6th Grade Science Project Ideas

There are a number of 6th grade science project ideas that are informative and easy to implement. If your 6th grader must come up with a science project and you are not comfortable with your science knowledge, never fear.  

Suitable 6th grade science project ideas should focus on fundamental scientific principles and how they are related to real world phenomena.  Fortunately, the home is full of science project ideas.  From the growth of potted plants to the operation of mechanical objects to even such seemingly simple phenomena as bouncing basketballs, the home is the perfect laboratory to create fun and informative 6th grade science project ideas.

Almost all homes feature plants.  Whether they are in potted plants, a home garden, or grow wild in the yard, plants are a fascinating topic that can serve as the base for a number of 6th grade science project ideas.  Bean plants are excellent for this use since they grow relatively quickly and have rather meager water and sunlight requirements. 

One possible science project idea is to grow several bean plants in separate containers and expose them to varying amounts of light.  The goal of the project can be to determine the optimum light conditions for bean plant growth. 

Instead of light, any other growing necessity can be altered.  The amount of water used can be varied, or the experimenter can try using various substances such as milk, soda, etc.  Remember, the goal is not to make a new scientific discovery or breakthrough--rather the point is to expose children to the process of scientific experimentation.

The principles of simple machines are another great source for 6th grade science project ideas.  We see pulleys, levers, screw, inclined planes, and other simple machines around us in many locations.  A simple project idea that exposes students to the most fundamental of physical concepts is to investigate how using levers can allow heavy objects to be moved that the student would not otherwise be able to budge. 

A simple lever system can be made using a long piece of wood, such as a plank or dowel, and a block for the fulcrum.  Allow the student to vary the placement of the fulcrum and see if he or she can find an optimum placement that allows the student to most easily move a heavy object such as a large stone.