Science fair investigations

Senior school science fair investigations - Some ideas from the Science Learning Hub
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an article about engaging students in science fairs
Encouraging kids into science fairs — NZASE DOWNLOAD
Considering supporting your students to enter a science fair? Read experienced teachers & judges on building skills, choosing topics, planning, ethics & presentation in this download.
the science of rongoa brochure is shown with a leaf on it
The science of rongoā — TEACHING RESOURCE
This article tells the story of Chris Ryan, a high school student who investigated the medicinal properties of kawakawa. Chris initially found there was no scientific evidence to support kawakawa as an antibacterial or antiviral agent. He found it odd that science did not back up the Māori practice of using kawakawa in rongoā – their traditional healing system.
a woman kneeling down next to a bird in a cage on the side of a river
'Rubbish Taniwha' wins science fair award
the instructions on how to make a table for students
Best base isolator
In this activity, students use a physical model to investigate the effectiveness of different properties for base isolators.
a wooden mouse trap with a bottle of water on it and a tool attached to it
Water bottle rockets
In this activity, students make a water bottle rocket. They investigate the variables that affect the height and distance travelled by the rocket.
the balloon is attached to an object with plastic parts around it, and then placed on top of each other
Balloon car challenge
In this activity, students design and build a balloon-powered car to better understand the science ideas related to rocket propulsion. They use ideas of mass and force to work out ways to improve the distance travelled by their car.
the instructions for how to make an origami star with toothpaste and glue
Effervescent canister rockets
Effervescent canister rockets - In this activity, students make a film canister rocket using baking soda and vinegar. They develop their understanding of rocket propulsion and investigate the amount of vinegar that will make the rocket go the highest.
plastic beads with different colors and sizes are shown on the left side of this image
Investigating UV intensity
Investigating UV intensity - In this activity, students use UV beads to investigate the intensity of UV rays in a range of different situations.
the sun screen application on plastic is shown in four different colors, including orange and yellow
Investigating sunscreens
Investigating sunscreens - In this activity, students use UV beads to investigate the effectiveness of different sunscreen lotions.
several shots of plants growing in glass vases
Nutrient impact experiment
Nutrient impact experiment - In this activity, plastic bottles are used to simulate the link between land and sea. Students investigate some of the potential impacts increased nutrient use on land can have on the marine environment.
many different types of vegetables and fruits are shown in this collage with the same image
Water content of foods
Water content of foods - In this activity, students quantitatively analyse carrot and banana for moisture content and total solids using and comparing two drying methods.
Biodegradability experiment -  In this activity, students set up an experiment to determine the biodegradability of different substances.  This experiment can be done in groups, with each group given the same or different items from the list below, or each group could be assigned two materials to compare, for example, plastic versus cardboard. Biodegradable Waste, Greek Yogurt Muffins, Light Snacks, Food Scraps, Food Science, Healthy Muffins, Global Recipes, Reduce Food Waste, Food Waste
Biodegradability experiment
Biodegradability experiment - In this activity, students set up an experiment to determine the biodegradability of different substances. This experiment can be done in groups, with each group given the same or different items from the list below, or each group could be assigned two materials to compare, for example, plastic versus cardboard.
three different types of pollution are shown in the diagram below, each with an individual's name
Investigating air pollution
Investigating air pollution - In this activity, students investigate exhaust emissions, class car use and air quality.
an image of a human body with the stomach highlighted
Enzyme action
Enzyme action - In this activity, students investigate the effect that fruit purees (pineapple, kiwifruit, peach) have on the setting of party jellies.
two pictures showing the different components needed to make a diy wood wall hanging frame
Strength of sand and cement mixes
Strength of sand and cement mixes - In this activity, students mix different combinations of sand and cement with water. Small tiles of these combinations will be fashioned, left aside to cure and then tested for bending or flexural strength.