Simple Last-Minute Science Projects
Many science projects require long-term thinking and preparation, and it is advisable to give your project as much attention as possible. This is not always an option, however. There are a number of simple, last-minute projects that your students can carry out that involve interesting and educational science using everyday household items and science class equipment.
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Biology
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One last-minute biology project that can be carried out by a teacher at the start of a class involves slicing a banana without peeling it. Take a long sewing needle and a small banana before slicing. Place the needle through the side of the skin and push through the banana until you reach the other side -- do not go all the way through the other side, just until you feel a change of resistance as the needle reaches the inside of the skin on the opposite side. Now wiggle the needle around on its pivot point, which will slice the banana. Repeat this process along the length of the fruit before peeling and exposing your sliced banana. Explain to students why this only works with a banana (and no other fruit) because of the banana's micro-fibrous construction.
Chemistry
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Although chemistry projects can require long-term observation of chemical reactions, one example of a project that is both quick and easy to assemble involves reacting water, yeast and sugar to inflate a balloon. Take a clean and empty plastic bottle, such as a rinsed out soda bottle, and pour a packet of dried yeast inside. Add warm water to the bottle, so that it is approximately one-fourth full. Now, add a heaped teaspoon of sugar to the bottle and place the balloon over the neck of the bottle to form an airtight seal. Finish your project by shaking the bottle vigorously and placing it in sunlight on a windowsill. Observe as the balloon is inflated by the carbon dioxide produced during the experiment.
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Physics
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Physics projects that are ideal for students are ones that make the science simple and easy to understand. Many projects require a lot of equipment and testing, but one experiment that can be carried out quickly involves forming fog using two bottles, ice, hot and cold water, and a camera or log book. Empty and rinse clean two used soda bottles and label one hot and the other cold. Fill the bottle labeled cold one-fourth of the way with cold water and wedge an ice cube in the neck of the bottle. Have students observe what they see -- there should be no reaction. Now, fill the bottle labeled hot one-fourth of the way with hot water and wedge an ice cube into the neck. Students should observe fog forming inside the bottle.
Earth Science
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Earth science is a modern scientific discipline that gets your students thinking about the impact of different phenomena. One simple last-minute project will engage your students with thinking about CFCs and the ozone layer. Provide your students with an empty and cleansed soda bottle and some chewing gum. Students should chew the gum as they set up the experiment. Fill the soda bottle to the brim with very hot tap water before spitting out the gum and forming an airtight seal with gum over the top of the bottle so the water level is touching the underside of the gum. Give students a magnifying glass and have them observe the chewing gum as it loses its elasticity and slowly breaks apart. Finish the project by comparing the hot water in the bottle to CFCs and the chewing gum to the ozone layer.
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References
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