle To Life

Lift-off achieved! With nothing more than a hairdryer and a ping pong ball, your kiddos will witness the Bernoulli Principle in action. Face the hairdryer upwards, hold the ball above it, and then switch on to demonstrate how the pressure created stops the ball from falling. Aeronautics has never been this accessible or this fun!

45. Make Magnetic Putty

The allure of magnetism awaits! Have your students combine water, craft glue, and iron filings to transform ordinary putty into a magnetic learning experience. Once their putty is ready, give them magnets and watch the fun begin! The results of this sensory science activity will be truly magnetizing!

Learn More:  National Mag Lab

46. Stress and Body Temperature

For this experiment, all you’ll need is a thermometer and a timer. Grab some friends and test out if stress really raises our body temperature. Test the normal/resting temperature, then test before an exam or a big game and see the results!

Learn More: Education.com

47. Fizz and Meat

Get your lab coat, don your chef’s hat, and get ready for a gastronomic gala of bubbles and giggles! Show your kiddies the intriguing reactions between carbonated drinks and meat. Have them follow the method for this experiment – simple steps of placing meat in soda – and then be ready to record the reactions. Acid meets protein, and the culinary chemistry unfolds.

Learn More: Pinterest

48. Infinity Mirror Illusion

You ever gone into a fancy bathroom and seen 100 identical faces staring back at you? This cool engineering science experiment is a little more complicated but is sure to impress your classmates. See the materials and steps you need to follow and get building!

Learn More: Science Buddies

49. Immune System Science

You’ll need a jar, some salt, and iron fillings to play the part of a pathogen, and a magnet to act as antibodies. This is an age-appropriate science experiment that is a bit challenging but will show you how amazing your immune system really is!

50. Make Your Own Hand Warmers

Winter is coming, and science is ready! Your kids will be enthralled as you suggest that they engineer their own hand warmers using calcium chloride and iron filings. It’s DIY chemistry for those chilly outings so get ready to say goodbye to cold fingers and hello to thermal innovation!

Learn More: Steve Spangler Science

51. Diaper Science

Welcome to the lab, junior material scientists! Have your students conduct absorbency battles among different diaper brands to crown one the winner. From dribble to deluge, you’ll ask them to find out which diaper reigns supreme. No infants are involved, just absorbent polymers at play!

Learn More: Cortez Corner

52. Tendons and Bionic Hands

Anatomy meets robotics! It’s time to engage your biology students with a working model of the hand! Have them craft models to understand the role tendons play in hand movements. It’s a hands-on look at the biomechanics of the human body. Who knows, this could be the start of them building the bionic hands of the future!

53. Seeing Sounds?

Hear it, see it, believe it! Show your learners how to make sound waves visible using water and wine glasses, making the glasses ‘sing’. First, you can encourage your students to watch for the physical effects of the sound waves like ripples on the water’s surface. Then it’s time to let them experiment and have a little fun making different notes and maybe even a musical glass band.

Learn More: Igamemom

54. Carnivorous Plants

Who’s hungry—for knowledge? Here, you’ll need to provide your students with a mini-horror movie setup as they feed bugs to carnivorous plants and then monitor the pH and enzyme levels to discover how these strange plants actually eat the bugs! They’ll love this fun and slightly gory biology lesson in predation and digestion. 

Learn More: Education

55. Cell Phone Radiation

Dial into the invisible world of radio frequencies! Have your kiddos measure the electromagnetic waves emitted by cell phones to get a better understanding of the tech they can’t live without! It’s a scientific call to explore the unseen yet omnipresent radiation. Who’s up for dialing into the safety debate?

56. The Science of Slime

Get your class to embrace the ooze in this fascinating exploration of slime chemistry! Let your kiddies have fun as they concoct various slime recipes and delve into the science behind their gooeyness. What a superb hands-on sensory experience that they’re sure to love. 

Learn More: Hillary’s Teaching Adventures

57. How Salty Does the Sea Need to Be for an Egg to Float?

Your kiddos will enjoy ‘eggs-perimenting’ with eggs for this next project idea! Let them dive deep into the science of buoyancy and salt concentrations as they test the different conditions under which an egg can stay afloat. This project will give them a first-hand understanding of density and salinity. How egg-citing!

Learn More: Go Science Girls

58. Musical Influence on Plant Growth

Your kids will jump at the opportunity to experiment with their diverse musical tastes. Challenge them to hypothesize about which genre of music will result in the most growth. As they expose plants to various genres of music and document their development, they’ll gain insights into the influence of sound vibrations on living organisms. The results could be surprising!

Learn More: Sites at Penn State

59. Chocolate Meltdown

Are you looking for an interactive way to explore thermodynamics? Your students will be eager to experiment with various chocolate types under the same heat conditions and uncover the melt-down mysteries of their favorite treat. What a delicious way to explore thermodynamics!

60. Physics of Roller Coasters

Let’s turn your classroom into an amusement park! Your kiddies will be thrilled to follow your instructions on building miniature roller coasters and have their eyes opened to the exciting physics concepts behind these towering attractions, such as gravity, inertia, and momentum. Who knew physics could be this fun?

Learn More: YouT u be

61. The Effect of Temperature on Battery Life

Allow your learners to turn up the heat (or cool it down) to explore how temperature changes affect battery power output. This experiment will charge up their understanding of practical physics and everyday tech. Not only is this project a super learning experience, but it’ll also help them look after their own tech even better and prolong battery life!

62. Soil Composition

Get your students’ hands dirty! Having your class learn about soil types and analyzing their composition and nutrient content is sure to be an enriching learning experience for them! It’s a super topic to make them more ecologically aware, as you encourage them to unearth the fascinating world beneath their feet.  

Learn More: Orlando Science Center

63. Understanding Erosion

Make geology fun with this hands-on project idea! Sculpting miniature landscapes becomes a lesson in geological processes for your kiddos when you ask them to demonstrate the effects of wind and water erosion. The thrill of watching their landscapes morph will make this learning stick and ensure they gain an appreciation for the ever-changing face of our planet. 

64. Effect of pH on Enzymes

Science doesn’t get much sweeter than this next idea! Roll out the welcome mat for bromelain, the enzyme in pineapple juice! Your learners will study how pH changes can affect enzyme functions with this easily accessible introduction to the complex world of biochemistry. 

Learn More: Practical Biology

65. Balloon Rockets

3 -2 -1 blast off! Newton’s third law takes flight in this exciting activity. By constructing and launching balloon rockets using just a balloon, some tape, string, and a staw, your kiddos will explore the action-reaction principle. There’s no doubt they’ll also have a ‘blast’ in the process!

Learn More: What Do We Do All Day  

66. Testing for Starch

The search for starch gets a fun twist for this next idea! Have your 8th-grade scientists make predictions then use iodine to test various food items for starch. Providing your class with the opportunity to uncover hidden starch will give them a glimpse into the world of food science and nutrition. Who knew science could be so appetizing? 

Learn More: The Happy Housewife

67. Cooking with the Sun

The quest for efficient solar ovens is on! Challenge your kiddies to design the most effective cooker using renewable energy and the power of the sun. Prompt them to use their problem-solving skills to cook an egg or make a s’more. Finally, a science experiment where they can eat the results!

Learn More: The Krazy Coupon Lady  

68. Exploring Density

Density isn’t just a number, it’s a spectrum. Your learners will revel in the opportunity to bring this scientific concept to life in an aesthetically pleasing way! They’ll use liquids with different densities which will separate into distinct sections to create a colorful density column! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics are covered in 8th grade science.

Some of the main topics covered in 8 th Grade science are weathering and soil, structure and composition of the atmosphere, human impact on resources, animal and plant cells, living things, and the environment, matter, atoms, elements, and the periodic table, chemical reactions, motion and forces and electricity, and magnetism.

How can a student win a Science Fair?

Students must pick an interesting topic and learn everything they can. They should plan their project, make a clear and professional display of their work, and practice their presentations. 

What are some simple science experiments?

There are many experiments that do not require a lot of materials, some examples of these in the list above include: finding out the best tie-dye fiber, making the perfect bath bomb, and measuring your heart rate during exercise.

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56 8th Grade Science Fair Projects – 2024

June 23, 2024

If you teach science to 8th graders, you might be looking for science fair project ideas to inspire your students. Or perhaps you’re looking for fresh classroom experiments to demonstrate biology, chemistry, and physics principles. Continue reading for 60 science fair project ideas for 8th grade with a range of topics and difficulty levels/

8th Grade Science Fair Projects – Things to consider

Each project below comes with a ranking according to difficulty and materials, which you can consider as you decide which projects to share with your 8 th grade students.

Difficulty : As you choose a project for your class, it’s important to consider the difficulty of the project. Do your 8 th grade students have enough time for this project? Have they reached a high enough level in the scientific area? Each of these projects is rated “basic,” “medium,” or “advanced” based on the complexity of the concept involved and the amount of time it will take.

Materials : The projects below also range in terms of materials and setup, and they are listed as “basic,” “medium,” or “advanced.” This can help you determine what kind of preparation is required in order to complete each project.

Biology Science Fair Project Ideas

56 Ideas for the 8th Grade Science Fair:

1) Balloon lung capacity

  Using simply a balloon and a tape measurer, this experiment allows students to measure human health and athleticism. It can be made more or less complicated depending on the measurements taken (circumference only vs. volume of the balloon, for example).

• Difficulty: basic
• Materials: medium
• Learn more: measuring lung capacity

8th Grade Science Fair Projects (Continued)

2) water quality testing.

  Do you have a water-testing kit on hand? If not, you can purchase one for under $30. This simple kit opens numerous possibilities for science fair projects, including testing the water quality of local streams, ponds, swimming pools, and drinking-water taps. Water testing is a great way to teach about pollution and the importance of clean water sources.

• Learn more: water quality experiment

3) Plant maze

  Ever noticed how plants grow towards light? With a simple experiment, your students can watch as a plant grows around obstacles. Your plant maze can be as simple or as complex as you’d like.

• Difficulty: medium
• Learn more: plant light maze

4) Animal track casting

Are your students up to a bit of detective work? In this experiment, they can track animals and study their tracks using a homemade plaster mold, and then comparing them for size, shape, and location.

• Learn more: find & collect animal tracks

5) Nitrogen and plants

  Explore how nitrogen aids plant growth with this 8 th grade science project, which involves comparing the growth of pea plants with and without nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

• Learn more: nitrogen and plants

6) Your plant’s favorite music

  Do plants appreciate the music you play? This experiment determines whether classical music affects the growth and health of plants (though you can use any genre you’d like, or test multiple different genres).

• Learn more: plant responses to music

7) Crime scene fingerprinting

This project is especially great for students interested in forensic science. It can be completed using a purchased fingerprinting kit and simple household supplies.

• Learn more: crime scene fingerprinting

8) Myers-Briggs and memory

  Are your students interested in exploring questions of psychology, memory, and mental health? This experiment involves asking volunteers to take a Myers-Briggs personality test, followed by a simple memory exam. They only need internet access and willing volunteers, no extra materials needed!

• Materials: basic
• Learn more: memory and personality

9) Tooth decay with eggs

  Since eggshells share similar properties to teeth, your students can use them to test how different beverages erode tooth enamel. This project teaches biology concepts while also encouraging healthy eating and dental care.

• Learn more: tooth decay egg experiment

10) Water your plants

  For an easy experiment on plant growth, try watering plants with different liquids. You can test different water sources (tap water, rain water, etc.), different salt-levels in water, or even the difference between water and soda.

• Learn more: plant growth with different liquids

11) Cooking and Vitamin C

  For a nutrition-focused experiment, see whether cooked fruits and vegetables have less Vitamin C than raw ones. This involves a slightly more complex procedure, so it’s perfect for your advanced 8 th grade classes.

• Difficulty: advanced
• Materials: advanced
• Learn more: Vitamin C determination

12) Algae growth

  Have you taught your students about fertilizer runoff and its harmful impacts on local waterways? In this experiment, students can test the effects of pollutants on algae growth using household fertilizers and other materials.

• Learn more: algae and pollution

13) Hydroponic vs. soil plant growth

  Perfect for students with a green thumb, this experiment allows students to test whether plants grow faster hydroponically or in soil.

• Learn more: hydroponic vs. soil

14) Bioluminescent bacteria

  For the glowing students out there (as well as the future marine biologists), this project allows 8 th graders to understand how glowing waves are caused by microscopic organisms in the ocean.

• Learn more: ocean bioluminescence

15) Extracting DNA from onions

  In this experiment, students can use a variety of household supplies to see if DNA is able to survive separately from other cell components.

• Learn more: onion DNA extraction

16) Sleep and memory

  Can sleep deprivation affect memory? Have your students ask volunteers a series of trivia questions after getting 8 or 5 hours of sleep. While this project takes some planning, organization, and willing volunteers, it’s a fun way to promote healthy sleep habits.

• Learn more: sleep and memory (plus a few more sleep-related experiment ideas)

Chemistry Science Fair Project Ideas

17) Starch test with iodine

  For a simple chemistry experiment, help your 8 th grade students to understand properties of starch and its presence in various foods.

• Learn more: starch test

18) Carbon sugar snake

  Through the simple chemical reaction of sugar and baking soda, you can make a fiery snake rise from the ground. Take note of safety while doing this experiment, since fire and lighter fluid are involved.

• Learn more: carbon sugar snake

19) Juice spherification

  Try this for a fun and aesthetically-pleasing experiment, which allows your students to create edible spheres, or to “spherify” water and other liquids.

• Learn more: spherification of water

20) Hand-warming chemistry

  Ever wish you could heat up your hands on a cold day? Instead of buying a commercial warmer, try making one of these. This experiment offers a practical solution to an everyday problem.

• Learn more: homemade hand warmer

21) Sports drink challenge (for electrolytes)

We’ve all heard sports drinks advertised as having electrolytes. What does this mean, exactly? Is drinking Gatorade really much better than a glass of orange juice? Try this experiment to find out. You’ll need a few special supplies, including a multimeter and an ohm resistor .

• Learn more: electrolytes in sports drinks

22) Find the best detergent

  Test which laundry detergent is really cleaning your clothes. After making coffee, ketchup, and makeup stains on white handkerchiefs, students will test several laundry detergent brands for effectiveness. For an extra challenge, they can analyze the ingredients in each detergent to see which is the most active.

• Learn more: laundry lab

23) Color-changing beads for UV resistance

Through this experiment, you can use color-changing UV beads to test the protective power of various household objects against the sun.

• Learn more: UV bead experiment

24) Taco sauce penny cleaner

  Can you really clean pennies with taco sauce? Have your students collect their most tarnished pennies and test the theory. Then, see which ingredient (or combination of ingredients) in taco sauce is the most effective by testing them separately.

• Learn more: taco sauce penny cleaner

25) Effects of acid rain

  In order to understand how acid rain affects buildings and other structures, students can use chalk for a stand-in for stone. For a more complex project, they can explore ways of protecting the structures, thereby mitigating the effects of acid rain.

• Learn more: effects of acid rain

26) Hot yeast experiment

  Discover how temperature impacts yeast fermentation. The ingredients are simple: clear glasses, 3 balloons, 3 packets of yeast, sugar, and water.

• Learn more: hot yeast experiment

27) Root beer brewing

  Root beer, a favorite soda for many, is actually just a combination of water, sugar, and flavorings (plus carbonation, which comes from carbon dioxide gas). For a delicious 8 th grade science fair project, test ingredients for the best root beer brew (students can test for fizziness, sweetness, or best flavor by popular vote).

• Learn more: root beer science

28) Extract bismuth from Pepto Bismol

  For a more complex chemistry procedure, grind some Pepto Bismol pills and extract bismuth, its active ingredient. This experiment takes a while, so make sure you leave time for multiple trials.

• Learn more: extract bismuth from Pepto Bismol

29) Homemade ice cream

  The secret to making ice cream is to lower the freezing point of ice. The secret to this secret? Salt. With this experiment, you can have delicious vanilla ice cream ready in about 20 minutes. Test different ingredients and times for the best results.

• Learn more: homemade ice cream

30) Rock candy

  Here’s another delicious one, which only requires dipping a string in some sugar water to create a beautiful candy crystal.

• Learn more: homemade rock candy

31) Waterproof fabric

  In this experiment, you can test different clothing materials (nylon? Wool? Polyester? Silk?) to see which is the most water resistant.

• Learn more: put your fabric to the test

32) Soap and surface tension

Surface tension, put simply, causes the molecules in the surface of a liquid to cling together. In this 8 th grade science fair project, you can test how soap affects surface tension.

• Learn more: soapy surface tension

Physics and Engineering Science Fair Project Ideas

33) build-a-lightbulb.

  Teach your 8 th graders about electricity with this simple lightbulb project. By experimenting with simple materials, students can explore how to create the longest-lasting and brightest light source.

• Learn more: build a lightbulb

34) Built-a-platform

  Any aspiring architects in your class? In this physics and engineering challenge, students create a paper cup structure (with three or more platforms for an extra challenge) that can support their weight.

• Learn more: paper cup structure

35) Solar-powered oven

  Food-related projects aren’t reserved for chemistry. Your students can make s’mores by engineering their own ovens, changing up the construction process for different results.

• Learn more: solar oven

36) Engineer a roller coaster

  Challenge your students to create a roller coaster, loops included. They can experiment with the height and size of the loops, as well as marble weight.

• Learn more: roller coaster building

37) Crash cars

  This experiment involves building cars out of basic classroom materials (plus miniature wheels and axles, which can be found easily online). Then, students can crash-test their cars with raw eggs inside as “passengers.” What structures best protect the egg?

• Learn more: car crash project

38) Find your center

  Help unexpected objects balance in unexpected places with this center of gravity experiment. Using pipe cleaners and clothes pins, play with raising and lowering an object’s center of gravity. Though this project is simple, but it certainly isn’t easy.

• Learn more: center of gravity experiment

39) Spinning glasses of water

While you might think that swinging a bucket of water over your head would leave you soaked, if you swing it around fast enough, you might actually stay dry. Your students can understand the physics behind this phenomenon by building homemade “centrifugal force boards.” Change variables such as speed and cup shape for added complexity.

• Learn more: spinning glasses of water

40) Power homemade batteries

  This experiment offers an excellent intro to electricity using materials that your students likely already have at home.

• Learn more: DIY batteries

 41)  Graphite circuit

  For another electricity-focused experiment, challenge your students to create an electrical circuit using pencil graphite. Since it involves drawing, students can put their art skills to use for a beautiful result.

• Learn more: graphite circuit

42) Homemade projector

  This experiment is a great way for students to understand the science behind light. All they need is a smartphone with videos, a cardboard box, a magnifying glass, and a few basic tools. Different box and magnifying glass measurements can be used as variables.

• Learn more: homemade projector

43) Parachute egg-drop

  Help an egg reach a safe landing by creating a homemade parachute. Test multiple kinds of parachutes to learn about force and gravity, and see which one protects the egg most effectively.

• Learn more: parachute egg-drop ideas

44) Coin tower

  In this demonstration, students build towers of coins and use physics concepts to remove the bottom coin with a butter knife. For experimental variations, use different amounts and sizes of coins.

• Learn more: coin tower challenge

45) Wind-powered car

  By creating a sort of sailboat-car-hybrid, students can learn the engineering behind basic vehicles, adjusting its components to test for speed and distance.

• Learn more: wind-powered car

46) Balancing water glass

  For another architecturally-relevant exercise, create a system of knives and bottles that can balance a full glass of water in the middle. Play with different design elements to conduct a challenging engineering experiment.

• Learn more: balancing glass trick

More Ideas for Classroom Learning – 8th Grade Science Fair Projects

47) newton’s cradle.

  Your 8 th grade students might have seen a Newton’s cradle, but have they created one? Teach them about energy transfer and momentum using only simple materials such as marbles, string, and popsicle sticks.

• Learn more: making a simple Newton’s cradle

48)   Floating compass

  With only a cork, a needle, and a glass of water, teach your students about magnetic forces and Earth’s poles.

• Learn more: floating magnetic compass

49)  Relight a candle

Once a candle goes out, it may seem impossible to relight it without a new match. Think again! This experiment teaches students about the seemingly magical workings of hydrogren, carbon, and oxygen. Take it a step further by changing the variables of wax temperature, wick size, and candle type.

• Learn more: magic traveling flame

50) Ring of Pringles

  This edible STEM challenge is perfect for a fun break mid-semester or for the last day of school . Though it seems easy, it will likely take students multiple tries to figure out.

• Learn more: ring of Pringles

51) Light maze

  Create a maze of objects and work to get a beam of light through. This is a great way to engage your students using objects you already have sitting around.

• Learn more: light maze

52) Build a cup holder

  For a challenging engineering exercise, give your students 5-minutes to create a device that can balance and carry two cups of water. Have them test their cup holders as a fun outdoor activity.

• Learn more: cup holder STEM challenge

53) Take DNA extractions

  DNA, found in the nucleus of cells, acts as a sort of blueprint for the development and functioning of organisms. While this may seem somewhat inaccessible to 8 th grade students, it’s actually possible to extract using classroom lab materials, soap, and mouthwash solution.

• Learn more: how to extract DNA

54) Separate water into hydrogen and oxygen

  For the 8 th grade chemistry teachers out there, you can demonstrate how water is actually formed out of two gases using electrolysis, a process that reduces H20 back to H and O.

• Learn more: separate water into hydrogen and oxygen

 55)  Unpoppable balloon

It may surprise your 8 th grade students that you can hold a balloon up to a flame without popping it. Thanks to water, a great absorber of heat, the rubber barely even weakens when it touches a flame.

• Difficulty: easy
• Learn more: fire water balloon

56) Grow garbage plants

For an ongoing class experiment that you can track over a series of weeks, grow plants using different kinds of compost and garbage to see which kind of matter facilitates the quickest growth. This project is a great way to promote collaboration and sustainability in your classroom.

• Learn more: multimeter

8th Grade Science Fair Projects – Additional Resources 

Whether you’re teaching your 8 th grade students about plant biology, discussing chemical properties, or helping them understand what it takes to engineer a car, these science fair projects and classroom learning activities are great ways to challenge your students. For further classroom resources relevant for middle school learning, we recommend the following articles:

• 124 Good Icebreaker Questions for Students/Adults
• 141 Fun, Weird, & Interesting Facts
• 60 Team-Building Activities for Kids & Middle/High School Students
• 150 Journal Prompts for Kids, Middle, & High School Students
• 60 Easy Science Experiments for Kids
• 62 Best Research Opportunities for High School Students 
• Teacher Tools

Sarah Mininsohn

With a BA from Wesleyan University and an MFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Sarah is a writer, educator, and artist. She served as a graduate instructor at the University of Illinois, a tutor at St Peter’s School in Philadelphia, and an academic writing tutor and thesis mentor at Wesleyan’s Writing Workshop.

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149+ Great 8th Grade Science Fair Projects & Experiments

Are you an 8th-grader looking for awesome 8th grade science fair projects? If yes, we are here to give the best science fair project ideas that will not only impress your classmates and teachers but also teach you valuable scientific concepts. 

Generally, Science fairs are a fantastic opportunity for students to explore the world of science through hands-on experiments and investigations.

We’ve compiled a list of over 149 intriguing and innovative science fair project ideas and experiments for 8th graders. Whether you’re interested in biology, chemistry, physics, or environmental science, there’s something here for everyone. 

So, let’s dive into the exciting world of science and discover your next winning project!

Also Read: Science Research Topics

What Is A Science Fair

Table of Contents

Students of all ages, usually from elementary school to high school, show off their science projects, and tests, or study at a science fair. It is an educational event or competition. 

The main goal of a science fair is to get kids interested in topics like science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Science shows give people the chance to do hands-on science research, learn how to think critically, and share their results with a larger audience.

A science fair is to promote scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and hands-on learning among students. Students explore scientific concepts, conduct experiments, and present their findings in a structured and often competitive setting.

How A Typical Science Fair Works

If you want to know what is a procedure in a science fair project and how it works, you can follow these points. It is such as;

1. Project Selection

Students choose a scientific topic or question that interests them and design a project around it. This could involve conducting experiments, collecting data, analyzing data, or building a model or prototype.

2. Research

Students research their chosen topic to understand existing knowledge and relevant scientific principles. They may also review literature, consult with experts, and gather background information.

3. Experimentation

If their project involves experiments, students plan, conduct, and document experiments carefully. They may need to follow the scientific method, including hypothesis formulation, data collection, and analysis.

4. Data Collection

Students collect data, which often includes measurements, observations, and other relevant information. They record their findings systematically.

5. Analysis 

After collecting data, students analyze the results to draw conclusions. They may use graphs, charts, and statistics to present their findings effectively.

Students create a display board or presentation to communicate their project to others. The display typically includes key information such as the problem statement, hypothesis, methods, results, and conclusions. Visual aids, diagrams, and photographs are often used to enhance the presentation.

7. Presentation

Students present their projects to judges, teachers, fellow students, and sometimes parents or the public. They may be asked questions about their work to assess their understanding and communication skills.

Top 149+ Great 8th Grade Science Fair Projects & Experiments

The following are the best 8th grade science fair projects ideas for students. It is such as;

Best 8th Grade Science Fair Projects In Biology 

• Plant Growth with Music
• The Effect of pH on Enzyme Activity
• Comparing Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers
• Testing the Antibacterial Properties of Common Household Items
• Which Food Attracts the Most Fruit Flies?
• The Effect of Light Color on Plant Growth
• Comparing the Efficiency of Natural and Chemical Pest Repellents
• Do Plants “Breathe” at Night?
• The Impact of Temperature on Seed Germination
• Microorganisms in Your Environment

Easy 8th Grade Science Fair Projects In Chemistry 

• DIY pH Indicator
• Electrolysis of Water
• The Effect of Temperature on Crystal Growth
• Comparing the Vitamin C Content in Different Fruits
• Chemical Reactions in Cooking
• Testing the pH of Household Cleaners
• Acid Rain’s Impact on Plant Growth
• The Chemistry of Baking Soda and Vinegar
• Testing the Effect of Temperature on Battery Performance
• The Science of Lava Lamps

Cool 8th Grade Science Fair Projects In Physics 

• The Relationship Between Air Pressure and Altitude
• The Pendulum’s Period
• The Effect of Surface Texture on Friction
• Constructing a Homemade Electromagnet
• Investigating Projectile Motion
• The Physics of Sound Waves
• The Relationship Between Light Intensity and Distance
• Comparing Solar Cell Efficiency
• Newton’s Laws in Everyday Life
• The Effect of Magnet Strength on Ferrofluid Behavior

Fast And Easy 8th Grade Science Fair Projects In Environmental Science 

• Water Pollution Testing
• The Impact of Oil Spills on Marine Life
• Air Quality Monitoring
• Waste Reduction Strategies
• The Effect of Ocean Acidification on Marine Shells
• Renewable Energy Sources
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health
• The Impact of Deforestation on Carbon Dioxide Levels
• The Greenhouse Effect
• Recycling Plastics

Engineering Projects For 8th Grade Science Fair Projects Winners

• Designing a Wind-Powered Vehicle
• Building a Simple Electric Motor
• Designing a Solar Oven
• Creating a Hydraulic Robot Arm
• DIY Water Filtration System
• Paper Bridge Construction
• Balloon-Powered Car Design
• The Science of Flight
• Building a Simple Circuit Board
• Water Rocket Launch

Good Science Fair Space and Astronomy Projects

• Solar System Model
• Studying Lunar Phases
• Mapping the Night Sky
• Investigating the Effects of Microgravity
• Simulating Exoplanet Discoveries
• Modeling the Earth’s Seasons
• Rocket Science: Launching Model Rockets
• Studying Solar Flares and Their Impact on Earth
• Comparing the Characteristics of Planets
• Black Holes and Gravitational Waves

Earth Science Projects For Science Students In High School

• Volcano Eruptions
• Investigating Earthquakes
• Weather Patterns and Predictions
• Formation of Crystals in Rocks
• Soil Erosion and Conservation
• The Water Cycle
• Natural Disaster Preparedness
• Ocean Currents and Climate
• Investigating the Greenhouse Effect in Terrariums
• The Formation of Fossils

Great 8th Grade Science Fair Projects For Behavioral Science Projects

• The Impact of Music on Mood
• The Stroop Effect
• Memory and Recall
• The Influence of Peer Pressure on Decision-Making
• The Psychology of Color
• The Impact of Sleep on Academic Performance
• Effect of Social Media on Well-Being
• The Power of Persuasion
• Cultural Differences in Perception
• The Psychology of Decision-Making

Health and Medicine Science Fair Projects

• Comparing the Effectiveness of Natural Remedies
• The Impact of Exercise on Heart Rate
• Handwashing: The Science of Hygiene
• Healthy Eating Habits
• The Influence of Diet on Blood Sugar Levels
• The Effects of Stress on Health
• Microbiome Analysis
• Effects of Smoking on Lung Capacity
• The Science of Vaccination
• Analyzing the Impact of Sleep on Physical Health

Science Fair Robotics and AI Projects

• Building a Simple Robot
• Programming a Chatbot
• Obstacle-Avoidance Robot
• DIY Water Rocket Launch
• Voice-Activated Home Automation
• Machine Learning for Predictive Analytics
• 3D Printing and Robotics
• Autonomous Drone Programming
• Robotic Arm Control
• Deep Learning for Image Recognition

8th Grade Science Fair Social Sciences Projects

• Analyzing the Impact of Social Media on Relationships
• Studying Cultural Stereotypes
• The Influence of Advertising on Consumer Behavior
• Bullying Prevention Strategies
• Environmental Conservation Behavior
• The Impact of Empathy
• Media Influence on Body Image
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• Understanding Prejudice and Discrimination
• The Psychology of Altruism

Computer Science and Programming 8th Grade Science Fair Projects

• Creating a Video Game
• Encryption and Data Security
• Coding and Debugging
• Website Development
• App Development
• Artificial Intelligence Chatbot
• Password Strength Analysis
• Data Visualization
• Machine Learning for Prediction
• Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking

Simple 8th Grade Agricultural Science Fair Projects

• Crop Rotation Experiment
• The Impact of Soil Types on Plant Growth
• Hydroponics vs. Soil-based Farming
• Pesticides and Pollinators
• Composting and Soil Fertility
• Plant Nutrient Analysis
• Aquaponics Systems
• Food Preservation Techniques
• The Impact of Fertilizer Types on Plant Growth
• Biodegradable vs. Non-Biodegradable Packaging

Best Material Science Projects

• Testing Conductivity of Materials
• Materials for Solar Cells
• Strength of Materials
• Materials for Filtration
• The Science of Superconductors
• Materials for Insulation
• Shape Memory Alloys
• Materials for Nanotechnology
• The Science of Polymers

Most Interesting Science Fair Projects In Materials for 3D Printing

• Geology and Earth Science Projects
• Mineral Identification
• Rocks and Minerals Collection
• Geological Mapping
• Earth’s Magnetic Field
• Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes
• Volcanic Eruptions
• The Rock Cycle
• The Geological History of Your Region

What Is An Abstract For A Science Fair Project

An abstract for a science fair project is a concise summary that provides a brief overview of your entire project. It’s typically one paragraph long and serves as a quick introduction to your project, giving readers a glimpse of what your project is about, what you did, and what you found. The abstract should include the following key elements:

1. Purpose/Objective: Explain the main goal or purpose of your project. What question were you trying to answer or what problem were you investigating?

2. Methodology: Briefly describe the methods and procedures you used to conduct your experiment or research. Include any important variables or materials used.

3. Results: Summarize the key findings or outcomes of your project. What did you discover or observe during your experiment or research?

4. Conclusion: State your project’s conclusion or the significance of your findings. What did you learn from your project, and how does it contribute to scientific knowledge or real-world applications?

5. Implications: If relevant, mention any potential implications or applications of your findings.

6. Recommendations: Suggest any recommendations for further research or experiments related to your project.

How To Choose A Good Science Fair Project

Choosing a science fair project can be an exciting but challenging task. Here are some steps to help you select the right science fair project:

1. Identify Your Interests

Start by thinking about your interests and passions. Consider what topics in science or technology fascinate you the most. Projects are more enjoyable and engaging when they align with your interests.

2. Narrow Down the Field

Science is a vast field. Narrow down your interests to specific areas like biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, environmental science, or computer science. This will help you focus your project search.

3. Review Guidelines

Review the guidelines and requirements provided by your school or science fair organizers. Ensure you understand the project length, presentation format, and any specific themes or rules for the fair.

4. Brainstorm Ideas

Brainstorm a list of potential project ideas within your chosen field. Think about questions or problems you’d like to explore. Don’t worry about the feasibility at this stage; just generate as many ideas as possible.

5. Research and Feasibility

Research each idea to determine its feasibility. Can you access the necessary materials and equipment? Is it safe to conduct the experiment? Are there resources available to help you understand the topic? Consider the complexity and time required for each idea.

6. Choose a Testable Hypothesis

Once you’ve narrowed down your ideas, choose one with a clear, testable hypothesis. A hypothesis is a statement that predicts an outcome. It should be specific, measurable, and based on existing knowledge.

7. Consult with Teachers or Mentors

Seek guidance from your science teacher or a mentor, if available. They can provide valuable input, help refine your project idea, and ensure it aligns with educational goals and safety standards.

Conclusion – 8th Grade Science Fair Projects

With these 149+ 8th grade science fair projects and experiments, students have a wide range of exciting topics to choose from. Keep in mind to select a project that aligns with your interests and challenges you to learn new concepts. 

It offers the opportunity for creative exploration. Additionally, ensure that your project adheres to safety guidelines and ethical considerations.

The process of conducting a science fair project involves problem-solving, critical thinking, data collection, analysis, and presentation skills. Whether you’re interested in biology, chemistry, physics, or earth and environmental sciences, there’s a fascinating project waiting for you. 

So, pick your favorite project idea, dive into your research, and enjoy the wonderful world of science! 

What makes a winning science fair project?

If you want to win at the higher science fair levels, originality and innovativeness are extremely important. Develop a new method or technique, or research something nobody knows about.

What are the 7 steps of the scientific method?

There are seven steps to the scientific method: Question, Research, Hypothesis, Experiment, Data Analysis, Conclusion, and Communication.

What is a good science fair question?

These are examples of good science fair project questions: How does water purity affect surface tension? When is the best time to plant soy beans? Which material is the best insulator?

What is science project work?

A science project is an independent study of a particular topic that uses the scientific method in order to answer a specific question about how or why something is being impacted in our world.

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Are you looking for science activities to do with your 8th graders? No sweat. We have you covered. Check out our list of 16 science projects and experiments that you can try with your 8th graders this month.

• Yeast Metabolism with and without Aeration | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 6-8 Biology experiment that evaluates the effects of glucose metabolism in yeast.
• Aspirin Absorption in Carbohydrate Solutions | All-Science-Fair-Projects.com – Grades 6-8, Does aspirin absorb into the bloodstream quicker if taken with a carbohydrate food? Test aspirin dissolution in an assortment of carbohydrate solutions.
• Bacteria and Toothpaste | All-Science-Fair-Projects.com – Grades 6-8, Do you know which toothpaste cleans your teeth best? In this project, you will row bacteria from your recently brushed teeth in petri dishes to find out the answer.
• How Do Roots Grow When the Direction of Gravity Changes? | ScienceBuddies.org -Grades 6-10, Plants respond to gravity by stems that grow upward and roots that grow downward. Experiment with germinating seeds and rotate them to make up down and down up. How do you think the growing seedlings will respond?
• Hydroponics vs. Soil Growth | All-Science-Fair-Projects.com – Grades 6-8, In this project, students find out if plants grow better in soil or a hydroponic solution.
• Puppy Proportions: Your Dog’s Early Months | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 6-8, Find out how a puppy’s weight, growth, and proportions change early in their lives.
• Do Migratory Birds Like It Hot? | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 6-8, Pick a species of bird and determine if there is a correlation between air temperature and where and when the birds migrate.
• That’s a Real Smile! …or is it? | ScienceBuddies.org – Grades 6-8, Can people tell the difference between a fake smile and a real one? Gather information from dozens of volunteers to find out.
• Build a Raft Powered by Surface Tension | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 6-10, Learn about the properties of surface water tension, and use it to propel a raft.
• Paw Preference in Pets | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 7-10, Are animals left-handed or right-handed like humans?
• Bat Detector: Listen to the Secret Sounds of Bats | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 7-10, Study the behavior of bats to find out how do they use echolocation to catch their prey
• Saving Migratory Animals | ScienceBuddies.org – Grades 7-10, They’re here today but could be gone tomorrow. Examine the migratory path of a bird species and the similarities and differences between their winter and summer habitats. Recommend which locations should be preserved to protect these species.
• Globular Clusters | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 7-10, Explore “star gangs” in the Milky Way and beyond. Globular cluster are compact groups of about a million stars that move around in galaxies. Use statistical data to learn how globular clusters help us better understand the universe.
• Demonstrating the Separation of Mixtures | Education.com – Grades 7-10, Separate recycled objects to illustrate how mixtures are created.
• Customize Your Own Drum Set! | ScienceBuddies.org – Grades 7-10, Build a drum set using household materials, a computer, Scratch, and a PicoBoard. Program your drum set to create a synthesized Hip hop, rap, classical, techno, or electronic drumbeat.
• Harmful Algal Blooms in the Chesapeake Bay | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 8-12, Harmful algal blooms affect the quality of water and impact people, marine animals, and birds. Study how water quality changes before, during, and after algal blooms.

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50 Best 8th Grade Science Fair Projects and Classroom Activities

Whether your students are preparing for the science fair or you’re looking for classroom ideas to grab their interest, we’ve got the answers! Find lots of 8th grade science fair projects across a spectrum of topics and difficulty levels (including plenty of easy science fair project ideas). Plus, check out fun classroom demos and hands-on experiments and activities your students will love.

To make it easier to find classroom activities or science fair projects for 8th graders, we’ve rated all the projects and activities by difficulty and the materials needed:

Difficulty:

• Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much anytime
• Medium: These take a little more setup or a longer time to complete
• Advanced: Experiments like these take a fairly big commitment of time or effort
• Basic: Simple items you probably already have around the house
• Medium: Items that you might not already have but are easy to get your hands on
• Advanced: These require specialized or more expensive supplies to complete

Biology and Life Science 8th Grade Science Fair Projects

Explore human behavior, plants and animals, the water cycle, and more with these 8th grade science fair project ideas.

Measure and compare lung capacity

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium

This experiment combines math and biology to measure lung capacity using a balloon. There are a lot of interesting hypotheses students can form, document, and explore while taking these measurements.

Learn more: Measuring Lung Capacity at Blog She Wrote

Guide a growing plant through a maze

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

Prove that plants really do seek out the light by setting up a simple or complex maze. This is a simple 8th grade science project with really cool results.

Learn more: Plant Light Maze at KiwiCo

Explore symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Many plants depend on nitrogen for growth, but how important is it? This science project compares the growth of pea plants with and without nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Learn more: Nitrogen and Plants at Education.com

Test water quality

A water-testing kit opens up limitless options for 8th grade science fair projects. Test the water quality of local streams, swimming pools, or even the taps at home.

Learn more: Water Quality Experiment at The Homeschool Scientist

Cast animal tracks

Explore wildlife biology by becoming an expert tracker! Learn to identify tracks and take casts. Turn this into an experiment by trying different methods to take casts, or use it as a method of identifying wildlife in the woods.

Learn more: Casting Animal Tracks at Blog She Wrote

Determine a plant’s favorite music

Play different types of music for plants, then observe and document any changes in the growth and development of the plants as they’re exposed to different genres of music.

Conduct fingerprint analysis

Budding forensic scientists will love this idea. Learn to dust for prints and try a technique called “fuming” for trickier surfaces. See if you can compare prints and make accurate matches in the classroom. You can buy a fingerprinting kit just for kids  or use supplies from around the house.

Learn more: Fingerprinting at Home Science Tools

Examine the connection between personality and memory

Do introverts have better memories than extroverts? This science project aims to find out. Round up some willing volunteers and administer the Myers-Briggs personality test, then challenge your subjects with a memory test. The results may or may not surprise you!

Learn more: Memory and Personality at Education.com

Measure algae growth

Fertilizer runoff has become a serious cause of water pollution. In this experiment, students will see its effects firsthand and brainstorm ways to keep it in check.

Learn more: Algae and Pollution Experiment at Layers of Learning

Water plants with different liquids

In this easy science fair project, kids water plants with different liquids, like rainwater, tap water, salt water, and even soda. They might be surprised at the results!

Learn more: Effecting Plant Growth at Calm the Chaos Parenting

Chemistry 8th Grade Science Fair Projects

Beakers and test tubes, pouring and mixing … do it all with these fun chemistry science fair project ideas for 8th graders.

Perform a starch test with iodine

This simple chemistry experiment uses iodine to determine the starch content of food items. Use the process to perform a variety of 8th grade science experiments related to food.

Learn more: Starch Test at Biology Notes for IGCSE

Keep your hands warm

If you live in a chilly part of the world, chances are you’ve seen chemical hand warmers for sale. In this 8th grade science fair project, use oxidation to make your own hand warmer, and find other creative ways to use this heating process.

Learn more: Homemade Hand Warmer at Steve Spangler Science

Compare electrolytes in sports drinks

Sports-loving kids will enjoy the chance to learn just how many valuable electrolytes their favorite sports drinks contain. Compare them with water or orange juice for a cool science fair project. You’ll need a few special supplies, like a multimeter and an ohm resistor , but they’re not too expensive and they’re easy to find.

Turn juice into spheres

You’ll need a few special supplies for this experiment , but the results are so cool. Turn spherification into a science fair project by experimenting with different beverages and liquids.

Block the sun’s UV rays

Use color-changing UV beads to test the protective power of medicine bottles, hats, clothing, and more. This is an easy 8th grade science fair project with nearly endless possibilities.

Grow a carbon sugar snake

Remember those little black pellets that fire up into long snakes on the 4th of July? This is the same concept but much bigger! The simple chemical reaction of sugar and baking soda makes it happen. Turn this into an 8th grade science fair project by varying the formula to create even bigger results!

Learn more: Carbon Sugar Snake at KiwiCo

Create a rainbow of flames

You can change the color of fire by adding chemicals found at your local grocery store—what a sight! How can you use these flame colors to determine the chemical content of other materials? Sounds like a cool 8th grade science fair project!

Get your laundry really clean

Find out if all those laundry detergent commercials are really telling the truth with this 8th grade science fair experiment. Test their cleaning power on a variety of stains and fabrics, and analyze your results.

Learn more: Science of Cleaning Products at Steve Spangler Science

Study the effects of acid rain

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic

In this project, students use chalk as a stand-in for stone to learn how acid rain affects buildings, statues, and more. Turn this into a science fair project by exploring ways to mitigate the effects of the acidity.

Extract bismuth from Pepto Bismol

Difficulty: Advanced / Materials: Advanced

This is the kind of project that really makes you feel like a scientist. Grinding tablets with a mortar and pestle, filtering in beakers, heating over a Bunsen burner … this is what chemistry is all about!

Learn more: Extracting Bismuth at Popular Science

Optimize fermentation temperature

Delve into the mystery of how temperature affects the fermentation process and determine the optimum temperature for yeast development. (Test your hypothesis by baking a loaf of bread!)

Learn more: Hot Yeast at Elemental Blogging

Brew up some root beer

Who says science can’t be delicious ? Tinker with the basic root beer recipe to make it sweeter, fizzier, or better in any way you like!

Learn more: Root Beer Science at Steve Spangler Science

Physics and Engineering 8th Grade Science Fair Projects

For those who love to build and tinker, try a science fair project that experiments with various physics concepts like energy, electricity, motion, and more.

Build a better light bulb

First, use the steps at the link to build a simple light bulb with a jar, some wire, and a 6-volt battery . Then, turn it into an 8th grade science fair project by tinkering with the various materials to make a light bulb that lasts longer, burns brighter, or is powered by an alternative source.

Learn more: Build a Light Bulb at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Test the strength of interleaved paper

Paper seems smooth and slides apart easily, right? Not when you add friction into the mix! Mythbusters was amazed at how much strength it took to pull apart two interleaved phone books. Try this with smaller books for an 8th grade science fair project that people won’t believe!

Stand on a pile of paper cups

Combine physics and engineering and challenge 8th grade science students to create a paper cup structure that can support their weight. This is a cool project for aspiring architects.

Learn more: Paper Cup Stack at Science Sparks

Cook up a tasty treat with solar energy

Students can design and build a solar oven, and then use it to cook food to compare the cooking time and temperature with a conventional oven. See if you can improve on the original design by changing up the materials or construction.

Investigate advanced properties of liquids

Do surface tension and viscosity decrease with increasing temperature? Find out in this 8th grade science fair project.

Learn more: Surface Tension and Viscosity at Education.com

Make a solar desalinator

Clean freshwater is a valuable commodity. Construct solar-powered desalination devices with readily available materials, and find the most effective desalination methods.

Engineer a roller coaster loop

Kids may have created marble roller coasters before, but have they ever built one with a loop-the-loop? They’ll have to experiment to find out which initial height gives a marble the speed it needs to complete the journey.

Capture a picture of lightning

Difficulty: Advanced / Materials: Medium

Lichtenberg figures capture the branching path of electricity as it travels through an object. You can make your own in a variety of ways, including burning it into wood or acrylic.

Learn more: Lichtenberg Figures at Science Notes

Crash cars for science

This is a great class project for teachers, but it’s also excellent for an 8th grade science fair project. Build cars and crash-test them to learn the best methods of keeping passengers safe.

Learn more: STEM Car Crash Project at The Ardent Teacher

Discover the center of gravity

Once you find and maintain its center of gravity, almost any object will balance, even in surprising circumstances. Using this concept, what amazing objects can you balance and where?

Learn more: Center of Gravity at Rookie Parenting

Power up homemade batteries

Building batteries is a classic science experiment for any age. Make it into an 8th grade science fair project by trying different variables and exploring the amount of power you can produce.

Learn more: DIY Batteries at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Assemble a spring balance scale

Apply Hooke’s law to find out if the stretching of a spring can be used to accurately measure the weight of objects. The materials are simple, but you’ll need patience and physics to calibrate a spring and use it to test weights.

Design a robotic hand

This is a project that can be tweaked by coming up with ways to improve upon the design. Can you build a hand that can pick up a ball? How about one that can pluck up a piece of string? So many possibilities!

Learn more: DIY Model Robot Hand STEM Activity at Mombrite

Build an infinity mirror

Experiment with optical illusions by creating a tunnel of lights that seems to stretch away into infinity. Eighth grade science students will learn about engineering and the physics of optics along the way.

Construct a Rube Goldberg machine

Create a machine to complete a simple task in the most complicated fashion! This is a neat 8th grade STEM fair project because it allows you to use a variety of physics concepts in a fun way.

8th Grade Science Classroom Demos, Experiments, and Hands-On Activities

Explore a wide variety of 8th grade science concepts with these fun and engaging activities.

Protect an egg in a crash

We love this spin on the classic egg-drop project. In this version, students build a structure to protect an egg during a collision with a wall, making the connection between crash tests and physics concepts.

Drop an egg to prove the first law of motion

This experiment looks like a magic trick, but it’s firmly grounded in Newton’s first law of motion. When you knock the pie tin out of the way, the egg falls straight into the glass thanks to inertia. (Worried about making a mess? Use plastic eggs instead.)

Learn more: Egg Drop Inertia Challenge at Steve Spangler Science

Break out the leaf blower to teach Bernoulli’s principle

Eighth grade science students have probably seen a Bernoulli demo or two, often with straws and Ping-Pong balls. So grab their attention by trying it with a leaf blower and a beach ball instead!

Assemble a Newton’s cradle

Newton’s cradle is a fascinating way of demonstrating momentum and energy transfer. Follow the directions at the link to build one, or challenge 8th grade science students to experiment with their own construction methods.

Learn more: Newton’s Cradle at Babble Dabble Do

Extinguish a candle without blowing it out

Combine an acid/base experiment with some fire science in this really popular classroom science demo. It seems like magic, but it’s just science!

Relight a candle without touching it

Tell students you’re going to relight a candle without touching the flame to the wick. The results will boggle their minds!

Learn more: Magic Traveling Flame at Steve Spangler Science

Demonstrate the “unpoppable” balloon

Your students won’t believe you when you say you can hold a balloon up to a flame without popping it. Use the conductivity of water to prove your point.

Extract your own DNA

DNA is the blueprint of life, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to extract your own with a few simple supplies. Preserve it in alcohol in the freezer when you’re done.

Learn more: How To Extract DNA at Home at Home Science Tools

Build a trash can air cannon

This is such a fun way to demonstrate an air vortex! It takes a little effort to build the air cannon, but you can use it year after year for amazing 8th grade science demos.

Separate water into hydrogen and oxygen

Use electrolysis to prove that water really is made up of hydrogen and oxygen. It’s a simple concept but one that never fails to amaze.

Learn more: Separating Water at Navigating by Joy

Assemble a ring of Pringles

Everybody loves an edible STEM challenge! Here’s one that seems simple but takes some time to work out: Build a ring of Pringles chips without using any other materials.

Construct a cup holder

Can your 8th grade science students build a device to stabilize and carry two cups of water, using only a few simple supplies? Oh, and can they manage it in just 5 minutes? This timed challenge pushes their creative engineering limits!

Learn more: Cup Holder STEM Challenge at Homeschool Creations

Navigate a light maze

Here’s the STEM challenge: Bounce a beam of light around a corner past an obstacle. Increase the difficulty by adding more obstacles and variables.

Engage your 8th grade science students further with these 24 Science Kits for Middle and High School That Make Hands-On Lessons Easy .

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