Get started with 6th grade science projects right here. Topics for 6th grade science include life science, earth science, and physical science. Understanding and using the scientific method, including variables is also a large part of the science experiment process.
Best 6th Grade Science Projects
Below, find our best 6th grade science project ideas, including science fair projects that can be easily used for middle school science at home or in the classroom.
- Understanding the Scientific Method
- Learn about Variables
- Create a Hypothesis
- Make Observations
- Best Science Fair Projects
Carbon Atom Model
Atoms are the building blocks of everything. Learn about the structure of atoms by building a simple 3D atom model with pom-poms.
Mobius Strip
Imagine taking a strip of paper, twisting it, and connecting the ends. What if I told you this strange shape only has one side?
Parachute STEM
A parachute science project explores gravity, air resistance, and terminal velocity concepts.
Plant Growth Experiment
Ever wonder what makes plants grow the best? Explore how light, water, and temperature affect plant growth.
Egg Drop Project
Investigate what materials and type of construction will keep an egg from breaking when dropped from a height!
Flower Dissection Lab
Dissecting a flower is a fantastic way to learn about plant structure and reproduction.
Soap and Surface Tension
Investigate how different types of soap affect the surface tension of water.
Periodic Table
Explore the periodic table with free printable worksheets. Explore chemistry with hands-on science activities.
Create A Volcano
Build a model volcano and simulate an eruption using baking soda and vinegar.
Grow Crystal Geodes
Grow sparkling crystals inside eggshells to learn about crystal formation and chemistry.
Make A Compass
Learn about magnetism and navigation by making a simple compass using a magnetized needle and a water bowl.
Build A Roller Coaster
Design and build your own miniature roller coaster to explore physics concepts like gravity and momentum.
Potato Battery
Light a bulb using a potato and some zinc and copper nails, and learn about chemical reactions and circuits.
Static Electricity
Use balloons and wool to create static electricity and explore how it affects objects like cornstarch, paper, and hair.
Create A Wind Tunnel
Use common household supplies to explore aerodynamics, airflow properties, and air’s effects on different objects.
Build A Lung Model
Construct a model lung using balloons and plastic bottles to demonstrate how our respiratory system works.
Reaction Rates
Study how surface area affects the rate of chemical reactions using effervescent tablets.
Seed Germination
Compare the germination rates of seeds in various soil types or under different conditions (e.g. temperature, moisture).
Pumpkin Clock
Create a voltaic cell using a pumpkin and investigate its ability to power a small digital clock.
Elephant Toothpaste
Investigate the chemical reaction of hydrogen peroxide and yeast, and factors that affect the rate and size of the reaction.
Chromatography
Use paper chromatography to separate the pigments in different types of ink or markers.
Balloon Rocket
Investigate how the amount of air in a balloon affects the distance it travels along a string.
Acid-Base Indicators
Create natural pH indicators using red cabbage juice and test various household substances.
Recycling Paper
Create recycled paper from used paper and investigate the strength and texture of the recycled product.
Homemade Slime
Experiment with different recipes for making slime to find the best consistency and stretchiness.
Light Refraction
Investigate how light bends when passing through different substances (e.g. water, glass).
Water Filtration
Design and test a simple water filtration system using sand, gravel, and charcoal.
Simple Machines
Build models of simple machines (e.g., levers, pulleys) and test their mechanical advantage.
Blow Up A Balloon
Measure the amount of gas produced from the reaction of vinegar and baking soda with different concentrations.
Balloon Car
Design a balloon powered car and investigate what conditions make it travel the furthest.
Weather Patterns
Track and analyze local weather patterns over a month, noting temperature, humidity, and precipitation.
Bridge Building
Design and test the strength of different bridge structures using materials like popsicle sticks or paper.
Crystal Growth
Grow sugar crystals and explore how different conditions affect crystal size and growth rate.
Extract DNA
Extract DNA from fruits like strawberries or bananas.
Plastic Milk
Create plastic from milk and vinegar and test its properties.
Gyroscopic Effect
Explore the gyroscopic effect using a spinning wheel or top.
Butterfly Life Cycle
Observe and document the life cycle of butterflies from caterpillars to adults.
Cooking Popcorn
Investigate the factors that affect the popping of popcorn (e.g. temperature, oil and moisture content).
Oil Spill Clean Up
Investigate different methods for cleaning up oil spills.
DIY Barometer
Make a barometer and learn how air pressure relates to weather patterns. Record data over time and correlate this data with local weather changes.
Test Food For Starch
Use iodine as an indicator to figure out what plants and foods have stored energy in them, in the form of starch!
Make A Homopolar Motor
Explore how a battery, a magnet, and a conductive wire interact to create motion.
Experiment with Friction
Explore how different surfaces affect the distance a toy car rolls. It’s all to do with friction!
Saltwater Density
Explore whether objects sink or float in different types of liquids.
Investigate Wingspan
Measure and compare wingspans to study proportional relationships in biology.
Observe Transpiration
Set up a simple experiment to explore how plants lose water through their leaves.
Carbon Sugar Snake
Use simple ingredients to create a fiery chemical reaction that produces a slithering black like snake.
Potato Straw
Explore how a weak paper straw can become strong enough to puncture a potato using air pressure and forces.
Free Printable Science Fair Project Pack!
Helpful Science Resources To Get You Started
Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
- Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
- Science Vocabulary
- All About Scientists
- Free Science Worksheets
- DIY Science Kits
- Science Tools for Kids
- Scientific Method for Kids
- All About Variables in Science
- Citizen Science Guide
- Join us in the Club
Science Activities By Age Group
Printable Science Projects For Kids
If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!
- 90+ classic science activities with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information. NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
- Best science practices posters and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
- Be a Collector activities pack introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
- Know the Words Science vocabulary pack includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
- My science journal writing prompts explore what it means to be a scientist!!
- Bonus STEAM Project Pack: Art meets science with doable projects!
- Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics
