Being a middle schooler is an exciting time full of new experiences, which is why it’s the perfect time to start exploring the world of science. Science experiments can be great fun while helping students learn more about the world around them. Experiments can provide a better understanding of scientific concepts and help to build critical thinking skills. Here are some great science experiment ideas for middle schoolers to enjoy.

Exploring the Properties of Water

Water is an essential part of our lives, so why not use it as a way to explore the world of science? Have your students investigate the properties of water with an experiment that uses simple materials. All you need is a large container, a timer, and a few different objects such as small toys, rocks, and marbles.

Fill the container with water and ask your students to predict what will happen when they drop the objects into the water. Then, have them drop the objects one at a time and observe what happens. They will be able to see that some of the objects sink while others float. Have them record their observations and discuss why this happened.

Creating an Edible Volcano

Creating a volcano is a classic science experiment that can be adapted for middle schoolers. To create an edible version of the classic volcano, you will need baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, and a few other kitchen items. For the base of the volcano, you can use a cake or cupcakes. Have your students create the volcano shape with the cake or cupcakes, and then fill it with baking soda.

Once the volcano is ready, have your students mix the vinegar and food coloring together in a bowl. Then, they can pour the mixture into the volcano and watch as it erupts! After the eruption is complete, have them discuss what happened and why. This experiment can also be adapted to use different types of liquids and objects.

Learning About Gravity

Gravity is an important concept in science, and experiments can be a great way to help students understand it. To demonstrate the effects of gravity, you will need a few paper clips, a piece of string, and a meter stick. Have your students tie the string to the paper clips and then attach the other end of the string to the meter stick.

Next, have them hang the meter stick from the ceiling and then measure the distance between the paper clips and the meter stick. Then, have them drop the paper clips and measure the distance again. They should be able to see that the paperclips drop, demonstrating the effects of gravity.

Making an Egg Float

Floating eggs is a great way to demonstrate the effects of buoyancy. To begin, you will need an egg, a container, and some table salt. Fill the container with water and then add the egg. The egg should sink to the bottom of the container. Then, have your students slowly add the salt to the container and stir. After a few minutes, the egg should start to float!

Discuss with your students why the egg was able to float after being submerged. This experiment can also be adapted to use different types of liquids and objects. This is a great way to teach students about the concepts of density, buoyancy, and displacement.

Exploring the Speed of Sound

The speed of sound is an important concept in science, and it can be explored in a fun and easy experiment. To begin, you will need two identical containers, a ruler, and a few rubber bands. Have your students stretch the rubber bands around the containers and then measure the distance between them.

Then, have them tap one of the containers and observe what happens. They should be able to see that the sound waves travel from one container to the other. Have them measure the time it takes for the sound to travel from one container to the other. This experiment can be a great way to teach students about the speed of sound and how it can be affected by different factors.

Growing Crystals

Growing crystals can be a great way to explore the world of chemistry and learn about the process of crystallization. To begin, you will need a few tablespoons of Epsom salt, a shallow container, and a few drops of food coloring. Have your students place the Epsom salt in the container and then add the food coloring.

Then, have them carefully stir the mixture until the color is evenly distributed. Place the container in a warm, sunny spot and let it sit overnight. The next day, your students should be able to see beautiful crystals forming in the container. This experiment can be a great way to teach students about the process of crystallization and the properties of different substances.

Conclusion

Science experiments can be a great way to explore the world of science and learn about the different concepts. With these science experiment ideas for middle schoolers, your students can have fun while learning more about the world around them. From exploring the properties of water to creating an edible volcano, there are plenty of experiments that your students can try.