experimental design 4th grade

4th Grade Science Fair Projects

• Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
• B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College

Great 4th-grade science fair projects involve answering a question, solving a problem, or testing a hypothesis. Usually, a teacher or parent helps work out the hypothesis and design the project. Fourth graders have a good understanding of scientific concepts, but they may need help with the scientific method and organizing a poster or presentation. The key to developing a successful project is finding an idea that is interesting to a 4th grader.

Experiment Ideas

The best experiments usually begin with a question to which you don't know the answer. Once you've formulated a question, you can design a simple experiment to help figure out the answer:

• Do cockroaches have a preference for direction? Catch and release cockroaches. Which way do they go? Is there a common trend or not? You can try this project with ants or other crawling insects as well.
• Do colored ice cubes melt at the same rate as clear ice cubes? Add food coloring to an ice cube tray and compare how long the colored cubes take to melt compared to the regular ones.
• Does magnetism travel through all materials? Put different materials between a magnet and metal. Do they affect how strongly the magnet is attracted to the metal? If so, do they all affect the magnetic field to the same degree?
• Do all crayon colors last the same? Draw a really long line with one color, then draw the same length of line with another color. Are both crayons the same length?
• What is the effect of microwaving seeds on their germination rate? Test seeds that sprout quickly, like radish seeds, and different microwave times, such as 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, one minute. Use a control (no microwave) treatment for comparison.
• Will seeds germinate if you soak them in a liquid other than water? You can try milk, juice, vinegar, and other common household liquids. Alternatively, you could see if plants will grow if they are "watered" with liquids other than water.
• Make a simple homemade windmill. What is the best number of blades for the windmill?
• How much salt (or sugar) can a plant tolerate? Water plants with a different solution of salt or sugar. How high of a concentration can the plant tolerate? A related question would be to see if plants can survive if they are watered with soapy water such as leftover dishwater.
• Do birds have a preference for birdhouse material? In other words, do they seem to care if the birdhouse is made of wood or plastic or metal?
• Do worms react when they are exposed to light? Do they react differently when they are exposed to different colors of light?
• Do ants prefer different types of sugar? Test using table sugar, honey, maple syrup , and molasses.
• Can you taste the difference between foods that contain fat and fat-free versions of the same product?
• Compare the water filtration rate of different brands of coffee filters. Take one cup of liquid and time how long it takes to pass through the filter. Do the different filters affect the flavor of the coffee?
• Do white candles and colored candles burn at the same rate?
• Write messages using different types of invisible ink . Which was the most invisible? Which method produced a message that was easy to read after it was revealed?
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4th Grade Science Projects: Experiments, Challenges, Explorations, And More

October 14, 2023 //  by  Lauren Du Plessis

Our list of unique science projects is a sure winner when sourcing ideas that are appropriate to the 4th grade learner. Science is a vital component of STEM-based activities and our top 57 project ideas are sure to increase creativity, develop critical thinking abilities as well as effective communication and collaboration skills.

1. Flashlight Creation

Discover simple electric circuit rules when creating this nifty paper flashlight! This project is the perfect experiment for kids as it’s sure to highlight the science behind batteries.

Learn More: Flashlight Creation

2. Lemon Volcano

Have a blast creating this erupting lemon volcano! By using average household supplies, 4th graders discover the properties of both acids and bases and learn how the interaction between them causes a chemical reaction.

Learn More: Lemon Volcano

3. Earthquake Simulation

Set a dish of jelly and then go about building a structure on it. Upon completion of the structure, wobble the dish so that the jelly shakes and disrupts the structure- in turn demonstrating the science of seismology.

Learn More: Earthquake Simulation

4. Design a Hovercraft

Time after time, this proves to be one of the best experiments for demonstrating the power of the air. Unveil properties of friction and air pressure as you design a floating hovercraft!

Learn More: Design a Hovercraft

5. Make a Microscope 

A cause for STEM excitement! This wonderful project demonstrates how water droplets curve to create a convex lens and in turn, refract light and magnify objects.

Learn More: Make a Microscope

6. How Chameleons Change Color

Create a mesmerizing color show as an interactive poster that demonstrates how chameleons change color ass the middle wheel spins.

Learn More: How Chameleons Change Color

7. How Your Body is Similar to a Car

Just as we source our energy from food, cars source theirs from gasoline. Further, demonstrate how energy is stored and released with the help of simple materials such as rubber bands.

Learn More: How Your Body is Similar to a Car

8. Discover Newton’s Law

With the aid of a string of beads, highlight Newton’s Law of Gravity as the beads are tugged ever so slightly and then begin to fall from the cup.

Learn More: Discover Newton’s Law

9. Egg Drop

Students are encouraged to source material from home that they will use to create a protective barrier for their egg before dropping it to measure the effectiveness of their contraption in preventing their egg from cracking.

Learn More: Egg Drop

10. Static Electricity Science

Discover the science of static electricity in a fun way by building an electroscope to demonstrate the forces of attraction and repulsion!

Learn More: Static Electricity Science

11. Demonstrate Water Erosion

This hands-on, ocean science project is perfect for teaching students about coastal erosion and requires the use of simple materials such as a dish, sand, plastic bottle, stones, and water.

Learn More: Demonstrate Water Erosion

12. Milk Plastic

This unique experiment can lead to hours of crafting fun as 4th grade students learn how to create plastic from milk!

Learn More: Milk Plastic

13. Salt Water Density Experiment

The properties of water and density are highlighted in this science project as children discover that saltwater is denser than normal water.

Learn More: Salt Water Density Experiment

14. Make Unstoppable Bubbles

By combining the traditional soapy bubble mixture with glycerin, students learn about how the original mixture evaporates from stronger bubbles.

Learn More: Make Unpoppable Bubbles

15. Discover More about Blood Components

Biology is an important component of life but should be approached in a fun and simplified manner when working with 4th graders. Discover more about blood components by crafting “blood” model jars!

Learn More: Discover More about Blood Components

16. Could Dominoes knock a Building Over

Discover the effects of chain reactions with the help of this easy science fair project idea before posing the question of whether or not dominos could knock down a building!

Learn More: Could Dominos Knock a Building Over

17. How Neon Signs Work

By making use of a small gas tube in this cool experiment, 4th graders will be intrigued to learn about how neon signs work.

Learn More: How Neon Signs Work

18. Anemometer

Discover wind speed with the help of your very own anemometer! Simple earth science is unveiled with the help of a simple garden contraption made from paper cups, straws, tape, a pencil, and a thumbtack.

Learn More: Anemometer

19. Make Recycled Paper

Although making recycled paper can at times be a process, it is extremely satisfying! Students watch how water is first absorbed by their shredded paper and then, towards the end of the process, how it is drained away- leaving a recycled piece of paper in its place.

Learn More: Make Recycled Paper

20. Nonrenewable Resources

What better way to highlight the depletion of non-renewable resources, than by making use of noodle- mining in a competitive game or project! This hands-on activity is perfect for elementary-age students to use as an earth science project.

Learn More: Nonrenewable Resources

21. Balloon Rocket

This simple, yet fun, activity depicts Newton’s law of motion perfectly. By using household materials such as a balloon, straw, clothespin, and line, your students will discover that for every action, there is an equal or opposite reaction. Ready for blast off!

Learn More: Design Dazzle

22. Cloud Science

With the help of this exciting cloud science project, your 4th grad students will grasp the concept of the water cycle in no time! With the help of a paper cup, plastic zip-top bag, tape, and water students discover how water moves from the ground into the air, then forming clouds before falling back to earth as rain.

Learn More: Cloud Science

23. Blow up a Balloon with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Intrigue 4th grade science students with this experiment that sees balloons magically inflate when baking soda and vinegar combine and generate carbon dioxide.

Learn More: Blow up a Balloon with Vinegar and Baking Soda

24. Cellphone Projector

Not only is this a great science project, but most of the materials used are recycled materials. This simple project is perfect for teaching complex rules such as the refraction of light.

Learn More: Cellphone Projector

25. Create a working elevator 

Students are encouraged to make use of various materials in order to create a working elevator that has a crank and is able to bear a load.

Learn More: Create a Working Elevator

26. Ocean current simulator 

By making use of water, food coloring, an empty dish, and plastic sea creatures, students learn how ocean currents are formed in this simple science project.

Learn More: Ocean Current Simulator

27. Bacteria grower

A simple Agar solution, that has been set in various Petri dishes, is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Swab items that the students use on a daily basis and wipe the swab’s on the dishes, then leaving them covered in order to grow and visually depict that bacteria are hiding all around us.

Learn More: Bacteria Grower

28. Wiggle Bot

Craft your very own Wigglebot! Using simple tools and supplies, 4th graders have the opportunity to work with potential energy in a fun manner!

Learn More: Wiggle Bot

29. Crystal names

Make science fun as students grow an edible, crystalized version of their names on pipe cleaners ! This is just one of the many edible science projects out there for kids so be sure to get creative and see what you can make!

Learn More: Crystal Names

30. Capillary Action

Teach the concept of capillary action with this spectacular rainbow glass display! This is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn about color mixing and how water travels.

Learn More: Capillary Action

31. Design a Working Lung Model

Explore more about the natural phenomenon of breath with this cool project. Design a working lung model using a plastic bottle, straws, balloons, sticky tape, and scissors.

Learn More: Kiwi Co

32. Make It Glow

Discover which water mixture will glow using black light to test regular water with highlighter dye, tonic water, and tap water.

Learn More: Cool Science Experiments HQ

33. Explore Tooth Decay

Learn about tooth decay using eggs and an assortment of drinks such as sugar water, soda, and milk. This project is wonderful for visually illustrating the effects of sugar products on teeth.

Learn More: Sciencing

34. Build a Hygrometer

Measure humidity with the help of your very own hygrometer made from a piece of wood and plastic, nails, a dime, glue, tape, a hammer, and a pair of scissors.

Learn More: We Have Kids

35. Discover Osmosis

Learn about osmosis with the help of this fun and colorful gummy bear science project!

Learn More: Homeschool

36. Rotting foods 

This experiment helps to develop thorough observation skills. Reveal which, out of an assortment of foods, will be the first to rot and discover what accelerates the process.

Learn More: No Time for Flash Cards

37. Create a Sundial

Turn back time as you craft an old-fashioned mechanism that helped ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Mayans, and Babylonians tell the time.

Learn More: Explorable

38. Make a fossil

Learn how fossils are formed as you leave your mark in a plaster of Paris cast. Consider casting an imprint using a toy to make this activity even more fun!

Learn More: YouTube

39. Build a Rubber Band Guitar

Explore the science of sound as you build a rubber band guitar using a heap of rubber bands and other simple materials.

Learn More: BBC Good Food

40. Make a Water Microscope

Make a microscope to allow you to examine certain objects in greater detail. You’ll need a piece of fuse wire, water and an assortment of objects to look analyze.

Learn More: Science Kids

41. Skittles Spectacular

Roll out the rainbow with this fun project!  Demonstrate the diffusion process to your class using Skittles. This colorful experiment will certainly intrigue your pupils and make them eager to learn more. To carry it out, simply have your kiddies place a few Skittles on a plate and cover them with water before stepping back to watch the reaction that takes place.

Learn More: Rookie Parenting Science

42. Water Wonders: Sink or Float

This idea provides an excellent way to foster a healthy curiosity and understanding of fundamental physics principles. Encourage your students to hypothesize which household items will sink or float, before putting their theories to the test by placing selected items into a basin of water.

43. The Sun-Powered Oven Project

Let your students harness the power of the sun by using a pizza box and transforming it into a solar oven. They can easily harness the sun’s rays by wrapping the box in aluminum foil and other materials to figure out the best way to capture the heat and then get baking. This is an engaging and memorable way to introduce solar energy that’s sweetened by the chance to make and enjoy s’mores!

Learn More: Science Buddies

44. The Journey of a Light-Chasing Plant

Start your lesson with a question: Can plants solve mazes? The concept of phototropism will come alive as your students try to solve this problem by guiding a small plant through a simple cardboard maze toward the light. The result? A thrilling, real-time adventure demonstrating a plant’s instinctual growth response to sunlight that your class will love.

Learn More: Mama Smiles

45. Pinecone Predictions

Challenge your class to be better than the weatherman! Teach your youngsters about humidity and weather changes using a humble pinecone. Simply hang a few cones around the school and prompt your children to observe them; open or closed tells a story about the humidity. They’ll be fascinated to discover how the pinecone’s responses can predict weather conditions.

Learn More: Play to Learn Preschool  

46. Fruit-Powered Fun

You can turn everyday fruits into a source of electricity and marvel with your students as lemons, oranges, or apples light up a bulb or power a digital clock. All you need is a piece of fruit, some wire, and a few nails to engage your learners in a  hands-on project that illustrates the concept of electrical circuits.

Learn More: Kids Activities Blog

47. Shadow Dance

Embark on a day-long shadow-tracking exercise with your students to understand more about the Earth’s rotation. To do so, have them record the changing shadow of a stick at different times throughout the day to visually depict the Earth spinning on its axis. 

Learn More: Inventors of Tomorrow

48. Popsicle Power Play

Allow physics to meet creativity when you encourage your students to construct a catapult out of popsicle sticks and elastic bands. To begin, have them research the best methods for creating the most force. As your kiddos thrill in testing which items the catapult can launch and whose items travel the furthest, they’ll be learning about the concept of potential and kinetic energy transformation.

49. Greenhouse Effect Model

Using jars, thermometers, and plastic wrap, you can simulate the greenhouse effect right in your very own classroom. Provide your students with the necessary materials and instruct them to add the same amount of ice to each jar. Then, have them wrap one jar in plastic and leave the other open before placing them in the sun for a few hours. Lastly, prompt your young scientists to formulate their conclusions after measuring the temperature in each jar. 

Learn More: STEAM Powered Family

50. Pulling with Pulleys

Mechanical advantage and work take center stage in this hands-on activity. By encouraging your young scientists to create a simple pulley system with a spool and string, they can explore mechanical advantage and the concept of work. This hands-on project will help you make complex physics principles that much more observable and fun.

51. Determining Densities

Allow your learners to explore density in a hands-on activity of the senses. As they pour honey, dish soap, water, and oil into a clear container, the differing densities will reveal themselves in a striking visual display.

52. Edible Genetics

Sweets in a classroom seem to have a magical attention-grabbing power. Use this to your advantage when teaching genetics by having your students create an edible DNA model. With colored marshmallows or jelly sweets and toothpicks, they’ll come to understand the double helix structure in a fun, tasty way.

Learn More: Hess UnAcademy

53. The Rainfall Recorder

This is an easy project that introduces practical meteorological skills and fosters scientific curiosity. Empower your students to measure rainfall and track this over time with a homemade rain gauge. Use an empty bottle with the top cut off and then instruct your class to carefully fill the bottle in 20 ml increments; carefully marking the lines to ensure accuracy. 

54. Magnetism Unveiled

Reveal the hidden world of magnetic fields to your students by engaging them in a project that uses a bar magnet and iron filings. They can simply lay the magnet under a piece of thin card stock and sprinkle the filings over the card. The result is a practical way for your budding scientists to visualize the unseen forces of magnetism; fostering a deeper understanding of this fundamental physical phenomenon.

55. Miniature Volcanic Eruption

Unleash the dramatic spectacle of a volcanic eruption in your classroom. Have your kiddos create a volcanic mountain with a cup in the center. Add baking soda to the cup and then slowly pour in the vinegar; resulting in a chemical reaction that will blow your young scientists’ minds. 

56. Invisible Ink Adventures

Introduce your students to the secret world of invisible ink with lemon juice. Get ready by preparing lemon juice, a brush or cotton swab, white paper, and a heat source. Ask your students to dip their brushes in lemon juice and use them to write or draw on the piece of paper. Then, help them carefully heat the piece of paper with a light bulb or iron to the secret message. It’s a playful way to learn about acidic and basic properties and will allow your young investigators to reveal hidden messages just like detectives.

57. Oil Spill Cleanup Challenge

Conduct an environmental experiment with your class by simulating an oil spill using feathers, oil, and various cleaning materials. To a shallow tray, add water before scattering a few small feathers and then slowly spilling the oil into it. Once they’ve had the chance to marvel at the unique patterns that the different liquid densities create,  challenge them to solve the problem of removing the oil. This hands-on activity will emphasize the impact of pollution on the environment; helping you spark thought-provoking discussions about conservation and responsibility.

Learn More: Super Teacher Worksheets

The activities we’ve provided are perfectly adaptable and may be employed in individual, pair, or group settings. Be inspired to design creative classes with the help of our comprehensive list of science projects above. We strive to make learning fun whilst still highlighting the key concepts of science in a simplified manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is science important for 4th graders.

Science-based learning at an elementary level introduces students to a STEM-based classroom focus and opens them up to STEM-related careers at a young age. Students discover key concepts about the world around them- unveiling properties of water, electrical currents, animals, ocean currents and so much more along the way!

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Are you looking for science activities to do with your 4th graders? No sweat. We have you covered. Check out our list of 26 science projects and experiments that you can try with your 4th graders this month.

• Hand-Eye Coordination and Age | All-Science-Fair-Projects.com – Grades 2-5, Use a stopwatch and ping-pong ball to find out how hand-eye coordination changes as children get older.
• What Do Yeast Eat…and How Can You Tell? | Education.com – Grades 2-5, The objective of this project is to examine which foods yeast cells eat.
• How Do Antacids Work? | Biochemistry Discovery Lab – Grades 3-6, Simulate out how antacids work to treat heartburn by using fake stomach enzymes.
• Mice & Music | Hubpages.com – Grades 3-6, Find out if music affects the performance of mice in a maze.
• A Magnetic Primer Designer | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 3-6 Biology project that utilizes magnets to mimic the process that scientists use to replicate DNA, using the polymerase chain reaction.
• Growing Bacteria in Petri Dishes | Stevespanglerscience.com – Grades 3-6 biology In this science fair project, you must find samples of bacteria from an assortment of surfaces to find the surfaces that are the dirtiest.
• How Does Color Affect Eyesight? | Education.com – Grades 1-5, Find out which colors are easier and more challenging to read at a distance. This super simple project requires volunteers and color charts you can print from the web.
• Effects of Ozone on Plants and Health | Julian’s Science Fair – Grades 4-6, Environmental conditions can dramatically impact plant growth and germination. Does increased ozone stunt germination and plant growth? Grow some plants and find out.
• Making Batteries from Fruits and Vegetables | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 4-7, Use veggie power to build a simple battery from a variety of vegetables. Which ones are the most powerful?
• How Many Letters? | ScienceBuddies.org – Grades 1-4, How much memory does a computer use to “remember” a series of letters? Find out how much memory a computer uses to remember 1000 letters.
• Jumping For Geodes: Can You Tell the Inside from the Outside? | ScienceBuddies.org Grades 1-4, Can you tell what’s inside a geode from looking at the outside? Learn more out these unique rocks and crack some open to discover the surprises inside.
• How Water Beats Rock | Education.com – Grades 1-5, Discover how water is more potent than rocks.  Experiment with ways that water can break the stone.
• Soil Type and Liquefaction | All-Science-Fair-Projects.com – Grades 1-5, Experiment with sand, clay, and loam and find out which type of soil dissolves most easily.
• Effects of Temperature and Humidity on Static Charges | Education.com – Grades 1-5, Use balloons, a rubber ball, and a scarf to investigate why those socks stick together when you take them out of the dryer and how conditions in the air affect static electricity.
• Dig This: Biodegradation | Education.com – Grades 2-6, How do organic materials become soil? This science experiment measures which materials biodegrade.
• Geology 101 | Education.com – Grades 2-6, Water carries lots of soil and minerals in a creek. In this project, you’ll examine the behavior of water and gravel in creek beds and the formation of sedimentary rocks.
• Geothermal Power Plant Model | Energyquest.ca.gov – Grades 3-6, Use a pinwheel and a can of boiling water to simulate geothermal power production. Determine how to generate the most energy from your “power plant.”
• Egg Substitutes | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 3-6, Many people avoid eggs because of allergies or diet preferences. But eggs play a vital chemical function in baking and cooking. Evaluate the ability of egg substitutes to mimic their binding, leavening, or thickening properties.
• How Much Water is Required to Cook Pasta? | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 3-6, We’re used to cooking our pasta in a big pot of boiling water. Do you actually need that much water, time, and energy to cook pasta? Perform some experiments to find out.
• Building the Best Bridge | Education.com – Grades 3-6, This project helps students develop an understanding of architecture and engineering through experimentation of which shapes are the most structurally strong.
• Rubber Bands for Energy | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 3-6, Put the energy of rubber bands to work and learn about the relationship between potential and kinetic energy.
• Properties of Pendulums | Illinois Institute of Technology – Grades 3-6, Pendulums have been used for timekeeping for hundreds of years. Find out how changes in mass and length affect the oscillation of a pendulum.
• Arch Magic: The Unbreakable Egg | Education.com – Grades 4-7, Tell you, folks, tonight is a good night for an egg dinner. Use the eggshells to explore how arches distribute weight. Demonstrates the power of arches by asking students to pile telephone books on top of eggs without damaging them.
• How a Comet’s Size Affects How Fast It Melts | Sciencebuddies.org – Grades 4-7, Comets are often compared to giant, dirty snowballs, and the comet tail you see in the sky is evidence of melting. In this project, you’ll use figure out how the size of a comet affects its melting rate.
• Make an Electromagnet | Energyquest.ca.gov -Grades 4-7, Learn how to create an electromagnet from batteries, wire, and a knife switch. How does changing to kind of batteries used affect the power of your
• Bombs Away! A Ping Pong Catapult | Science Buddies.org – Grades 4-7, They fly through the air with the greatest of ease. Find ways to put a ping pong ball accurately on target time after time.

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45 Great Science Projects For 4th Graders

By Beth Roberts | Last Updated May 4, 2022

As science concepts are constantly changing and developing, kids have to grow up learning them at a rapid pace. However, this may be a time-consuming and frustrating procedure for parents and educators. If you are looking for a fun way to help your young learner keep up with the latest scientific breakthroughs, then here are some great projects you can use during family time to stimulate discussion about the latest scientific discoveries. These 45 science projects for 4th graders will keep your child engaged all year long!

1. Transfer Of Energy

Collect some marbles! This simple transfer of energy science experiment is a wonderful method to illustrate how energy is transmitted from one thing to another. This exercise requires some thought: What happens when a traveling marble collides with numerous immobile marbles arranged in a row? Find out by tossing the first marble!

2. Volcano Science 

The volcano science project is one of the most popular science fair projects globally, and it’s easy to see why. It’s entertaining and simple. Make your model out of an empty bottle, some cardboard, a few old newspapers, and any other odds and ends you can find about the house.

3. Snow Volcano

Making a volcano is a traditional science experiment for youngsters that everyone should try. It mixes science education for children with the awe-inspiring effect of a snow volcano science experiment . However, the setup and cleanup might be time-consuming. This snow volcano is an easy-to-set-up and quick-to-clean-up winter science activity!

4. Melting Snowman Winter 

Children will like this melting snowman , in which they will melt the snowman utilizing a fascinating winter scientific experiment. This snowman activity for preschoolers is ideal for toddlers, preschool, pre-k, and even elementary school students who want to sneak in a fun winter project where they will make a snowman and then melt it using snow science experiments for kids.

5. What If There Is No Electricity?

Make this handy paper flashlight , and learn about basic electric circuit principles! This activity is an excellent experiment for children because it will undoubtedly bring the science of batteries to their attention.

6. Make A Super Cool Lemon Battery

This instruction on constructing a lemon battery is excellent for a quick science fair project, a really fun home science experiment, or a classroom science exercise that requires no preparation. An intriguing experiment, Lemon Power is one that you can try to replicate with various fruits. Which fruit is the most effective battery? Experiment and see what happens!

7. Melting Snowman Slime

With this incredibly glittery and goofy Melting Snowman craft activity , your children will have a BLAST! They will have to race against the clock to construct a cute snowman out of the snowman slime before the snowman melts back into a puddle. This is a fantastic snowman activity for children during December, January, and February. You have to try these basic winter activities for elementary school students if you want to succeed.

8. How Do Antacids Work?

In this project, students investigate the chemical reaction when water is mixed with effervescent antacid tablets. This hands-on lesson demonstrates how a material might behave differently when reduced in size to the nanoscale range. It’s interesting for students to see the difference in reaction time between an unbroken antacid tablet and an unbroken one cut into several pieces.

9. Science Project On Tooth Decay

Maintaining healthy teeth is critical for chewing food, which is necessary for digestion. Due to the critical nature of teeth, tooth decay can be a major concern. A scientific fair project enables students to demonstrate how tooth decay occurs and how it can be prevented. You’ll need numerous samples for this job, and you’re unlikely to have a collection of teeth. Do not be concerned. Eggshells are an excellent replacement, and you may obtain as many as you require.

10. Mice And Music

If you’re testing mice in a maze, consider testing mice’s response to music . It is, in fact, an excellent experiment that has been replicated numerous times in laboratories. Scientists seek to examine the impact of various musical genres on mice to make connections with children. REMEMBER that if you choose to utilize live animals in your science fair project, you must ensure that the animals are not harmed!

11. Exploding Snowman

Children will go crazy for these simple winter activities for elementary students, which they will want to repeat repeatedly! Children will utilize a few common household items to create the winter science experiment to produce a baking soda and vinegar scientific experiment. Prepare for exciting giggles as the snowman grows larger and larger until it POPS! Use this as a snowman activity for children during the chilly months of December, January, and February!

12. Make A Lemon Volcano

After successfully creating a lemon battery, I found a lot of lemons asking to be utilized in another great science experiment. Therefore, what did they do? A lemon volcano can be built! There are so many lemons in our pantry that we could create the rainbow’s most beautiful creation with them all. Consider this excellent technique to utilize those lemons!

13. Force And Motion Stations

Students in fourth-grade science already understand that magnets attract certain metal items . They will do this experiment to determine the minimum distance between a magnet and an object for attraction to occur. Combine magnets of varying diameters with objects of varying weights.

14. Homemade Lava Lamp

This project will take around 2 hours to complete, including the experiment and the writing of the report. Children will learn about the interaction between oil and water in terms of density, as well as the presence of hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances, by participating in this activity.

15. A Magnetic Primer Designer

How are scientists able to “replicate” DNA? They employ a technique known as Polymerase Chain Reaction or PCR. The critical component of this process is a short bit of DNA called a primer that adheres to the larger piece of DNA you wish to duplicate, called a template. In this Magnetic Primer research project , you will investigate how the amount of matches and mismatches in a primer affects its ability to adhere to, or anneal, the DNA template during polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

16. Make Frost In A Can

Making frost in a can is a simple science experiment that kindergarten students enjoy. Kids can do this frost experiment at home without becoming cold will delight them, children. For parents, teachers, and homeschoolers alike, this easy salt and ice experiment is a great way to teach children how frost forms in the winter.

17. Ice Salt And Water Temperature

We use ice to cool or maintain the temperature of our drinks. Nobody enjoys warm lemonade or drink, isn’t that correct? With this enjoyable, simple science for kids, teach children about the effect of ice and salt on temperature . This ice and salt experiment is quite easy to conduct and is ideal for encouraging children to investigate and think critically about their surroundings.

18. Growing Bacteria In Petri Dishes 

Are you looking for the greatest bacteria science fair projects that will truly impress your friends and family? Steve Spangler Science has a fantastic collection of bacteria culture ideas, hands-on experiments, and science fair projects for children! Our super-fun projects and bacteria culture experiments will allow your young scientists to witness incredible and memorable bacteria growth in front of their eyes — in a petri dish in their home or classroom!

19. Earthquake Experiment And Interactive

Set a plate of jelly on the table and then begin constructing a structure on top of it. Wobble the dish once the structure is complete so that the jelly rattles and causes the structure to collapse, showing the science of seismology .

20. How To Do the Light Total Refraction Trick?

This may be a magic trick, but we assure you that it is not! C reate the illusion of colors appearing and disappearing , convert numbers to letters, etc. The Zip Lock Bag Water Refraction experiment is a basic and straightforward but awe-inspiring experiment. Simply submerge the zip lock bag in water to remove the image. It does appear to be magical.

21. Fizzy Love Potion

This Valentine’s Day, bring science to life by including some hearts and a delightful WOW effect that will keep youngsters engaged and learning fun. This is a simple Love Potion valentine’s science project with a little extra zing because it is a chemistry science experiment. Thus, by incorporating these Valentine’s Day scientific experiments into your day at home or at school, you may add some learning to the Valentine’s Day theme.

22. Bridge Project

This initiative investigates the fundamental physics of bridges . The goal is for the student to understand which shapes are the most structurally sound through experimentation, as well as the fact that many elements are taken into consideration in the field of engineering and construction. Physics is applied practically in this project, taking place in a real-world setting.

23. Valentines Day Oobleck

Have your children ever attempted to play with Oobleck? Oobleck is an enthralling non-Newtonian fluid that possesses both liquid and solid qualities! It truly is an enthralling science experiment for children to investigate and play with. They created a Valentine’s Day science variation of Oobleck to provide a very enjoyable Valentine’s Day exercise for elementary pupils. Utilize this for your Valentine’s Day theme, scientific exploration of states of matter, or a fun Valentine’s Day idea.

24. DIY Hovercraft

This experiment has proven to be one of the most effective methods of proving the power of air time and time again. Create a floating hovercraft and learn about friction and air pressure as you go.

25. Floating Dry Erase Rainbow And Shapes

The following is yet another mind-blowing science demonstration that youngsters will want to perform repeatedly. Dry erase markers are used to draw on a shallow dish or plate, and then water is progressively added. This is because the marker is insoluble in water and will float to the top of the water!

26. Glittery Purple Valentine Slime

Within 5 minutes, you can put together this incredibly entertaining Valentine Activity. Make this Valentine Slime in minutes with only a few simple supplies, some of which you may already have at home. They are easily obtained from your local craft store, Amazon, or Walmart if you do not have them. Use this in conjunction with your creative Valentine’s Day ideas for kids.

27. Paper Airplane Science

Create your theory about paper aircraft , and then conduct your experiment to test that idea. This article will provide you with all of the information you require.

28. Sunscreen Painting

Do your children become irritated when you apply sunscreen to them? Alternatively, you might say no outright. Demonstrate that sunscreen does protect from dangerous ultraviolet rays. Make this a full-fledged experiment by experimenting with different SPFs or comparing it to other creams or lotions that do not contain SPF.

29. Gummy Bear Osmosis

Perhaps you’ve seen some of the interesting, basic scientific experiments available online, but one that caught our eye was testing osmosis using gummies . Jordyn C. Jordyn, one of our contributors, conducted this gummy bear osmosis experiment with her children. We’ll share her results below; however, if you want to do your experiment, here’s everything you’ll need.

30. Magic Milk

I enjoy simple yet meaningful experiences that encourage young children to investigate, explore, and marvel at the world around them. The magic milk scientific project should be simple, quick to complete, and have a fantastic WOW moment. This experiment using milk and food coloring satisfies all three criteria! At home, in the classroom, or at your homeschool coop, try this milk science experiment for kids’ fun Valentine’s Day activity!

31. Unpoppable Bubbles

Is it possible to hold a soap bubble in your hand ? Yes, this is correct! A small amount of glycerin makes the soap bubble layers more durable, allowing you to gently toss them from person to person without breaking them.

32. Crystal Names

A complete list of fourth-grade science experiments would be incomplete without mentioning crystals. Growing crystals is a popular activity among children of all ages, making it an excellent opportunity to teach them about supersaturated solutions. When you first shape pipe cleaners into the shapes of their names, the traditional experiment takes on a whole new meaning.

33. Does Mint Cool Things Down?

Mint is a perennial blooming herb that comes in a variety of varieties. It thrives in shaded, chilly, wet places. Numerous individuals appreciate mint’s mild, refreshing flavor. Mint-flavored gum, breath fresheners, and hard candies frequently advertise the cooling effect of mint by incorporating pictures of frost and ice. However, is this impression a result of the mint’s true cooling effect ?

34. Which Food Will Rot First?

It’s critical to communicate to your children that they don’t have to wait to realize their ambitions of becoming scientists; they can start right away in their kitchens. They only need to think like a scientist to succeed. The first thing they require is for them to begin with a question. My little scientists came up with the question, “ Which food will go bad first? ” Here’s how we went about trying to figure it out!

35. Newton’s Law

Newton’s First Law asserts that an object in motion will continue to move unless acted upon by an external force. Use a string of beads to demonstrate Newton’s Law of Gravity when the beads are pulled ever so little and then begin to fall out of a glass or other container.

36. Layered Liquids Density 

Are you trying to come up with a nice Valentine’s Day science project for February? When the layered liquids stack up in gorgeous Valentine’s day hues, the children will be amazed. This will be one of the most memorable valentine’s science experiments that they will ever participate in. This Layered Liquids Density exercise is a terrific approach to teaching children about density through a fun, hands-on, and visually appealing density experiment that they will enjoy.

37. Oil Spill Experiment

This oil spill exercise will assist you in gaining a better understanding of the negative impacts of oil spills on the marine ecosystem. We have all heard of oil spills and their devastation of Mother Earth and the marine life that depends on it. However, those who do not encounter these impacts firsthand are unaware of their magnitude.

38. Beach Erosion Demonstration

Where has the beach vanished? Have you ever observed how the coastline changes after a large storm? Why does the seashore have a different appearance? You’re observing the effect of coastal erosion, and you can now set up a beach erosion activity and demonstration to demonstrate to your children how it works. This simple and enjoyable ocean science exercise is certain to be a favorite with your children, as it incorporates hands-on learning!

39. A Ping Pong Catapult

If you were a member of a raiding army in the Middle Ages, a catapult would have been extremely useful for destroying castle walls. However, only if you could accurately aim it! You will experiment with catapult technology in this science project. With a rubber band-powered catapult, you will launch ping pong balls into the air. The catapult design makes it simple to measure and repeat the force with which the ball is launched and its direction, allowing you to establish the optimal catapult settings for reliably hitting the goal.

40. Leprechaun Rocks

When it comes to concealing their gold, leprechauns are cunning. It is insufficient to seek refuge at the end of the rainbow. As a result, even if you reach the end of the rainbow, you will not discover a gold mine. They’d never make it that simple. However, you may come upon some strange green rocks – leprechaun rocks if you look about. With this leprechaun rocks scientific experiment , you’ll discover the secret science of luring the Leprechaun to release their treasure.

41. Amazing Food Coloring Flower 

This simple Flower Science Experiment will teach children about the elements of a flower, the floral’s life cycle, and capillary action – all while engaging them in a wonderfully beautiful flower activity! Children will be able to paint flowers using this flower experiment – even turning white flowers into two-color blooms! This color-changing flower experiment is one of the most incredible kindergarten science experiments I’ve ever seen. Get started by printing out the free food coloring flower experiment worksheet.

42. Make An Anemometer

Using your very own anemometer, determine the wind speed ! Simple earth science is demonstrated using a garden contraption constructed of paper cups, tape, straws, a pencil, and a thumbtack.

43. Simple Geranium Photosynthesis

This SIMPLICITY photosynthesis project enables children to learn about photosynthesis visually. With just a few readily available supplies, you can do this plant experiment for kids in minutes. Your children will like learning and retain much more information about what they do than what they hear. And introducing your children to a world of inquiry, curiosity, and trial and error will prepare them for success in any endeavor they pursue in life.

44. Balloon Rocket

The balloon rocket experiment is an excellent example of a children’s science project that may be carried out at home, in the classroom, or at science fairs. It’s always enjoyable to work on science projects and learn about the research’s rationale. The balloon rocket is an excellent science experiment for 4th Grade Science Projects.

45. Make A DIY Weather Vane

As spring approaches, we observe various changes in the weather, making it an excellent time to investigate with some fun weather activities for kids and weather experiments for kids to help children learn more about wind, rain, clouds, and more! I’ll demonstrate how to create an EASY weather vane , a DIY compass, and additional weather topics that 4th students would enjoy. Therefore, get a few readily available materials and construct this handmade weather vane today.

50 Fantastic 4th Grade Science Projects and Experiments

Nothing gets kids more excited for science than hands-on experiments! Watch your 4th grade science students’ eyes light up when they try some of these activities. You’ll find physics, biology, engineering, chemistry, and more. These projects are easy to set up and really help drive the learning home. Get ready for some science fun!

To help you find the right 4th grade science projects and activities, we’ve rated them all based on difficulty and materials:

Difficulty:

• Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much any time
• Medium: These take a little more setup or a longer time to complete
• Advanced: Experiments like these take a fairly big commitment of time or effort
• Basic: Simple items you probably already have around the house
• Medium: Items that you might not already have but are easy to get your hands on
• Advanced: These require specialized or more expensive supplies to complete

4th Grade Science Fair Projects

These 4th grade experiments also work well as science fair projects. Try changing up the variables to turn it into a real experiment, then form a hypothesis and find out what happens.

Blow unpoppable bubbles

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium

A soap bubble you can hold in your hand? It’s true! A little glycerin makes the soap bubble layers stronger, so you can even toss them gently from person to person.

Learn more: Unpoppable Bubbles Experiment at Learning Resources

Grow crystal names

No list of 4th grade science projects would be complete without crystals! Kids of all ages love growing crystals, making this an ideal way to learn about supersaturated solutions. The classic experiment gets a new twist when you have kids shape pipe cleaners into their own names first.

Learn more: Crystal Letters at Playdough to Plato

Grow bacteria in petri dishes

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Your students will truly feel like scientists when they perform this classic experiment. They’ll prep the dishes with agar, swab different surfaces, and see what bacteria they grow. It’s gross science, but it’s also easy and impressive.

Learn more: Growing Bacteria at Steve Spangler Science

See coastal erosion in action

Here’s a cool experiment to include in your unit on oceans. Build a miniature coastline, then see how wave action erodes the shore.

Learn more: Erosion Experiment at Little Bins for Little Hands

Erupt a lemon volcano

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic

Early chemistry experiments with acids and bases are always a lot of fun. This one uses the natural acids of lemon juice and adds a little food coloring to up the wow factor.

Learn more: Lemon Volcano at STEAM Powered Family

Sink and float to explore density

Adding items like salt or sugar to water changes its density, as does the temperature itself. Turn this into a 4th grade science fair project by experimenting with different solutions and forming hypotheses about the results.

Learn more: Salt Water Density at Science Kiddo

Discover a density rainbow

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

Colorful, simple, and impressive: It’s the trifecta of 4th grade science experiments! Wow your students by layering colored sugar water as you learn about density, adhesion, and cohesion.

Transform milk into plastic

Plastic seems incredibly modern, but people have been making casein plastic from milk for centuries. In this 4th grade science project, students experiment to create the formula for the best milk plastic. They’ll be amazed at the results!

Simulate an earthquake

The ground under our feet may feel solid, but an earthquake changes that pretty quickly. Use Jell-O to simulate the Earth’s crust, then see if you can build an earthquake-proof structure for a practical and fascinating 4th grade science fair project.

Learn more: Earthquake Simulation at Teaching Science

Test Sharpie solubility

Find out if Sharpie markers are really permanent with this 4th grade science project that uses the scientific method to explore solutes and solvents.

Learn more: Sharpie Solubility at Around the Kampfire

Find out if mood rings really work

Apply the rigors of the scientific method to mood rings ! Find out what makes mood rings change color, then see if they really reflect a person’s mood.

Learn more: Mood Rings Validity Test at Education.com

Create a new plant or animal

Kids will really get into this project, indulging their creativity as they invent a plant or animal that’s never been seen before. They’ll need to be able to explain the biology behind it all, though, making this an in-depth project you can tailor to any class.

Learn more: Create an Organism at I Love 2 Teach

Investigate decomposition

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Easy

Yup, it’s gross … so kids will love it! Seal food items in a plastic bag and experiment to see what factors affect their decomposition, helped along by a heaping dose of mold.

Learn more: Decomposition at Mystery Science

Assemble a lung model

With just a few supplies including balloons and a plastic bottle, you can make an impressive working model of human lungs. This makes a very cool 4th grade science fair project.

Explore the causes of tooth decay

They hear it from their parents all the time, but this experiment will prove to your students once and for all what can happen to their teeth when exposed to different drinks such as soda and milk. This is one of those classic 4th grade science fair projects every kid should try.

4th Grade STEM Challenge Science Projects

For students who love to tinker, STEM challenges can spark incredible 4th grade science fair projects. Here are some of our favorites for this age group.

Engineer a drinking-straw roller coaster

STEM challenges are always a hit with kids. We love this one, which only requires basic supplies like drinking straws . ( Get more 4th grade STEM challenges here. )

Learn more: Drinking Straw Roller Coaster at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Make a wigglebot

Who knew electricity could be so adorable? Explore the science behind batteries and motors by creating a simple “wigglebot.” Experiment with weights to throw the motor off balance and create fun designs.

Learn more: Wigglebot at Research Parent

Construct a working flashlight

You’ll only need a few supplies to guide your students in building their own LED flashlights. They’ll learn how electricity travels and the way circuits work. The slideshow available through the link makes this lesson a breeze for teachers too.

Learn more: DIY Flashlight at Mystery Science

Build a hovercraft

It’s not exactly the same model the military uses, but this simple hovercraft is a lot easier to build. An old CD and a balloon help demonstrate air pressure and friction in this fun 4th grade science experiment.

Learn more: DIY Hovercraft at Education.com

Create a smartphone projector

No projector in your classroom yet? No problem! Have your students help you construct one for your smartphone using a cardboard box and large magnifying glass . They’ll learn about convex lenses and how the brain processes images too.

Learn more: DIY Smartphone Projector at The STEM Laboratory

Set up a pulley system

The science of machines never fails to fascinate kids. In this experiment, they’ll design their own pulley system to make it easier to lift an object.

Learn more: DIY Pulley at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Design a working elevator

Engineering activities make for amazing hands-on learning. Challenge your 4th grade students to build an elevator that can safely lift a certain amount of weight.

Make a model seismometer

Explore the science of seismology and learn how scientists study earthquakes and their effects. This model seismometer is easy to build and fun to experiment with.

Learn more: Model Seismometer at Science Sparks

Conduct an egg drop

Here’s one more classic to add to our list of 4th grade science experiments: the egg drop! The great thing about this project is that kids can do it at any age, with different materials and heights to mix it up. Hit the link below to get an egg drop project designed just for 4th graders.

Learn more: Egg Drop at Buggy and Buddy

Demonstrate Newton’s laws of motion with balloon rockets

Who doesn’t love balloon rockets?! Your students will have a blast(off) displaying Newton’s third law of motion while learning about physics.

4th Grade Motion and Energy Science Activities

Many 4th grade science standards include units on energy and motion. These energy science activities offer cool hands-on ways to spice up your classroom lessons.

Flick marbles to learn transfer of energy

This experiment is a bit of a thinker: What will happen when one moving marble hits several stationary marbles sitting in a row? Flick the first marble and find out!

Learn more: Marble Energy Transfer at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

See energy transfer in action with sports balls

Place a tennis ball on top of a basketball and bounce them together to see how energy transfers from one object to another. This one is very easy, and kids will love seeing how high they can get the balls to bounce!

Go an on energy scavenger hunt

Emphasize the fact that energy is all around us in one form or another with this easy, free printable energy science activity. For a more advanced version, help students identify each kind of energy (kinetic, stored, heat, etc.) they find.

Learn more: Energy Scavenger Hunt at The Science Penguin

See a heat-powered windmill demonstrate convection

Heat rises, and its interaction with cooler air creates convection currents. Find out how we can put convection to work for us with this 4th grade science craft project.

Capture waves in a bottle

Here’s a quick and easy way to show wave action in a no-mess way. You don’t need to add a little ship to the bottle, but it does make it more fun!

Learn more: Waves in a Bottle at What I Have Learned Teaching

Assemble a wave machine

Turn this one into a class cooperative activity, or try it as a science fair project idea. Either way, it’s an incredibly fascinating way to demonstrate the energy science of waves.

Use a Slinky to demonstrate types of waves

A Slinky is more than just a toy—it’s also a terrific science manipulative! Use it to see waves in motion, both longitudinal and transverse.

Watch gravity beads prove Newton’s laws

You’ll need a loooooooong string of beads for this experiment. Make your own by taping dollar-store strings together, or buy a long bead garland . Pile them in a cup and get the beads going; it’s fascinating to watch inertia and gravity at work.

Learn more: Gravity Beads at Teach Beside Me

Spin marble tops to learn about inertia

Glue together marbles in a variety of pyramidal patterns to form tops, then form hypotheses about which will spin best. Afterwards, kids will have fun new toys to play with!

Learn more: Marble Tops at KidsActivities.com

Visualize the second law of motion with soda cans

Newton’s second law, concerning acceleration, force, and mass, can be a little hard to understand. This easy 4th grade science demo makes it a little easier to visualize.

More 4th Grade Science Projects and Activities

Use these cool science experiments to encourage a love of science, at home or in the classroom!

Measure a magnet’s attraction force

Fourth grade science students already know that magnets attract metal objects. In this experiment, they’ll measure to see how close a magnet needs to be to an object for the attraction to work. Mix things up with different sizes of magnets and objects of various weights.

Learn more: Magnet Measurements at Ashleigh’s Education Journey

See light refraction in action

This seems more like a magic trick, but we promise it’s science! Make colors seem to appear and disappear, change numbers into letters, and more.

Learn more: Light Refraction at Ronyes Tech

“Draw” on water with dry-erase marker

This is another one of those mind-blowing science demos that kids will want to try over and over again. Draw on a shallow bowl or plate with dry-erase markers , then slowly add water. The marker (which is insoluble in water) will float to the top!

Paint with sunscreen

Prove that sunscreen really does provide protection from harmful UV rays. Turn this into a full-blown experiment by trying different SPFs or comparing it to other creams or lotions without SPF.

Learn more: Paint With Sunscreen at Team Cartwright

Become human sundials

Choose a sunny day and grab some sidewalk chalk—your students are about to become sundials! They’ll practice measuring skills and learn about the movement of the sun across the sky.

Learn more: Human Sundial at Rhythms of Play

Mine for chocolate chips

If you’re learning about mineral resources, this quick hands-on activity is an interesting way to explore the effects of mining. Kids have two minutes to find as many chocolate chips as they can in a cookie. Will they smash it up and destroy it entirely? Pick them out one by one? This experiment can lead to intriguing discussions.

Learn more: Mining for Chocolate Chips at Sarah’s STEM Stuff

Assemble an edible DNA model

Use licorice sticks, four different-colored candies or fruits, and toothpicks to build an edible strand of DNA. Learn about chemical bonds and the helix shape, then eat your creation!

Learn more: Edible DNA Model at wikiHow

Layer an edible soil model

Digging in the dirt is fun, but it’s even more fun when you can eat the dirt when you’re finished! Create edible soil-layer models, complete with gummy worms, for a simple earth science project. ( Find more edible science projects here. )

Learn more: Edible Soil Layers at Super Teacher Blog

Turn a penny green

Experiment with simple chemical reactions as you turn pennies green using vinegar. (Don’t forget to tell students that the Statue of Liberty is green for this very same reason!)

Learn more: Penny Reactions at Buggy and Buddy

Use marshmallows to explore Boyle’s law

Seeing Boyle’s law (which relates pressure and volume of gasses) in action makes it a little easier to understand and remember. This simple 4th grade science experiment uses marshmallows to make a great visual.

Learn more: Boyle’s Law at Hojo’s Teaching Adventures

Form ocean currents

Learning about oceanography? Demonstrate how ocean currents form using warm and cold water (and a few plastic sea creatures for extra fun!).

Learn more: Ocean Currents at Life Over C’s

Understand the impact of non-renewable resources

This is a neat Earth Day activity . Discuss the differences between renewable and non-renewable resources, then have your class form “companies” to “mine” non-renewable resources. As they compete, they’ll see how quickly the resources are used. It’s a great tie-in to energy conservation discussions.

Learn more: Non-Renewable Resources at The Owl Teacher

Explore blood components

Use simple kitchen supplies to create a jar full of “blood” that includes plasma, platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells. (You can even snack on the blood cells along the way!)

Learn more: Blood Model at Almost Supermom

Create cool colors with candy

Learn about diffusion in the sweetest way! Grab a bag of Skittles for this quick and easy 4th grade science project.

Wow them with glowing water

Your students will ooh and aah at the result of this exploratory way to show phosphors in action with a black light, different types of water, and a highlighter. The results of this experiment might surprise both you and your students!

Learn more: Glowing Water Experiment at Cool Science Experiments Headquarters

Keep the STEM excitement going with these 25 Fantastic Free 4th Grade Math Games .

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25 Fun and Easy Fourth Grade STEM Challenges (Free Printable!)

Hands-on fun that also helps them grow.

Teachers and kids both love STEM challenges. They encourage problem-solving skills and let kids prove just how much they already know. They’re hands on learning at its best! These fourth grade STEM challenges require only simple supplies and are terrific for partners or groups. 

All you need to do is post one of these challenges on your whiteboard or projector screen. Then hand out the supplies and let kids take it from there!

Want this entire set in one easy document? Get your free PowerPoint bundle of these fourth grade STEM challenges by submitting your email here, so you’ll always have the challenges available.

Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!

25 Fourth Grade STEM Challenges

Create the longest possible paper chain from a single sheet of construction paper..

Build a domino chain reaction that incorporates at least two non-domino items.

• Lewo 1000 Pcs Wood Dominoes Set

Using only 10 index cards, construct the tallest possible free-standing tower.

• AmazonBasics 1000-pack 3″ x 5″ Index Cards

Engineer a catapult from wood craft sticks and rubber bands that can launch a marshmallow the furthest distance.

• Pepperell 1000 Natural Wood Craft Sticks
• BAZIC Multicolor Assorted Sizes Rubber Bands

Use newspapers and masking tape to build a chair that a member of your team can sit on.

Design a bubble wand that makes the largest bubbles using pipe cleaners and string.

• Zees 1000 Pipe Cleaners in Assorted Colors
• 10 Assorted Color 100-ft Twine Rolls, 1000 total feet

Create a model of a new piece of playground equipment using construction paper, cardboard tubes, plastic straws, scissors, and tape.

Stack 20 plastic cups into the tallest tower you can.

• Clear Disposable Plastic Cups, 500 Pack

Use paper plates, plastic straws, and masking tape to construct a new kind of vehicle.

• TOMNK 500 Multicolored Plastic Drinking Straws
• Stock Your Home 9″ Paper Plates, 500 Count

Build a bridge from wood craft sticks and binder clips that can support the weight of at least one book.

Put together a working windmill from a cardboard tube, construction paper, and plastic straws.

Design a marble maze on a paper plate using plastic straws.

Build a paper airplane that can fly through a hula hoop from 8 feet away.

Engineer the tallest possible tower from toothpicks and mini-marshmallows.

• 1000 Count Natural Bamboo Toothpicks

Build a sailboat raft from wood craft sticks, construction paper, and glue.

Use scissors to cut a paper plate in a way that makes it stretch out as long as possible.

Make a parachute for a small toy from a drinking straw, a plastic bag, and Scotch tape.

• Greyparrot Clear Tape, 8 Pack

Construct a building using only wood craft sticks.

Use balloons and masking tape to construct the tallest tower you can.

• Lichamp 10-Pack of Masking Tape 55 Yard Rolls
• 120 Assorted Color 12 Inch Latex Balloons

Build a boat from aluminum foil that holds 100 pennies.

Engineer a 3-foot-tall structure that can hold a basketball from newspapers and masking tape.

Come up with a creative new use for an empty plastic bottle. You can use other supplies to alter it however you like.

Use items from around the classroom to figure out a way to pick up and carry a beach ball from one side of the room to the other, without touching it with your hands.

• 12″ Rainbow Inflatable Beach Balls, 12 Pack  

Construct a building from paper and masking tape that won’t blow over in the breeze from a fan.

Use pipe cleaners and drinking straws to build as many 3-D shapes as you can in 10 minutes.

Enjoying these fourth grade STEM challenges? Try these 30 Impressive 4th Grade Science Experiments and Activities .

Plus, 50 easy science experiments kids can do with stuff you already have ..

Get a PPT Version of These STEM Challenges

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50 STEM Activities for Kids of All Ages and Interests

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Emergent Literacy: Everything You Need to Know

Fortnite’s next marvel season features a whole lot of doctor doom, japan will apply foreign trade regulations to chipmaking equipment, which will require foreign investors to give prior notice when conducting direct investment (bloomberg), ask hn: why are ai generated images so shiny/glossy, the drugmaker that hopes to legalize mdma is cutting 75% of its staff after the fda rejected the drug, a practitioner’s guide to testing and running gpu clusters, l’oreal disputes late trademark renewal over ‘nkd’ brand, with which they’ve coexisted for years, hot summer threatens efficacy of mail-order medications, css grid areas, today’s nyt strands hints, answers and help for aug. 16, #166, 15 impressive fourth grade science experiments and activities.

1. Balloon Rocket: Inflate a balloon and attach it to a string between two chairs. When you release the balloon, it will move forward due to the air escaping from it.

2. Dancing Raisins: Drop a few raisins in a glass of soda and observe how they dance up and down due to the carbon dioxide bubbles.

3. Volcano Eruption: Create a volcanic eruption by combining baking soda and vinegar. Watch as the mixture bubbles and foams, resembling a real volcano eruption.

4. Rainbow in a Jar: Carefully layer different colored liquids with different densities, such as honey, dish soap, and water, in a clear jar. This creates a colorful rainbow effect.

5. Invisible Ink: Write a secret message using lemon juice as invisible ink. When heated, the message will appear, revealing your hidden message.

6. Eggshell Geodes: Dissolve sea salt or Epsom salt in warm water and let it soak into eggshells. After a few days, colorful crystals will form inside the eggshells.

7. Static Electricity Butterfly: Cut out a butterfly shape from a coffee filter or tissue paper. Rub a balloon against your hair or clothing to create static electricity, then place the balloon near the butterfly. Watch it stick to the balloon!

8. Shadow Hand: Using a strong light source and a white wall, position your hand between the light and the wall. Observe the shadow created on the wall and try to make various shapes with your hand.

9. Magic Milk: Pour a shallow layer of milk in a dish and add a few drops of different food coloring. Dip a cotton swab in dish soap and touch it to the milk. Watch as the colors swirl and mix together.

10. Floating Eggs: Fill a glass with water and add salt until the egg floats. Experiment with the saltwater concentration to see how it affects the buoyancy of the egg.

11. Bending Water: Turn on a tap so that a thin, continuous stream of water flows. Rub a comb against your hair to create static electricity, then bring the comb near the water stream. Observe how the water bends towards the comb.

12. Walking Water: Place three cups next to each other, half-filled with water. Add different food coloring to each cup. Connect the cups using pieces of paper towel, and watch as the colored water travels through the paper towel, creating a rainbow effect.

13. Invisible Glass: Fill a glass with water and add a few drops of cooking oil. Observe how the oil makes the glass appear invisible and distort the objects behind it.

14. Egg Drop Challenge: Design and build a contraption using only straws and tape to protect an egg from cracking when dropped from a certain height. Test different designs to see which one is the most effective.

15. Homemade Lava Lamp: Fill a clear bottle with water and vegetable oil. Add a few drops of food coloring and an Alka-Seltzer tablet. Observe the colorful bubbles rising and sinking, creating a lava lamp effect.

These science experiments and activities are not only fun for fourth graders but also help them learn important scientific concepts through hands-on exploration. Enjoy conducting these experiments and discovering the wonders of science!

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Simple Back-to-School Science Experiments for 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade

Start your year right with four simple back-to-school science experiments. Designed especially for kids in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, these labs introduce methods used in investigations. Specifically, kids learn to ask a testable question, compare, manipulate only one variable, and measure. These labs pack a wallop! Try one this year.

Ms. Sneed Plans Simple Back-to-School Science Experiments

Our favorite fourth grade teacher sat at the side table with her student teacher. “Today,” she said, “I’ll show you four back-to-school science experiments.”

“Great,” said Mr. Grow. “I love science.”

Evaporation Labs Teach the Scientific Method

Ms. Sneed opened her laptop. Then she clicked around until she found a file.

“First,” she said, “I’d like to show you some super simple back-to-school science experiments.”

Mr. Grow looked on as she explained a set of evaporation labs .

“As you already know, I’m a big believer in modeling. Therefore, the lesson opens with an example. The teacher goes over the components of the investigation:

• Question: Which will evaporate more quickly, water in an open or closed cup?
• Hypothesis: Water in an open cup will evaporate more than in a closed cup.
• Procedure: (1) Measure 50 milliliters of water into two cups. (2) Cover one cup with plastic wrap; leave the other cup open to the air. (3) Wait two days. (4) Measure the amounts of water in both cups; record.
• Independent variable: open or closed
• Controlled variables: same temperature, humidity, and light; same cup; same amount and type of water
• Measurement tool: graduated cylinder
• Replication: same experiment conducted by another group

“Additionally, we present the results and conclusion. This sets the stage for parallel experiments they’ll conduct.”

Investigating

“As in the example,” Ms. Sneed continued, ” two groups will conduct each of the back-to-school science experiments.”

She pulled up four sets of lab sheets. “For example, two groups will investigate water in dark and sunny places, two will observe water in wide or narrow containers, two will experiment with windy and still conditions, and two will compare fresh and salty water.

“The questions are already on the lab sheets, but kids fill in all the other components themselves. Then they wait two days, record the results on similar tables, and draw conclusions. When they’re finished, the groups discuss and compare results.”

“You’re right,” said Mr. Grow. “These labs are simple. We’ll need only cups, water, salt, and graduated cylinder. But how will we get a windy environment?”

Ms. Sneed’s eyes twinkled. “Easy. We’ll just use a miniature fan.”

She sat back in her chair and looked at her student teacher. “I’ve used these labs for years. They’re simple but powerful.”

Back-to-School Science Experiments with Gummy Bears Are a Hit!

Next, Ms. Sneed pulled up a gummy bear lab .

“Whoa!” Mr. Grow exclaimed. “This is sure to be a hit with the kids!”

“Yep. Anything with gummy bears instantly becomes more interesting. It expands on the evaporation lab. Kids learn about testable questions and use an additional measurement tool: rulers.”

“For this lab, kids first learn the difference between testable and non-testable questions. They analyze a set of questions to determine whether they’re testable. In other words, they figure out if the question changes only one variable to see what the effect is on the other.

Ms. Sneed scrolled to the first gummy bear lab. “Next, kids participate in a guided lab. Like the evaporation experiments, we ease them in slowly, providing a lot of support.

“The steps are provided for this lab:

• Measure each gummy bear and record beginning heights.
• Measure 50 ml of water into one cup and 50 ml of vinegar into another.
• Place one gummy bear in each cup. Do not disturb for at least three hours.

“Students must come up with a question and hypothesis for this procedure. They must also list the independent and controlled variables, measurement tools, and replication. However, we don’t ask kids to do this on their own. Instead, we do much of it together. This scaffolds their understanding – and makes them more successful.”

“As students conduct the investigation, they record quantitative evidence in tables and sketch to provide qualitative evidence. As a class, kids draw conclusions.”

Independent Lab

On the next two pages, Ms. Sneed pointed to Gummy Bear Experiment 2. “In small groups, pairs, or even individually, students can now select a science-related question of their own. Although the teacher and/or parent may continue to provide support, kids get their first taste of conducting an experiment from beginning to end.”

“Wow,” said Mr. Grow, “I wish my fourth grade teacher had done this.”

Use This Apple Lab for a Week of Back-to-School Science Experiment Fun

Once more, Ms. Sneed clicked to open an activity. “For this week-long apple lab , kids work in groups. They’ve already measured length and volume. Now they’ll use a balance scale to measure mass.”

Observing and Measuring Apples

“Each group receives three apples of similar size. The first remains whole, the second is cut in half, and the third is sliced. Each day for a week, they find the mass of each apple and record it on their lab sheet. In addition to the quantitative data, they make sensory observations – what they see, smell, or feel.

“On the first day, I like to show kids how to use a balance scale. Then I call the groups one at a time to work with them the first time they measure. After that, they can work independently.”

Organizing Data in Graphs

Ms. Sneed continued, “The format is similar to the other labs: question, hypothesis, experimental design, data collection, results, and conclusion. However, for this back-to-school science experiment, they also organize data in two graphs: bar and line. It’s the perfect time to explain that bar graphs compare while line graphs indicate change over time.”

“Another winner,” said Mr. Grow. “Will we use all three of these in the first month of school?”

Ms. Sneed nodded. “We can do the first two labs during the first week. Then, during the second week, this apple lab can be done as an overlay. Since it requires only a few minutes each day, we can just slide it in without interrupting our regularly scheduled blocks.”

Focus on Measurement with Pet Rocks

Ms. Sneed opened yet another file. “This lesson,” she said, “supports the back-to-school science experiments. However, it’s really just a short measurement activity. You can use it as an introduction – or anytime.”

She pointed to a lab sheet. “This table shows three common ways we measure in science: length, volume, and mass. It explains the tools used, as well as the units.

“For fun – and to reinforce measurement – I give each student a small rock. Then I set up six stations, two with rulers or measuring tape, two with graduated cylinders, and two with balance scales. The students are split into six groups, and each group rotates through three measurement stations with their rocks. The pet rock lab offers a quick, easy way to practice.”

“And fun,” said Mr. Grow. “I like the pet rock angle.”

“As you can see,” Ms. Sneed said, pointing to another page, “we also have a generic version. That way, we can use this activity again later in the year.”

Ms. Sneed Explains Science Practices

“All of these back-to-school science experiments are great for teaching the scientific method,” Mr. Grow said.

“I agree,” his mentor said. Now, however, we don’t really use that term.”

Mr. Grow frowned. “Why not?”

Current Science Practices

“Today, we acknowledge a broad set of scientific methods. Not just one.” Ms. Sneed pulled out a list of science and engineering practices and briefly discussed them:

• Asking testable questions – Kids learn that a question must compare only one variable. Additionally, they should be able to make predictions and observations. When the questions involve measurement or another way to quantify, they’re even stronger.
• Developing and using models – Although models are integral to science, they were left out of the scientific method. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) added it back – even as a standalone application.
• Planning and carrying out investigations – This provides the crux of the scientific method. Kids compare and control variables.
• Analyzing and interpreting data – Of course, anytime measurement and data are used in back-to-school science experiments, they become stronger. Quantification is important.
• Using mathematics and computational thinking – Sometimes, mathematics answers science questions without an experiment. Kids, for example, may use tables or specific operations to solve a problem.
• Constructing explanations and designing solutions – Here, the NGSS explains a specific process for the engineering design.
• Engaging in argument from evidence – When kids answer science questions, they need to convince others of their validity. This practice encourages us to use discussion and writing to achieve this.
• Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information – Of course, kids need to research, analyze, and share. Our students need to think critically about what they’ve found to discern if it’s valid.

Mr. Grow nodded his head. “I get it. We no longer say the scientific method. Instead, we refer to a group of science practices.”

“Right,” said Ms. Sneed, “and we need to teach kids how to use them flexibly to answer a variety of science questions.”

Enjoy Teaching with Seriously Fun Science

Mr. Grow sat back in his chair with a smile. “I’m glad I’m co-teaching with you this year. I can tell that it will be fun.”

His mentor blushed and smiled. “And when you get your own classroom, I hope you’ll continue using seriously fun science experiments – for back-to-school and all year long.

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Simple Chemical Change Experiments for 4th Graders

5th Grade Chemical Change Activity

Fourth graders, like most younger students, find chemical change experiments especially intriguing. Watching substances change and learning the science behind the change is a high-interest activity for the science classroom. Physical change occurs when substances change but retain their identity. However, with chemical change, the substances change and become something else.

Dissolving in Vinegar

To do this experiment, you need the egg shell from a hard-boiled egg, a calcium tablet from an oyster shell, vinegar, water, white chalk, a tablespoon made of metal, two straws and two small cups. Draw a chart on a paper and make three rows across for the eggshell, chalk and calcium tablet, and two rows down, one for water and one for vinegar. Take a sample of the chalk, tablet and eggshell and crush it with the back of the metal tablespoon in the spot on the chart where it's indicated. Place a few drops of water of each sample in the water row, using the straw. Observe any changes. Next, do the same in the vinegar row with a few drops of vinegar and observe changes. Explain that vinegar is actually acetic acid, and when combined with calcium carbonate, they come apart and form new chemicals.

Chemical Bubbles

Show students how a chemical change can yield bubbles. Label one plastic cup baking soda and the other vinegar. Pour three tablespoons of vinegar and three tablespoons of water in the cup labeled vinegar. Pour the solution into a clean, plastic soda bottle and add a one-quarter teaspoon of dishwashing detergent. Swirl carefully but do not shake. Tape a funnel made out of paper. Place three tablespoons of baking soda into the appropriately labeled cup, then use the paper funnel to pour the baking soda all at once into the soda bottle. Swirl the mixture and observe what happens. Explain that in the chemical change, you created carbon dioxide gas, water and sodium acetate.

For an extra-appealing experiment on chemical change for your fourth-grade class, make some slime. To do this experiment, you'll mix white glue, but not the washable kind, and an equal amount of water. In another container, combine two tablespoons of Borax with a cup of water. Borax is found in the laundry section of stores. Add a few tablespoons of the Borax solution to the glue solution and quickly mix them together. Watch as the chemical change results in some delightfully gooey slime.

Fourth graders will enjoy the messy chemical change that results from this Glop experiment. It's simple and takes items easily available: cornstarch and water. Simply mix together equal amounts of those two items and watch the chemical change. Try to get children to determine what type of substance it is — a solid or liquid. It is actually in a state between and therefore, is hard to handle or describe but quite fun to play with.

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About the Author

Katlyn Joy has been a freelance writer since 1982. She graduated from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville with a master's degree in writing. While in school she served as graduate assistant editor of "Drumvoices Revue" magazine.

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Find Your Next Great Science Fair Project! GO

50 Fantastic 4th Grade Science Projects and Experiments

Nothing gets kids more excited for science than hands-on experiments! Watch your 4th grade science students’ eyes light up when they try some of these activities. You’ll find physics, biology, engineering, chemistry, and more. These projects are easy to set up and really help drive the learning home. Get ready for some science fun!

To help you find the right 4th grade science projects and activities, we’ve rated them all based on difficulty and materials:

Difficulty:

• Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much any time
• Medium: These take a little more setup or a longer time to complete
• Advanced: Experiments like these take a fairly big commitment of time or effort
• Basic: Simple items you probably already have around the house
• Medium: Items that you might not already have but are easy to get your hands on
• Advanced: These require specialized or more expensive supplies to complete

4th Grade Science Fair Projects

These 4th grade experiments also work well as science fair projects. Try changing up the variables to turn it into a real experiment, then form a hypothesis and find out what happens.

Blow unpoppable bubbles

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium

A soap bubble you can hold in your hand? It’s true! A little glycerin makes the soap bubble layers stronger, so you can even toss them gently from person to person.

Learn more: Unpoppable Bubbles Experiment at Learning Resources

Grow crystal names

No list of 4th grade science projects would be complete without crystals! Kids of all ages love growing crystals, making this an ideal way to learn about supersaturated solutions. The classic experiment gets a new twist when you have kids shape pipe cleaners into their own names first.

Learn more: Crystal Letters at Playdough to Plato

Grow bacteria in petri dishes

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Your students will truly feel like scientists when they perform this classic experiment. They’ll prep the dishes with agar, swab different surfaces, and see what bacteria they grow. It’s gross science, but it’s also easy and impressive.

Learn more: Growing Bacteria at Steve Spangler Science

See coastal erosion in action

Here’s a cool experiment to include in your unit on oceans. Build a miniature coastline, then see how wave action erodes the shore.

Learn more: Erosion Experiment at Little Bins for Little Hands

Erupt a lemon volcano

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic

Early chemistry experiments with acids and bases are always a lot of fun. This one uses the natural acids of lemon juice and adds a little food coloring to up the wow factor.

Learn more: Lemon Volcano at STEAM Powered Family

Sink and float to explore density

Adding items like salt or sugar to water changes its density, as does the temperature itself. Turn this into a 4th grade science fair project by experimenting with different solutions and forming hypotheses about the results.

Learn more: Salt Water Density at Science Kiddo

Discover a density rainbow

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

Colorful, simple, and impressive: It’s the trifecta of 4th grade science experiments! Wow your students by layering colored sugar water as you learn about density, adhesion, and cohesion.

Transform milk into plastic

Plastic seems incredibly modern, but people have been making casein plastic from milk for centuries. In this 4th grade science project, students experiment to create the formula for the best milk plastic. They’ll be amazed at the results!

Simulate an earthquake

The ground under our feet may feel solid, but an earthquake changes that pretty quickly. Use Jell-O to simulate the Earth’s crust, then see if you can build an earthquake-proof structure for a practical and fascinating 4th grade science fair project.

Learn more: Earthquake Simulation at Teaching Science

Test Sharpie solubility

Find out if Sharpie markers are really permanent with this 4th grade science project that uses the scientific method to explore solutes and solvents.

Learn more: Sharpie Solubility at Around the Kampfire

Find out if mood rings really work

Apply the rigors of the scientific method to mood rings ! Find out what makes mood rings change color, then see if they really reflect a person’s mood.

Learn more: Mood Rings Validity Test at Education.com

Create a new plant or animal

Kids will really get into this project, indulging their creativity as they invent a plant or animal that’s never been seen before. They’ll need to be able to explain the biology behind it all, though, making this an in-depth project you can tailor to any class.

Learn more: Create an Organism at I Love 2 Teach

Investigate decomposition

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Easy

Yup, it’s gross … so kids will love it! Seal food items in a plastic bag and experiment to see what factors affect their decomposition, helped along by a heaping dose of mold.

Learn more: Decomposition at Mystery Science

Assemble a lung model

With just a few supplies including balloons and a plastic bottle, you can make an impressive working model of human lungs. This makes a very cool 4th grade science fair project.

Explore the causes of tooth decay

They hear it from their parents all the time, but this experiment will prove to your students once and for all what can happen to their teeth when exposed to different drinks such as soda and milk. This is one of those classic 4th grade science fair projects every kid should try.

4th Grade STEM Challenge Science Projects

For students who love to tinker, STEM challenges can spark incredible 4th grade science fair projects. Here are some of our favorites for this age group.

Engineer a drinking-straw roller coaster

STEM challenges are always a hit with kids. We love this one, which only requires basic supplies like drinking straws . (Get more 4th grade STEM challenges here.)

Learn more: Drinking Straw Roller Coaster at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Make a wigglebot

Who knew electricity could be so adorable? Explore the science behind batteries and motors by creating a simple “wigglebot.” Experiment with weights to throw the motor off balance and create fun designs.

Learn more: Wigglebot at Research Parent

Construct a working flashlight

You’ll only need a few supplies to guide your students in building their own LED flashlights. They’ll learn how electricity travels and the way circuits work. The slideshow available through the link makes this lesson a breeze for teachers too.

Learn more: DIY Flashlight at Mystery Science

Build a hovercraft

It’s not exactly the same model the military uses, but this simple hovercraft is a lot easier to build. An old CD and a balloon help demonstrate air pressure and friction in this fun 4th grade science experiment.

Learn more: DIY Hovercraft at Education.com

Create a smartphone projector

No projector in your classroom yet? No problem! Have your students help you construct one for your smartphone using a cardboard box and large magnifying glass . They’ll learn about convex lenses and how the brain processes images too.

Learn more: DIY Smartphone Projector at The STEM Laboratory

Set up a pulley system

The science of machines never fails to fascinate kids. In this experiment, they’ll design their own pulley system to make it easier to lift an object.

Learn more: DIY Pulley at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Design a working elevator

Engineering activities make for amazing hands-on learning. Challenge your 4th grade students to build an elevator that can safely lift a certain amount of weight.

Make a model seismometer

Explore the science of seismology and learn how scientists study earthquakes and their effects. This model seismometer is easy to build and fun to experiment with.

Learn more: Model Seismometer at Science Sparks

Conduct an egg drop

Here’s one more classic to add to our list of 4th grade science experiments: the egg drop! The great thing about this project is that kids can do it at any age, with different materials and heights to mix it up. Hit the link below to get an egg drop project designed just for 4th graders.

Learn more: Egg Drop at Buggy and Buddy

Demonstrate Newton’s laws of motion with balloon rockets

Who doesn’t love balloon rockets?! Your students will have a blast(off) displaying Newton’s third law of motion while learning about physics.

4th Grade Motion and Energy Science Activities

Many 4th grade science standards include units on energy and motion. These energy science activities offer cool hands-on ways to spice up your classroom lessons.

Flick marbles to learn transfer of energy

This experiment is a bit of a thinker: What will happen when one moving marble hits several stationary marbles sitting in a row? Flick the first marble and find out!

Learn more: Marble Energy Transfer at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

See energy transfer in action with sports balls

Place a tennis ball on top of a basketball and bounce them together to see how energy transfers from one object to another. This one is very easy, and kids will love seeing how high they can get the balls to bounce!

Go an on energy scavenger hunt

Emphasize the fact that energy is all around us in one form or another with this easy, free printable energy science activity. For a more advanced version, help students identify each kind of energy (kinetic, stored, heat, etc.) they find.

Learn more: Energy Scavenger Hunt at The Science Penguin

See a heat-powered windmill demonstrate convection

Heat rises, and its interaction with cooler air creates convection currents. Find out how we can put convection to work for us with this 4th grade science craft project.

Capture waves in a bottle

Here’s a quick and easy way to show wave action in a no-mess way. You don’t need to add a little ship to the bottle, but it does make it more fun!

Learn more: Waves in a Bottle at What I Have Learned Teaching

Assemble a wave machine

Turn this one into a class cooperative activity, or try it as a science fair project idea. Either way, it’s an incredibly fascinating way to demonstrate the energy science of waves.

Use a Slinky to demonstrate types of waves

A Slinky is more than just a toy—it’s also a terrific science manipulative! Use it to see waves in motion, both longitudinal and transverse.

Watch gravity beads prove Newton’s laws

You’ll need a loooooooong string of beads for this experiment. Make your own by taping dollar-store strings together, or buy a long bead garland . Pile them in a cup and get the beads going; it’s fascinating to watch inertia and gravity at work.

Learn more: Gravity Beads at Teach Beside Me

Spin marble tops to learn about inertia

Glue together marbles in a variety of pyramidal patterns to form tops, then form hypotheses about which will spin best. Afterwards, kids will have fun new toys to play with!

Learn more: Marble Tops at KidsActivities.com

Visualize the second law of motion with soda cans

Newton’s second law, concerning acceleration, force, and mass, can be a little hard to understand. This easy 4th grade science demo makes it a little easier to visualize.

More 4th Grade Science Projects and Activities

Use these cool science experiments to encourage a love of science, at home or in the classroom!

Measure a magnet’s attraction force

Fourth grade science students already know that magnets attract metal objects. In this experiment, they’ll measure to see how close a magnet needs to be to an object for the attraction to work. Mix things up with different sizes of magnets and objects of various weights.

Learn more: Magnet Measurements at Ashleigh’s Education Journey

See light refraction in action

This seems more like a magic trick, but we promise it’s science! Make colors seem to appear and disappear, change numbers into letters, and more.

Learn more: Light Refraction at Ronyes Tech

“Draw” on water with dry-erase marker

This is another one of those mind-blowing science demos that kids will want to try over and over again. Draw on a shallow bowl or plate with dry-erase markers , then slowly add water. The marker (which is insoluble in water) will float to the top!

Paint with sunscreen

Prove that sunscreen really does provide protection from harmful UV rays. Turn this into a full-blown experiment by trying different SPFs or comparing it to other creams or lotions without SPF.

Learn more: Paint With Sunscreen at Team Cartwright

Become human sundials

Choose a sunny day and grab some sidewalk chalk—your students are about to become sundials! They’ll practice measuring skills and learn about the movement of the sun across the sky.

Learn more: Human Sundial at Rhythms of Play

Mine for chocolate chips

If you’re learning about mineral resources, this quick hands-on activity is an interesting way to explore the effects of mining. Kids have two minutes to find as many chocolate chips as they can in a cookie. Will they smash it up and destroy it entirely? Pick them out one by one? This experiment can lead to intriguing discussions.

Learn more: Mining for Chocolate Chips at Sarah’s STEM Stuff

Assemble an edible DNA model

Use licorice sticks, four different-colored candies or fruits, and toothpicks to build an edible strand of DNA. Learn about chemical bonds and the helix shape, then eat your creation!

Learn more: Edible DNA Model at wikiHow

Layer an edible soil model

Digging in the dirt is fun, but it’s even more fun when you can eat the dirt when you’re finished! Create edible soil-layer models, complete with gummy worms, for a simple earth science project. (Find more edible science projects here.)

Learn more: Edible Soil Layers at Super Teacher Blog

Turn a penny green

Experiment with simple chemical reactions as you turn pennies green using vinegar. (Don’t forget to tell students that the Statue of Liberty is green for this very same reason!)

Learn more: Penny Reactions at Buggy and Buddy

Use marshmallows to explore Boyle’s law

Seeing Boyle’s law (which relates pressure and volume of gasses) in action makes it a little easier to understand and remember. This simple 4th grade science experiment uses marshmallows to make a great visual.

Learn more: Boyle’s Law at Hojo’s Teaching Adventures

Form ocean currents

Learning about oceanography? Demonstrate how ocean currents form using warm and cold water (and a few plastic sea creatures for extra fun!).

Learn more: Ocean Currents at Life Over C’s

Understand the impact of non-renewable resources

This is a neat Earth Day activity. Discuss the differences between renewable and non-renewable resources, then have your class form “companies” to “mine” non-renewable resources. As they compete, they’ll see how quickly the resources are used. It’s a great tie-in to energy conservation discussions.

Learn more: Non-Renewable Resources at The Owl Teacher

Explore blood components

Use simple kitchen supplies to create a jar full of “blood” that includes plasma, platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells. (You can even snack on the blood cells along the way!)

Learn more: Blood Model at Almost Supermom

Create cool colors with candy

Learn about diffusion in the sweetest way! Grab a bag of Skittles for this quick and easy 4th grade science project.

Wow them with glowing water

Your students will ooh and aah at the result of this exploratory way to show phosphors in action with a black light, different types of water, and a highlighter. The results of this experiment might surprise both you and your students!

Learn more: Glowing Water Experiment at Cool Science Experiments Headquarters

Keep the STEM excitement going with these 25 Fantastic Free 4th Grade Math Games.

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