5th Grade Science Fair Projects

5th grade science fair projects come with plenty of options. Students at this level will be expected to do much of the project themselves with minimal help from parents and teachers. They should also be able to write a short report on their project and report their findings.

One fifth grade science project that can be a lot of fun but WILL require adult assistance, just for safety purposes, is to make a fire proof balloon. For this project, the students will need two un-inflated balloons, several matches and some water. They start by blowing up one balloon and tying it shut, and then has the supervisor light a match and hold it.

I recommend these printable science project plans for K-12 for hundreds of great project blueprints and this step-by-step guide for doing an award winning science fair project. Also be sure to check out these fun science kits as a fast, simple way to get started on your science experiment.

The supervisor will then place the balloon above the flame and move it closer until it touches the flame. (It may pop BEFORE actually touching the flame). Protective eyewear is required. Next, take the second balloon and pour ¼ cup of water into the balloon, then blow it up and tie it as well. Have the adult assistant light another match and hold the balloon above the flame, bringing it closer and allow the flame to touch the balloon. What happens? The balloon doesn’t pop. You may even see a black patch of soot form on the balloon above the flame. When water inside the balloon is placed in the flame, the water absorbs most of the heat from the flame, so the rubber of the balloon does not become very hot. The balloon doesn’t pop because the rubber does not become hot, weaken and break.

Where would you like to go next?

...See more of our free science experiments by age group, science type, or an alphabetical listing of all experiments?

...Download printable science project plans for K-12?

...Get step-by-step instructions on how to do an award winning science fair project?

...Or pick up science kits for your project?


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5th Grade Science Fair Projects Page