small science electical projects

Science Fair Projects with Electromagnets

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  Build an electromagnet with common materials: copper wire, a large nail and a lantern battery. Alternatively, purchase a kit with the needed materials from a hobby shop or online store. Choose from among a variety of experimental projects that use electromagnets. For example, you can study the effect of temperature on an electromagnet's strength by testing how many paperclips or small nails the electromagnet can pick up after being exposed to a variety of temperatures. Experiment with other variables, such as the effects of using different gauges (thicknesses) of wire, or of constructing the electromagnet with more or fewer coils of wire.

Science Fair Projects Using an Electric Generator

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  For science fairs that only require a display project with no experimentation, build a hand-powered electrical generator and demonstrate its use. For fairs that require an experimental process, use the generator in a variety of projects. Experiment with construction variables of the generator, such as wire gauge or the number of coils used, or use parts made of different materials such as steel or copper. Measure the effect of the variables on the electrical output with a voltmeter or multimeter.

Science Experiments Studying the Effects of Resistance and Conductivity

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  The electrical properties of resistance and conductivity also offer possibilities for projects, most of which require that a simple electrical circuit be built. Introduce variables into the circuit, and then measure the effects of those variables. For example, study the conductivity of water as a current passes through it by comparing the conductivity of salt, tap and distilled waters. Or, compare the conductivity of different materials--copper wire to aluminum wire, for example--used in the circuit's construction. A different project involves comparing two different types of circuits. Build a circuit with components running in series (one after the other) or in parallel (the current splits and feeds each component equally). Measure the effects on the current with a multimeter to determine differences in voltage and conductivity.

  Solar-Electric Device

  • Building a solar-powered device for a science fair is an educational and interesting project. A simple device can be a solar-powered car or a solar-powered boat. Purchase or locate a small solar cell, with 1 to 2 volts of power-generation capability. Link this up to a small, simple motor. Assemble the basic car or boat construction, then hook the rear axle of the car up to the solar-powered motor, or hook the propeller of the boat up to the solar-powered motor. Record your steps and findings within a logbook. This is a fun and relatively inexpensive project.

  Potato-Powered Lightbulb

  • An interesting science fair project is the classic potato-powered lightbulb. As potatoes contain water soluble chemicals, it is possible to draw an electric current from them. Installing a simple positive-lead (copper-wire) and a negative lead (a nail) inside a large potato draws an electric current, although you may need to hook together multiple potatoes to power a lightbulb. Record your procedure in a logbook and present the findings along with your working potato-powered lightbulb.