Elementary Science Projects

From LoveToKnow Kids

Almost any elementary science project can be a fun, safe success.

Science projects teach children patience and observational skills.

Project Ideas

The best science project is one that an elementary student is interested in doing. Planets for kids, weather for kids or even the water cycle for kids all make great starting points for coming up with project ideas. If you are stuck, try looking up some science websites for kids to get some project ideas.

Elementary aged students who are struggling with science in school may benefit from doing some easy science projects at home. Successful easy experiments will boost their confidence in the classroom. Alternatively, try to recreate elementary school science projects at home to help children understand what may have gone awry in their project at school. Finally, come up with new kids science projects that supplement the current materials, whether it is a tornado experiment for kids or a project that goes along with a global warming for kids unit.

Science Safety

Use safety precautions during science projects, especially ones that include mixing mediums. Safety equipment that may be necessary during a project include:

Goggles
Breathing mask
Ear plugs
Gloves

Check over the instructions carefully before letting an elementary student perform the project or experiment. A project intended for 10 or 12-year-old children may not be appropriate or safe for a 7 year old to do on his/her own. Supervise kids whenever they are conducting elementary science projects.

Data Recording

Keeping accurate records are imperative for kids who are doing elementary science projects. Make sure they understand the scientific method and why it is important to follow particular guidelines when conducting their project. Record data by:

Writing observations down in a journal, notebook or on printable forms
Recording measurements (if applicable) of the height, width or length of items in the experiment
Taking photographs of the project at various intervals; remembering to record the date and time the photo was snapped
Using a video camera (or asking an adult to help) and editing film to show progress of the project over time
Audio recording of a particular noise (if applicable)

The best science projects usually have a combination of two or more of the methods listed above. Encourage children to record data and observations at similar times throughout the project, regardless of how long the project is—records can be taken every five or ten minutes, or once or twice a day. This will help the kids finalize the science project, realize what worked well and what did not work well, and how they can improve upon the project in the future.

Free printable online forms are available for kids to use in their projects. The data record observation sheet at abcteach.com is perfect for younger kids, while the various downloadable daily student work organizers at ScienceForAmerica can easily be modified for project observations. Scientific method worksheets often have areas for recording observations of projects and experiments, too.

Successful Elementary Science Projects

A successful elementary science project is not necessarily one where students prove their hypothesis successfully. Instead, consider the project successful if the child learned something about the scientific method, completed a fun science experiment and understood what went wrong. Even a failed project can turn into a positive learning experience if the child has learned something s/he did not know before completing the assignment.

Elementary science projects are not just for school. Use them at home to encourage children to take an interest in science or to foster a love of the subject they all ready have.

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