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30 Best Science Experiments & Projects for High School

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Welcome to our round-up of top science fair projects and science experiments tailored specifically for curious high school students.

Science fair is not just about the glitz and glamour of a first-place trophy; it’s about the passion, the inquiry, and the insatiable curiosity that drive every scientist, young and old. Hopefully, our curated list of the best hands-on science fair projects for high school students will ignite that curiosity in you.

Each project on this list offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into scientific inquiry and present findings with both clarity and flair.

Let’s dive in and make learning an unforgettable adventure!

1. Burn Calories

Burn Calories

Don’t miss this opportunity to unravel the mysteries of energy transformation and uncover the scientific secrets hidden in the simplest of substances!

Learn more: Science Buddies

2. Extracting DNA from Strawberry

Extracting DNA from Strawberry

By following a series of simple yet insightful steps, students will witness the magical moment of DNA extraction, fostering a deeper appreciation for the fundamental building blocks of life.

Learn more: Extracting DNA from Strawberry

3. Build a Simple DIY Newton’s Cradle

As students assemble the materials and witness the rhythmic dance of swinging spheres, they will witness the scientific principles they’ve learned in the classroom come to life before their eyes.

4. Make a Monster Dry Ice Bubbles

Make a Monster Dry Ice Bubbles

Unleash your inner mad scientist and learn how to make Monster Dry Ice Bubbles with this high school science experiment!

Get ready to be captivated as you create giant, spooky bubbles that dance and swirl with the mysterious power of dry ice.

Learn more: Wonder How To

5. Soil Erosion Experiment

Soil Erosion Experiment

As stewards of our environment, it’s crucial to comprehend the impact of natural processes like soil erosion.

Through this experiment, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of soil conservation and sustainable land management practices.

Learn more: Life is a Garden

6. Candle Carousel

Candle Carousel

This experiment combines the wonders of physics with the art of crafting, making it an enriching experience that ignites curiosity and fosters a deeper appreciation for the elegant dance of energy in our world.

7. Find Out if Water Conducts Electricity

Find Out if Water Conducts Electricity

In this captivating activity, students will explore the conductive properties of water and unlock the secrets of how electrical currents flow through different substances.

Learn more: Rookie Parenting

8. Roller Coaster Stem Experiment

Roller Coaster Stem Experiment

By experimenting with various designs and track configurations, students will refine their problem-solving skills and gain valuable insights into the practical applications of physics and engineering.

Learn more: STEM Project

9. Lemon Battery

Lemon Battery

Engaging in this experiment not only teaches the basics of electrical circuits but also sparks curiosity about the natural world and the science behind it.

Learn more: Coffee Cups and Crayons

10. Watering Plants Using Different Liquids

Watering plants using different liquids

Discover the wonders of plant hydration with the intriguing high school science experiment – “Watering Plants Using Different Liquids.” In this captivating project, students explore how various liquids impact plant growth and health.

Learn more: Lemon Lime Adventures

11. Measure Electrolytes Found in Sports Drinks

By conducting a series of tests and analyses, students will quantify the electrolyte content present in various sports drinks.

12. Relight the Flame Without Directly Touching It

Relight the Flame Without Touching It

This captivating project challenges students to learn about the intriguing properties of heat transfer and combustion.

By exploring different methods to reignite a candle flame without physical contact, students will uncover the secrets of heat conduction, convection, and radiation.

Learn more: Stevespangler

13. Conduct Fingerprint Analysis

This captivating project immerses students in the intriguing world of crime scene investigations, where they will uncover the uniqueness of fingerprints and their role in forensic science.

14. Separate Water Into Hydrogen And Oxygen Using Electrolysis

Separate Water Into Hydrogen And Oxygen Using Electrolysis

This electrifying project allows students to explore electrolysis and the decomposition of water into its elemental components.

Learn more: Navigating by Joy

15. Simple Color Detection Circuit 

This experiment not only introduces fundamental concepts in electronics and circuitry but also opens up endless possibilities for real-life applications, from automated sorting systems to color-sensitive devices.

16. Carbon Sugar Snake

Carbon Sugar Snake

This enchanting project allows students to witness a dazzling display of science as they combine common household ingredients to create a dark, coiling “snake” made of carbon.

Learn more: Kiwi Co

17. Build a Hydraulic Elevator

Build a Hydraulic Elevator

This captivating project invites students to learn about engineering and fluid mechanics. By constructing a working model of a hydraulic elevator, students will explore the principles of Pascal’s law and the fascinating concept of fluid pressure.

Learn more: Teach Beside Me

18. Brew up Some Root Beer

Brew up Some Root Beer

This enticing project invites students to explore the fascinating world of chemistry and fermentation while creating their own delicious and bubbly concoction.

Learn more: Home School Creations

19. Extracting Bismuth From Pepto-Bismol Tablets

Extracting Bismuth From Pepto-Bismol Tablets

This hands-on experiment not only sheds light on the principles of chemistry and lab techniques but also highlights the real-world applications of bismuth in medicine and various industries.

Learn more: Popscie

20. Solar-Powered Water Desalination

Solar-Powered Water Desalination

By designing and building a solar-powered water desalination system, students will learn how to harness the sun’s energy to purify saltwater and make it safe for consumption.

21. Applying Hooke’s Law: Make Your Own Spring Scale

high school physics experiments ideas

By designing and constructing their very own spring scale, students will uncover the principles of Hooke’s Law and the relationship between force and displacement in a spring system.

22. Homemade Hand Warmer

Homemade Hand Warmer

By creating their own hand warmers using safe and easily accessible materials, students will witness the magic of heat generation through chemical processes.

Learn more: Steve Spangler

23. Explore the Concept of Symbiosis Involving Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria.

Delve into the concept of symbiosis involving nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

By investigating how certain plants form a mutually beneficial bond with these bacteria, students will gain insights into the essential role of nitrogen fixation in the ecosystem.

Learn more: Education.com

24. Center of Gravity Experiment

Center of Gravity Experiment

This fascinating project invites students to explore the concept of the center of gravity and its role in determining stability.

25. Power up Homemade Batteries

Power up Homemade Batteries

This captivating project invites students to learn about electrochemistry and energy generation.

Learn more: 123 Homeschool

26. Film Canister Explosions

Film Canister Explosions

Prepare for a blast of excitement and chemistry with the high school science experiment – “Film Canister Explosions!” This project teaches students about chemical reactions and pressure build-up.

27. Investigating Osmosis with Potato Slices

This hands-on experiment not only provides a practical understanding of osmosis but also highlights its relevance in everyday life, from understanding plant hydration to food preservation techniques.

28. Make Homemade Fly Trap

This captivating “Make Homemade Fly Trap!” project invites students to explore the principles of pest control and observe the behavior of flies.

29. Hydroponics: Gardening Without Soil

This exciting project invites students to explore innovative agricultural practices that harness water and nutrient solutions to grow plants.

By setting up their hydroponic system and nurturing plants through this method, students will witness the fascinating dynamics of root development and nutrient absorption.

30. Clothespin Airplane

Clothespin Airplane

As they test and modify their creations, students will learn about the principles of lift, thrust, and drag, gaining a deeper understanding of how these forces come together to keep airplanes soaring through the skies.

Learn more: Steamsational

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70 Best High School Science Fair Projects in Every Subject

Fire up the Bunsen burners!

Collage of high school science fair projects, including 3D printed cars and a DIY vacuum chamber

The cool thing about high school science fair projects is that kids are old enough to tackle some pretty amazing concepts. Some science experiments for high school are just advanced versions of simpler projects they did when they were younger, with detailed calculations or fewer instructions. Other projects involve fire, chemicals, or other materials they couldn’t use before.

Note: Some of these projects were written as classroom labs but can be adapted to become science fair projects too. Just consider variables that you can change up, like materials or other parameters. That changes a classroom activity into a true scientific method experiment!

To make it easier to find the right high school science fair project idea for you, we’ve rated all the projects by difficulty and the materials needed:

Difficulty:

  • Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much anytime
  • 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
  • Biology and Life Sciences High School Science Fair Projects

Chemistry High School Science Fair Projects

Physics high school science fair projects, engineering high school stem fair projects, biology and life science high school science fair projects.

Explore the living world with these biology science project ideas, learning more about plants, animals, the environment, and much more.

Extract DNA from an onion

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

You don’t need a lot of supplies to perform this experiment, but it’s impressive nonetheless. Turn this into a science fair project by trying it with other fruits and vegetables too.

Re-create Mendel’s pea plant experiment

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium ADVERTISEMENT

Gregor Mendel’s pea plant experiments were some of the first to explore inherited traits and genetics. Try your own cross-pollination experiments with fast-growing plants like peas or beans.

Make plants move with light

By this age, kids know that many plants move toward sunlight, a process known as phototropism. So high school science fair projects on this topic need to introduce variables into the process, like covering seedling parts with different materials to see the effects.

Test the 5-second rule

We’d all like to know the answer to this one: Is it really safe to eat food you’ve dropped on the floor? Design and conduct an experiment to find out (although we think we might already know the answer).

Find out if color affects taste

Just how interlinked are all our senses? Does the sight of food affect how it tastes? Find out with a fun food science fair project like this one!

See the effects of antibiotics on bacteria

Test tubes containing various bacteria

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Advanced

Bacteria can be divided into two groups: gram-positive and gram-negative. In this experiment, students first determine the two groups, then try the effects of various antibiotics on them. You can get a gram stain kit , bacillus cereus and rhodospirillum rubrum cultures, and antibiotic discs from Home Science Tools.

Learn more: Antibiotics Project at Home Science Tools

Witness the carbon cycle in action

Test tubes filled with plants and green and blue liquid

Experiment with the effects of light on the carbon cycle. Make this science fair project even more interesting by adding some small aquatic animals like snails or fish into the mix.

Learn more: Carbon Cycle at Science Lessons That Rock

Look for cell mitosis in an onion

Cell mitosis (division) is actually easy to see in action when you look at onion root tips under a microscope. Students will be amazed to see science theory become science reality right before their eyes. Adapt this lab into a high school science fair project by applying the process to other organisms too.

Test the effects of disinfectants

Petri dish divided in half with bacteria and paper disks on the surface

Grow bacteria in a petri dish along with paper disks soaked in various antiseptics and disinfectants. You’ll be able to see which ones effectively inhibit bacteria growth.

Learn more: Effectiveness of Antiseptics and Disinfectants at Amy Brown Science

Pit hydroponics against soil

Growing vegetables without soil (hydroponics) is a popular trend, allowing people to garden just about anywhere.

More Life Sciences and Biology Science Fair Projects for High School

Use these questions and ideas to design your own experiment:

  • Explore ways to prevent soil erosion.
  • What are the most accurate methods of predicting various weather patterns?
  • Try out various fertilization methods to find the best and safest way to increase crop yield.
  • What’s the best way to prevent mold growth on food for long-term storage?
  • Does exposure to smoke or other air pollutants affect plant growth?
  • Compare the chemical and/or bacterial content of various water sources (bottled, tap, spring, well water, etc.).
  • Explore ways to clean up after an oil spill on land or water.
  • Conduct a wildlife field survey in a given area and compare it to results from previous surveys.
  • Find a new use for plastic bottles or bags to keep them out of landfills.
  • Devise a way to desalinate seawater and make it safe to drink.

Bunsen burners, beakers and test tubes, and the possibility of (controlled) explosions? No wonder chemistry is such a popular topic for high school science fair projects!

Break apart covalent bonds

Tub of water with battery leads in it

Break the covalent bond of H 2 O into H and O with this simple experiment. You only need simple supplies for this one. Turn it into a science fair project by changing up the variables—does the temperature of the water matter? What happens if you try this with other liquids?

Learn more: Covalent Bonds at Teaching Without Chairs

Measure the calories in various foods

Are the calorie counts on your favorite snacks accurate? Build your own calorimeter and find out! This kit from Home Science Tools has all the supplies you’ll need.

Detect latent fingerprints

Fingerprint divided into two, one half yellow and one half black

Forensic science is engrossing and can lead to important career opportunities too. Explore the chemistry needed to detect latent (invisible) fingerprints, just like they do for crime scenes!

Learn more: Fingerprints Project at Hub Pages

Use Alka-Seltzer to explore reaction rate

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Easy

Tweak this basic concept to create a variety of high school chemistry science fair projects. Change the temperature, surface area, pressure, and more to see how reaction rates change.

Determine whether sports drinks provide more electrolytes than OJ

Are those pricey sports drinks really worth it? Try this experiment to find out. You’ll need some special equipment for this one; buy a complete kit at Home Science Tools .

Turn flames into a rainbow

You’ll need to get your hands on a few different chemicals for this experiment, but the wow factor will make it worth the effort! Make it a science project by seeing if different materials, air temperature, or other factors change the results.

Discover the size of a mole

Supplies needed for mole experiment, included scale, salt, and chalk

The mole is a key concept in chemistry, so it’s important to ensure students really understand it. This experiment uses simple materials like salt and chalk to make an abstract concept more concrete. Make it a project by applying the same procedure to a variety of substances, or determining whether outside variables have an effect on the results.

Learn more: How Big Is a Mole? at Amy Brown Science

Cook up candy to learn mole and molecule calculations

Aluminum foil bowl filled with bubbling liquid over a bunsen burner

This edible experiment lets students make their own peppermint hard candy while they calculate mass, moles, molecules, and formula weights. Tweak the formulas to create different types of candy and make this into a sweet science fair project!

Learn more: Candy Chemistry at Dunigan Science on TpT

Make soap to understand saponification

Colorful soaps from saponification science experiments for high school

Take a closer look at an everyday item: soap! Use oils and other ingredients to make your own soap, learning about esters and saponification. Tinker with the formula to find one that fits a particular set of parameters.

Learn more: Saponification at Chemistry Solutions on TpT

Uncover the secrets of evaporation

Explore the factors that affect evaporation, then come up with ways to slow them down or speed them up for a simple science fair project.

Learn more: Evaporation at Science Projects

More Chemistry Science Fair Projects for High School

These questions and ideas can spark ideas for a unique experiment:

  • Compare the properties of sugar and artificial sweeteners.
  • Explore the impact of temperature, concentration, and seeding on crystal growth.
  • Test various antacids on the market to find the most effective product.
  • What is the optimum temperature for yeast production when baking bread from scratch?
  • Compare the vitamin C content of various fruits and vegetables.
  • How does temperature affect enzyme-catalyzed reactions?
  • Investigate the effects of pH on an acid-base chemical reaction.
  • Devise a new natural way to test pH levels (such as cabbage leaves).
  • What’s the best way to slow down metal oxidation (the form of rust)?
  • How do changes in ingredients and method affect the results of a baking recipe?

When you think of physics science projects for high school, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the classic build-a-bridge. But there are plenty of other ways for teens to get hands-on with physics concepts. Here are some to try.

Remove the air in a DIY vacuum chamber

DIY vacuum chamber made from a jar and large hypodermic needle

You can use a vacuum chamber to do lots of cool high school science fair projects, but a ready-made one can be expensive. Try this project to make your own with basic supplies.

Learn more: Vacuum Chamber at Instructables

Put together a mini Tesla coil

Looking for a simple but showy high school science fair project? Build your own mini Tesla coil and wow the crowd!

Boil water in a paper cup

Logic tells us we shouldn’t set a paper cup over a heat source, right? Yet it’s actually possible to boil water in a paper cup without burning the cup up! Learn about heat transfer and thermal conductivity with this experiment. Go deeper by trying other liquids like honey to see what happens.

Build a better light bulb

Emulate Edison and build your own simple light bulb. You can turn this into a science fair project by experimenting with different types of materials for filaments.

Measure the speed of light—with your microwave

Grab an egg and head to your microwave for this surprisingly simple experiment. By measuring the distance between cooked portions of egg whites, you’ll be able to calculate the wavelength of the microwaves in your oven and, in turn, the speed of light.

Generate a Lichtenberg figure

Lichtenberg figure generated on a sheet of Plexiglass

See electricity in action when you generate and capture a Lichtenberg figure with polyethylene sheets, wood, or even acrylic and toner. Change the electrical intensity and materials to see what types of patterns you can create.

Learn more: Lichtenberg Figure at Science Notes

Explore the power of friction with sticky note pads

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

Ever try to pull a piece of paper out of the middle of a big stack? It’s harder than you think it would be! That’s due to the power of friction. In this experiment, students interleave the sheets of two sticky note pads, then measure how much weight it takes to pull them apart. The results are astonishing!

Build a cloud chamber to prove background radiation

Ready to dip your toe into particle physics? Learn about background radiation and build a cloud chamber to prove the existence of muons.

Measure the effect of temperature on resistance

A beaker with a tungsten rod, connected to a multimeter

This is a popular and classic science fair experiment in physics. You’ll need a few specialized supplies, but they’re pretty easy to find.

Learn more: Temperature and Resistance at Science Project

Launch the best bottle rocket

A basic bottle rocket is pretty easy to build, but it opens the door to lots of different science fair projects. Design a powerful launcher, alter the rocket so it flies higher or farther, or use only recycled materials for your flyer.

More Physics Science Fair Projects for High School

Design your own experiment in response to these questions and prompts.

  • Determine the most efficient solar panel design and placement.
  • What’s the best way to eliminate friction between two objects?
  • Explore the best methods of insulating an object against heat loss.
  • What effect does temperature have on batteries when stored for long periods of time?
  • Test the effects of magnets or electromagnetic fields on plants or other living organisms.
  • Determine the best angle and speed of a bat swing in baseball.
  • What’s the best way to soundproof an area or reduce noise produced by an item?
  • Explore methods for reducing air resistance in automotive design.
  • Use the concepts of torque and rotation to perfect a golf swing.
  • Compare the strength and durability of various building materials.

Many schools are changing up their science fairs to STEM fairs, to encourage students with an interest in engineering to participate. Many great engineering science fair projects start with a STEM challenge, like those shown here. Use these ideas to spark a full-blown project to build something new and amazing!

Construct a model maglev train

Maglev model train built from magnets and wood craft sticks on green felt

Maglev trains may just be the future of mass transportation. Build a model at home, and explore ways to implement the technology on a wider basis.

Learn more: Maglev Model Train at Supermagnete

Design a more efficient wind turbine

Wind energy is renewable, making it a good solution for the fossil fuel problem. For a smart science fair project, experiment to find the most efficient wind turbine design for a given situation.

Re-create Da Vinci’s flying machine

Da Vinci flying machine built from a paper cup and other basic supplies

Da Vinci sketched several models of “flying machines” and hoped to soar through the sky. Do some research into his models and try to reconstruct one of your own.

Learn more: Da Vinci Flying Machine at Student Savvy

Design a heart-rate monitor

Smartwatches are ubiquitous these days, so pretty much anyone can wear a heart-rate monitor on their wrist. But do they work any better than one you can build yourself? Get the specialized items you need like the Arduino LilyPad Board on Amazon.

Race 3D printed cars

Simple 3-D printed race cars with vegetables strapped to them (Science Experiments for High School)

3D printers are a marvel of the modern era, and budding engineers should definitely learn to use them. Use Tinkercad or a similar program to design and print race cars that can support a defined weight, then see which can roll the fastest! (No 3D printer in your STEM lab? Check the local library. Many of them have 3D printers available for patrons to use.)

Learn more: 3D Printed Cars at Instructables

Grow veggies in a hydroponic garden

Vertical hydroponic garden made from PVC pipes and aluminum downspouts

Hydroponics is the gardening wave of the future, making it easy to grow plants anywhere with minimal soil required. For a science fair STEM engineering challenge, design and construct your own hydroponic garden capable of growing vegetables to feed a family. This model is just one possible option.

Learn more: Hydroponics at Instructables

Grab items with a mechanical claw

KiwiCo hydraulic claw kit (Science Experiments for High School)

Delve into robotics with this engineering project. This kit includes all the materials you need, with complete video instructions. Once you’ve built the basic structure, tinker around with the design to improve its strength, accuracy, or other traits.

Learn more: Hydraulic Claw at KiwiCo

Construct a crystal radio

Homemade crystal radio set (Science Experiments for High School)

Return to the good old days and build a radio from scratch. This makes a cool science fair project if you experiment with different types of materials for the antenna. It takes some specialized equipment, but fortunately, Home Science Tools has an all-in-one kit for this project.

Learn more: Crystal Radio at Scitoys.com

Build a burglar alarm

Simple electronic burglar alarm with a cell phone

The challenge? Set up a system to alert you when someone has broken into your house or classroom. This can take any form students can dream up, and you can customize this STEM high school science experiment for multiple skill levels. Keep it simple with an alarm that makes a sound that can be heard from a specified distance. Or kick it up a notch and require the alarm system to send a notification to a cell phone, like the project at the link.

Learn more: Intruder Alarm at Instructables

Walk across a plastic bottle bridge

Students sitting on a large bridge made of plastic bottles

Balsa wood bridges are OK, but this plastic bottle bridge is really impressive! In fact, students can build all sorts of structures using the concept detailed at the link. It’s the ultimate upcycled STEM challenge!

Learn more: TrussFab Structures at Instructables

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Explore high school science fair projects in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering and more, from easy projects to advanced ideas.

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TheHighSchooler

6 Fun Physics Experiments For High School Students

Physics as a science is not just about nuclear fission or fusion, or just unraveling the mysteries of the Big Bang theory! It is in things as simple as the apple falling from a tree or a school bus in motion (or even in a state of inertia or rest). 

It is thus important to teach the high schoolers, physics in their everyday routine. Also exciting is to design and demonstrate physics experiments from their everyday items.

After all, the foundational understanding of physics in their young minds should not be just a textbook view, but something they can perform on their own. 

Of course, we are here to help with a list of physics experiments you can perform with high schoolers to open their minds to the new possibilities that abound in the universe.

Importance of conducting physics experiments for high schoolers

Physics experiments are not just another activity on your school core card. Their significance goes way beyond it and is crucial for high school students for several reasons:

  • Developing problem-solving skills:   Experiments allow students to apply their physics knowledge and develop their problem-solving abilities. They can better understand the concepts by seeing the results firsthand.
  • Enhancing critical thinking:  Doing experiments encourages students to think critically, analyze data, and draw conclusions. This helps them solve complex problems and make better decisions.
  • Connecting theory and practice:  Physics experiments enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice and make connections between theory and reality, improving their understanding of physics concepts.
  • Stimulating creativity:  Experiments in the lab can stimulate creativity as students are encouraged to think outside the box when trying to solve problems. This encourages innovation and unique solutions.
  • Increasing confidence and interest: Experiments can help boost student confidence as they see the results of their efforts. This will also motivate them to keep exploring and developing their skills.
  • Developing observational and practical skills:  Experiments require students to observe and analyze data and gain hands-on experience, which helps them develop important skills that will be useful throughout their lives.

Thus, these experiments go a long way in developing critical-thinking individuals who can connect theory with practice and change the world with a book in their hands!

Fun & Challenging Physics Experiments for High Schoolers

1. put together a mini tesla coil.

A Tesla coil is an electrical transformer circuit to produce high voltage and high frequency alternating current electricity.

But what if we tell you that you can make your very own mini Tesla coil in your school lab or house backyard? 

No, you don’t need expensive and hard-to-get materials to get started.  Just a little physics knowledge and being handy with old stuff and you get your very own Tesla coil!

 Material required to build the mini Tesla coil:

  • A high-voltage transformer or power supply. You can even use a flyback transformer from an old television set. This provides the high voltage input.
  • A primary coil is typically made of a few turns of thick copper wire or tubing. This is connected to the high-voltage input.
  • A secondary coil is made of hundreds of turns of thin enameled wire wound around a non-conductive form like a PVC pipe. This creates a high-voltage output.
  • A capacitor bank creates the resonant circuit with the secondary coil.
  • A spark gap to create the high-voltage discharge.

Once you have the material in handy, the next step is to assemble them together :

  • Wind the secondary coil with the thin wire, ensuring the turns are evenly spaced.
  • Connect the primary coil to the high-voltage input.
  • Add the capacitor bank and spark gap to complete the resonant circuit.
  • Carefully tune the circuit to achieve maximum voltage output.

Working with a high school student, it is important to start with a small-scale design and low power levels. You also have to take necessary precautions like proper insulation and grounding.

The Mini Tesla coil is ready with minimum materials and effort!

2. Remove the air in a DIY Vacuum chamber

Create your very own vacuum chamber with simple, everyday stuff. Let’s put those pots and lids in the service of science!

Materials required for DIY vacuum chamber

  • Large cooking pot or container, 
  • A piece of polycarbonate or acrylic sheet for the lid, 
  • Silicone gasket maker, and 
  • Various fittings like a vacuum gauge, ball valves, and bulkhead connectors.

The next steps to start assembling:

  • Drill the necessary holes in the pot and lid to attach the fittings.
  • Apply a silicone gasket maker around the rim of the pot to create an airtight seal with the lid.
  • Connect the vacuum gauge, ball valves, and tubing to allow you to pull a vacuum and release it.
  • Once assembled, you can use the vacuum chamber to degas silicone and remove air bubbles from resin castings.

Of course, a much more fun experiment would be to boil the water at room temperature due to reduced pressure in the chamber or even expand a marshmallow. The vacuum chamber opens endless possibilities for experiments!

3. Demonstrating the power of friction with sticky notes

The beautiful and multi-colored stacks of sticky notes are a fun addition to the school stationery. But guess what, they can be instrumental in understanding the power of friction as well!

Materials required for understanding friction:

  • Pairs of sticky notes.
  • Small everyday objects to use as weights.

Steps to the experiment:

  • Interleave the pages of two stacks of sticky notes, say 40 interleaved pages.
  • Put small, daily objects as weights on them to see how much they can support.

You will be surprised with the results! A stack of 40 interleaved notes can support up to 60 pounds! This demonstrates how friction can create a very strong “grip” between surfaces, even if the materials (like paper) have a relatively low coefficient of friction on their own.

It’s like a phonebook being used to lift a car!

4. Measure the speed of light using a microwave oven

Have a bar of chocolate with you? And some spare time in the kitchen with the microwave?

That’s all you need to calculate the speed of light!

Materials required for calculating the speed of light:

  • Chocolate bar or some marshmallows.
  • A microwave

Let’s start with the steps:

  • Place the food item in the microwave, and spread it out from side to side. Cook it for 5-10 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
  • Measure the distance between the melted spots on the food – this should be around 6 cm. Each spot is half a wavelength, so the full wavelength is 12 cm or 0.12 m.
  • Look on the back of your microwave for the frequency, which is typically 2450 MHz.
  • Use the formula: Speed of light = Frequency x Wavelength. Plugging in the values, you get: Speed of light = 2,450,000,000 Hz x 0.12 m = 294,000,000 m/s.

Now before you get all science-y on us, we know the speed of light is 300,000,000m/s.  But getting so close to the real value with an old microwave and melted chocolate is an experiment worth performing! And smugly announcing the results to the world!

5. Build a brighter light bulb

Want to impress Mom and Dad by building a homemade bulb brighter than the routine one? We have your back.

Materials required to build a brighter bulb:

  • A thin filament
  • Inert gas like C02
  • Higher voltage power source, like 12-24V from multiple batteries in series

Let’s assemble our bulb:

  • Use a thinner filament material like a single strand of iron wire or pencil lead (graphite) instead of a thick braided filament. The thinner filament will heat up more efficiently and glow brighter.
  • Enclose the filament in a glass jar filled with an inert gas like CO2 to prevent the filament from burning out quickly. Blow CO2 into the jar using an air nozzle or place a piece of dry ice inside and let it sublimate. 
  • Connect the filament to a higher voltage power source, like 12-24V from multiple batteries in series, to provide more current and heat the filament to a brighter glow. 

Although the bulb will not be as bright as a commercial LED, it will still be impressively brighter to increase the chances of a major cash flow into your college funds by your parents!

6. Boil water in a paper cup

Yes, you may seem surprised, but it’s very much possible!

Materials required to boil water in a paper cup:

  • A heat source like a lamp or burner.

It’s as simple as it gets!

  • Put water in a paper cup and place it on a burner.
  • The water will indeed boil!
  • This is possible because water has a high specific heat capacity, which means it absorbs heat from the cup faster than the paper can reach its ignition temperature. As the water heats up, it conducts heat away from the paper, preventing it from burning.
  • The water also continues to absorb heat through convection until it reaches its boiling point of 100°C, at which point the temperature of the water remains relatively constant.

However, the key word to remember here is ‘paper’, and not those styrofoam cups! Styrofoam is an insulator and does not conduct heat well, so the Styrofoam cup will disintegrate before the water boils.

However, to give you another piece of our physics secret, to boil water in a Styrofoam cup, you can use a hot rock placed in the water to transfer heat more effectively!  Start experimenting, thank us later!

Once your high school students are done with these fun experiments, they will be better able to appreciate the principles of physics in their everyday lives. And you may never know, the kid you thought slow, who always sits on the back bench of the class brooding, might just be another Einstein in the making!

Manpreet Singh

An Engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor, and animal rights activist. I have more than 5 years of teaching experience and have worked closely with students with learning disorders. I have worked with special educators, counselors, and experts in dealing with common issues that students face during their academic journey.

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Resource Center Home > Science Projects > Science Fair Projects > Physics Science Fair Projects

Physics Science Fair

Find physics science fair project ideas about magnetism, electricity, energy and solar power, and more.

high school science

Do this spinoff of the elephant toothpaste experiment using household items like yeast and hydrogen peroxide.

water drops

Split water into hydrogen and oxygen gas using two pencils and a battery in this fun electrolysis science project!

marshmallow

Learn about physics as you build your own mousetrap marshmallow catapult with this science project.

electromagnetic attraction

Learn about electromagnets and magnetic levitation.

high school physics experiments ideas

A brief guide to exceptional science projects and science project videos on the web.

high school physics experiments ideas

Build a mini solar car to see how to use solar energy for power.

high school physics experiments ideas

Make a balloon rocket car and watch a video showing the project in action.

18 Must-Try Science Experiments for High School: From Basic Chemistry to Complex Reactions

Learners of all ages are enamored with scientific experiments:

P5 have been looking at changes of state in science, and today investigated the water cycle! We did an experiment with water & food colouring in a plastic bag to see if we could see any changes, and noticed signs of evaporation and condensation inside the bag @SLC_RAiSE #Science pic.twitter.com/cla3opitiT — Burgh Primary School (@BurghPrimary) October 25, 2023

This article will equip high school teachers with an arsenal of exciting science experiments that will keep their students engaged and learning. Offering projects across a variety of disciplines, from physics to biology, this carefully curated list will be suitable for learners at any level. By incorporating these experiments into their lesson plans, educators will be providing their students with valuable hands-on experience that complements their textbook knowledge. With easy-to-follow instructions and materials that are easily accessible, teaching science has never been more enjoyable!

ExperimentDetails

Experiment 1: Investigating Osmosis with Potato Slices

This accompanying video offers a visual guide on how this osmosis project is conducted using potatoes. By the end, students will have a vivid understanding of osmotic movement and its effects.

Experiment 2: Making a Homemade Volcano

High school students have a wonderful opportunity to step into the shoes of a scientist with this exciting and educational experiment. They can construct their very own volcanic eruption, right from the safety of their classroom or home! By synergizing baking soda with vinegar, students will get a firsthand view of a thrilling chemical reaction that mimics the grandeur of a volcanic eruption. Beyond the sheer fun and spectacle, this experiment serves as an enlightening experience, imparting deeper insights into the complex world of chemical reactions.

Experiment 3: Exploring Density with Oil and Water

Experiment 4: building a simple electric motor.

High school students possess an innate curiosity, constantly seeking to understand the world around them. Dive deep into the captivating realm of electromagnetism with this enlightening project, revealing the intricate process that enables an electric motor to effortlessly transform electrical impulses into tangible mechanical movements. As students embark on this hands-on journey, they’ll gain an intimate appreciation for the underlying principles that power much of today’s technology.

Experience the mesmerizing magnificence of an electric motor as this video unravels the mystery behind its seamless conversion of electrical energy into mechanical power. Unlock the inner workings of this wonder machine in the science projects for high school.

Experiment 5: Testing Acids and Bases with Red Cabbage

Experiment 6: observing microorganisms with a microscope, experiment 7: studying chemical reactions with alka-seltzer experiment, experiment 8: measuring the speed of light with a microwave oven, experiment 9: demonstrating newton’s third law of motion with balloons, experiment 10: observing the greenhouse effect with sunlight and jars, experiment 11: investigating chromatography with markers, experiment 12: creating a simple electromagnet, experiment 13: examining photosynthesis with leaf disks, experiment 14: extracting dna from strawberries, experiment 15: building a mini tesla coil, additional 3 fun science experiments for high school, experiment 16: making invisible ink with lemon juice, experiment 17: creating rainbow fire with salt, experiment 18: exploring bioluminescence with glowing bacteria, useful science experiments resources, leave a comment cancel reply.

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Easy High School Physics Experiments

Easy High School Physics Experiments

Light-Dispersion Experiments for Kids

Physics may seem like an intimidating subject, but there are ways to make it fun. Not only is it the foundation for other sciences like chemistry and meteorology, it also explains so much about the world we live in. Physics explores the fundamental concepts of matter, energy, space and time, and the interactions between these properties. For high school students looking for simple experiments, light, static electricity and thermodynamics are great places to start.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)

Shine a flashlight through water and milk to discover why the sky is blue but the sunset is red; use a comb to bend water with static electricity; and watch a hard-boiled egg get sucked into a bottle to see thermodynamics in action.

The Color of Light

Ever wonder why the sky is blue, but the sunset is red? Use a flashlight, a transparent rectangular container, water and a cup of milk to find out why.

Fill the container three-quarters full of water and shine the flashlight into the side of the container. Observe the light from the opposite side and the end of the container. At most, a few white dust particles might be seen where the beam passes through.

Now stir 1/4 cup of milk into the water. Observe the light from the opposite side and the end of the container. From the other side, the light may seem blue, and from the end, the light may seem yellow. Note the width of the beam. Repeat until all of the milk is added. You'll notice after each addition that the blue darkens, the yellow turns to orange and the width of the beam increases.

So, why does the light appear two different colors, depending on the angle? Light travels in a straight line unless it encounters particulates that cause the beam to scatter. The more milk (which contains fat and protein particles) you add into the water, the more the light scatters, with the blue bending while the red and orange continue in more of a straight line. As for the sunset, because of the sun's path, the light has farther to travel at that time and encounters more dust particles in the atmosphere.

Static Electricity

Static electricity can shock an unsuspecting person, and it can also move objects. Use a nylon comb and a faucet to watch static electricity bend water.

Turn the faucet on so that water 1/16 inch in diameter flows from the tap. Run the comb through hair a few times. Hold the comb 3 to 4 inches below the tap with the teeth of the comb an inch from the water stream. Note what happens. Move the comb closer and observe what happens. Run the comb through hair again and see if it changes the results. Try adjusting the water stream to see if it makes a difference. Finally, try different sized combs and repeat.

Combing hair creates static electricity. One object becomes negatively charged by gaining electrons, while the other object becomes positively charged by losing electrons. The stream of water moves toward the comb because electrons from the water are attracted to the charged comb. The combed hairs might also repel one another, since each strand holds the same charge, and like charges repel.

High and Low Pressures

What does the weatherman mean by "high pressure" and "low pressure"? A hard-boiled egg, an old-fashioned glass milk bottle and some matches can help you find out.

Peel a cooled, hard-boiled egg. Simultaneously light three matches and drop them into an empty glass bottle. Quickly cover the opening with the egg. After the matches extinguish, watch the egg get sucked into the bottle.

The heat from the matches causes the air sealed in the bottle to expand. After the matches go out, the air cools and contracts. The pressure inside the bottle becomes lower than the pressure outside the bottle. As the pressure equalizes, the egg squeezes into the bottle.

Fascinating stuff! Enjoy these experiments, and hopefully these physics concepts become a little easier to digest.

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Light wave experiments, how does light travel from the sun to earth, experiments with a magnifying glass, how to make rainbows with prisms, how to diffuse a laser beam, how to create a prism, which colors reflect more light, experiments with heat radiation, how to make glowing water without a black light, how to make a homemade black light, what colors attract heat, easy indoor rainbow experiments, food coloring experiments, science projects about rainbows, how to use a vivitar telescope, easy 10 minute science projects, science fair projects with fiber optics, how to make glowing water for a science fair project.

About the Author

Michele Jensen started writing professionally for businesses in 1999. Her writings include articles for eHow, Answerbag and COD, marketing materials and project-related documentation. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Houston and a Master of Science degree in international relations from Troy State University.

Find Your Next Great Science Fair Project! GO

Go Science Girls

Amaze the Crowd : Physics Science Fair Projects that will Wow the Judges

  • January 19, 2023
  • Science Fair Ideas

Are you prepared to advance your understanding of physics and amaze the audience at your upcoming science fair ?

Look nowhere else! We’ve put together a selection of physics science fair projects that will astound the judges and your fellow classmates.

These projects can help you gain a deeper grasp of the rules of physics and help you stand out at the science fair. They range from investigating gravity, magnetism to exploring mysteries of physics laws. So let’s dive in!

This article lists the various physics subject projects based on grade levels for middle school students, higher education, and college students.

Physics Science Fair Projects

Select the suitable section that relates to your grade level from the below list:

  Physics Science Fair Projects for Middle School

  • Physics Science Fair Projects for 5th Grade
  • Physics Science Fair Projects For 6th Grade
  • Physics Science Fair Projects For 7th Grade
  • Physics Science Fair Projects For 8th Grade

Physics Science Fair Projects For High School

Physics Science Fair Projects for 9th Grade

Physics science fair projects for 10th grade, physics science fair projects for 11th grade, physics science fair projects for 12th grade.

Physics Science Fair Projects – College Level

List of Theoretical Physics Science Fair Projects

Theoretical astrophysics projects, theory-based quantum and condensed matter projects, theoretical plasma and space projects.

Award Winning Physics Science Fair Projects

Physics Science Fair Projects for Middle School

Here is a list of physics science fair projects that can prove ideal for middle school students to learn and have tons of fun!  

 Physics Science Fair Projects for Middle School

 Physics Science Fair Projects for 5th Grade

  • Baloon-powered Car Challenge
  • Ball-Launcher Challenge
  • Tallest Paper Tower Challenge
  • How can the Strength of a Magnet Vary with Temperature?
  • What is the Easiest Way to Cool a Soda Faster?
  • Paper Ball Run Challenge
  • Build a Gauss Rifle
  • Bottle Rocket Blast Off
  • Making a Candy Waterfall: Can Solids flow Like Liquids?
  • Volleyball Machine Challenge
  • Build a Levitating Water Fountain with the Stroboscopic Effect
  • Hit the Slopes: Build your own Ski Lift
  • Stop the Train! Magnetic Brakes for a Maglev Train
  • Build a Raft Powered by Surface Tension
  • The Physics of Artificial Gravity
  • Forensics: How does it Matter? Measure the Spatter
  • Test the Webb Space Telescope’s Amazing Multiple Mirrors and Sunshield
  • Can you hear Sounds in Outer Space?
  • Supercooling water and Snap Freezing
  • Cricket Wicket Knockdown Challenge
  • Conduct Galileo’s Famous Falling: What Goes Up, Must Come Down Object Experiment
  • Be Seen after Dark- What Clothes Keep you Safe?
  • Circus Trick Science: How to Balance Anything
  • Giving a Lift with a Lever
  • Under Siege! Use a Catapult to Storm Castle Walls
  • Analyze the ‘Death’ Concept of an Orange: How is the Rate of Heat Loss Based on the Surrounding temperature?
  • Mixing Mystery: Why Does Tumbling Sometimes Sepearte Mixtures?
  • Spinning Colors: How do Primary Colors Combine to Make New Colors?
  • Extreme Sounds: Lessons in Noisy World
  • Motion Mania: Applying Physics to Hoola-Hooping
  • Pop Goes to Metal: How Temperature Affects Snap Time of a Jumping disc
  • Making a rainbow spinning wheel with cardboard
  • Creating a tornado in a water jar with liquid soap and vinegar
  • Creating hydrophobic sand with shoe polish
  • Making a column of floating magnets
  • Demonstration of the accuracy of a simple sundial
  • Making a microscope using water and a piece of wire
  • Building a simple catapult
  • Making a travelling flame
  • Floating needle experiment
  • Creating a density tower
  • Creating a balloon car
  • Ink and water experiment
  • Soap and surface tension experiment

Physics Science Fair Projects for 6th Grade

  • Experiment with static electricity. How can you create it, and How can you reduce it? What substances are the best conductors of Static Electric Current?
  • Make electromagnets with various strengths: using iron filings, compare their magnetic fields to find the iron effect on a compass needle and how strong their attraction is.
  • Make a voltaic cell and research household electrolytes to search for the strongest electricity producer.
  • Can I use a magnet and find iron traces in food, dollar bills, and other household remedies?
  • What indoor and outdoor substances can you use to create antennas for a crystal radio? Also, what favorable weather conditions will assure the best possible frequency of the radio?
  • Types of liquid that can conduct electricity, and can you use electricity to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen?
  • Experiment showing how you can use a magnet and electric field to slow down the motion of a falling magnetism physics.
  • What are the best shape designs for paper airplanes and the best material for propellers?
  • Launching a rocket to test the thrust and aerodynamic design.
  • Create and design a balloon-powered rocket car.
  • Create an experiment showing how good or poorly different structures or materials withstand pressure.
  • When you stretch plastic wraps with equal force having different brands, which of them is better?
  • How do different duct or clear tape types compare strength and stickiness?
  • What flooring type should you have for less friction?
  • Use toy cars or dynamic carts to test the impact of increased mass on velocity and what results after a moving and unmoving object collides.
  • Which metal type conducts the fastest heat, and do some metals conduct heat more evenly than others? What materials are the best insulators?
  • Experiment to check the amount of energy needed to catapult a heavier object than a light object and create a similar experiment with a bow and arrow.
  • Learn about centripetal force by making a mini roller coaster and understanding the physics used.
  • How to compare the efficiency of an incandescent bulb to a fluorescent and what about LEDs? What is the amount of heat energy they produce?
  • Comparing different types of insulation for effectiveness and which keeps out the most heat and cold?
  • Can solar cells be used to recharge a battery? What is th comparison of a collar cell to a battery system of the same voltage?
  • Can you use solar energy more effectively in your home(find ways)?
  • How to create an effective turbine system? How to connect a water turbine to a generator to produce electricity?
  • Making a barometer and measuring atmospheric pressure
  • Demonstrating static electricity with a balloon
  • Creating a periscope with cardboard
  • Creating a popsicle stick harmonica
  • Making a windmill working model
  • Creating a pulley working model
  • Making a rainbow using a prism
  • Making a winding battery train
  • Making a non-stop fountain
  • Making an electromagnet
  • Creating a kaleidoscope
  • Creating a visual doppler   

Physics Science Fair Projects for 7th Grade

  • How is white light created?- Topic Addictive Colors
  • Balloon Rocket Car- To describe Newton’s Third Law of Motion.
  • Build an Electromagnet system
  • How to build a device that will detect the Earth’s electromagnet fields?
  • How to create lightning using the home appliances?
  • Egg in a bottle- Pressure check
  • Floating balloon
  • Friction and Vibration- How to check whether frictional force can allow the glass to vibrate?
  • Galileo’s Experiment describes the falling objects experiment.
  • Homemade Windmill
  • The inertia of an Egg
  • Jar Compass – how to determine the earth’s magnetic force by creating a compass in a jar?
  • Levers and Force concept
  • How to pull an ice cube from a watered glass using a string?
  • Long-lasting bubbles- How to create bubbles that are long-lasting or permanent?
  • Magnified light- How to magnify sunlight using a magnifying glass?
  • Create a fuse device model- how do You Prevent Fire Using a fuse?
  • Create a parallel circuit
  • How to create an elevator system of your own to understand the concept?
  • Make Electric Circuits
  • How water displacement causes objects to float?
  • Creating static electricity
  • Matchbox Guitar- to understand how string instruments work by creating a miniature guitar
  • Missing reflection
  • Musical Bottles- to understand how different pitch notes work
  • Paper bridge- to demonstrate the force of tension.
  • Pascal’s Law
  • Pythagorean Tuning- to detect how the length of a piece of the string affects the sound
  • Rollercoasters and Loops
  • Rubber heat Reaction
  • Secondary colors
  • Separate Salt and Pepper using static electricity
  • Snappy Sounds- to check how colliding particles produce sound
  • Sound waves- experiment to study how sound waves can penetrate various materials.
  • Spectrum through water- Light Spectrum theorem 
  • Super Strength Egg- To describe the weight of an eggshell using weight and pressure .
  • Electricity generation with salt water and razor
  • Crushing an Aluminium Can with air pressure
  • Creating a water dispenser working model
  • Making a balancing scale
  • Principle of Buoyancy experiment
  • Demonstration of light travelling in a straight line
  • Fire and water balloon
  • Specify your beverage

Physics Science Fair Projects for 8th Grade

  • Laser Light Scattering technique to determine the particle type in an air sample
  • Direct Solar Pole Heater
  • Can Acoustic tiles block sound?
  • Does the rate of heating have an affinity for salinity?
  • Can a magnet’s temperature affect its strength?
  • How to avoid cold feet?
  • Quantifying the effect of Skyglow on the visibility of stars
  • How to quantify the impact of Tungsten Illumination?
  • Radioactive Attenuation and the Inverse Square Law
  • Ringing Saturn
  • Ruben’s Tube
  • Safely Thawing Meat used while Backpacking
  • Saltwater and Sound
  • Seebeck effect
  • Simulation and Animation of the n-Body Problem in Two-Bodies
  • Singing Goblets
  • Solar tubes v/s Conventional Fluorescent
  • Specific heat in Materials
  • Spectrum and temperature relationship
  • Standing waves
  • Stellar Parallax
  • Study of Force created from a changing magnetic field.
  • How to know the qualities that maximize your CPU Cooling efficiency?
  • Study of the Wavelike Properties of Light
  • Sunderbans Estuary Simulated
  • Super Sound Science
  • Pendulum Swing
  • Tempest in a Teacup
  • Sound Deacy Test in various Gasses
  • Shield effect on Beta Particles and Gamma Rays
  • The Frank-Hertz Experiment
  • The Invisible force
  • The notion of Motion
  • Solar heating and Night cooling of surfaces
  • Alternating magnetic Fields
  • The Violin Sound Post
  • The Whispering gallery Effect
  • Tired of Noise
  • How to use Solutions’ Absorbance Spectra To predict their Heating by Light
  • Using Sound to measure temperature
  • Viscosity and Volcanoes’ relationship
  • Which Insulating sports fabric will have a better Camper?
  • Zero Gravity Elevator System
  • Making a tea bag float in the air 
  • Making a compass with a magnetic needle
  • Making Newton’s cradle working model
  • Demonstrating the different phases of the moon
  • Demonstrating the impact of temperature on battery life
  • Designing a robotic hand  
  • Demonstrating the law of inertia using a fidget spinner
  • Building a levitating train using a magnet
  • Building a paper roller coaster 
  • Building a solar car 
  • Making a simple electric generator 

Physics Science Fair Projects for High School

Here is a list of 10 physics science fair projects appropriate for high school students. Some of these may demand adult supervision for safety concerns.  

Physics Science Fair Projects for High School

  • Laser Security System- How to create the system with the help of the mirror reflection principle?
  • Arduino-based flood detection system project
  • Electric ropeway project
  • Aryabhatt satellite Model using a 9v battery
  • Using Climate change modelling to know Hypoxia and Acidification
  • A mathematical approach that is novel-based to understand beforehand the spreading of a Wildfire
  • Explore the Deep space- Stars and black hole 
  • The study of Dark Matter
  • Marble Roller Coaster
  • Rainbow fire Experiment
  • Converting Potential Energy to Kinetic Energy using a marble roller coaster
  • How to detect whether color affects the heating by absorption of light?
  • The Physics of Catapult Projectile Motion- Launch Time
  • How to measure the light speed with an Owen?
  • Hot to know the speed of light using a Laser in a Gelatin
  • Determine the surface tension of water
  • Stealthy Shapes- Is it possible to make an Aircraft invisible to the Radar System?
  • Measure the sugar level of a liquid using a Laser Pointer
  • Create a Paper Speaker and measure the frequency response
  • Make two phone books and use them to lift a car
  • A model of Gravity that exists in our Solar System
  • How to know whether all the colors absorb Radiant Energy?
  • Watching Nuclear Particles-Check the Background Radiation Zoom Using a cloud chamber.
  • The linear motion and height limits in Bouncy Balls- project topic can be “On the Rebound.”
  • Understanding the concept of the “Mpemba Effect” to check whether Hot Water can Freeze faster than cold water.
  • Rocket Science concept to see how high you can let the payload stand.
  • Solid Motor Rocket Propulsion
  • Constant Acceleration and Distance mechanism
  • How to protect the Space Radiation Energy?
  • How is frequency dependent on Sound for Absorption?
  • Creating an Ion Build Rotor- Ion Thruster
  • Understanding the simple motion of Harmonics in a Spring-Mass system
  • How to know that Radioactive Particles dissolve within the cloud chamber- “Particles in the Mist.”
  • How to predict the Spatter in CSI?
  • Measuring the Data track storage space on a CD or a DVD using a Laser pointer
  • Building a lightning storm detector
  • Building a wind turbine generator
  • Making a wireless telegraph set
  • Making a working model of a parachute
  • Demonstrating image formation using a convex lens
  • Demonstrating image formation using a concave mirror
  • Demonstrating the effect of temperature on resistance
  • Making the working model of a lift
  • Building an electroscope
  • Flying tinsel experiment
  • Microwave grape
  • Experiment with and differentiate various diagnosis techniques, i.e., X-Rays, CAT Scans, and MRIs.
  • Understanding the Physics behind Car Safety mechanism
  • How to use optical devices to enhance Binocular Vision in Stereopsis?
  • How to know the relationship between tall narrow buildings and the breaking point of a pencil?
  • Understand the science of Aviation systems and flight
  • Using Electromagnetic forces to project the motion of a projectile in a coil
  • Investigate the Cosmological theory of the Big Bang
  •  How to create a Solenoid Engine?
  • Creating a raft powered by Surface Tension
  • Solar Powered grill from a Recycled Carton Box
  • How to light an LED Lamp using a Thermister
  • Characteristics of Diode
  • Tangent Galvanometer
  • Study the concept of reflection in a concave mirror
  • Ohm’s Law and Resistance
  • How to know the variation of current using LDR?
  • Energy Conservation in two dimensions
  • Refractive index of different liquids using a hollow prism.
  • Automatic Night Lamp using a Transistor
  • Viscosity of Fluids
  • Building a crystal radio detector
  • Demonstrating the impact of water salinity on electrolysis
  • Building a homopolar motor
  • Making a lemon battery
  • Creating steel wool fire
  • Creating an optical illusion using a mirror
  • Making a pencil welding machine
  • Building a heat engine with magnets
  • Model of an atomic structure
  • Impact of propellant size on thrust produce
  • Demonstrating how different colours absorb heat differently
  • Will a Guitar String Vibrate Forever?
  • Effectiveness of Recycled Materials as Thermal Insulation
  • How to create sound with heat?
  • Across the Universe
  • Cosmic Ray Shower Array Reconstruction
  • Cold Nuclear Fusion
  • Investigation of Black Hole thermodynamics
  • AC Transformer construction
  • Analysis of voice frequency across Ethnic Identities
  • Zero Gravity Elevator Experiment
  • Voltage Regulator using Zener Diode
  • Use of Sound to Measure Temperature
  • To measure the Electrical Resistance Variation.
  • How to determine the Time Constant for an RC Circuit
  • Demonstrate the production of Induced EAIF
  • The most efficient Automobile Sunshade
  • Study of Constituent of Alloys
  • Photoresistor
  • How do fish achieve Neutral Buoyancy?
  • Making a powered air car
  • Creating a battery-powered spinning carnival rise
  • Making a flying mini drone
  • Making a projector
  • Zero gravity hanging water
  • Creating an anti-gravity structure
  • Generating electricity from rainwater
  • Electromagnetic conduction model
  • Working model of a vacuum cleaner
  • Making a matchbox microphone
  • Making a dancing doll using the centre of mass
  • Electric-powered Car
  • Electrical Motor
  • How to make a Visual Doppler?
  • What is Buoyancy 101?
  • How to Transfer Heat in an Incandescent Lamp?
  • Insulation Value
  • How does gas pass through an Infrared Spectrum?
  • Marvelous Magnetics
  • Long and Short Wavelength Colors
  • How can you use Recycled Substances for Thermal Insulation, and what is its impact?
  • Hydro Power System
  • Salt Water v/s Tap Water
  • Hooke’s Law
  • Proving Universal Gravitation by Warping Space-Time
  • The Comparison of Thermal Conductivity of Various Metals
  • Measurement of True Noon Time
  • Blackbody Thermal Emission
  • How to know that Archimedes’s Principle is Right?
  • Hiding in Plain Sight
  • Murray’s Principle of Minimum Work
  • The Thickness of Foam and Sound Attenuation
  • Demonstration of the refractive index of different liquids
  • Making a rain alarm system
  • Creating a water-level indicator
  • Making a portable mobile charger
  • Creating a gas leakage detector
  • Creating a solar cooker
  • Making a conveyor belt
  • Bell jar working model
  • Demonstration of temperature affecting magnets
  • Generating hydro-power

List of College-Level Physics Science Fair Projects

Here is a list of College level science fair projects in Physics.

List of College-Level Physics Science Fair Projects

  • The Study of Nanotechnology
  • Plane and Simple Technique
  • Electricity conduction in Battery using Potatoe
  • Does Size Matter in a Parachute?
  • Detecting the Highest Stored Electricity among all Vegetables?
  • Understanding the Concept of Catapult and Pulley
  • How to Cool your Drinks Faster?
  • The Future of Electricity- Wireless Energy
  • Elasticity v/s Temperature
  • Creating a Radiation Geiger Chamber
  • How can Eggs Float on Water?
  • Impact of Gravity on the Acceleration of a Rolling Object
  • Which Fluid is the Most Viscous?
  • How to Create Super Snow Squeezing Water-Producing Machine?
  • Crystal Radio
  • Powerless Radio
  • Electrical Crane
  • Count on Calories
  • Creating Electrical Current Using Magnet
  • How to Create Sound with Heat?
  • Seebeck Effect
  • Creating a pinball machine
  • Making a 3-D Hologram Box screen
  • Making a robot spider
  • Creating an electric saw
  • Creating a 3-D printer
  • Traffic light working model
  • Working model of a wind turbine
  • Creating an automatic street lighting system
  • Making a fingerprint door lock
  • Building a hydraulic crane
  • Building a waterphone
  • Making an electric skateboard
  • Making an electric wheelbarrow
  • Steam engine electricity generator
  • Making a wireless power transfer system
  • Laser door security system
  • Solar power irrigation system
  • Building a mini flour mill model
  • Transmitting data via light

List of Theoretical Physics Science Fair Projects

  • Computation of Physics in Evolution in Stellar
  • Analyzing the Remnants of Recent Supernova Explosions in the Milky Way
  • Understanding the Relationship between Galaxies and the Central Black Hole
  • Fundamental Astronomy of Cataclysmic Binaries
  • High Altitude Aerial Platforms for Astronomical Research
  • Mass Black Holes in Dwarf Starburst Galaxies
  • Theoretical Cosmology Projects
  • Big Bang After Cosmic Inflation
  • Dark Energy Interactions
  • Fundamentals Tests of Cosmology
  • Information Theory and the Complexity of Nature
  • Life on Earth and Elsewhere
  • Physics of Cosmic Acceleration
  • An Analog Circuits Approach to Quantum Systems
  • Dynamics and Control of Open Quantum Systems
  • Engineering Quantum Dynamics of Low-Dimensional Spin Networks
  • Gravitationally Induced Decoherence
  • High-Fidelity Control and Readout Spins in Semiconductors
  • Man-Body Quantum Chaos and Quantum Thermodynamics
  • BARREL (Balloon Array for RBSP Relativistic Electron Losses)
  • Characterizing the out-of-ecliptic Solar Wind
  • ISINGLASS-2016
  • Magnetic Reconnection
  • Measuring Travelling Ionospheric Disturbance Using Transmitters of Opportunity
  • The mechanism for Higher Harmonic Radio Emission for Aurorae

List of Award Winning Physics Science Fair Projects

Some of the physics projects presented in the science fairs organized by various educational institutes and organizations are outstanding and even received prestigious awards. Here is a list of 10 such physics science fair projects.  

List of Award Winning Physics Science Fair Projects

  • Cracks in The Earth
  • The Aerodynamic Lift
  • Improvement of Aircraft Maintenance
  • Conversion of Vibration Bridges into Electricity
  • The Hockey Stick Flex and Its Effect on Shot and Speed
  • The Examination of Rocket Guidance Systems to Enhance Space Flight Maneuverability
  • Squid Jet- An Underwater Bio-Inspired Vehicle using Jet Propulsion
  • How to Prevent Ice to Stop Increasing in Size using Hydro Power Line?
  • Free Energy Concept- The Theory of Perpetual Motion Machines
  • How to Control Food Intake Speed with Electronic CIrcuity?
  • Advanced solar energy tracking system
  • Automatic Smart zebra crossing working model
  • Smart expandable warehouse
  • Floating house with solar panel
  • Making an earthquake alarm system
  • Making a laser security alarm
  • Train accident prevention system
  • Fire Extinguisher working model
  • Smart dustbin using a sensor
  • Making an atmospheric water generator

Physics Science Fair Projects For All Grade

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50+ Physics Project Ideas

Physics is a branch of science that mainly deals with the study of the phenomena naturally existing in the universe. To get a better understanding of the laws of nature, physicists keep themselves regularly engaged in various experiments. Interestingly, there are certain experiments and activities that one can perform easily at home to verify the existence and righteousness of various laws of the universe. Some of the basic physics project ideas are given below:

1. Balloon Car

A balloon car is one of the simplest physics project that one can make at home with the help of easily available objects. The main items required to make a balloon car include one plastic bottle, two straws, four bottle caps, one balloon, and glue. First of all, place the bottle horizontally on the table and make two pairs of grooves on the curved surface of the bottle near the opening and the base. Cut a straw in half, insert both the straw pieces into the pair of grooves. Attach four bottle caps to the ends of the straws with the help of glue. Make a grooving on the top of the plastic bottle and fix a straw in the hole in such a way that a portion of straw is present on the top, while the rest part of the straw lies inside the bottle. Attach an inflated balloon to the end of the straw that is present on the top of the bottle. When the air escaping the balloon creates air pressure on the surface, the structure tends to move forward. From this particular project, one can easily learn about air pressure, state of the matter, rotatory motion, linear motion, conversion of motion from one form to another, and various other physical parameters.

Balloon Car

2. Catapult

A catapult is yet another simple project that one can easily make at home. To make a catapult, you need ice cream sticks, rubber bands, a bottle cap, and glue. First of all, build a stack of five ice cream sticks. Tie a rubber band on each end of the stack. Make sure that the rubber bands are properly tied and the sticks do not move. Now, take two more ice cream sticks. Place one of them on the top of the other to form a stack and attach a rubber band on one side of the stack. Slide the stack of five ice cream sticks between the stack of two ice-cream sticks. Wrap rubber band on the intersection point of the stacks to hold the catapult in place. Fix a bottle cap on the top stick with the help of glue. The catapult is ready. Place the projectile in the bottle cap, slightly push the topmost stick downwards, aim for the target, and release. It provides the user with the opportunity to learn about elasticity, tension, action-reaction force, projectile motion, and various other phenomena existing in nature.

3. Homemade Rocket

To make a homemade rocket physics project, you need an empty plastic bottle, vinegar, baking soda, three pencils, tape, a pair of scissors, and a cork. To make the structure of the rocket, attach the three pencils to the curved portion of the bottle near the top part. Make sure the pencils are placed at equal distances from each other in such a way that when the bottle is placed upside down on the ground, the mouth of the bottle does not touch the floor. The pencils should provide a rigid and stable launching pad for the model rocket. Pour some vinegar into the empty plastic bottle then add baking soda powder to it with the help of a funnel. Quickly use the cork to seal the bottle tight. Place the model rocket on the ground, move away, and observe the launch. This project helps the user understand the basic kinematics of a rocket, the chemical reaction of baking soda and vinegar, and the projectile motion of objects.

Homemade Rocket

4. Baking Soda Volcano

Displaying the volcanic eruption with the help of baking soda is a popular science experiment that involves a simple set of steps. To make a baking soda volcano at home, you require dish soap, water, food colouring, white vinegar, baking soda, and a plastic bottle. First of all, make the baking soda slurry by properly mixing a portion of baking soda with an equal part of water. Now, add water, vinegar, dish soap, and a few drops of food colouring into the plastic bottle. Pour the baking soda slurry into the bottle containing the mixture. Move a few steps back and observe the volcanic eruption from a distance. The chemical eruption occurs due to a chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda that produces carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide gas tends to spread in the surroundings because it is comparatively heavy than the other gases present in the atmosphere; however, due to the confined area of the plastic bottle, it tends to cause an eruption.

Baking Soda Volcano

5. Fountain

To make a fountain as a physics project, you require plastic containers, wooden blocks, vinyl tubing, water pump, power supply, drill machine, pebbles, stones, miniature plants, cutter, and glue. Form the base of the fountain as per your choice with the help of wooden blocks. Drill a hole at the base of one of the plastic containers and another hole on the side of the other plastic container. Pass the vinyl tubing through both holes. Glue the tube around the joints and holes. Place the containers into the wooden structure of the fountain in such a way that one of the containers is present at a height more as compared to the other container. Make a hole on the front side of the container present above the base container. Attach a small water pump at the end of the tube and connect it to the power supply. Decorate the structure with the help of pebbles, stones, paint, miniature plants, etc. Pour water into the containers and observe the water flowing just like a fountain in a miniature pond. This project would help the users understand the flow of fluids, the working of a water pump, potential energy, and kinetic energy.

6. Newton’s Cradle

Newton’s cradle is one of the most interesting structures that demonstrate the law of conservation of energy and momentum in the easiest way. To make Newton’s cradle at home for your physics project, you need ice cream sticks, a glue stick or glue gun, marbles, string, a pair of scissors, tape, and a pencil. Glue eight ice cream sticks end to end and form two separate square-shaped structures. Attach these two squares to each other with the help of four ice cream sticks in such a way that the resultant structure is shaped like a cube. Cut the string into eight equal-length pieces. Keep the length of each string approximately equal to 8 inches. Attach marbles to the centre of each piece of the string with the help of glue or a hot glue gun. Mark 6 equally spaced points on the top two parallel ice cream sticks of the cube. Place the ends of the strings on the marks and apply tape on them. Allow the marbles to hang in between. Newton cradle physics project is ready to demonstrate momentum and prove the existence of the law of conservation of energy in real life.

Newton’s Cradle

7. Balancing Scale 

A balancing scale is a prominent physics project that is capable of demonstrating weight, gravity, equilibrium, and various other concepts. To make a traditional weighing scale at home, one would need two identical paper plates, string, pencil, tape, glue, a pair of scissors, and a cloth hanger. Punch three holes in both the paper plates. Make sure the holes are close to the outer boundary of the plates. Cut out six pieces of string that are equal in length. The length of each string should be approximately equal to 2 ft. Attach one end of each string to the individual holes punched in the plates. Hold one of the paper plates and take the three strings attached to the holes grooved into it. Properly stretch the strings and tie them together in a single knot. Perform the same procedure with the other plate. Carefully, hang the paper plates on each side of a cloth hanger. Hold the cloth hanger from the hook and begin weighing the objects.

Balancing scale

8. Periscope

A periscope is a device that is used by submarine operators to see the objects above the water surface. To construct a periscope at home, you require two congruent pieces of mirror, cardboard or a PVC pipe, cutter, tape or glue. Use cardboard to make three hollow cuboids and arrange them in the shape of a real periscope. Attach the mirror glasses to the opposite corners of the structure at an angle equal to 45°. Hold one end of the periscope on eye level and look at the distant objects easily. This would help the user understand the working of mirrors and the laws of reflection.

9. Visual Doppler 

To construct a model that displays the doppler effect in real life, you require two craft papers, a ruler, a pair of scissors, tape or glue, a small toy car, blank paper and pencil or a camera. Firstly, cut out a few five-inch wide strips from the craft paper. The length of the strips should be maintained in such a way that each strip is one inch shorter than the previous one. Tape or glue the ends of the strips together to form loops. Put a toy car in the middle of the second craft paper and arrange the loops around the car in a manner that the loops do not touch each other or the car. Make sure the distance between the loops is the same. Here, the loops represent the sound waves. Take a picture of the arrangement of loops around the car when it is standing still. In case you do not have a camera, draw the impression of the arrangement of loops around the car on blank paper with the help of a pencil. Roll the toy car gently in the forward direction until it touches the loops and pushes them together. The loops present in the front get squished together and demonstrate the high pitch sound, whereas the loops at the back get spread out and tend to display the low pitch sound. Record the position of the loops after the movement of the car with the help of a camera or by drawing an impression of the scene on a blank sheet. This experiment and physical model effectively demonstrates the concept of the Doppler effect, compression, rarefaction, and the nature of sound waves.

Visual Doppler

10. Electric Motor 

An electric motor is yet another simple physics project that one can easily build at home. To make a fully functional electric motor, you require a battery, a small piece of magnet, electric wire, two paper clips, electric tape, and a knife. First of all, wrap the electrical wire around a cylindrical object such as a battery about ten to twelve times to form a loop. Now, grab the ends of the wire and tie them across the loop of the wire. Remove the insulation from the ends of the wire. Take two paper clips and stretch one end of each clip. Attach the flat end of the clips to the positive and negative terminals of the battery with the help of electrical tape. Place the loop of wire between the curved ends of the paper clips. The final step is to place the magnet under the loop of the electrical wire. Tape the magnet on the battery to hold it in position. With the help of this particular project, the user would be able to have a better understanding of magnetism, conduction of current, rotatory motion, transfer and transformation of energy, etc.

Electric Motor

11. Compass 

Building a compass at home is a prominent idea for a physics project. The materials required to build a simple compass include a sewing needle, knife, cork, magnets, and a bowl filled with water. Firstly, hold the needle and magnetise it. The magnetisation of the needle can be performed easily by stroking it with the help of a piece of magnet 30-40 times along the length. Now, flip the magnet upside down and use it to stroke the needle in a similar manner, but make sure that the magnet is moved linearly in opposite direction. Cut 1-2 cm thick portion of the cork with the help of a knife. Carefully insert the needle in the middle of the cork. The compass is ready to be tested. When the compass is placed in a bowl filled with water, it tends to point towards the North. The physics concepts that one can visualize and understand with the help of this particular project include magnetism, the magnetic field of the earth, magnetic induction, shear force, etc.

12. Marble Roller Coaster 

To make a marble roller coaster, you require a cardboard sheet, chart paper, glue or tape, and marbles. Make a roller coaster pattern full of curves and turns with the help of chart paper. Use the cardboard pieces to elevate the height accordingly. Decorate the set-up as per requirement. Make sure the elevation of the initial or start-up point is higher than the rest of the structure. Place the marble on the start point and roll it down the structure. This project would help the student or the user understand the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy, curvilinear motion, rectilinear motion, rolling friction, etc.

Marble Roller Coaster

13. Air Blaster

To make an air blaster, one would require a plastic bottle, a knife or cutter, a balloon, and tape or glue. Carefully cut the base of the bottle with the help of a knife or cutter. Now, cut the top portion of the balloon. Stretch the base portion of the balloon and fix it on the base of the bottle with the help of tape. Make sure there is no leakage of air from the sides. Hold the balloon attached to the bottle from the centre, pull it backwards, and release. An air vortex gets formed. Here, the user would be able to understand the working of an air vortex, the elasticity of materials, air pressure, and various other physics-related concepts.

Air Blaster

14. Potato Battery

To make a potato battery, you require a potato, a voltmeter, a galvanized nail, a piece of copper sheet or a copper coin, and two alligator connectors with clips on each end. A potato battery is capable of generating enough energy required to power a clock. Firstly, insert the galvanized nail into the potato. Make sure the potato is large enough and the nail does not go through it completely. An inch away from the nail, stick a copper coin or a piece of a copper sheet into the potato. Connect a voltmeter to the set-up and measure the voltage generated. Attach the black wire of the voltmeter to the galvanized nail and the red or yellow wire of the voltmeter to the coin. With the help of this simple physics project, the user can learn the basics of electricity, the concept of voltage, conversion of energy, etc.

Potato Battery

15. Balloon Hovercraft

To construct a balloon Hovercraft, the essential items required include a CD/DVD, a bottle cap, a balloon, glue or tape, and a pair of scissors. Firstly, groove a small hole right in the middle of the bottle cap. The diameter of the hole should be approximately equal to the diameter of a regular plastic straw. Stick the bottle cap in the centre of the CD/DVD with the help of glue or tape. Inflate the balloon, pinch it from the opening side to hold the air inside, and fix it to the boundary of the bottle cap in such a way that the air present inside the balloon can escape through the hole in the bottle cap easily.  This helps the user learn about various physics concepts such as Newton’s second law of motion, air pressure, the force of friction, the analogy of a hovercraft, etc.

Balloon Hovercraft

16. Egg in a Bottle

To construct this particular physics project model, you need a properly boiled and peeled egg, a glass bottle or container that has a narrow opening, paper, and a source of fire. Place the glass bottle on a flat and rigid surface. Light one end of the paper and place it inside the glass container. Now, place the egg on the top of the glass bottle and wait. The egg would get sucked in despite the opening of the container being narrow. The egg in a bottle physics experiment helps the user observe the relationship between atmospheric pressure, the flow of air from a region of high pressure to low pressure, combustion, and temperature.

Egg in a Bottle

17. Growing Crystals

Growing crystals is a physical phenomenon, typically referred to as crystallization, which the state of matter tends to change directly from liquid to solid form. The materials required to grow crystals at home include a glass container, distilled water, salt, a pencil, and a piece of thread. The first step to perform crystallization is to heat the distilled water up to a temperature that is a little below its boiling point. The next step is to partially fill the glass container with hot water and add salt. The quantity of salt added to the water should be enough to create a saturated solution. A saturated solution is formed when the solute is added to the solvent to the point that the solvent is not able to dissolve the solute any further. Make a loop on one end of the string and tie the other end to a pencil. Place the pencil over the container in such a way that the string gets properly immersed into the solution. Put the arrangement in a warm environment. A few days later, crystals begin to deposit on the string. This particular project helps the user get a better understanding of saturated solutions and the conversion of the state of matter from one form into another.

Growing Crystals

To make a prism, the main items required are distilled water and clear gelatin. The first step to constructing a prism is to pour the powdered gelatin into a container and add half portion of distilled water into it. Place the container on a stove and start heating the solution. Periodically stir the solution to properly dissolve gelatin in distilled water. Pour the solution into a small container and allow it to cool. Now, cut the solidified gelatin in the shape of a prism. Shine a light source from one end of the prism and observe the ray of light break into a spectrum of colours. This particular project would let the user gather knowledge about wavelengths of various colours, properties of visible light and other electromagnetic radiation, solidification process, and many more.

19. Lava Lamp

A lava lamp is yet another simple physics project that one can easily make at home with the help of easily available equipment. The materials required for this particular project include vegetable oil, glass container, food colouring, and salt. Firstly, fill the 3/4th portion of the glass with water and the rest with vegetable oil. Add a few drops of food colouring to the mixture and then slowly pour one teaspoon of salt into the container. Finally, sit back and observe the set-up. Initially, the oil tends to reach the end of the container drop by drop. When the salt properly gets dissolved into the solution, oil begins to slowly rise from the bottom of the container and form a layer on the top of the water, thereby displaying a lava phenomenon. This helps the user understand the viscosity and immiscibility of different fluids.

20. Half ring Vortex 

To make a vortex, you require a circular dish, food colouring, and a pool filled with clear water. First of all, dip the dish into the water and push it in the forward direction. Remove the plate and observe the two rings formed on the surface of the water. Add a few drops of food colouring to one of the rings. Observe that the colour tends to flow from one ring to the other. This indicates that the rings are connected to each other and a half-ring vortex has been formed. By performing this particular physics experiment, the user would be able to understand the construction and properties of a vortex.

21. Archimedes Screw

  To make an Archimedes screw, you need a PVC pipe, duct tape, a pair of scissors, food colouring, water, and clear vinyl tubing. First of all, tape one end of the tube to the pipe. Now, wrap the tube along the length of the pipe to form a spiral. Once the tube covers the whole length of the pipe, cut off the extra tubing with the help of scissors. Tape the other end of the tubing to the pipe. Make sure that the space between the loops of the tube is even. Use duct tape to hold the tube in place. Take an empty container and a container filled with water. Set up the containers in such a way that the empty container is placed at a higher position and the filled container is placed at a comparatively lower position. Dip one end of the Archimedes screw in the lower container containing water and align the other end of the screw over the higher container. Rotate the screw and watch the water travel up the tube. For better visualisation, add a few drops of food colouring into the water. With the help of this particular experiment, the user would be able to understand the physics behind water walking, rotatory motion, and the tendency of matter to flow from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.

Archimedes Screw

22. Electromagnet

To make an electromagnet, you require a battery, an iron nail, a switch, and insulated copper wire. Firstly, take the insulated copper wire and wrap it over the iron nail. Remove the insulation coating of the wire from both ends. Connect one terminal of the switch to one end of the copper wire. Connect a battery between the free ends of the wire and the switch. Now, if you push the switch and move the nail near ferromagnetic materials, the object gets attracted and stick to the nail. The user can learn a lot about electric current, magnetism, magnetic field, ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, and diamagnetic material, etc., with the help of this particular physics project.

Electromagnet

23. Water Strider

To make a water strider, you require a shallow plate, copper wire, water, food colouring, and a pair of scissors. Cut three equal pieces of copper wire of approximately 6 cm in length. Twist the centre portion of the wire pieces together. Curve the ends of the wire pieces. Make sure the twisting of wire is done properly and the structure is properly balanced. Fill the plate with water up to the brim. Place the water strider on the surface of the water and observe it float. The key concepts that users can learn by making a water strider include surface tension, buoyancy, density, and mechanical force.

Water Strider

24. Earthquake Shake Table

An earthquake shake table is typically used in real life by architects and engineers to test if a particular structure or a building would be able to withstand the jerks of an earthquake. To make an earthquake shake table as a physics project, you require a metallic ruler, rubber bands, duct tape, a pair of scissors, two square-shaped plexiglass sheets, and four small rubber balls of the same size. The first step is to cover the corners of both plexiglass sheets with duct tape. Place one of the plexiglass sheets on the top of another. Attach the two glass sheets together by wrapping rubber bands on the opposite sides about 1 inch away from the edge. Insert four rubber balls between the sheets, one ball for each corner. Place an object on the top of the shake table. Pull the top glass sheet and shake the table to check whether the object is able to withstand the vibrations. The key terms and concepts to learn from this particular project include destruction force, vibratory motion, linear motion, earthquake, tectonic plates, seismic waves, seismometer, etc.

Earthquake Shake Table

25. Gauss Rifle 

A gauss rifle is also known as a magnetic linear accelerator. The materials required to build a magnetic linear accelerator include two similar wooden dowels, neodymium magnets, nickel-plated steel balls, wood glue, clear tape, sand, plastic box, and measuring tape. Firstly, form a slide with the help of wooden dowels. For this purpose, place the dowels next to each other and tape them together to temporarily hold them in place. Use wood glue to permanently fix the two dowels together. Let the glue dry for some time, and then remove the tape. Now, place two ball bearings on the edge of the dowels, and then put one neodymium magnet next to the balls. Fix the magnet in place with the help of clear tape. Place the arrangement on the edge of the table and a sandbox filled with sand on the floor a few feet away from the table. Place another ball bearing on the other side of the magnet about 5-6 cm away. Roll the ball bearing. You will observe that it gets attracted by the magnet and a transfer of energy from the magnet to the balls present on the edge of the dowels takes place. The ball present on the corner gets launched and falls into the sandbox. Use the measuring tape to measure the distance travelled by the steel ball and repeat the experiment by inducing variations in the distance between the magnet and the balls. This project helps the user understand the laws of conservation of momentum, gravitational force, energy, magnetic field, mass, velocity, acceleration, etc.

Gauss Rifle

26. Line Following Robot 

A line following robot is a great idea for a physics project. As the name itself suggests, a line following robot tends to follow a black strip pattern formed on the surface and avoids any other path for movement. To make a line following robot, you require four gear motors, four wheels, Arduino Uno, an infrared sensor, connecting wires, solder, soldering iron, black tape, white chart paper, and battery. Make the connections of the components as per the circuit diagram. Attach the wheels to the output shaft of the gear motors. Connect the terminals of the gear motors to the motor driver. Fix two or more infrared sensors in front of the set-up with the help of glue. Use connecting wires to connect the sensor to the Arduino. Write a program for the line following operation of the robotic vehicle. Attach a USB cable to the USB port of the computer and Arduino board. Now, upload the program. Supply power to the robotic car with the help of a battery. Place the white chart paper on the ground, make tracks on it with the help of black tape. Place the robotic vehicle on the chart paper and observe it move strictly on the black tracks. With the help of this particular project, the user would be able to understand programming, infrared sensors, electric circuits, gear motors, rotatory motion, linear motion, etc.

Line Following Robot

27. Portable Mobile Charger 

A portable mobile charger is one of the simplest physics projects. The components and equipment required to build a portable mobile charger are battery, 7805 voltage regulator IC, resistor, PCB board, battery connector, USB port, connecting wire, LED, solder wire, and soldering iron. Make the circuit on the PCB board and connect the electronic components as per the circuit diagram. Here, the voltage regulator IC helps in the generation of a constant magnitude voltage. The main purpose of the LED connected to the output of the circuit is to confirm the working of the charger. Building a portable mobile charger helps the user know about conduction of current, voltage drop, voltage regulation, conversion of electrical energy into light energy, and various other related concepts.

Portable Mobile Charger

28. Magnetic Slime

To make magnetic slime, you require liquid starch, white glue, iron oxide powder, bowl, spoon, measuring cup, and neodymium magnet. The first step to making a magnetic slime is to pour 1/4 portion of white glue in a bowl. Now, add 2 tablespoons of an iron oxide powder to the white glue and mix them well. Fill 1/8th portion of the measuring cup with liquid starch and add it to the mixture. Stir well to form slime. Knead the slime with bare hands. Now, bring a ferromagnetic object near the magnetic slime, the slime tends to get attracted, and covers the object from outside. This particular project demonstrates the magnetic behaviour of objects.

Magnetic Slime

29. Junk Bot

A junk bot is a simple physics project that one can build at home with the help of waste items such as cardboard, plastic straws, ice cream sticks, metal cans, etc. The important tools required to build a junk bot include pliers, motor, screwdriver, battery, battery holder, connecting wires, tape, cork, a pair of scissors, and glue. The first step is to insert the batteries into the battery holder. Then, attach the battery holder terminals to the terminals of the motor. Fix a cork on the shaft of the motor. Turn on the battery’s switch. Check whether the motor and the cork are vibrating. Make the body of the robot with the help of waste items available. Attach the battery and the motor along the length of the robot near the base. Place the robot on the floor, turn on the switch, and observe it moving forward. You can also make two such robots and use them to wrestle against each other for entertainment purposes. This particular physics project would help the user gain knowledge about the basics of robotics, the function of a motor, and the importance of reusing waste materials.

30. Clap Switch

Clap switch has a basic operation of turning on and off the working of certain gadgets such as the luminance of a light bulb on hearing a clap sound. It typically consists of an assembly of electronic components such as IC- LM555, a battery, battery holder, resistors, transistors, capacitors, microphone, and a light-emitting diode. The tools required for the construction include solder wire, soldering iron, printed circuit board, tweezers, and connecting wires. To begin with, assemble and connect all the components as per the circuit diagram. Use a jumper wire to connect pin number 4 of the LM555 IC to pin number 8. Similarly, connect the positive terminal of the 10 microfarad capacitor to pin 6 and 7 and the negative terminal to pin1 of the IC. The next step is to connect a 100 k ohm resistor between the positive pin of the capacitor and pin 8 of the IC. Make the connections of the transistor pins with the IC such that the emitter pin of the transistor is connected to pin 1 of the IC and the collector pin is connected to pin 2. Complete the rest of the circuit by connecting the battery and microphone. Test the working of the project. This helps the user to know about the basic operation of electronic components, flow of electric current, voltage drop, etc.

Clap Switch

31. Rain Alarm

To make a rain alarm, first of all, gather the components such as a BC547 transistor, a buzzer, battery, battery clipper, PCB, LEDs, connecting wires, solder wire, soldering iron, wire clipper, and tweezers. Print the schematic diagram of the rain alarm circuit. Short the rows of the printed circuit board according to the schematic diagram. Connect the positive terminal of the buzzer to the emitter pin of the transistor with the help of solder wire. Solder the positive terminal of the LED to the negative pin of the buzzer. The next step is to connect a battery clipper between the collector pin of the transistor and the LED. The connection should be made in such a way that the negative wire of the battery clipper is attached to the negative terminal of the LED and the positive wire is connected to the collector pin of the transistor. The final step is to connect the printed circuit board with the collector and base pin of the transistor. To test the circuit, pour a few drops of water onto the PCB. The LED glows, and the buzzer makes an alarming sound. This project helps us know the working of buzzer and other electronic components.

32. Water Level Indicator

A water level indicator is a common gadget that is used in our daily life to keep the tank of water from overflowing. Interestingly, one can easily make it at home with the help of easily available components and materials. The basic equipment required to build a water level indicator includes BC547 transistors, 100 Ohm resistors, a battery, battery cap, PCB, switch, LEDs, and rainbow cable. The tools essential for its construction include a soldering iron, solder wire, wire clipper, and tweezers. Assemble and solder the electronic components on the printed circuit board according to the circuit diagram. It helps the user understand the working of a transistor, conduction of current, voltage drop, emission of light, and many more concepts.

Water Level Indicator

33. Gas Leakage Detector

A gas leakage detector is an expensive gadget available in the market that can be constructed at home easily with the help of basic electronic components. The components used in this particular project include a voltage regulator IC, a dual comparator IC, rectifier diodes, NPN transistor, resistors, pot, electrolyte capacitors, transformer, buzzer, LPG sensor, LCD display, and a two-pin connector terminal. The first step to making this particular project is to download the component layout and place it on the printed circuit board. Now, attach the components according to the layout. Use solder wire to fix the components in place. Make the circuit tracks properly and cut off the extra wires and terminals of the components. Make sure the circuit is as compact as possible. Place the project in the desired location and use a broken gas lighter to test the work. By making a gas leakage detector, the user would have a better understanding of the sensors, buzzers, and other electronic components.

Gas Leakage Detector

34. Light Tracking Robot

A light tracking robot typically follows the light radiation and moves in its direction. To make such a robotic vehicle, you require two wheels, one castor wheel, robotic vehicle chassis, light-dependent resistors, motor, soldering iron, soldering wire, glue gun, PCB, screws, and screwdriver. The first step to building a light-seeking robot is to assemble the electronic components on the printed circuit board as per the circuit diagram. The positive terminal of the battery is connected to one side of each of the light-dependent resistors. The leisure ends of the light-dependent resistors are connected to the motors. The leisure or the free terminals of the motors are connected to the negative terminal of the battery. Assemble the printed circuit board to the vehicle chassis. Fix the wheels to the motor shafts. Attach a castor wheel to the middle of the chassis to add balance to the structure of the robotic vehicle. Use a flashlight to test the working of the light-seeking robot. This particular project helps the user know about various electronic components, circuit connections, functioning of motor, and the working of light-dependent resistors.

Light Tracking Robot

35. Surprise Glitter Box

A surprise glitter package is a common physics project that one can easily make with the help of a motor, a battery, battery holder, cardboard box, alligator clips, glitter, glue, tape, limit switch, craft paper, and a pair of scissors. First of all, connect the battery to the motor by either twisting the wires together or with the help of alligator clips. For the basic operation of the surprise glitter box, a limit switch, also known as the lever switch, is used. A limit switch typically consists of three terminals, two of which form a connection that is normally open if the switch is pressed and gets closed when the lever is not pressed. The limit switch is required to be placed inside the box carefully in such a way that the lever is depressed when the box is closed to make sure that the motor does not work until the box opens. Now, take a piece of craft paper and cut it into the shape of a circle. Make a cut along the radius of the circle and fold it into a conical shape. Attach four paper cut-outs shaped like a rectangle folded at 90 degrees inside the cone at equal distances. Finally, fix the paper cone to the motor shaft with the help of a hot glue gun. Place the motor inside the cardboard box at an appropriate height. Pour glitter into the paper cone and close the lid. This particular project would help the user understand the functioning of the motor, working of a limit switch, rotatory motion, and various other concepts.

Surprise Glitter Box

36. Syringe Robotic Arm

For the construction of a hydraulic robot arm, you need a thick cardboard sheet, 8 syringes, a vinyl tube, toothpicks, glue, a knife, masking tape, and a pair of scissors. The first step is to cut the cardboard to form the structure of the robotic arm, the grip, and the base. Now, drill holes into the designated areas. Fix the parts of the robotic arm together with the help of toothpicks. Cover the edges of the cardboard with masking tape. Attach four syringes to the arm in such a way that there exists sufficient space for the joint to move. Use a cardboard piece and an old pen cap to build the rotating platform. Fix the vinyl tube in the places where the motion of the robotic hand and gripping of objects are desired. This helps the user understand the hydraulic conduction, pressure, and rotation.

Syringe Robotic Arm

37. LED Cube

A light-emitting diode cube is yet another interesting physics project that one can easily make at home. It typically requires a printed circuit board, resistors, LEDs, solder wire, Arduino Uno, bakelite sheet, cutter, pencil, drill machine, and connecting wires. Firstly, cut the bakelite sheet in the shape of a small square. Make a 3 x 3 grid on the face of the sheet and drill holes on the intersection points. Make a small loop at the negative or the cathode terminal of all the LEDs. Shorten the length of the LED terminals by cutting out the extra portion. Temporarily attach the LEDs inside the holes drilled on the bakelite sheet. Connect all the anode terminals of the LEDs together with the help of connecting wires and solder. Firmly push the LEDs outwards and remove the resultant structure of the LEDs joined together from the bakelite sheet. Make a few more such structures with similar dimensions and connections. Stack the structures on top of one another and fix them at equal distances. A cube of LEDs gets formed. Now, connect all the cathode terminals of the LEDs together. Connect the LED cube onto the PCB. Make a connection for the Arduino Uno adjacent to the LED cube. Connect one resistor to each layer of the LED cube. Now, connect the LED cube to the Arduino board. Write the program in the programming software and load it into the Arduino board. Turn on the power supply and test the working of the project. This project helps the user build an understanding of the electrical connections, programming, working of Arduino, and various electronic components.

38. Air Pump

The materials required to make an air pump include a plastic container, a knife, a pair of scissors, a balloon, and tape. The first step is to make a small hole in the cap of the plastic container. Make sure that the hole is situated right in the middle of the lid. Cut a small rectangular piece from a balloon. Cover the hole with the rectangular strip and tape two of its opposite ends. Properly glue the lid to the container, so that there exists no leakage. Poke a tiny hole on the surface of the plastic container. Wrap the balloon to be inflated on the cap, place a finger on the tiny hole, and start repeatedly pressing the container. The balloon gets inflated. By making an air pump, you would be able to understand the atmospheric pressure, the basic properties of matter, compression force, working of a valve, unidirectional flow of air, expansion and ability of elastic objects to change shape, etc.

To make a magnet, you require a few iron nails and a magnet. Firstly, hold the magnet in a fixed position. Now, start rubbing the iron nail along the length of the magnet in a particular direction. Make sure that the direction of strokes provided to the magnet is fixed, i.e., either from North to South or from South to North ends of the magnet. Perform the strokes on the magnet about 45-50 times. Finally, bring the magnetized iron nail around a ferromagnetic substance. The nail and the substance get attracted towards each other. This helps the user understand the magnetic induction, magnetic behaviour of objects, and unidirectional alignment of the dipoles of an object.

40. Windmill Working Model

A working windmill model is a common physics project that one can build with the help of easily available equipment such as cardboard, thermocol, glue, a pair of scissors, a motor, a battery, and a battery holder. The first step to making the working model of the windmill is to make the base structure of the windmill. For this purpose, fold the cardboard sheet in the shape of a cone and stick it on the top of thermocol sheet. Make sure the cone is properly glued and does not move. Now, make the wings of the windmill. Cut out four equal-sized wings from the cardboard sheet and pin them together on a small circular cardboard cut-out. Drill a small hole on the top of the cone along the curved surface a few centimetres below the top point. Connect the battery holder wires to the wires of the motor. Fix this arrangement of motor and battery holder on the conical base in such a way that the motor shaft easily passes through the hole. Glue the fan of the windmill to the shaft of the motor. Make sure the motor shaft and the fans rotate smoothly. Attach the battery and observe the working of the model. Decorate the surroundings of the model appropriately by placing the miniature cardboard models of objects present in a real windmill farm. This physics project allows the user to easily demonstrate the working of a windmill, generation of energy, working of motors, conduction of current, and transfer of energy.

Windmill Working Model

41. Automatic Street Light

An automatic street light glows when a vehicle is present nearby, and it shuts down when there is no traffic. The essential electronic components to form an automatic street light model include a transistor, LEDs, LDR, resistor, printed circuit board, battery holder, switch, and battery. The tools required for the construction include solder iron, solder wire, and wire stripper. First of all, solder the transistors onto the printed circuit board. Connect the emitter pin of both the transistors to the negative terminal of the battery holder. Now, connect the collector pin of transistor-1 to the base pin of transistor-2. Connect a resistor between the positive terminal of the battery and the collector pin of transistor-1. Finally, connect the light-dependent resistor between the base pin of transistor-1 and the positive terminal of the battery clip. Complete the rest of the circuit as per the circuit diagram. Connect a resistor between the base pin of transistor-1 and the negative terminal of the battery. Now, connect another resistor between the positive terminal of the battery and the anode pin of the LED. Finally, connect the cathode terminal of LED to the collector pin of transistor-2. Attach the circuit to a model of a street in such a way that the LDR has enough exposure and the LEDs are fixed in place. Verify the working of the project. It helps the user understand the working of light-dependent resistors, circuit connections, voltage drop, and the operation of the transistor as a switch.

Automatic Street Light

42. Electromagnetic Induction Model 

To make a working model that displays electromagnetic induction in real life, you require an LED, a transistor, a resistance, a battery, tape, battery clip, and copper wire. The first step is to wrap the copper wire around a cylindrical object 40-50 times to form a thick metal coil. Follow the same procedure to make another coil. Make sure that the second coil consists of the same number of turns and a loop right in the middle, i.e., after 20 turns. Remove the insulation coating a few inches from the end of the wire. Take the first coil and connect the terminals of an LED to the coil terminals. Now, connect the middle pin of the transistor to a 15k resistor. Take the second coil that consists of a loop wire. Connect one end of the coil to the first pin of the transistor and the other end to the free end of the resistor. Connect a battery cap between the loop wire of the second coil and the third pin of the transistor. Make sure the positive terminal of the battery is connected to the loop wire, while the negative terminal is connected to the third pin of the transistor. Solder and fix the connections permanently. Fix the arrangement on a piece of hard cardboard. Use double-sided tape to vertically fix the battery and the coil on the top of the board. Attach the battery clip to the battery. Move the coil that is connected to the LED near the circuit. The LED glows, thereby verifying the existence of electromagnetic induction.

Electromagnetic Induction Model

43. Thermal Insulator

To make a thermal insulator at home, you need three glass jars, a woollen scarf, paper, aluminium foil, a pair of scissors, tape, hot water, fridge, thermometer, bubble wrap, and stopwatch. Cut a rectangular piece of aluminium sheet, paper, and bubble wrap. Each cut out should be long enough to wrap the glass jars about three times. Firstly, cover one of the jars with aluminium foil three times. Fix the end of the aluminium foil in place with the help of tape. Now, in a similar manner, wrap the bubble wrap and paper around the jar. Now, take another jar and wrap it completely in a woollen scarf. Leave the third jar unwrapped. Fill all the jars with hot water. Use a thermometer to note the initial temperature of the water. Close the lids of the jar and place the properly sealed jars in a refrigerator. Take out the jars after 10 minutes and note the final temperature of the water. Observe which of the jars provide the best thermal insulation. This simple project helps the user understand the concept of convection, thermal insulation, conduction, the correlation between the thickness of the insulation layer and temperature, and heat energy.

Thermal Insulator

44. Solar Panel 

The essential materials required to make a solar panel include a printed circuit board, ferric chloride solution, solder, solder iron, alcohol, and crystal silicon paste. Draw the connections of the solar panel on the printed circuit board with the help of a marker. Pour ferric chloride solution into a container. Immerse the printed circuit board into the ferric chloride solution and perform the etching process. Place the container containing the printed circuit board in sunlight to speed up the process. Now, take out the printed circuit board and clean it with alcohol. Make connections on the board with the help of solder wire and soldering iron. Apply crystal silicon paste over the printed circuit board and leave it to dry. Remove the extra paste from the printed circuit board. Attach the connecting wires to form the positive and negative terminals of the solar panel. Place the set-up in direct sunlight and connect a multimeter across the terminals. Observe the voltage developed and confirm the working of the solar panel. By building this particular project, the user is able to understand the internal working of a solar panel and the conversion of light energy into electrical energy.

Solar Panel

45. Writing Machine 

The essential materials required to build a writing machine are wooden blocks, glue gun, rubber bands, drill machine, stepper motor, iron rod, pencil, Arduino Uno, stepper motor driver, USB cable, laptop/PC, and metal gear servo. The first step is to cut out a rectangular piece from the wooden block. Now, cut two small rectangular pieces of wood having a length equal to the width of the main or base wooden block. Drill two holes about 3 cm away from the edge on both of the small rectangle-shaped wooden pieces. Stick one of the small rectangular wooden pieces on the edge of the base plate and the other block a few inches away from the other edge. Place the stepper motor on the base plate in such a way that the shaft of the motor easily passes through the hole of the small rectangular plate. Pass an iron rod through the hole of the block present on the edge of the base plate and connect another end of the rod to the motor shaft. Insert a pencil through the free holes of both the small rectangular blocks. Make a similar structure. Place it horizontally on the main structure and glue it in place. Attach the electronic components to the Arduino board and make the circuit. Provide power supply to Arduino Uno. Fix the pen in position. Adjust the height of the pen according to the paper. Connect the Arduino Uno board to a laptop or PC with the help of a USB cable and load the program. Finally, test the working of the project. This particular project helps the user know about the Arduino board, electrical circuits, programming, working of a stepper motor, linear motion, etc.

Writing Machine

A drone or a quadcopter is a prominent physics project one can build with easily available materials. The equipment and materials necessary to build a drone include metal/plastic/wooden sheets, motors, propellers, battery, RC receiver, electronic speed control, zip ties, connecting wires, screws, screwdriver, solder wire, wire stripper, and soldering iron. First of all, design the frame of the quadcopter. Now, drill holes into the frame and assemble the motors. Make sure that the shaft of the motors is able to rotate freely. Connect the electronic speed controllers to the base of the drone. Use zip ties to make sure the electronic speed controllers are properly fixed to the frame and do not fall off during the flight. The landing of the quadcopter is an essential phase, hence the landing gear is required to be positioned appropriately. Assemble the controller on the top of the drone and connect it to the remote control. Test the flight and landing of the device. This project would certainly help the user learn about air resistance, uplift force, aerodynamics, remote control operation, and rotatory motion.

47. Earthquake Alarm 

The essential components required to build an earthquake alarm include a battery, battery cap, buzzer, safety pin, switch, cardboard sheet, nut and copper wire. The first step is to attach an inverted ‘L’ shaped cardboard cutout vertically in the middle of a cardboard sheet with the help of glue. Now, glue a safety pin in the middle of the ‘L’ shaped cardboard in a horizontal direction. Attach a nut to the end of a copper wire. Pass the wire through the loop of the safety pin and fix it on the top of the structure. Allow the nut to hang freely. Connect the buzzer to the switch, free end of the copper wire, and the battery clip. To test the working of the project, turn on the switch and lightly shake the structure. The buzzer starts to produce an alarming sound indicating the possibility of an earthquake. This project assists the person to learn about the reason behind the occurrence of an earthquake, seismic waves produced by the earth, seismometer, working of a buzzer, and connection of electronic components.

Earthquake Alarm

48. Water Dispenser 

To make a water dispenser at home, you require a cardboard box, glue gun, knife, plastic bottle, vinyl tubing, and a container. The first step is to drill a hole on the curved surface of the plastic bottle, a few inches above the base. Now, insert the vinyl tube into the hole. Place the bottle into the cardboard box. Poke a small hole on the front side of the cardboard box. Pass the pipe connected to the bottle through the hole made on the cardboard box. Place a container in front of the cardboard box under the pipe. Pinch the end of the pipe and pour the liquid into the bottle. Close the lid of the bottle. Twist the cap in a clockwise direction and observe that the liquid gets poured into the container. By making a water dispenser, the user would be able to understand the basics of pressure, the flow of liquids, and the Brownian motion of water molecules.

Water Dispenser

49. Propeller LED Pendulum Clock

A propeller LED pendulum clock is yet another common Arduino based project. One can easily build it with the help of electronic components such as LEDs, resistors, a transistor, Arduino Nano, IR receiver sensor, connecting wires, hall sensor, switch, capacitors, battery, USB cable, magnet, DC motor, printed circuit board, etc., and tools such as solder wire, soldering iron, wire clipper, and tongs. First of all, arrange all LEDs on the printed circuit board in a straight line and solder them in place. Connect resistors to the LEDs. Now, make the rest of the connections as per the circuit diagram. Solder the female header connectors onto the printed circuit board. Attach the Arduino nano board to the electronic circuit. The cathode terminal of the LEDs is connected to the ground terminal of the Arduino board. Make sure the cathode terminals of all of the LEDs are shorted. Connect the resistors to the 5V pin of the Arduino board. Make appropriate connections between resistors and the analogue/digital pins of the Arduino Nano board. Connect switch and battery to the circuit. Attach the IR receiver to the board and fix it in place with the help of solder wire. Attach the ground pin of the IR receiver to the ground of the circuit. Now, connect a 100-ohm resistor to the VCC pin of the IR receiver and a 100 microfarad capacitor between the VCC and ground pin of the sensor. Fix one end of a connecting wire to the output pin of the IR receiver sensor and the other end to the receiver pin of the Arduino Nano. Solder the hall sensor to the printed circuit board. Connect VCC pin, ground pin, and output pin of the Hall sensor to 5V pin, ground pin, and D2 pin of the Arduino Nano board. Verify the circuit connections according to the circuit diagram. Drill a hole in the middle of the printed circuit board and attach the motor in such a way that the motor shaft easily passes through the hole and the board is free to rotate. Add balancing weight to one end of the board. Attach the Arduino Nano board to a laptop or PC with the help of a USB cable and load the code. Turn on the switch and bring a piece of a magnet near the hall sensor. Observe that the LEDs begin to glow. Now, fix the circuit on a wooden structure that has a small magnet fixed on one side. Test the working of the project. This particular project would help the user know about hall sensor, IR sensor, conversion of energy from one form to another, magnetic field, programming, Arduino Nano, circuit connections, voltage, voltage drop, and various other concepts.

Propeller LED Pendulum Clock

50. Data Transmission using Li-Fi

Li-Fi stands for Light fidelity. It is a technique that enables high-speed data transmission. To make a Li-Fi based data transmission system you require two broken pairs of wired earphones, wire stripper, solar panel, LED, resistor, battery clip, solder wire, soldering iron, and wire stripper. The first step is to cut and separate the connector of the earphones from the earbuds. Now, use a wire stripper to remove the insulation. You can observe that the earphone wire comprises four wires. One of the wires is the ground wire, while the rest three are for audio, right speaker, and left speaker. Clip the audio wire and join the speaker wires by twisting them together. Obtain two such arrangements. Connect the twisted wires to the positive terminal and the ground wire to the negative terminal of the solar panel. Take the other similar arrangement. Attach a battery clip to the speaker wire and a 220ohm resistor. Now, connect an LED between the ground wire and the free terminal of the resistor. Attach the battery to the battery clip. Insert the wire connected to the LED circuit into the earphone jack of a mobile phone and the wire connected to the solar panel to a speaker. Play a song on the mobile phone and observe the working of the circuit. This particular project helps the user learn about LI-FI technology and the transmission of data.

Data Transmission using Li-Fi

51. Ropeway Model

To make a ropeway model, the user requires a thick cardboard sheet, a pair of scissors, glue, tape, DC motors, and a rope or string. First of all cut four rectangle shape cardboard strips of equal dimensions. Attach a dc motor on one end of the rectangular strip. Cover the motor by forming a cuboid shape using cardboard around it. Form a closed electronic circuit by connecting a switch to the motor and a battery clip. Glue the switch and the battery on the top of the cuboid. Cut three circles out of the cardboard sheet, neatly stack them, and glue them together in place. Make sure that the circle present in the middle has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the two circles present on the boundary. Drill a hole in the middle of the three circles and fix it over the motor shaft. Make another cuboid box and circles with the help of cardboard having the same dimensions as the previous ones. Place both the cuboids opposite to each other and properly glue them in place. Make sure the height of the circles present on the top of the cuboids is the same. Wrap a string around the inner circle of both structures. The string should have a sufficient amount of tension in it. Attach two small cardboard boxes to the string and turn on the switch. The motor begins to rotate the shaft. The shaft transfers rotatory motion to the circular structure, which in turn causes the string to move. This particular project is helpful as it explains various physics-related concepts such as the working of a motor, transfer of momentum, inertia, rotary motion, and tension.

Ropeway Model

52. Hand Water Pump 

To make a hand water pump at home, you need a 60ml syringe, a 5ml syringe, copper tubes (5mm and 8mm), iron strips, foam valve for water pumps, bearing balls, iron nail, washer, plier, drill machine, cutter, nut bolts, and a plastic container. The first step is to remove the plunger from the syringe. Now, cut the foam valve in the shape of a circle that has a diameter equal to that of the barrel. Put the foam valve into the empty barrel of the syringe. Make sure that the valve is able to move up and down with ease. Now, remove the rubber part attached to the plunger and replace it with the valve. Now, drill two holes located opposite to each other on the top of the plunger rod. Cut the plunger into two halves. Take a copper rod and compress its ends with the help of a plier. Now, drill a small hole on one end of the copper rod and two holes on the other end of the rod. Attach the rod to the plunger by drilling holes and inserting nuts and bolts through the holes present on the copper rod and the plunger. Take a metal strip and wrap it around the curved surface of the syringe barrel. Leave a few inches on both the ends of the metal strip. Align the ends of the metal strip along a straight imaginary line and drill two holes through them. The next step is to take two pieces of metal strip, fold them along the length, and drill a hole at both ends of each metal strip. Use a grinder to curve the shape of the ends of the metal strips. Attach the curved metal strip to the surface of the syringe barrel and fix it in place with the help of nuts and bolts. Make a small hole in the top corner of the syringe barrel. Take a 5ml syringe and remove its plunger rod. Cut the front portion of the barrel and glue it over the hole made on the curved surface of the 60ml syringe barrel. Now, take another copper tube. Make a hole on the end of the tube and another hole a few inches away from the same end. Take the middle portion of the foam valve and cut it in such a way that you have two circles. Insert a washer in between both the circles and pass an iron nail through the arrangement. Place it into the 60ml syringe barrel. Now, insert the plunger that contains the foam valve and is connected to the iron rod into the 60ml syringe barrel. Drop a bearing over the plunger. Seal the top of the barrel with the help of a circular plastic cut out. Attach the two metal strips and the copper rods together with the help of nuts and bolts. Use another nut and bolt to fix the curved rectangle shape metal strip to the copper rod. Pour water into the plastic container and dip the hand pump into it. Fix the handpump over the lid of the container with the help of a hot glue gun. Test the working of the project. This particular project would help the user understand the fluid mechanics, pressure, positive displacement principle, kinetic energy, mechanical energy, movement of fluids from a region of high pressure to a region of low pressure, etc.

Hand Water Pump

53. Bubble Machine 

A bubble machine is yet another example of a simple physics project. To make a bubble machine at home, you require a plastic tube, a pair of scissors, plastic straws, a marker, tape, bottle cap, DC motors, battery, battery holder, propeller, USB, USB charger, electrical tape, and cardboard box. First of all, use a marker to make markings on the plastic tube. Make sure the markings are located at equal distances from each other. Now cut the tube along the marks to obtain congruent hollow cylindrical pieces. In a similar manner, cut the straws and obtain equal length hollow cylindrical pieces. Attach the straw pieces to each other in the shape of a star. Now, attach the plastic tube pieces to the end of the straw pieces arranged in the form of a star. Glue a bottle cap to the centre of the star-shaped pattern to form the bubble wheel. Take a DC motor and connect it to a battery holder. Fix the motor shaft to the bottle cap. The next step is to take a propeller and cut it into the desired size. Take another DC motor. Connect the motor to a USB charger. Attach the propeller to the motor shaft. Fix the motor on a cardboard box. Form the soap solution by dissolving shampoo, liquid dish wash, or liquid handwash into water. Pour this soap solution into a plastic container. Fix the motors on the lid of a plastic container. Make sure the motor connected to the plastic straw and tubes is fixed over the lid of the plastic container in such a way that the star pattern is properly immersed into the liquid present inside the container and is able to move easily. The propeller should be placed in such a way that the air circulated by the propeller directly passes through the plastic tube pieces. Check the motor connections and place an electrical tape over the joints. Turn on the power supply and test the working of the project. This helps the user understand the working of motors, propellers, circulation of air, surface tension, formation of bubbles, and the reason behind the tendency of the bubbles to maintain a spherical shape.

Bubble Machine

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10 comments.

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Seriously these are very nice projects. It is very helpful to do our project homework. These are very brilliant idea and some of them are also hard but they are very good.

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THESE PROJECTS ARE GOOD , EASY AND HELPFUL

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I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT I WAS GOING TO DO WITHOUT THESE BRILLIANT IDEAS THNX ALOT BUT ANYWAYS THEY ARE VERY HARD NUTS TO CRACK.

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Cool projects

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These are very nice projects. Can any one state to me what is used to design the circuits?

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Science Struck

Science Struck

High School Physics Science Fair Project Ideas

This article gives many high school physics science fair project ideas and topics that students can take up and familiarize themselves with, before they step into the world of graduation. So read on. They are exciting. Honestly!

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High School Physics Science Fair Project Ideas

Personally being a physics graduate, I have not only understood the depth of this subject but have genuinely enjoyed it from the very beginning of my academic career. Physics is considered as the most fundamental subject of all sciences. It has all those concepts and laws that governs our environment and universe. Now if you are a high-schooler and also a loyal pursuer of physics, who loves to understand the subject rather to simply hit the books, how about doing a project in your science fair? These days the Internet and libraries are the greatest resources that can assist you in constructing a science project. Agreed! And that’s why we are here with science fair project ideas to help you start off with your adventure! Read them all and we are sure some of them would definitely come handy in your science fair.

Physics Science Fair Projects for High School

# level – easy.

►  Swing a Pendulum! Sounds pretty simple? Attaching one string to a rigid surface with some weight at its end and set it for an oscillation!! But believe me, even with this simplicity all the basic definitions and equations related to simple harmonic motions and oscillations remains with you forever.

Take a string, attach it to a rigid surface, add some initial weight at its bottom and set it into oscillations. This experiment helps you determine how the strings’ varying lengths affects the period of oscillation. Slowly add more weight to the ends of the string and check the period of oscillation.

► Bending Light For some high school physics science fair projects this is another most common but equally vital experiment which is based on wave and particle movement. We interact with white light in our daily lives but have we ever tried to learn it’s differing behavioral conditions? A very rare subject to be discussed! Light is made up of both particles and waves. The particles are photons and waves are electromagnetic waves. It’s through them we are able to recognize materials and things in our environment. If you wish to see how light interacts in nature.. try this experiment out.

Take a piece of paper, a clear glass, a pencil and some water. On the piece of paper, draw a long vertical line about 4-5 inches. Use a ruler if needed. Now place the clear glass on the line such that it separates in two equal parts when observed from the top. Continue looking at the set up in the same manner, meanwhile pour the empty glass with water and observe what happens to the drawn line. Do you see a bend in light rays? You can use a torch or lasers to see it on clear basis.

► Buoyancy With Eggs This is a mysterious experiment which keeps you scratching your head forever, until you have a reason to discover why? Are you clear with the concepts of volume and density of a liquid? If yes, try this one.

Put an egg into a bowl of plain water, wherein, but naturally, the egg will sink to the bottom of the water. This is because the density of egg is higher than that of water (which is 1 g/cc). Now add some salt into water and see what happens to the egg. It begins to float. Why? Find out how much salt it takes for egg to float on top of the water? You are free to use different compounds like sugar et al., to calculate the density of the substance and measure the volume of the liquid.

# Level – Challenge

► Measuring the Characteristics of Planets Here is one of the most eminent high school science fair projects best suited to perform at a graduation level. With advanced technologies and equipment like telescopes, it’s easy to observe objects in space and deeper into the universe.

Planets and satellites can be spotted through telescopes, but if you ever want to measure the size of these objects, what will you do? The only way you can measure it is by seeing how they interact with each other in terms of distance and period. Use Kepler’s laws of physics to do so.

► Anti-Gravity Machine When Sir Isaac Newton formulated his gravitation theory by watching an apple fall from a tree, things have been revolutionized since then. We blindly believe that nothing can work against the force of gravity. But to our surprise there are certain high school science experiments that diverge the concept of gravity to an extent. One of them is the Anti-Gravity Machine.

For this experiment you will need a cardboard, two plastic funnels and adhesive cement. Stick the two plastic funnels with adhesive cement to form a machine in the shape of a double cone. Cut the cardboard in the shape of a sloping track because the gradient in the experiment will all depend on the size of the funnels. Next, the cardboard track is projected in a sloping form where it appears to extend uphill acting against the force of gravity. The funnels are set at the bottom of this track. The reason they are set at the bottom is because the moment the funnels move in an upward direction, the actual center of gravity gets low with increasing width of the track.

► Bernoulli’s Principle With increasing classes and levels in the field of physics, you are bound to get introduced to Pascal’s, Bernoulli’s and Archimedes’ principles to comprehend the advanced fundamental laws of nature and pressures. Bernoulli’s principle is one of the kinds stating that when any liquid or gas is in movement, there is reduction in pressure.

This experiment requires simple materials like a cotton reel, a drawing pin and a piece of cardboard. To start off with, at the center of the cardboard insert the drawing pin and fix a cotton reel over the same pin. In one hand hold the cardboard and with your other hand hold the cotton reel for initial support. Now blow a good amount of air through the reel and immediately release the card. You will notice the cardboard doesn’t fall, but instead remains attached to the cotton reel. This continues as long as you blow the air. This proves Bernoulli’s principle.

Transform all these above reads into your personal physics experiments and bag the deserving grades in your high school fair soon. Well if you haven’t had enough of them yet, listed below are a few more physics project ideas you can undertake. So take a look.

Interesting Physics Science Fair Project Ideas

High school physics projects are most of the time, difficult to surmount as they require a piece of art, an original thought and sound knowledge ‘n’ interest in the subject. Participating in such types of fair projects are the times when a student’s basic foundations regarding physics fetches grounds. This is about time when he/she also feels confident to take up every next project, perform it well and in the future represent it in high-level competitions.

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12 Physics Passion Project Ideas For High School Students

high school physics experiments ideas

By Alex Yang

Graduate student at Southern Methodist University

10 minute read

Physics, often described as the science that reveals the mysteries of the universe, can be especially interesting for those who are curious about the world around them. Physics has an incredible range of applications, from the smallest subatomic particles to the vast cosmic expanses, from the intricate mechanics of a clock to the power of a black hole. As a result, knowledge of physics can help with careers in engineering, astronomy, environmental science, and even finance.

In this article, we’ll discuss ideas for different physics research and physics projects high school students can take on and different ways to showcase your project.

How Can I Find My Physics Passion Project Focus?

There are many different directions you can take with your physics passion project, so take some time to think through what specific topics within physics you’re interested in. Maybe you’re more interested in physics’ applications for space exploration, or perhaps you’re more intrigued by the movements of humans or animals or the aerodynamics of specific objects. If you find yourself in a position where you have a direction that interests you, great! You can then begin to dive deeper and conduct science experiments.

Keep in mind that some physics passion projects may require more technical skills like coding or measurement of data, whereas others may just explore theoretical concepts. The route you take is totally up to you and what you feel comfortable with, but don’t be afraid to pursue a high school physics science project if you don’t currently have the technical skills for it! You can view it as an opportunity to learn new skills as a high school student while also exploring a topic you’re excited about. If you need some help putting together your interests, our Project Ideas Generator uses the power of AI to find a project tailored just to you.

Do your own research through Polygence!

Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor in your area of passion. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own.

What are Some Physics Research and Passion Project Ideas?

Learn the basics of how lasers work! After studying the basics of optical resonators, you can learn more about a particular type of laser (such as a semiconductor or helium-neon laser) and explain what makes it tick, and what its particular advantages and disadvantages are.

Idea by physics research mentor Christian

2. Knot theory and topology

Knot theory is a branch of mathematics that studies knots. There is a rich mathematical structure involving knots. It turns out that you cannot deform any particular knot into another knot (some knots are permanently tangled) - this is called a "topological obstruction." In this project, you would learn about topology in the context of knot theory . No formal knowledge of math is required to study knot theory!

Idea by physics research mentor Adam

3. Hijacking physics to do math for us

We use math to do a lot of things, like run computers or make predictions. We also use math to describe physical behaviors in the world. In a sense, the world around us is constantly doing "calculations" with physics. In this project, we'll figure out a way to get the world to do our math for us, either in simulation or a simple physical system. Pick an example task (e.g., measure vibration/seismic activity over time, sense changes in shape, detect humidity), and figure out how to make a reliable test without using a computer. Think about experimental design, dealing with the noisiness of the real world, and critical data analysis.

Idea by physics research mentor Sam

4. Physics of dance 

Do you love dance and physics? How can you describe the art form through physics concepts? For example, how can you investigate and explain the "physics of a pirouette"?

Idea by physics research mentor Calli

5. Wait, it flies as well? 

Snakes, Spiders, Squid! What do all these animals have in common? All of these animals "fly" in the loosest sense. There are species of snakes that glide, species of spiders that balloon and squid can jet out of the water! This project would look at existing literature to determine how these animals are able to "fly" and what about them makes them different from their air/land restricted siblings.

Idea by physics research mentor Theodore

6. Determining optimal manufacturing methods for airplanes 

Airplane wings are made from all types of materials, but how can engineers determine the optimal material for their specific design? In order to determine the answer, we need to figure out what the connection is between the aerodynamics of the wing and the strength of the materials. In this project, students will ideally experimentally build and test multiple wing design prototypes to determine an optimal manufacturing method. This project is perfect for you if you’re interested in more hands-on work!

Idea by physics research mentor George

7. Analysis of low-thrust trajectories for space exploration

In this project, your goal would be to investigate the trade-off between thrust and specific impulse (e.g., fuel efficiency) for propulsion on different space missions. You can first perform a literature review of the relevant types and key physics of spacecraft propulsion . This work could then consider the benefits and drawbacks of various space power systems, including solar and nuclear power. Your final project outcome could include analysis of the trade-offs between required fuel mass, travel time, and other relevant factors.

Idea by physics research mentor Parker

Work with an expert mentor to explore your passion

At Polygence, we precisely match you with a mentor in your area of interest. Together, you can explore and deepen your passions.

8. Why are geckos' feet special? 

Walking on walls and ceilings isn't just a superpower from Spider-Man – geckos and even houseflies are able to go where no human can. Through experimentation and literature studies, this project investigates the nano-physical concept of "adhesion" to demonstrate why geckos have these unique abilities.

9. How is the James Webb Space Telescope changing astronomy? 

The James Webb Space Telescope (Webb) is a infrared space telescope, launched at the end of 2021, that is currently providing us with a massive amount of new information about our galaxy thanks to its high-resolution and high-sensitivity instruments. This project would take a deep dive into the kinds of data we are getting back from the telescope and what scientists are doing with that data - leading us to discover how Webb is shifting current astronomical studies and what that means for the future of astronomy.

Idea by physics research mentor Madeline

10. Rigid body dynamics 

Rigid body dynamics studies how rigid objects behave as they are acted on by forces, such as when they collide with each other. This was one of the first things Pixar had to simulate when making Toy Story and it is actually an active field of research at Disney today. In this project, you will explore the mathematical methods of rigid body dynamics and develop your own program to simulate balls bouncing off a plane. This resource from Khan Academy is a great place to start exploring rigid body systems.

Idea by physics research mentor Ina

11. Characterizing gait types of household pets 

At what point does a dog's movement transition from a walk to a run? What stride length and frequency do they use when walking vs. when running? For what portion of a single gait cycle are just two limbs on the ground? Questions like these could be explored with household pets or insects from your backyard using your phone's camera, some motion tracking software, and some basic coding.

Idea by physics research mentor Brooke

12. Mountains from another dimension 

Mountain ranges tend to have "fractal" surfaces; you can sometimes see these "finger-like" ridge lines splitting away from a peak and descending down. Fractals can famously have dimensions in between the usual 2 or 3 dimensions we are used to. You could use publicly available elevation data to measure the "fractal dimension" of a mountain range. Does the fractal dimension tell us something about the topography or geology of the mountain range?

Idea by physics research mentor Anoop

How Can I Showcase My Physics Passion Project?

After you’ve done the hard work of researching and learning physics concepts, it’s also equally important to decide how you want to showcase your project . You can see that in many of the project ideas above, there is a clear topic, but how you want to present the project is open-ended. You could try to publish a research paper , create a podcast or infographic, join a conference for physics science fair projects, or even create a visual representation of your concept. You’ll find that although many project ideas may feel like they should just be summarized in a paper, many actually can be showcased creatively in another way!

Have any Polygence Students Completed Physics Passion Projects?

There are several examples of amazing physics passion projects completed by Polygence students . We encourage you to explore them for inspiration; we’ll highlight a list below:

Arif’s project was a research paper on nuclear fission reactor moderators , where he looked to find the best and most feasible compounds to achieve a chain reaction with maximum efficiency.

Carl’s project was creating an online physics calculator that solves physics equations and shows the steps to arrive at the solution. The calculator is on a website where physics students can learn about complex equations and learn step by step.

These projects are more than just computations or experiments; they're a symphony of creativity and scientific curiosity. From unraveling the secrets of nuclear science to exploring the potential of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for cancer research, each endeavor is an adventure that sparks curiosity and imagination. 

The lineup of the projects we’ll discuss more in depth are: 

Taya’s Project: Nuclear Science Experiments and Outreach

Arif’s Project: Modeling and Simulation of BNCT for Cancer Treatment 

Vikram’s Project: Computational Physics Modeling Nuclear Reactors 

Sai Pranav’s Project: Comprehensive Analysis of the Properties of Rubber Bands

Diving Deeper on Each of these Ideas 

Tayas project: nuclear science experiments and outreach.

Taya's initiative takes us into the captivating realm of nuclear science experiments. Taya conducted a series of experiments that not only showcases her scientific prowess but contributes to the broader understanding of nuclear phenomena. She’s conducted the following experiments and showcases them on her blog :

#1 Alpha Radiation Detection

Using a condenser microphone, Taya engages in hands-on experiments to detect alpha radiation , transforming abstract concepts into tangible experiences.

#2 Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy Collaboration Gamma-ray spectroscopy is a technique used to analyze the energy spectrum of gamma rays emitted by a radioactive substance. This method allows scientists to identify the types of radioactive isotopes present in a sample and quantify their concentrations. The energy spectrum of gamma rays emitted during radioactive decay is unique to each isotope, serving as a kind of "fingerprint" that helps in the identification process.

In practical terms, gamma-ray spectroscopy involves the use of detectors to measure the energy levels of gamma rays emitted by a radioactive material. The resulting spectrum provides information about the specific isotopes and their abundance in the sample. This technique finds extensive use in fields such as nuclear physics, environmental monitoring, and medical imaging, contributing to a better understanding of radioactive materials and their applications. Collaborating with the Nuclear Engineering department at a local university, Taya is bringing invaluable insights and resources from academic experts, adding an exciting and enriched layer to her exploration of gamma-ray spectroscopy.

#3 The Most Bombed Country in the World Taya delved into an often overlooked and somber chapter of history, shedding light on the plight of Laos as the "most heavily bombed country in the world." In her blog, she addressed the misconception that such a grim title might be associated with an instigative or problematic nation, dispelling the assumption prevalent in the West. Taya highlighted the lack of documentation and awareness in the U.S. about Laos, emphasizing that standard world history textbooks provide minimal information beyond the country's name and location. Unearthing a tragic period from 1964 to 1973, she outlined how Laos became a victim of intense U.S. bombing during "Operation Barrel Roll" and "Operation Steel Tiger." The staggering statistic of 260 million bombs dropped, surpassing the combined total of bombs in WWII, underscored the magnitude of this historical tragedy, making Taya's blog article a poignant exploration of a forgotten narrative.

Taya's projects span the realms of nuclear science experiments, social media science education, and historical awareness. From conducting hands-on experiments detecting alpha radiation to collaborating with others, Taya showcases a multifaceted approach to scientific exploration. Additionally, her engagement in social media platforms to simplify nuclear physics concepts and her insightful blog article on Laos's history as the most heavily bombed country underscore her commitment to diverse and impactful projects.

Arif's Project: Physics Modeling and Simulations 

Arif, showcasing his advanced academic prowess, engaged in two Polygence projects!  The first project explores the optimization of moderator compounds for nuclear reactors . Arif's project focuses on identifying effective and economical moderators for nuclear fission reactors. Emphasizing criteria such as efficient thermalization of neutrons, neutron absorption rates, and cost-effectiveness of the materials used, Arif explores the potential of different types of moderators used in nuclear fission reactors. 

In his second research project, Arif delves into the realm of physics modeling and simulations using Python, specifically focusing on the intriguing concept of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) . This therapeutic technique utilizes the distinctive properties of boron to selectively target and destroy malignant tumors, particularly in the case of brain tumors. Arif's multifaceted exploration showcases his dedication to diverse and impactful scientific pursuits.

Polygence Scholars Are Also Passionate About

Vikram's project: computational physics modeling nuclear reactors.

Examples of Tokamak Fusion Reactors from the Paramak Python package.

Figure 1. Examples of Tokamak Fusion Reactors from the Paramak Python package .

Vikram takes on the challenge of computational physics by modeling nuclear reactors, with a specific focus on a tokamak, a device central to nuclear fusion research. Through Monte Carlo modeling, Vikram explores the intricacies of nuclear fusion and reactor dynamics, shedding light on the potential future of sustainable energy. Vikram's exceptional dedication and research acumen earned him the prestigious CREST Gold Award for his research project, titled “Optimization of Tritium Breeding Ratio in a Submersion Tokamak Fusion Reactor”. 

Sai Pranav's Project: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Properties of Rubber Bands

Sai Pranav's project takes a fascinating turn into the everyday yet mysterious world of rubber bands. Through a series of experiments and analyses, Pranav investigates the complex behaviors of rubber bands, addressing questions related to color, size, and responses to external forces. His comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the material properties of rubber bands, paving the way for potential advancements in their design and application. Pranav's remarkable research efforts also earned him the prestigious CREST Gold Award for his award-winning study, titled " A Comprehensive Analysis of the Properties of Rubber Bands .”

Properties of Rubber Bands

These graphs are just teasers from Pranav’s research paper, which you can find here.

Reflecting on the projects undertaken with my students has been a rewarding experience. Their curiosity and dedication have brought these endeavors to life. Witnessing their exploration of science and technology has been a pleasure, and offering solutions to real-world challenges has been a pleasure. To my current students, your hard work and passion for science and engineering is commendable! For those considering joining the journey, I welcome new students with open arms. Let's continue making learning both dynamic and enriching.

How Can I Get Started With My Physics Project?

In this article, we covered how to find the right physics project for you, shared a dozen ideas for physics passion projects, and discussed how to showcase your project.

If you have a passion or even just a curiosity about physics and you’re interested in pursuing a passion project, Polygence’s programs are a great place to start. You’ll be able to meet virtually one-on-one with a physics research mentor who can help you learn new concepts and brainstorm with you on ways to showcase your passion project .

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Physics lab station investigations.

The following is a complete list of lab activities from PASCO's Physics Lab Station Investigations manual. You may preview and download individual student lab activities as well as view detailed information regarding what files are included.

Grade Level: High School

Subject: Physics

01) Position, Distance, and Displacement

Students will explore and discover the difference between position, distance, and displacement using graphs of their own motion.

02) Newton's Second Law

Students measure the force on a cart and its resulting acceleration for a modified Atwood machine. They vary the weight on the hanger and create a graph of force vs. acceleration. They discover the relationship between the force on the cart, acceleration, and mass.

03) Modeling the Force of Friction

Students measure the force of kinetic and static friction between a friction tray and dynamics track using a wireless force sensor. They vary the weight of the tray to gather five data points and create a model for kinetic friction. They use their model top predict the force of kinetic and static friction and then test their prediction.

04) Designing and Testing Crash Cushions

Students measure the acceleration of a cart as it collides with a solid barrier and a simple crash cushion. Students use their data and Newton's Second Law to help design and build an improved crash cushion that reduced the maximum acceleration experienced in a second collision.

05) Impulse and Change in Velocity

Students collide a cart into a spring bumper attached to a force sensor, while simultaneously measuring the velocity of the cart before, during, and after the collision using a motion sensor. They use their force and motion sensors to graph impulse versus change in velocity and find that the slope of that graph is equal to the mass of the cart. Students also discover the impulse momentum equation, and use the equation to answer a series of questions.

06) Change in Kinetic Energy

Students use a modified Atwood machine to study how the change in kinetic energy is related to the net force applied and distance travelled. They use sensors to collect position, velocity and force data. They analyze the relationship between the kinetic energy of the cart and the distance it travelled, discovering the work-energy theorem.

07) Atwood Machine

Students set up an Atwood machine using a Wireless Smart Gate and pulley. They collect acceleration data for a system, keeping the total mass constant while varying the difference in the weight of the two hanging masses. They graph the difference in the weight versus the acceleration and discover the slope is the total mass. The equation of their line allows them to make predictions about the acceleration of an Atwood machine they did not measure.

08) Angular Velocity and Centripetal Acceleration

Students explore the relationship between centripetal acceleration and the rotational speed of an object.

09) Rotational Dynamics

Students use hanging masses to apply torque to a rotating arm and measure its angular acceleration. After varying the torque, they experimentally determine the mathematical relationship between net torque and angular acceleration.

10) Rotational Collisions

Students measure the change in angular velocity when a rotating disc experiences a sudden change in rotational inertia.

11) Simple Pendulum

Students test different variables to see which affect the period of a simple pendulum.

12) Properties of Sound Waves

Students will learn the meaning of terms (frequency, period, crest, trough, amplitude, wavelength and wave speed) used to describe waves by studying sound waves from tuning forks captured on an oscilloscope display. They will learn how to measure some of these quantities and discover the relationships between them.

13) Measuring the Speed of Sound with an Echo

Students will first predict the speed of sound in the air of their classroom using a simple relationship accounting for temperature. Students will measure the time it takes a short pulse of sound to travel the length of a tube, reflect off the closed end, and return. Using this measurement, they will calculate the speed of sound and compare it to their prediction.

14) Decoding DTMF Tones

Students will use a wireless sound sensor and the fast Fourier Transform (FFT) display of the data collection software to analyze the tones produced when dialing a phone. They will uncover the pattern of these dual frequency tones showing the first frequency gives the row of the key on the numeric keypad and the second frequency gives the column. From this information they can determine what key is pressed without seeing it.

15) Magnetic Field Strength

Students use a magnetic field sensor to measure the magnetic field at the center of a coil at five different current levels. Students plot magnetic field strength versus current and analyze the relationship between the them.

16) Magnetic Field of a Permanent Magnet

Students measure the strength of the magnetic field surrounding a permanent magnet as a function of the distance from the magnet.

17) Ohm's Law

Students measure the current and voltage across a resistor while varying the output voltage, A graph of voltage versus current will reveal Ohm's Law. This version uses the wireless AC/DC module to vary the voltage.

18) DC Circuits

Students construct a circuit consisting of two resistors in series and then in parallel. They measure the voltage across the resistors, and the current through the resistors. From their measurements they can infer Kirchhoff's loop and junction rules.

19) Capacitors and RC Circuits

Students construct a circuit that charges and discharges a large capacitor through a light bulb. They create a model for their observations and test the model with current sensor data. They measure the voltage across a smaller capacitor as it is discharged through a resistor and calculate the capacitance from the data.

20) Fruit Battery

Students will construct an electrochemical cell using common materials. They will explore how the voltage changes as the cells are connected in series.

21) Blockly Extension: Acoustic Stopwatch

Students develop Blockly code that uses data from a Wireless Sound Sensor to trigger start and stop timing, effectively creating a stopwatch that starts and stops using loud sound commands.

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80 of the Best Physics Projects for Clever Kids

February 21, 2020 by Ana Dziengel Leave a Comment

Physics projects are some of the most memorable science projects your kids will ever try. There, I said it even if you don’t believe it!

You see, physics is the branch of science that studies flying, launching, moving, and floating, as well as magnets, motors and electrical circuits, heat, light, and sound. Physics is fun! After you look over some of the projects in this collection I hope you’ll agree.

Now before we begin I want to address a common notion a lot of folks have about this branch of science: Physics is really hard! I completely understand this thought.

In fact the only class I ever almost failed in my entire academic career was physics. And I know why. Physics was presented to me as formulas about force, equilibrium, and momentum with not one single demonstration. Then I walked into a structural engineering class where we discussed the forces at work in designing buildings and my teacher told us he didn’t want us to open a book all quarter. Instead he told us to build models. He wanted us to experiment with how forces really interact in a structure by testing them in hands-on experiments. It was a profound experience for me and suddenly all the book learning “clicked.”

My goal with this collection of projects is to make physics more accessible and inviting to parents, teachers, and kids alike! But before we dive into the physics projects let’s get a bird’s eye view of what physics is all about!

What is the study of physics?

Physics is the branch of science that studies matter, how it moves and how it interacts. It is a HUGE topic and there is a lot of overlap with chemistry and biology. It’s really easy to hear the word physics and have your eyes glaze over, but in simple words physics is the study of how things move and interact with each other.

How do you explain physics to a child?

The best way to explain physics to kids is to skip an explanation and do a demonstration . Since physics encompasses the study of motion, light, electricity, magnetism, and aerodynamics, instead of trying to explain these concepts demonstrate them! I am a big believer in hands-on projects that give kids a chance to experience and experiment with a scientific concept rather than just hear or read about it. We all know an amazing project is memorable while a wordy explanation is forgettable. Kids are great visual learners so give them the chance to get excited about physics through projects!

What are main branches of Physics?

While I was assembling this post I realized scientists define the branches of physics in many different ways. The following is a list of the most commonly cited branches of physics compiled from both online and offline resources:

  • Mechanics This includes force, motion, fluid and aerodynamics, and is the branch most people think of when they hear the word physics.
  • Electromagnetism Electricity is physics!

Thermodynamics

  • Sound and Waves
  • Quantum Mechanics This is for the very serious! It’s the branch that studies atomic particles.

80+ Physics Projects for Kids

How to use this guide.

The physics projects for kids featured here are sorted by branches of physics and subcategories as follows (click on the topic to skip to that section) :

  • Mechanics and Motion: Work & Energy, Newton’s Law’s of Motion, Radial Forces, Gravity, and Balance
  • Electromagnetism & Electricity: Magnetism, Electricity

Optics & Sound

  • Heat, Liquids, and Air: Thermodynamics, Hydrodynamics, & Aerodynamics

Some topics and categories were really easy to find great projects for (work and energy) some were more challenging (thermodynamics) and at least one impossible (Quantum mechanics, but that’s okay!). We tried to assemble as many as we could on this list!

Please note that many of these projects could fit in two or more categories as they demonstrate various principles and forces. I only classified them once on this list.

Mechanics and Motion

When most people think of physics they think about mechanics and motion. Mechanics refers to the motion of objects and motion is the position change of an object over time. Everything around us is constantly in motion. Even when we consider ourselves to be sitting still, the earth is rotating on its axis and moving around the sun.

Scientists have studied motion over the centuries and determined there are laws that can explain the motion of objects. These laws revolve around the idea of forces .

A force is something that pushes or pulls on an object to make it move. A force can make an object speed up (like kicking a ball) or or slow down (like friction) or hold an object in place (like gravity). Momentum is the force an object has based on its weight and motion. For a deeper look into forces go here .

In this section we’ll cover projects that focus on motion including 3 of the most famous laws of motion as outlined by Sir Isaac Newton.

Work and Energy Projects

Energy is defined as the ability to do work. Work refers to the amount of energy needed to move something over a distance using a force. The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy is never created or destroyed it is simply changed from one state to another.

Potential Energy vs. Kinetic Energy

Two types of energy frequently disucssed in phyiscs are kinetic energy and potential energy. Kinetic energy is energy in motion. Potential energy is energy that is stored. An example of potential enrgy is a rubber band twisted up and held in place. Once the rubber band is released it unwinds quickly as kinetic energy.

Here are some projects that demonstrate work and energy:

Physics Project Idea: Rollback Can

Steam activity: stixplosions, how to build a catapult, transfer of energy science experiment, catapult stem project – diy catapult for kids, how to make a windmill model with a printable pattern, simple machines for kids: lego pulleys stem building challenge, power up your planes with a paper airplane launcher, featured work & energy videos:, newton's laws of motion.

Sir Isaac Newton was a mathematician and scientist who studied motion in the 1600's. He is credited with discovering the force of gravity as well as developing three laws of motion to describe how objects move. We'll look at each law of motion and some projects that highlight them below.

Newton's First Law of Motion is called the Law of Interia and states: An object at rest tends to stay as rest and an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force.

Newton's Second Law of Motio n states that the acceleration of an object depends on the force applied to the object and the object's mass. The relationship can be described with the following formula: F=ma

Force= Mass x Acceleration

Newton's Third Law of Motion states: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Here are some projects that focus on the laws of motion:

How To Make A Simple Newton's Cradle

Easy inertia science experiments with pennies, inertia zoom ball: super fun s.t.e.a.m. project, make a balloon pinwheel science demonstration, physics activities that explore newton's laws of motion, radial forces.

Kids love things that spin! There are several types of forces and movement that act upon objects as they spin:

Angular Momentum The momentum of an object rotating around a point.

Centripetal Force A force that pulls an object towards the center point, causing it to move in a circular path. The force is always orthogonal to the fixed center.

Centrifugal Force A force that pushes away from the center as an object is spinning. It's not a REAL force but an apparent force.

Friction is a force that slows down objects sliding against each other. It's the reason that spinning tops eventually slow down. If there was no friction on between the point on which a top spins and the surface on which it is spinning, it would spin forever!

Action Art: Spin Art Using a Bike

Diy spin art: art spinners from steam play & learn, simple paper toys: paper tops, homemade toy idea: diy skip-it, diy toys: spinning tops (+ magical disappearing colors), diy toy idea: spin-finite tops, gorgeous spin art hearts painting activity for kids, easy fidget spinner diy (free template) - science fair project idea, halloween science for kids: pumpkin spinning tops, stem toy: penny spinners, featured radial forces videos:.

Gravity is a force that attracts two bodies together. It's also the natural force that pulls everything towards the earth. The greater the mass of an object the more garvitational pull it has.

Scientists measure the acceration of gravity at the Earth's surface at 32 feet per second squared! That means the longer an object is free falling the more it's speed increases (not accounting for air resistance).

Here are some phyics projects for kids that explore the force of gravity and speed:

Recycled DIY Marble Run

Playground sized diy marble run, science & art for kids: salt pendulum.

Substitute paint for the sand to make a painting pendulum!

Drippy Gravity Painting | TinkerLab

Gravity beads experiment, the lincoln high dive, egg drop project with printable recording sheets, preschool science: weight, featured gravity videos:.

In phyiscs we use the word balance to describe a situation in which two forces are equal in magnitude and extered in opposite directions.

See saws and scales are two easy wasy to illustrate the concept of balance to kids. Here are some additonal project ideas:

How to Make a Balance Toy: Balance Hearts STEAM Activity

Diy balance toy & game, awesome earth day activity: make an earth balancer, how to make balance scales for toddlers and preschoolers, easy kid's craft: straw mobile, engineering for kids: twirling twig mobile, featured balance project videos, electromagnetism & electricity.

Did you know that electricity and magnetism are physics topics? Both of these “invisible” forces are some of kids’ favorites to explore through hands-on projects!

Magnetism describes a force that attracts or repels objects that are made of magnetic material.

A magnet is a type of material that attracts iron and produces it's own magnetic field. Magnets have a north and a south pole. If you hold two magnets close to each other and place like poles together the magnets will repel each other. If you place the opposite poles together they will quickly attract each other.

Science and Art for Kids: Magnetic Sculptures

The creepiest slime ever: how to make magnetic slime, 4 easy magnet experiments that will amaze your kids, science for kids: bouncing magnets, steam camp: how to make a magnetic field sensory bottle, how to make a compass - magnetic science experiment for kids, five minute craft: magnet painting, make an aladdin magic flying carpet, traveling magnets, easy science experiments for kids: gravity activity with paperclips, featured magnetism videos, electricity.

Electrical force is a force that causes electically charged bodies to either repel or attract. It's the force that carries electrical current through a wire. There are two types of electrical charges: positive and negative.

Similar to magentism like charges REPEL each other and opposite charges ATTRACT each other.

Here are some fun ways to explore elctriclty with kids.

How to Make Electric Play Dough with Kids

Steam project: tiny dancers (a homopolar motor), simple electronics: how to make a magic wand, how to make dance bots an electronics project for kids, how to make salty circuits: a simple circuit project for kids, how to make a lemon battery and a lime light, how to make a lightning bug paper circuit card, make an electromagnet, science for kids: diy magnetic led lights, static electricity balloon and salt and pepper experiment, steam camp: how to make a modern art steady hand game, origami firefly paper circuits, featured electricity videos.

What we see and hear is determined by physics! This includes the behavior of light waves and sounds waves, those that we can perceive and those we cannot.

Light is a type of energy made up of photons. Our eyes can perceive some of it and some forms we cannot perceive at all. Light travels in both wave form and particle form.

Photons are particles which can transmit light.

Optics is the study of light's behavior as well as tools we use to study and understand it, including how our eyes perceive it.

For a further study of light head over here .

Magic Mirrors: How To Make Reflection Art

Optical illusion toy: decotropes, how to make a teleidoscope (a type of diy kaleidoscope), how to make a microscope with water, magic happens when you pour water into a jar, steam project ideas - zoetrope and benham disk, rainbow science: creating light patterns with a cd, light box - a great tool for exploring the museum, spiral illusion, featured optics videos.

Sound is a vibration that travels in waves and can be detected by the ear. Sound can be transmitted through air, water, and solids.

Here are some projects that make use of sound and vibrations:

Simple Engineering Project: DIY Voicepipe

Explore the science of sound with a diy spinner, how to do the dancing oobleck experiment, sound sandwich, water-bottle membranophone, vibrating snake, how to make a rainstick instrument, rainbow water xylophone - mama.papa.bubba., featured sound videos, heat, liquids, and air.

Physics also covers the study of heat and fluid dynamics which includes aerodynamics (the study of movement in air and gases) and hydrodynamics (the study of movement in liquids) .

Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that studies heat and heat transfer. When two obejcts of different temperatures come in contact, energy will transfer between them until they reach the same temperature and are in a state of equilibrium. Heat always transfers from the higher temperature to a lower temperature. You can read more about heat here.

Heat Sensitive Color Changing Slime

Kids science: flying tea bag hot air balloon, magic jumping coin trick, convection detection, inverted bottles, convection currents, featured thermodynamics videos, hydrodynamics.

Hydrodynamics is the study of how fluids move and behave and the forces they exert. And let's be honest, kids love playing with water so use it an an entree to science!

Magic Potions Density Tower

Make a freestanding diy water wall, science for kids: scupley ships, stem project- build a hydraulic elevator, buoyancy for kids: will it sink or float, science experiments for kids: siphon water coaster, anti-gravity water - sick science, simple machines science lesson: lift water with an archimedes' screw, simple rain gauge, density science for kids : create fireworks in water & oil, featured hydrodynamics videos, aerodynamics.

After playing with water I'd say thay making things fly ranks very high on kids' must try list! Aerodynamics focuses on air movement and the forces at work as objects move through the air. It's the physics branch that let's kids explore building planes, helicopters, and rockets!

How To Make A Paper Helicopter

Diy toy: zappy zoomers, awesome science experiments with hot wheels cars, whirly twirly flying birds, stem for kids: straw rockets (with free rocket template), make an indoor paper boomerang with the kids, straws circle paper planes - s.t.e.m. for kids, how to make awesome paper airplanes 4 designs, more physics for kids resources.

The following websites are terrific resources for more information on the wonderful world of physics! These all offer in depth explanations about the phenomena we touched on above and some of them also offer additional physics projects to try.

  • NASA and Newton’s Laws
  • Exploratorium
  • Physics 4 Kids
  • Science 4 Fun

More Science on Babble Dabble Do

There’s lots more science on Babble Dabble Do! Here are some additional projects collections for you to check out:

50+ Chemistry Projects for Kids

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10 ideas for physics demonstrations to use in your classroom.

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If done appropriately, in-class physics demonstrations can be a great way to engage students and exhibit key concepts. Dr. Adam Beehler , Lecture Demonstration Specialist at the University of Utah shares a few of his favorites in the list below. Many of these examples are simple to implement in any classroom, though if resources are a concern, utilizing a video of the demonstration may be an effective alternative.

  • Rotational Inertia Race (North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics)

In this example, two concurrent demonstrations are utilized to illustrate that rotational inertia depends on the mass of an object and the ways in which it is distributed from the axis of rotation. An important aspect of this demonstration is making clear that angular acceleration is directly related to the ratio of torque to rotational inertia. While the first experiment does require the use of a motor to get an aluminum disk in motion, the second only requires setting up a ramp for two disks (one wood, one aluminum) to roll down.

  • Bicycle Wheel Gyroscope (Veritasium)

By manually spinning a bicycle wheel that is hanging from a rope from one of its axles, this short demonstration, which could easily be shown as an in-class video, illustrates the interaction of the torque of the spinning wheel with that of gravity.

  • Ice Skater Spin (Steve Spangler Science)

This experiment adapts the idea of a spinning ice skater to illustrate angular momentum by having a participant in the experiment stand on a flat rotating disk. Whether using the disk or a spinning chair, having students participate in this demonstrate may also be useful, keeping safety in mind. When students hold weights or books at the end of their arms they increase their rotational inertia, meaning they have a larger change in angular velocity when their arms are brought in as compared to when their hands are pulled in without any weights.

  • Falling Monkey (Harvard Natural Sciences Lecture Demonstrations)

Some demonstrations are better shown as videos, such as the Monkey and a Gun experiment. This version of the demonstration suspends a stuffed monkey from a rod with an electromagnet on one side of a lecture hall with a golf ball gun aimed at the monkey from the other side. When the gun is fired, it cuts power to the electromagnet, causing the monkey to fall. The earth’s gravitational field accelerates all objects at the same rate, be they monkeys or golf balls.

  • Magdeburg Hemispheres (Physics Demonstrations by Julien C. Sprott, Ch. 2)

Using a vacuum, the air from two hemispheres placed together is pumped out and participants attempt to pull them apart. While we don’t endorse any particular vendor, you can find an inexpensive version of this demonstration at Harbor Freight , which  doesn’t require the use of a vacuum pump. If you choose this route, it works a little differently in that the quick release handles change the curvature of the suction cups, thereby increasing the volume (and decreasing the pressure) inside creating a partial vacuum.

  • Bending a Laser (Fizik.si)

In order to demonstrate total internal reflection, a small laser is pointed through a hole in a 1L plastic bottle filled with water. The total reflection is evident if the light enters an optically less dense material and the incidence angle is big enough. The incidence angle at which the ray refracts exactly along the boundary line is called the boundary angle of the total reflection.

  • Jumping Ring (MIT Physics Lecture)

Two metal rings, one solid and one with a small hole cut in it, are placed on an iron core wrapped in wire. AC and DC power are run through the wire with each ring. The experiment is rerun after submerging the solid metal ring in liquid nitrogen, which lowers the resistance of the ring, causing a greater effect.

  • Pith Balls (Saint Mary’s University, Physics)

Two pith balls are suspended from a string. After being rubbed with silk, a glass rod is used to touch the pith balls, which repel each other. An ebonite rod rubbed with fur attracts the pith balls, which demonstrates electrostatic attraction and repulsion.

  • Egg in a Bottle (Fizik.si)

A small piece of paper is partially burned in a narrow-mouthed glass flask and a peeled, hard-boiled egg is placed in the mouth of the flask. The differential atmospheric pressure inside and outside of the flask cause the egg to be drawn into the flask.

  • Metal Ball and Ring (NormandinEdu)

A metal ball attached to a metal rod, which fits through a metal ring, is heated, which causes the metal to expand and no longer fit through the ring due to thermal expansion.

In previous blogs, we discussed the  pros and cons of in-class physics demonstrations , as well as some  guidelines for using them in class successfully. Some key takeaways from these discussions include that in-class demonstrations are most effective when experiments exhibit simplicity, are counterintuitive, and are integrated into an active-learning context.

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25 Research Ideas in Physics for High School Students

Research can be a valued supplement in your college application. However, many high schoolers are yet to explore research , which is a delicate process that may include choosing a topic, reviewing literature, conducting experiments, and writing a paper.

If you are interested in physics, exploring the physics realm through research is a great way to not only navigate your passion but learn about what research entails. Physics even branches out into other fields such as biology, chemistry, and math, so interest in physics is not a requirement to doing research in physics. Having research experience on your resume can be a great way to boost your college application and show independence, passion, ambition, and intellectual curiosity !

We will cover what exactly a good research topic entails and then provide you with 25 possible physics research topics that may interest or inspire you.

What is a good research topic?

Of course, you want to choose a topic that you are interested in. But beyond that, you should choose a topic that is relevant today ; for example, research questions that have already been answered after extensive research does not address a current knowledge gap . Make sure to also be cautious that your topic is not too broad that you are trying to cover too much ground and end up losing the details, but not too specific that you are unable to gather enough information.

Remember that topics can span across fields. You do not need to restrict yourself to a physics topic; you can conduct interdisciplinary research combining physics with other fields you may be interested in.

Research Ideas in Physics

We have compiled a list of 25 possible physics research topics suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors. These topics are separated into 8 broader categories.

Topic #1 : Using computational technologies and analyses

If you are interested in coding or technology in general , physics is also one place to look to explore these fields. You can explore anything from new technologies to datasets (even with coding) through a physics lens. Some computational or technological physics topics you can research are:

1.Development of computer programs to find and track positions of fast-moving nanoparticles and nanomachines

2. Features and limitations to augmented and virtual reality technologies, current industry standards of performance, and solutions that have been proposed to address challenges

3. Use of MATLAB or Python to work with existing code bases to design structures that trap light for interaction with qubits

4. Computational analysis of ATLAS open data using Python or C++

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at University of Cambridge, University of Rochester, and Harvard University.

Topic #2 : Exploration of astrophysical and cosmological phenomena

Interested in space? Then astrophysics and cosmology may be just for you. There are lots of unanswered questions about astrophysical and cosmological phenomena that you can begin to answer. Here are some possible physics topics in these particular subfields that you can look into:

5. Cosmological mysteries (like dark energy, inflation, dark matter) and their hypothesized explanations

6. Possible future locations of detectors for cosmology and astrophysics research

7. Physical processes that shape galaxies through cosmic time in the context of extragalactic astronomy and the current issues and frontiers in galaxy evolution

8. Interaction of beyond-standard-model particles with astrophysical structures (such as black holes and Bose stars)

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Princeton University, Harvard University, Yale University, and University of California, Irvine.

Topic #3 : Mathematical analyses of physical phenomena

Math is deeply embedded in physics. Even if you may not be interested solely in physics, there are lots of mathematical applications and questions that you may be curious about. Using basic physics laws, you can learn how to derive your own mathematical equations and solve them in hopes that they address a current knowledge gap in physics. Some examples of topics include:

9. Analytical approximation and numerical solving of equations that determine the evolution of different particles after the Big Bang

10. Mathematical derivation of the dynamics of particles from fundamental laws (such as special relativity, general relativity, quantum mechanics)

11. The basics of Riemannian geometry and how simple geometrical arguments can be used to construct the ingredients of Einstein’s equations of general relativity that relate the curvature of space-time with energy-mass

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Harvard University, University of Southampton, and Pennsylvania State University.

Topic #4 : Nuclear applications in physics

Nuclear science and its possible benefits and implications are important topics to explore and understand in today’s society, which often uses nuclear energy. One possible nuclear physics topic to look into is:

12. Radiation or radiation measurement in applications of nuclear physics (such as reactors, nuclear batteries, sensors/detectors)

Suggested by a Lumiere PhD mentor at University of Chicago.

Topic #5 : Analyzing biophysical data

Biology and even medicine are applicable fields in physics. Using physics to figure out how to improve biology research or understand biological systems is common. Some biophysics topics to research may include the following:

13. Simulation of biological systems using data science techniques to analyze biological data sets

14. Design and construction of DNA nanomachines that operate in liquid environments

15. Representation and decomposition of MEG/EEG brain signals using fundamental electricity and magnetism concepts

16. Use of novel methods to make better images in the context of biology and obtain high resolution images of biological samples

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Washington, and University of Rochester

Topic #6 : Identifying electrical and mechanical properties

Even engineering has great applications in the field of physics. There are different phenomena in physics from cells to Boson particles with interesting electrical and/or mechanical properties. If you are interested in electrical or mechanical engineering or even just the basics , these are some related physics topics:

17. Simulations of how cells react to electrical and mechanical stimuli

18. The best magneto-hydrodynamic drive for high electrical permittivity fluids

19. The electrical and thermodynamic properties of Boson particles, whose quantum nature is responsible for laser radiation

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Johns Hopkins University, Cornell University, and Harvard University.

Topic #7 : Quantum properties and theories

Quantum physics studies science at the most fundamental level , and there are many questions yet to be answered. Although there have been recent breakthroughs in the quantum physics field, there are still many undiscovered sub areas that you can explore. These are possible quantum physics research topics:

20. The recent theoretical and experimental advances in the quantum computing field (such as Google’s recent breakthrough result) and explore current high impact research directions for quantum computing from a hardware or theoretical perspective

21. Discovery a new undiscovered composite particle called toponium and how to utilize data from detectors used to observe proton collisions for discoveries

22. Describing a black hole and its quantum properties geometrically as a curvature of space-time and how studying these properties can potentially solve the singularity problem

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Stanford University, Purdue University, University of Cambridge, and Cornell University.

Topic #8 : Renewable energy and climate change solutions

Climate change is an urgent issue , and you can use physics to research environmental topics ranging from renewable energies to global temperature increases . Some ideas of environmentally related physics research topics are:

23. New materials for the production of hydrogen fuel

24. Analysis of emissions involved in the production, use, and disposal of products

25. Nuclear fission or nuclear fusion energy as possible solutions to mitigate climate change

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Northwestern University and Princeton University.

If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs ! 

This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper in a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far, and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. 

You can find the application link here

If you are passionate or even curious about physics and would like to do research and learn more, consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , which is a selective online high school program for students interested in researching with the help of mentors. You can find the application form here .

Rachel is a first year at Harvard University concentrating in neuroscience. She is passionate about health policy and educational equity, and she enjoys traveling and dancing.

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30 Physics Research Ideas for High School Students

high school physics experiments ideas

By Eric Eng

A student on a classroom. STEM

Physics research offers high school students a unique window into the mysteries of the universe, from the smallest particles to the vast expanses of space. If you’re a student interested in research ideas that delve into physics, you’re in the right place.

To uncover these ideas, you’ll need to think creatively and critically, applying concepts learned in class to real-world problems. Let’s explore various research topics in physics, designed to inspire and challenge you. Whether you’re presenting at a science fair or preparing for college, this guide will help you.

Physics Research Area #1: Quantum Computing and Information

Quantum computing represents a groundbreaking shift in how we process information, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are currently beyond the reach of classical computers.

Quantum

For high school students interested in physics research, exploring quantum computing offers a glimpse into the future of technology and a chance to engage with complex, cutting-edge concepts. This experience is invaluable for students planning to major in physics or computer science in college, providing a strong foundation in quantum theories and computational thinking.

Here are specific topics you can explore:

1. Assessing Quantum Error Correction Techniques

Quantum computers are prone to errors due to qubit instability. By simulating error models and evaluating correction methods like surface codes, you can contribute to making quantum computing more reliable. This involves understanding quantum mechanics basics and using simulation software.

2. Scalability Analysis of Quantum Algorithms

Investigate how algorithms like Shor’s scale with increasing qubits. By simulating these quantum algorithms, you can assess their computational complexity and practicality for real-world use, offering insights into the future of quantum computing.

3. Mitigating Decoherence Effects in Quantum Systems

Decoherence is a major challenge in quantum computing, disrupting qubits’ state. Explore strategies to reduce decoherence, using experimental setups or theoretical models. This research is crucial for extending qubits’ coherence time, enhancing quantum computer stability.

4. Implementing Quantum Teleportation Protocols

Quantum teleportation is a fascinating application of quantum entanglement. Work on designing and testing protocols for transferring information between quantum systems. This project requires a grasp of entanglement principles and hands-on experimental skills.

5. Applications of Quantum Machine Learning

Quantum computing holds promise for revolutionizing machine learning. Compare quantum machine learning algorithms, like quantum neural networks, against classical counterparts to discover their advantages in speed and efficiency. This involves studying algorithmic principles and potentially programming simulations.

Physics Research Area #2: Renewable Energy Technologies

As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, renewable energy technologies are at the forefront of combating climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

High school students researching this field can play a part in this pivotal movement while gaining valuable insights into physics, engineering, and environmental science . This experience not only prepares students for future studies in these areas but also empowers them to contribute to meaningful solutions for global energy challenges.

6. Enhancing Solar Panel Efficiency

Dive into the world of solar energy by experimenting with different materials and designs to increase solar panels’ efficiency. This involves hands-on testing and analysis, offering practical experience in materials science and photovoltaic technology.

7. Assessing Wind Turbine Design

Evaluate how various design elements of wind turbines affect their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Use computational modeling and, if possible, field experiments to explore energy production and environmental impacts, gaining insights into aerodynamics and renewable energy economics.

8. Optimization of Hydroelectric Power Generation

Explore ways to boost the efficiency of hydroelectric plants through dam design and water management strategies. Analyzing data from existing facilities provides a real-world understanding of fluid dynamics and energy conversion.

9. Integrating Renewable Energy Sources

Investigate how different renewable energies can be combined into a cohesive system. Model various scenarios to assess their efficiency and sustainability, which can inform future energy solutions and grid management practices.

10. Impact of Renewable Energy on Ecosystems

Study the ecological effects of renewable energy installations. Conduct field surveys and analyze ecological data to understand how these technologies interact with the environment, aiming to find a balance between energy production and conservation.

Physics Research Area #3: Biophysics

Biophysics is a fascinating field where physics meets biology, allowing us to understand life at the molecular and cellular levels.

biophysics

For high school students exploring research ideas, biophysics offers a unique opportunity to investigate how physical principles govern biological processes. This experience is invaluable for those considering majors in physics, biology , or pre-medical studies, providing a deep understanding of the mechanisms underlying health and disease.

11. Mechanics of Cell Migration

Study the forces and dynamics driving cell movement by using live-cell imaging and microfluidic devices. This research sheds light on cell behavior in development and disease, combining biology with physics to understand life at the cellular level.

12. Protein Folding Dynamics

Dive into the world of proteins to see how they attain their functional shapes. Using computational models and biophysical experiments, you can uncover the relationship between protein structure and function, essential for understanding diseases and developing drugs.

13. DNA Mechanics and Replication

Explore the physical properties of DNA and their impact on vital processes like replication. Techniques such as optical tweezers allow for hands-on investigation of DNA behavior, linking physics to genetics and molecular biology.

14. Biophysics of Medical Imaging

Uncover the physics behind MRI and CT scans. Through simulation and possibly hands-on experiments, you can understand how these technologies capture images of the body, bridging physics with medicine and diagnostic techniques.

15. Cellular Biomechanics in Disease

Examine how changes in cell mechanics contribute to diseases. By applying methods like atomic force microscopy, you can link physical changes in cells to health conditions, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapies.

Physics Research Area #4: Nanotechnology and Materials Science

Nanotechnology and materials science are at the cutting edge of modern physics, driving innovations in everything from electronics to medicine.

For high school students looking for physics research ideas, this field offers a rich vein of topics that blend physics, chemistry , and engineering. Engaging in research here not only prepares students for advanced study in these disciplines but also provides practical experience in developing solutions for real-world problems.

16. Characterization of Nanoparticle Behavior

Explore the unique properties of nanoparticles by studying their size, shape, and chemical behavior using techniques like TEM, AFM, and DLS. This research is vital for applications in medicine, electronics, and materials engineering, offering insights into the building blocks of nanotechnology.

17. Synthesis of Nanomaterials Using Green Methods

Dive into the world of sustainable nanomaterial synthesis. Experiment with green chemistry and biological methods to create nanomaterials, assessing their properties and potential applications. This approach emphasizes environmental responsibility in scientific research.

18. Nanotechnology in Biomedical Applications

Investigate how nanotechnology can revolutionize medicine through targeted drug delivery systems, improved imaging techniques, or novel tissue engineering solutions. Design and test nanocarriers or scaffolds, bridging the gap between physics, biology, and healthcare.

19. Nanoelectronics and Quantum Devices

Explore the frontier of electronics by working with nanoscale materials like nanowires, quantum dots, and graphene. Fabricate devices to study quantum and electronic phenomena, paving the way for future technological breakthroughs.

20. Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation

Address environmental challenges by using nanomaterials to remove pollutants from water, air, or soil. Analyze the effectiveness of these materials in breaking down contaminants, highlighting the role of nanotechnology in sustainability and conservation.

Physics Research Area #5: Data Science and Physics

The intersection of data science and physics opens up exciting possibilities for high school students interested in physics research ideas. By applying data analysis techniques to physics problems, students can uncover patterns and insights that traditional methods might miss.

data science

This field is particularly appealing for those considering majors in physics, data science, or computer science , as it equips them with valuable skills in computational analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

21. Analysis of Gravitational Wave Data

Dive into astrophysics by processing data from LIGO or Virgo to identify gravitational wave events. This research offers a firsthand look at phenomena like black hole mergers, requiring skills in data processing and analysis to interpret the cosmic dances of massive objects.

22. Particle Identification in Collider Experiments

Use machine learning to sift through data from the Large Hadron Collider, identifying particles from high-energy collisions. This involves developing algorithms for pattern recognition, offering insights into the fundamental components of the universe.

23. Climate Data Analysis for Weather Prediction

Apply statistical analysis to climate data to improve weather prediction models. This project combines physics with meteorology, modeling atmospheric dynamics to enhance the accuracy of forecasts and understand the impact of climate change.

24. Machine Learning for Quantum State Classification

Explore quantum physics by using machine learning to classify quantum states. Training models on experimental data allows for a deeper understanding of quantum information processes, showcasing the synergy between computational science and quantum theory.

25. Data-driven Modeling of Complex Physical Systems

Create models for predicting the behavior of complex systems, such as fluid flows or material behaviors. This research blends traditional physics equations with modern data-driven methods, improving simulation accuracy and efficiency.

Physics Research Area #6: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are rapidly transforming industries and everyday life, making the integration of these technologies with physics principles especially relevant for high school students exploring research ideas. This field not only offers a practical application of physics but also prepares students for future studies and careers in engineering, computer science, and robotics.

Engaging in research at the intersection of AI, robotics , and physics allows students to develop innovative solutions to complex problems, honing their skills in programming, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

26. Autonomous Navigation in Dynamic Environments

Work on AI algorithms to guide robots through changing settings. Apply physics principles for motion dynamics and obstacle avoidance, using sensors and real-time control for smooth navigation. This project combines robotics with physics to tackle real-world challenges.

27. Reinforcement Learning for Robotic Control

Explore how reinforcement learning can teach robots to handle physical tasks. Design experiments to refine robot actions through trial and error, using physics to inform reward functions and learning strategies. This approach blends AI with physical laws to enhance robot capabilities.

28. Swarm Robotics for Collective Behavior

Investigate how robots can work together like flocks of birds or schools of fish. Develop algorithms for communication and coordination, drawing on physics to simulate natural collective behaviors. This research pushes the boundaries of robotics, inspired by natural phenomena.

29. Physics-Informed Simulation for Robotic Manipulation

Create simulations that incorporate physical laws to train robots in tasks like picking up objects. Use physics-based models to ensure the simulation mirrors real-world interactions, improving robot efficiency and adaptability through virtual training.

30. Energy-Efficient Motion Planning for Robots

Focus on optimizing robots’ energy use while performing tasks. Develop algorithms that consider physical constraints, aiming to reduce energy consumption without compromising on performance. This project is crucial for creating sustainable robotic systems.

high school physics experiments ideas

How do I choose the right physics research topic?

Choosing the right physics research topic involves identifying your interests and the impact you want to make. Start by exploring various physics research ideas for high school students, focusing on areas that spark your curiosity and where you feel motivated to contribute. This approach ensures your project is both enjoyable and meaningful.

Consider the resources and tools available to you, as well as the feasibility of completing your project within the given time frame. Consulting with teachers, mentors, or professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and help narrow down your options to select a topic that aligns with your goals and academic aspirations.

What are the essential tools and techniques for high school physics research?

Successful physics research projects rely on a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. High school students exploring physics research ideas should familiarize themselves with basic laboratory equipment, simulation software, and data analysis tools. These tools are crucial for conducting experiments, simulating models, and analyzing results effectively.

Moreover, mastering research methodologies, such as experimental design, statistical analysis , and scientific writing, is essential. These techniques will not only enhance the quality of your research but also prepare you for future academic and professional endeavors in the field of physics.

How can I publish my high school physics research findings?

Publishing your physics research findings is a significant achievement that requires meticulous preparation and persistence. Begin by ensuring your research is thorough, well-documented, and presents a clear contribution to the field. Then, seek out journals like the National High School Journal of Science  that accept submissions from high school students; there are many platforms dedicated to young researchers where you can share your work.

Networking with teachers, mentors, and professionals in physics can provide guidance on where and how to submit your research for publication. They can offer advice on refining your paper, selecting the right journal or conference, and navigating the submission process. Remember, receiving feedback and possibly revising your work is part of the journey to publication.

How can my high school physics research experience boost my college application?

Incorporating your high school physics research experience into your college application can significantly enhance your profile. Highlighting your involvement in research demonstrates initiative, depth of knowledge, and a commitment to scientific inquiry. These are qualities that colleges and universities value highly in prospective students.

Discuss how your research allowed you to apply physics concepts in real-world situations, the skills you developed, and any recognition or awards you received. This approach not only showcases your academic capabilities but also your ability to engage with complex problems and contribute to the field of physics.

How can high school students stay updated on the latest physics research trends?

Staying updated with the latest trends in physics research requires proactive engagement with scientific communities and resources. High school students can subscribe to reputable science magazines, journals, and online platforms that publish the latest findings and discussions in physics. Additionally, attending science fairs , lectures, and workshops can provide insights into current research and future directions in the field.

Female students holding her books while walking.

Engaging with social media groups and forums dedicated to physics and science education is another effective way to stay informed. These platforms allow students to connect with peers, educators, and professionals, sharing ideas, research opportunities, and updates on advancements in physics research. By remaining informed, students can find inspiration for their projects and contribute meaningfully to conversations in the scientific community.

Exploring physics research ideas for high school students offers a unique opportunity to delve into the wonders of the universe and contribute to the vast expanse of scientific knowledge. By selecting the right topic, mastering essential tools, publishing findings, and staying informed about research trends, students can significantly enhance their academic journey and future prospects.

Remember, your curiosity and dedication to physics can lead to discoveries that illuminate the mysteries of the cosmos in ways we can only imagine.

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  1. 10 Cute High School Physics Project Ideas 2024

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COMMENTS

  1. High School, Physics Science Experiments

    Making False-Color X-ray Images with NASA Files from the Chandra Observatory. Uncover the laws of the universe with physics experiments. Explore motion, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature. Explore classic and cutting-edge high school science experiments in this collection of top-quality science investigations.

  2. High School, Physics Science Projects

    Science Fair Project Idea. Scientific Method. If you'd like to investigate the physics of amusement park rides, then this project is for you. You'll build a roller coaster track for marbles using foam pipe insulation and masking tape, and see how much the marble's potential energy at the beginning of the track is converted to kinetic energy at ...

  3. 30 Best Science Experiments & Projects for High School

    26. Film Canister Explosions. Prepare for a blast of excitement and chemistry with the high school science experiment - "Film Canister Explosions!". This project teaches students about chemical reactions and pressure build-up. Learn more: Steve Spangler.

  4. 70 Best High School Science Fair Projects in Every Subject

    Feb 6, 2024. The cool thing about high school science fair projects is that kids are old enough to tackle some pretty amazing concepts. Some science experiments for high school are just advanced versions of simpler projects they did when they were younger, with detailed calculations or fewer instructions. Other projects involve fire, chemicals ...

  5. 6 Fun Physics Experiments For High School Students

    3. Demonstrating the power of friction with sticky notes. The beautiful and multi-colored stacks of sticky notes are a fun addition to the school stationery. But guess what, they can be instrumental in understanding the power of friction as well! Materials required for understanding friction: Pairs of sticky notes.

  6. High School, Physics Projects, Lessons, Activities

    Uncover the laws of the universe with physics experiments. Explore motion, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature. Explore classic and cutting-edge high school science experiments in this collection of top-quality science investigations.

  7. Physics Science Fair Projects for High School

    Home Science Tools offers a wide variety of science products and kits. Find affordable beakers, dissection supplies, chemicals, microscopes, and everything else you need to teach science for all ages! HST's physics science fair projects for high schoolers include ideas and tips for electricity, magnetism, force and motion, and energy experiments.

  8. Physics Science Fair Project Ideas

    Balloon Rocket Car + Video. Make a balloon rocket car and watch a video showing the project in action. Get science fair project ideas about magnetism, electricity, energy and solar power, and more. Find a Physics and Technology science fair project now!

  9. Top 18 Science Experiments for High School ...

    9. Demonstrating Newton's Third Law of Motion with Balloons. Highlighting a core principle of physics, this initiative lets students inflate balloons and, upon releasing, witness the dynamics of Newton's Third Law of Motion in play. 10. Observing the Greenhouse Effect with Sunlight and Jars.

  10. Easy High School Physics Experiments

    Now stir 1/4 cup of milk into the water. Observe the light from the opposite side and the end of the container. From the other side, the light may seem blue, and from the end, the light may seem yellow. Note the width of the beam. Repeat until all of the milk is added. You'll notice after each addition that the blue darkens, the yellow turns to ...

  11. Amaze the Crowd : Physics Science Fair Projects that will Wow the Judges

    Look nowhere else! We've put together a selection of physics science fair projects that will astound the judges and your fellow classmates. These projects can help you gain a deeper grasp of the rules of physics and help you stand out at the science fair. They range from investigating gravity, magnetism to exploring mysteries of physics laws.

  12. 50+ Physics Project Ideas

    16. Egg in a Bottle. To construct this particular physics project model, you need a properly boiled and peeled egg, a glass bottle or container that has a narrow opening, paper, and a source of fire. Place the glass bottle on a flat and rigid surface. Light one end of the paper and place it inside the glass container.

  13. High School Physics Science Fair Project Ideas

    Interesting Physics Science Fair Project Ideas. Determine the strength of the surface tension among different liquids. See how different surfaces affect the level of friction. Run a test to determine the strength of different fabrics. Determine whether the surrounding temperature affects the speed at which a candle burns.

  14. Physics Science Projects

    Science Fair Project Idea. Engineering Design Process. In this engineering challenge, you will build a car powered by nothing but a rubber band. The farther the car goes, and the fewer materials you use to build it, the higher your score. Enter your score in the 2024 Science Buddies Engineering Challenge for a chance to win prizes!

  15. 12 Physics Passion Project Ideas For High School Students

    The lineup of the projects we'll discuss more in depth are: Taya's Project: Nuclear Science Experiments and Outreach. Arif's Project: Modeling and Simulation of BNCT for Cancer Treatment. Vikram's Project: Computational Physics Modeling Nuclear Reactors. Sai Pranav's Project: Comprehensive Analysis of the Properties of Rubber Bands.

  16. 100+ High School Science Fair Projects: Award-Winning Science Fair

    That's why we've put together a comprehensive list of over 100 high school science fair projects to inspire and guide students on their scientific journeys. From biology to chemistry, physics to earth sciences, this list includes a wide range of topics and project ideas suitable for high school students of all levels.

  17. PDF Interesting and inexpensive experiments for high school physics

    Input and constraints. This set of experiments responds to requests from teachers of physics in the state of New South Wales for experiments to address some areas in the new syllabus. Given that one wants to have several sets of gear so that students can work in small teams, the implicit budget constraint is severe. We have tried to respect that.

  18. Physics Lab Station Investigations

    07) Atwood Machine. Students set up an Atwood machine using a Wireless Smart Gate and pulley. They collect acceleration data for a system, keeping the total mass constant while varying the difference in the weight of the two hanging masses. They graph the difference in the weight versus the acceleration and discover the slope is the total mass.

  19. 80 of the Best Physics Projects for Clever Kids

    The physics projects for kids featured here are sorted by branches of physics and subcategories as follows (click on the topic to skip to that section): Mechanics and Motion: Work & Energy, Newton's Law's of Motion, Radial Forces, Gravity, and Balance. Electromagnetism & Electricity: Magnetism, Electricity. Optics & Sound.

  20. 10 Ideas For Physics Demonstrations To Use In Your Classroom

    AC and DC power are run through the wire with each ring. The experiment is rerun after submerging the solid metal ring in liquid nitrogen, which lowers the resistance of the ring, causing a greater effect. Pith Balls (Saint Mary's University, Physics) Two pith balls are suspended from a string. After being rubbed with silk, a glass rod is ...

  21. 25 Research Ideas in Physics for High School Students

    Some ideas of environmentally related physics research topics are: 23. New materials for the production of hydrogen fuel. 24. Analysis of emissions involved in the production, use, and disposal of products. 25. Nuclear fission or nuclear fusion energy as possible solutions to mitigate climate change.

  22. 30 Physics Research Ideas for High School Students

    Physics Research Area #1: Quantum Computing and Information. Quantum computing represents a groundbreaking shift in how we process information, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are currently beyond the reach of classical computers. For high school students interested in physics research, exploring quantum ...

  23. Physics Science Experiments

    Physics Science Experiments. (216 results) Fun science experiments to explore everything from kitchen chemistry to DIY mini drones. Easy to set up and perfect for home or school. Browse the collection and see what you want to try first! Physics is the study of matter — what is it made of?