Science experiments can give middle school students a hands-on way to understand how things work and to develop an appreciation for the scientific process. But, coming up with fresh and innovative ideas for experiments can be challenging. This article outlines some of the best experiments that have been particularly successful with middle school students. The experiments are all simple enough to be done with supplies found at home or in the classroom, and can be completed with minimal supervision.

Making a Cloud in a Bottle

This experiment is a great way to get kids to understand the process of condensation. All you need is a bottle, matches, and some warm water. First, fill the bottle two-thirds full with warm water. Then, light a match and let it burn until it goes out. Quickly drop the match into the bottle, seal it tightly, and turn it upside down. The smoke from the match will rise and create a visible cloud inside the bottle. When the students see the cloud, explain that the smoke has condensed into tiny droplets of water, creating a cloud. This experiment can be done multiple times, with different levels of water, to try and create different clouds.

Making a Lava Lamp

This experiment is a great way to get kids to learn about the effects of density and the physics of liquids. All you need is a jar, vegetable oil, water, food coloring, and Alka-Seltzer tablets. Fill the jar three-quarters full with vegetable oil. Then, add a few drops of food coloring. Fill the rest of the jar with water. Then, drop a single Alka-Seltzer tablet into the jar. The tablet will react with the water and cause the food coloring to rise and fall in the jar, creating a fun lava lamp effect. This experiment can be done multiple times with different liquids and different levels of oil and water to create different effects.

Making a Vortex

This experiment is a great way to get kids to understand the physics of air pressure and the power of a vacuum. All you need is a bottle, a balloon, and some warm water. First, fill the bottle one-third full with warm water. Then, stretch the balloon over the opening of the bottle. Then, hold the bottle upside down and put your finger over the opening. The balloon will expand and create a vacuum, drawing the air out of the bottle and creating a vortex. This experiment can be done multiple times with different levels of water and different sizes of balloons to create different results.

Creating a Chemical Reaction

This experiment is a great way to get kids to understand the basics of chemistry and the power of a chemical reaction. All you need is a bowl, baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring. First, pour a cup of baking soda into the bowl. Then, add a few drops of food coloring to the baking soda. Next, add a cup of vinegar to the baking soda and watch as the baking soda and vinegar react and create a colorful reaction. This experiment can be done multiple times with different levels of baking soda and vinegar to create different reactions.

Making a Volcano

This experiment is a great way to get kids to understand the basics of geology and the power of a volcanic eruption. All you need is a bowl, baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring. First, pour a cup of baking soda into the bowl. Then, add a few drops of food coloring to the baking soda. Next, add a cup of vinegar to the baking soda and watch as the baking soda and vinegar react and create a volcanic eruption. This experiment can be done multiple times with different levels of baking soda and vinegar to create different results.

Making Slime

This experiment is a great way to get kids to understand the basics of chemistry and the properties of polymers. All you need is a bowl, glue, Borax, and food coloring. First, pour a cup of glue into the bowl. Then, add a few drops of food coloring to the glue. Next, add a teaspoon of Borax to the glue and mix it together. The Borax and glue will react and create a slimy substance. This experiment can be done multiple times with different levels of glue and Borax to create different types of slime.

Making a Battery

This experiment is a great way to get kids to understand the basics of electricity and the power of a battery. All you need is a few coins, a paper clip, and some saltwater. First, take two coins and connect them with a paper clip. Then, take a third coin and put it in a bowl of salt water. Next, connect the third coin to the other two coins with the paper clip. The coins and paper clip will act as a battery and will create a small electric current. This experiment can be done multiple times with different levels of salt water and different types of coins to create different results.

Conclusion

Science experiments for middle school students can be a great way to get kids interested in science and to help them understand the scientific process. By using some simple supplies and following a few steps, students can conduct experiments that help them understand the basics of physics, chemistry, geology, and electricity. Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas for experiments that you can do with your middle school students.