Science Fair Invention Ideas

There are kids who simply love science, and others who simply do not. But for those of them who do, there's no better time of the year than that around the science fair. It's like the only thing they can think of doing is getting their gray cells working in order to come up with some brilliant options. Would you blame 'em? It's such an exciting way for kids to show off their creativity, and if it's science fair for older students, it's the moment they can display their absolute genius talent.

One way or another, it is that time when you can exhibit all your intelligence in this domain. It's really kinda cool if you think about it. Imagine inventing something that actually works. It probably feels very Einstein-ish! The best part about this is the fact that there is something for everyone.

From easy science fair ideas for kids to other more elaborate ideas for college students, the invention can go as far as your imagination. So how about a look at some of the best science fair project ideas...

Since the field of science is very extensive, a smart way to start is by deciding if the project or invention you've decided on is going to be an easy one or not. Some people may be up to something complex or time-consuming, while others may not, so it is crucial to decide upon this right in the beginning. Here's a bunch of ideas that could be chosen from depending on the level of difficulty you would like to indulge in.

Working on a project for science fair gets most kids excited. It goes without saying that the invention idea chosen for these young ones has to be something manageable. So take a look at the list to follow and hopefully something will appeal to you.

Albeit not really an invention, this would be an interesting idea for kids to use at their science fair. Kaleidoscopes are fun to play with, and a child would enjoy making one too. Moreover, it'd be a safe option to turn to, especially for kids. So let's see how it can be made.

Material Required:

• Cardboard cylinder (paper towel roll would do fine)
• Clear plastic report cover
• Black Construction Paper
• Plastic wrap & Waxed paper
• Clear tape
• Rubber band
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Glue
• Craft paint
• Markers or pens
• Glitter
• Sequins or colored beads

How to Make it

1. Begin by drawing on the plastic report cover, a rectangle of measurement 8 x 4 inches and cut it out. Once that's taken care of, draw 3 horizontal lines across the rectangle. Let them be at a distance of 1 ¼ inches from each other.

2. The step to follow this would be folding the sheet into a triangle while following the lines previously drawn on the sheet. The last tiny bit of a quarter inch should be on the outer side so as to have some space to tape it up. Doing so would help keeping the triangle from coming undone.

3. After all the cutting and taping has been done, slip the plastic triangle into the cardboard roll, which should be at least 8 inches long.

4. Next, you want to trace a circle on the construction paper, poke a hole into it, and with the help of some sticky tape, attach it to one end of the cylindrical piece of cardboard.

5. On the open end of the cardboard roll, place some plastic wrap and push it down a little so as to create a little pouch which you will fill with the colored sequins and beads you gathered up for your kaleidoscope.

6. Lastly, cover up this side with a square of waxed paper. Secure it with the help of a rubber band. Ensure that it is tight enough so that the beads and all that's been placed in that little pouch do not fall out.

7. Cut off the excess bits of the plastic sheet and decorate the cardboard roll with either pretty, colorful wrapping paper, or even glitter and any other craft item.

Your kaleidoscope is ready to be used. Hold it up to your eye and enjoy looking through it.

A miniature solar system is always a good idea to turn to for a science fair. It's another fun option that isn't difficult to make in the least. Check out how it's made.

Material Required:

• Various sized foam balls (to make the planets)
• Acrylic paints
• Wire
• Tin plate
• Cardboard
• Glue
• Image of the Solar System (for reference)

How to Make it

1. The first step to recreating the solar system would be referring to its image and choosing allotting the right sized ball to each planet.

2. The next step you'd want to move on with is painting the "planets" the right colors. E.g. Red for Mars, yellow for the Sun, etc.

3. After you're done painting, you can move on to placing the planets appropriately. They should be placed according to their distance from the sun.

4. Once you've gone ahead with all these details, you can proceed with getting the exact look of every planet. E.g. The ring for Saturn, which can be made with some cardboard.

5. Following this, cut up the wire into the required number or pieces. You should have one piece for every planet. After the wires have been sorted out, pierce them through the foam balls and twist the ends so as to secure them.

6. By now you should be done with the part that involves arranging the planets, therefore, it is time to fix this to the tin plate so that the wires can be suspended. Using a Swiss army knife, make holes in the tin plate, and begin by suspending the sun first.

Doing so will give you an idea regarding the distance for the other planets. Keep up with placing every planet in the same method and you'll be done in no time. Your solar system is ready for display.

These were a couple of ideas for kids. You could also try making a lava lamp, miniature volcano which can explain the chemical reactions, a telescope, modified versions of flying machines, or perhaps something that deals with pollution.

If you are looking for 5th or 6th grade science fair invention ideas you could try out something like gadgets to feed your pet even when nobody's home. It could have an alarm setting or something on those lines. How about something like a language identifier or mini metal detector? Most of these ideas will be easy for a 6th grader to get around with.

These were just a bunch of easy ideas that you could try your luck with. If they do seem slightly cliched, feel free to think of something absolutely unique and out of the box. Hope you enjoy the next time you're preparing for the science fair. Good luck then...