Junior High Science Project Topics

Students can maintain observations and data in a science invention notebook.

The curiosity of junior high school students can really provide fuel to the fire of science investigation. There is almost an innate desire in many junior high students to want to know everything about everything. Science fairs provide that outlet and an opportunity for junior high students to explore every question they have. The cool thing is that learning that takes place when students use the scientific method to find the answers to those lingering questions.

Toothpaste Test

In this project, the student compares the performance of different toothpaste brands in removing bacteria from the teeth. The student must select at least three toothpaste brands. The student can apply bacteria samples to three dentures. The fourth denture will serve as a control variable and should not be subjected to bacteria. The student then applies a different brand of toothpaste to each denture. Once the dentures have been brushed with each toothpaste brand, the student uses a plaque indicator tablet to wash the dentures and determine which denture is cleanest.

Moldy Cheese

This project investigates the amount of mold growth based on the type of cheese. The student must select at least three types of cheese. He should allow the different cheeses to mold at the same temperature conditions, and monitor the mold growth. The student compares the mold growth by measuring the size of the mold spread.

Soy Beans

In this project, the student examines the effect of antifreeze at different concentrations on the growth and development of soy bean plants. The student must determine at least three to four concentrations of antifreeze that will be used to test soy bean seed growth. Once the student plants the seeds and applies the same amount of each concentration of antifreeze, the student will be able to compare the growth rate of each soy bean plant. The working hypothesis is that antifreeze, especially at higher concentrations, will slow the plants' growth.

Soil Types

This project looks at the effect different soils have on the growth rate of a tomato plant. The student must select at least three different types of soil. The student plants the same number of tomato seeds in each of three identical pots containing the soil. The student monitors and compares the growth rates by measuring the height of the stem of each tested plant.

References

• Selah (Washington) School District: Science Fair Project -- The Effectiveness of Various Toothpastes on the Bacteria on Teeth
• Selah School District: Science Fair Project -- Effect of Mold Growth on Various Types of Cheese
• Selah School District: Science Fair Project -- Effect of Antifreeze Type and Concentration on Soybean Growth
• Selah School District: Science Fair Project -- What Material Affects the Growth of a Pinto Bean the Most?