health science experiments for middle school

40 Best Science Experiments & Projects for Middle School

Welcome to our curated collection of top science fair projects and experiments, perfectly tailored for the inquisitive middle schoolers. Our collection offers hands-on activities that will captivate young minds and ignite their passion for learning.

Science fairs during middle school years are less about competition and more about fostering a love for exploration, experimentation, and the thrill of the “Eureka!” moment. That’s why we have ensured that all the experiments on our list are fun and easy.

Through hands-on experimentation, students can gain a deeper understanding of scientific concepts, build confidence in their abilities, and cultivate a lifelong passion for learning.

1. Crushed Can

Students will be amazed as they witness an ordinary can being transformed before their very eyes. By simply heating it and then rapidly cooling it, the can will be crushed as if by magic!

Learn more: Little Bins Little Hands

2. Water Bottle Rockets

In this engaging activity, students will have the opportunity to design, build, and launch their very own water-propelled rockets.

By adjusting variables like water level and air pressure, they’ll witness firsthand how these factors impact the rocket’s flight path and distance.

3. Cabbage Ph Indicator

In this middle school science project, students will use red cabbage as a natural pH indicator to test the acidity or alkalinity of various household substances.

Learn more: Cabbage PH Indicator

4. Build a Solar Oven

By building these ingenious devices using simple materials, they will discover the incredible potential of renewable energy and its practical applications in everyday life.

Learn more: Solar Oven

5. Build a Helping Hand

In this captivating middle school science experiment, students will have the opportunity to construct their very own “Helping Hand” device.

Learn more: Science Buddies

6. DIY Lung Model

This captivating middle school project offers an exciting hands-on opportunity to explore the inner workings of our respiratory system.

By creating their own lung models using simple household materials, students will gain a deeper understanding of how our lungs function and the vital role they play in our bodies.

7. Flying Tea Bag

By harnessing the power of convection currents, students will learn about the fascinating relationship between heat and air pressure.

Learn more: Flying Tea Bag

8. Egg Float Experiment

In this captivating middle school science project, students will unlock the mysteries of density and water displacement while discovering the fascinating properties of eggs.

Learn more: Egg Float Experiment

9. Popsicle Stick Chain Reaction

This captivating middle school project is all about the magic of potential energy and kinetic energy. By carefully setting up a series of interlinked popsicle sticks, students will create a mesmerizing chain reaction that ripples through the entire structure.

10. How to See Sound

As they watch sound come to life through colorful visualizations, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the profound impact of sound in our daily lives.

11. Orange Peel Plate Tectonics

In this captivating middle school project, students will learn about the dynamic of Earth’s crust and explore the powerful forces that shape our planet’s surface.

12. Heart Pump

In this captivating middle school project, students will embark on a hands-on exploration of the human circulatory system and discover the marvels of the heart’s pumping mechanism.

Learn more: Heart Pump Model

13. Invisible Ink

By concocting their own invisible ink, students will discover the science behind chemical reactions and learn how certain substances react to reveal hidden text when exposed to heat, light, or other catalysts.

Learn more: Invisible Ink

14. DIY Grow Box

In this captivating middle school project, students will learn the wonders of plant growth and the art of nurturing a thriving garden.

By constructing their own affordable and innovative grow boxes using simple materials, they’ll have the perfect environment to observe the magical transformation from seeds to flourishing plants.

Learn more: Easy DIY Grow Box

15. Creative Ferris Wheel

By encouraging creativity and experimentation, this engaging experiment not only promises an exciting learning experience but also fosters teamwork and critical thinking

16. Alka Seltzer Rockets

Prepare for a high-flying adventure with the Alka Seltzer Rockets science experiment! This exciting and explosive activity is a perfect choice for middle school students eager to explore the wonders of chemical reactions and rocketry.

17. Why do Apples Turn Brown?

Through hands-on exploration, middle school students will discover the role of enzymes and oxygen in this intriguing transformation.

18. Water Bending Experiment

By understanding the principles of surface tension and cohesion, you’ll be able to create mesmerizing effects, seemingly bending water with just a piece of static material.

19. Water Clock

Experience the magic of timekeeping in its most ancient form with the fascinating Water Clock project! In this hands-on experiment, students will learn about history, physics, and engineering as they build their own timekeeping device using just water and a few simple materials.

Learn more: Steam Powered Family

20. Paper Ball Run Challenge

Get ready for a thrilling and creative adventure with the Paper Ball Run Challenge! In this captivating science experiment, you’ll explore the principles of motion, gravity, and engineering as you design and build your very own paper ball run.

21. Flood Barriers

As you construct and evaluate your barriers, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how floods occur and the importance of finding effective solutions.

Learn more: Teachers are terrific

22. Exploring the Law of Inertia Experiment Using a Fidget Spinner

This engaging experiment will help you unravel Sir Isaac Newton’s Law of Inertia in a fun and hands-on way. By using a fidget spinner, you’ll explore how the spinning motion persists due to inertia and how different factors can influence its behavior.

23. Air Pressure Impact on Ping Pong Balls 

By investigating the effects of air pressure on these lightweight spheres, you’ll uncover the secrets of flight, aerodynamics, and atmospheric pressure.

24. Rolling Uphill

In this experiment, you’ll witness the baffling phenomenon of a ball seemingly defying gravity by rolling uphill on a specially designed track.

25. Pick Up Ice with a String

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to lift ice using just a simple string? In this fascinating experiment, you’ll explore the principles of heat transfer and surface tension as you attempt to defy gravity and lift ice cubes with nothing but a string.

Learn more: Pick Up Ice with a String

26. Keep a Paper Towel Dry Under Water 

This captivating experiment will unveil the wonders of surface tension and hydrophobicity, as you attempt to create a barrier that defies the conventional wisdom of water soaking through paper.

Learn more: Keep a Paper Towel Dry Under Water

27. Upside Down Glass of Water

This mesmerizing experiment will unravel the fascinating concept of air pressure and its influence on liquids. As you turn a glass of water upside down and observe the water’s defiance of falling out, you’ll gain insight into the powerful role of air pressure in our everyday lives.

Learn more: Upside Down Glass of Water

28. Make a Wine Glass Sing

Have you ever wondered how to turn a simple glass of wine into a musical instrument? This captivating experiment will introduce you to the fascinating concept of acoustics and how sound waves interact with liquid-filled glasses.

29. Crush a Plastic Bottle

Are you curious about the forces at play when we compress a seemingly indestructible plastic bottle? This captivating experiment will unravel the science behind how pressure and air interact to create this astonishing effect.

Learn more: Crush a Plastic Bottle

30. Ruler Changes Size

Get ready to witness an optical illusion that will challenge your perception of reality. In this captivating experiment, you’ll explore the fascinating phenomenon of light refraction and how it can make objects appear different than they really are.

31. Egg in a Bottle

Have you ever wondered how to get an egg into a bottle without breaking it? This mesmerizing experiment will introduce you to the concept of air pressure and how it can be harnessed to achieve the impossible.

Learn more: Egg in a Bottle

32. Water Doesn’t Leak Out Science Experiment

This hands-on activity not only sparks curiosity and amazement but also teaches you about the properties of gases and the laws of physics.

So, get ready to be astounded and dive into the magic of science with the “Water Doesn’t Leak Out” experiment – an entertaining and enlightening adventure that will leave you thirsting for more knowledge!

Learn more: Water Science Experiment

33. Pick Up a Ball with a Jar

This captivating experiment will introduce you to the fascinating concept of air pressure and how it can create a powerful force that defies gravity.

34. Glowing Water Science

This captivating experiment will introduce you to the fascinating properties of fluorescent materials and how they interact with light.

35. Fizzy Cloud Dough

The fizzing reaction not only adds an element of excitement but also provides a great opportunity to explore the science of chemical reactions and the release of carbon dioxide.

Learn more: Fizzy Cloud Dough

36. Underwater Magic Sand

Get ready to witness the marvels of hydrophobic science and explore the secrets of this captivating underwater magic sand experiment.

Learn more: Teaching Mama Org

37. Make Bouncy Polymer Balls

This captivating experiment will take you on an exciting journey into the realm of polymers and chemical reactions.

38. Use a Crayon as a Candle

This hands-on activity not only sparks curiosity and excitement but also offers a safe and educational way to explore the science of combustion and the flammability of materials.

Learn more: Crayon Candle

39. Flame Test Colors

Not only does it spark curiosity and wonder but also deepens your understanding of the emission spectra of elements.

So, get ready to illuminate your scientific knowledge with the “Flame Test Colors” experiment – an educational and visually stunning adventure that will leave you dazzled and eager to discover more about the fascinating world of chemistry!

Learn more: Thought Co

40. Grow A Bean Plant

By planting a simple bean seed and providing it with water, sunlight, and care, you’ll witness the fascinating process of germination and watch as your bean seedling sprouts and grows.

Similar Posts:

• 68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions
• 37 Water Science Experiments: Fun & Easy
• Top 100 Fine Motor Skills Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

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20 Engaging Body Systems Activities for Middle School

June 29, 2022 //  by  Seda Unlucay

Made up of trillions of cells, seventy-eight organs, and nine major systems, the human body is a source of endless fascination and study for kids.

This collection of memorable inquiry-based experiments, challenging study stations, creative task cards, fun puzzles, and hands-on models is sure to keep middle school students engaged for hours.

1. Body Systems Unit Study with Stations 

These pre-planned stations require only a few materials to get started and are student-led, making them a great choice for investigative learning.

Learn More: Biology Roots

2. Draw the Correct Diagram of the Human Body

This crime-scene-inspired anatomy lesson is perfect for a group of 3-4 students. Students are challenged to reconstruct a classmate’s body from paper and label all the major organs. Why not make it competitive by adding a prize?

Learn More: iTeachly

3. Learn About Cellular Respiration

This comprehensive unit on the respiratory system, which also works well in a digital classroom, features text passages and response pages, informative videos, a lab where students get to produce their own working model of a lung, and a wrap-up quiz.

Learn More: Teaching Science

4. Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Digestive Systems Deep Dive

In this engaging series of lessons, students dissect a heart, use a lung model to learn about the respiratory system, and create their own visual tour of the digestive system.

Learn More: Discover Hub Pages

5. Human Anatomy Language Stations

This collection of lessons features anatomy investigations, inquiry-based labs, and key anatomy vocabulary for middle school.

Learn More: Rae Rocks Teaching

6. Educational Video and Quiz on the Digestive System

Students will discover the ins and outs of the digestive system in this education video and quiz with an accompanying answer key, featuring detailed anatomy questions while developing their reading comprehension abilities and note-taking skills.

Learn More: Promoting Success Printables

7. Skeletal and Muscular System Guide for Middle School Level 

These lessons feature the relation between the skeletal and muscular systems as well as provide an overview of major muscle and bone names. They feature pre-made digital activities such as virtual manipulatives, drag-and-drop practice, a Venn diagram, and a handy answer sheet.

Learn more: Bright In The Middle

8. Create an Artistic Model of the Human Brain

This colorful brain model can be created with simple supplies and highlights important brain anatomy as well as featuring interesting facts about each part.

Learn More: Art Skills

9. Nervous System Activity and Brain Diagram 

These printable color illustrations are a fantastic way to learn about the parts of the nervous system, including the spinal cord, cerebrum, cerebellum, and cerebrospinal fluid.

Learn More: Living Life And Learning

10. Learn About The Human Reproductive System

From the fallopian tubes to the prostate, this series of worksheets and body systems task cards will make it easy to talk about this important human body system.

11. Nervous System Crossword Puzzle

This challenging nervous system puzzle is a great way to review key typical neuron terminology such as ‘myelin sheath’ and ‘synapse’.

Learn More: Science Spot

12. Learn About Blood Components 

Our blood vessels transport liters of blood per day, but what exactly are they made of? This clever model of blood cells brings the answer to life!

Learn More: Science Matters

13. Design Artificial Heart Valves 

Not only do kids get to build a life-size model of the human heart but they also learn about the heart rate, four main heart chambers, and the role of blood pressure in human health.

Learn More: 123 Homeschool 4 Me

14. Body Systems Puzzle Activity 

This fun puzzle brings escape room challenges to a whole new level! Students have to demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of each of the different body systems in order to escape each room.

Learn More: Kesler Science

15. Build a Working Arm Muscle Anatomy Activity

This inquiry-based activity challenges students to build their own set of muscles and bones in order to demonstrate their understanding of body mechanics in a concrete form.

Learn More: Son Light

16. Body Organs Anatomy Activity

By classifying the organs into their corresponding body systems, students will become more aware of their respective roles in the human body.

Learn More: Live Worksheets

17. Learn About The Cell Body

Learning about the parts of the cell body is a key step in understanding the building blocks of every major organ system.

Learn More: Starts At Eight

18. Build a Digestive System Maze

This fun, hands-on maze activity is a great way to teach kids about the digestive system and visually illustrate how food travels in the body.

Learn More: Little Ladoo

19. Learn About the Immune System

This compressive digital lesson covers the role of pathogens, disease transmission, antibodies, and the inflammatory response. It includes drag-and-drop matching activities as well as reading response challenges.

Learn More: Bright In The Middle

20. Learn How Bile Works

This simple science experiment demonstrates how bile from the liver helps to break down fat in the small intestine.

Learn More: Simple Southern

12 Grab & Go Projects for Health

• June 11, 2016

https://thehealthteacher.com/the-blue-zones-project/ * this post originally appeared on Choices.Scholastic.com

Many schools are shifting their curriculum to include project-based learning (PBL), but in the life of a teacher, project planning time is always tight.

As a head start, use any of these 12 ready-to-go projects and adapt them to your class as needed. Just click on the project title for a step-by-step outline.

1. The Blue Zones Project: Cultivating Healthier, Happier Student Lifestyles

Students research The Blue Zones, five areas of the world where people are most likely to live to be over 100. After learning about the healthy behaviors that lead to longevity, students set “Blue Zone” goals to implement within their homes and communities.

2. The Energy Bar Project: Part 1  &  Part 2

Students analyze food packaging health claims by making a trip to the grocery store, taste-testing energy bars, then creating and marketing their own healthy bars, complete with product boxes and a commercial. (This is a new project I tried this year, and my students absolutely loved it!)

3.  Exploring Dietary Guidelines Around the World (and at Home)

Let’s be real: The FDA’s new dietary guidelines are more confusing than ever. To learn to love real food, rather than fear food data, students will research dietary guidelines from around the world and create a set of guidelines for your school, using journalist  Michael Pollan’s Food Rules as an aid.

4.  A Nutrition PBL That Can Lead to Healthier School Lunch

After watching an inspirational documentary about a group of kids who bettered the lunch options in their school’s cafeteria, students work to make change in their own school with the help of an awesome advocacy kit from  DoSomething.org .

5. The Family Values Project

Family values play a key role in the decision-making process, and as teens gain more freedom, sticking to those values will help keep them safe from high-risk behaviors. In this project, students have a conversation with their parents to create a list of core values and a mission statement for their family.

6. The Alcohol Research Lab

Research on the impact of alcohol and the teenage brain is updated almost constantly. Rather than give the students the facts, let them find out for themselves as they dig up the latest details on the risks of underage drinking.

7. Teaching Kids About E-Cigarettes

Using resources provided as a launching point, students will create their own inquiry-based project to learn more about e-cigarettes.

8. An Advocacy Project to Help Kids Learn About the Benefits of Sleep

Today’s teens are horribly sleep deprived, and many of them don’t understand all of the ways that it’s negatively impacting their health. In this project, they’ll research the benefits of sleep and create an advocacy campaign to convince their classmates to get more shut-eye.

9. Stress Management for Teens

This unit plan ends on a positive note, with students making videos of their favorite healthy coping skills and stress busters. (This one is always a highlight for my sixth grade students.)

10. Positive Peer Pressure to Help Stop Bullying

Rather than take the anti-bullying angle, this project has students use a medium of their choice to encourage and support others via positive prevention methods.

11. Advocacy Through Art

In this cross-curricular project, health classes and art classes team up to create a public service announcement and a logo for an advocacy campaign of their conception.

12. Using Social Media to Teach Advocacy

So often we focus on the negative when talking to kids about social media, but in reality, they’re using social media to do amazing things to bring about positive social change. In this project, students find an advocacy group on social media that inspires them and present what they learned to the class.

Don’t have enough time to fit in a full project with your class? Team up with a colleague from another subject and check out these ideas for cross-curricular learning .

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