Students

Scientific Projects

Investigation

The key to a good and manageable investigation is to choose a topic of interest, then ask what is called a “testable question.” Testable questions are those that can be answered through hands-on investigation by the student. The key difference between a general interest science question and a testable question is that testable questions are always about changing one thing to see what the effect is on another thing.

Select a Life Science, Earth Science or Physical Science category below to be presented with starter investigations.

Select a category and investigation.

Scientific Question
A scientific question can be answered through an investigation.

What is tested?
Scientists call this an independent variable. This is the one thing the investigator chooses to change.

What stays the same?
A variable that is not changed, and stays the same, is called a constant.

Data collected:
Data can be qualitative, describes physical properties, or quantitative, uses numbers and tools to collect data.

Plants

(6 Ideas)

Animals

(14 Ideas)

Health / Human Body

(10 Ideas)

Microorganisms

(6 Ideas)

Environment

(4 Ideas)

Weather

(6 Ideas)

Geology

(8 Ideas)

Space

(3 Ideas)
  • How do fins on a rocket affect its flight?

    What is tested? Size of fins
    What stays the same? Shape and number of fins, fin placement, type and size of rocket, propulsion system (amount of push), air movement, temperature, launch site
    Data collected: Distance the rocket flies or trajectory (how straight the rocket flies)

    Select this investigation: How do fins on a rocket affect its flight? Continue to the next step.
  • What conditions produce craters?

    What is tested? Type of surface (e.g. sand, gravel, clay, silt or flour, mass of falling sphere
    What stays the same? Height from which sphere is dropped
    Data collected: Pattern of crater

    Select this investigation: What conditions produce craters? Continue to the next step.
  • How do fins on a straw rocket affect its flight?

    What is tested? Size, shape and number of fins
    What stays the same? Type and size of rocket, propulsion system (amount of push), air movement, temperature, launch site
    Data collected: Distance the rocket flies or trajectory (how straight the rocket flies)

    Select this investigation: How do fins on a straw rocket affect its flight? Continue to the next step.

Chemistry

(6 Ideas)

Energy / Force

(22 Ideas)

Matter

(13 Ideas)

Kids Workshops

Kids Workshops provide a mix of skill-building, creativity, and safety for future DIYers every month in Home Depot stores across the country. After registering for the next Workshop, download these exclusive extension activities from Discovery Education. Each extension provides opportunities to reimagine or use their Workshop creation in an unexpected new way.