Manning Science Expo
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Suggestions for Questions and Projects

Some of these suggestions are simple and best for younger students. The more complicated ones are best for the older students.

For more ideas, check out Science Bob - he has very good ideas as well as explanations of what a science expo project is and isn’t. It is NOT a demonstration of something exciting and interesting.

You will notice that several suggestions include repeating some part at least 3 times. This is because you can’t really be certain of a pattern unless it is repeatable. While 3 times is the least, 5 times is usually better (and is expected of the older students).

How long do bubbles last? Younger
Use bubble mix. Blow some bubbles with the wand and see how long they last. Put a little bubble mix in a large bottle, shake it, and see how long these last.

Do plants need soil to grow?
Compare several types of media, such a paper towels, sand, and soil.

Can I forecast the weather?
Make and use a few weather instruments, such as a barometer and anemometer.

Which vegetables can sprout roots? Younger
Try common grocery store produce: potatoes, celery, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, beets, radish, onions, string beans, etc.

How many people can tell the difference between Vanilla Coke and Vanilla Pepsi?
Use blindfolds and ask at least 6 people.

What can I mix with baking soda so that it blows up a balloon?
Use at least 5 different liquids, such as milk, orange juice, soda, vinegar, and water.

Which paper towel is best?
Decide what features are important for a paper towel, like holding water and rubbing without falling apart. Get at least 3 brands of paper towels and test them.)

What behavior does my cat show most often?
Make a list of common behaviors, such as napping, watching, cleaning, and scratching. Then pick a day when you can watch her for at least 10 hours in a row. Then, make a form to record your observations. Every 10 minutes, note what she is doing.

Which chemical is best at destroying suds from dishwashing detergent?
Save several jars that are exactly alike. Put the same amount of detergent and of water in each. Add 1 tablespoon of each test chemical to each, mix it up, and observe and record what happens. Use things like cooking oil, salt, vinegar, milk, and baking soda.

Which toothpaste is best at removing stains?
Pick some foods that stain teeth, like grape juice, cola, tea, and coffee. Buy at least three kinds of toothpaste. Collect and clean empty eggshells, and break them into large pieces and soak at least 4 pieces in each stain, for at least 24 hours. Wipe the shells dry and clean each with one of the toothpastes – leaving one piece stained for comparison. Note: eggshells are very similar in composition to tooth enamel.)

Know of any old sayings, such as “a watched pot never boils”?
Test it to see if it is true (BUT you need to make sure that you only change the one idea you’re testing for. For example, you have to let the pot and water completely cool off and have the water and pot be at the same temperature at the start, and use the exact same amount of heat! Easier said than done!)

How does a seedling change as it grows? Younger
Start by sprouting seeds like beans or popping corn from the store. You can sprout them on a wet paper towel. Place the towel on a plate and cover it all up with plastic wrap.

What happens to plants grown without light?
Using a fast growing plant like a bean plant, put at least 3 plants in a dark place and put the same number in a lighted place.

Does the color of food affect how much we like it?
Take a food that can be mixed with food coloring, such as a light-colored applesauce. Decide how many colors to make, but you need at least 3. See if people have a favorite.

What is the best way to keep an ice cube from melting?
Collect a variety of materials to wrap around an ice cube: paper towels, newspaper, aluminum foil, bubble wrap, etc. Wrap up ice cubes, and check them every 15 minutes or so. Record the times when each one is all melted.

What is the best way to melt an ice cube, without using any machines?
You can try putting one on a plate in the sun, and then wrapping others before putting them in the sun, too. You could use paper towels, newspaper, aluminum foil, bubble wrap.

Does adding salt change how fast water boils? Grades 3 and up
Using the same pot, bring several batches of water to a boil. Once, use no salt. For the others, use different amounts of measured salt. Time how long it takes to come to a boil. ALWAYS be certain that the pot has cooled off and you start with the same-temperature water.