Fifth Grade Science Fair Project
Planning Sheet – Scientific Method
Due October 31
Science Fair Category:
Physical Science - Forces and Motion Earth & Environmental Science - Ecosystems
Title of My Project: ______
1. Choose a problem. State the problem as a Question(What I want to find out)
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2. Research your problem. Read, get advice, and make observations.
3. Develop a Hypothesis. Make a prediction about what will happen.
4. Design an experiment. Plan how you will test your hypothesis.
Materials I Needed: ______
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Step-By-Step Directions: ______
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** Scientific Method continued (This part is not due until November 28)
5. Test your hypothesis. Conduct the experiment and record the data.
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6. Organize your data. Create a chart or graph of your data.
7. Draw conclusions. Analyze your data and summarize your findings.
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All forms are available on the North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair website Please go the Forms on the left margin under Main Menu. On the Forms page, there is a link to the “ISEF Wizard” which is a great resource. Before beginning work on your project, please be sure you are following the ISEF Rules. The wizard will tell you which forms you need to fill out, and all of the links to the forms are below the wizard.
Also, in the Main Menu there is a link called “Doing a Science Fair Project” which will walk you through the process of doing a science fair project from coming up with an idea to starting the project.
Additional ideas: Please choose one that is part of the 5th grade science curriculum – forces & motion or ecosystems.
Ideas for Simple Experiments
Consumer Product Tests
(Substitute two brand names for the terms Brand X and Brand Y.)
Which brand of popcorn pops the most, Brand X or Brand Y?
Which brand of paper towel absorbs the most water, Brand X or
Brand Y?
Which brand of gum keeps its flavor the longest, Brand X or Brand Y?
Which brand of dish detergent makes the best bubbles, Brand X or Brand Y?
Which brand of batteries lasts the longest, Brand X or Brand Y?
Other Experiments
(Let these ideas spark your imagination! Modify or adapt as needed. Always remember to treat
animals in a humane manner when designing experiments involving living organisms.)
Which type of ball bounces the highest, a tennis ball or a basketball?
How will soap affect the number of water drops that will fit on a penny?
Do ants prefer sugar or artificial sweeteners?
Which heats up faster, water or soil?
Do plants grow taller in sunlight or darkness?
Do seeds sprout better in sunlight or darkness?
Do hermit crabs prefer moist or dry soil?
Do crickets prefer to eat corn seeds or radish seeds?
Do lizards prefer a sunny or a shady terrarium? (Note: Do not leave a terrarium in
direct sunlight as it will overheat and kill the organisms. Use a lamp for this experiment and
keep a close watch on the terrarium.)
Does the amount of weight on a pendulum affect its swing time?
Does the length of a pendulum’s string affect its swing time?
How does the type of surface affect the distance a toy car will travel?
Does the water temperature affect the number of times a goldfish breathes in a
minute? (Note: Do not vary the temperature enough to harm the goldfish. Research this
question to find the range of temperatures that are permissible.)
When making homemade ice cream, does rock salt or table salt cause the ice cream
to freeze faster?
Which paper airplane design results in an airplane that travels the farthest distance?
How does the width of a paper helicopter’s wings affect the amount of time it takes
to fall?
Created by Laura Candler - Teaching Resources -