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For science teachers, there is no better moment than students to understand a concept, and there is no better teaching method than hands-on experiments! Whether you’re a craving engineer or a lively biologist in the classroom, these scientific experiments for middle school students will attract students and enhance important lessons and concepts.
1. Photosynthesis query laboratory
Estimated time: Class 1
concept: Photosynthesis, energy
Other materials: Spinach leaves, 10 ml syringe, straw, transparent cup/beaker, baking soda, lamp or fixture lamp, wash soap, thermometer
When it comes to scientific experiments in middle schools, nothing is better than a good photosynthesis laboratory. Have students perform experiments in a course and complete analysis of homework, or use the rest of the block for students to complete personal analysis.
Cell energy activity in the middle school photosynthesis laboratory
By Color Science
Topic: Biology, General Science
Standard: NGSS MS-LS1-7, 1-6; MS-LS2-3; HS-LS1-5
This three-part Cell Energy Laboratory teaches students photosynthesis by exposing spinach leaves to different variables including light/dark, hot/cold and additional carbon dioxide. This resource provides all worksheets and instructional materials and provides improved procedures for secondary schools to ensure laboratory success.
2. Rock Candy Experiment
Estimated time: Class 2-5
concept: Solubility, crystallization, polarity
Other materials: Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks, food coloring, goggles, gloves, clips or clothespins, sugar, flower pots, glass cups, hot plates or stovetops
No middle school students will say “no” to the candy-themed lab! Teach your lessons about solubility and polarity through one of the most popular kids and send them home with delicious reminders to remind them how crystallization works at the molecular level.
Rock Candy Laboratory | No Preparation Science Experiment | Polar Solubility Crystal Laboratory
By Science Mat
Topic: General Science, Physical Science
Standard: NGSS MS-PS1-4, 1-2, 1-1
After watching YouTube videos and slideshows about the experiment, middle school students followed step-by-step instructions to form their own rock candy crystals on popsicle sticks or serial ports. The experiment takes two days to complete, and the observations are performed on additional days.
3. egg
Estimated time: 2 weeks
concept: Diffusion, part of the unit, data collection, CER (claim – prerequisite)
Other materials: Eggs, vinegar, water, food coloring, salt, group choice liquid
This two-week secondary science lab is a great lesson during Easter or spring. Pair it with a math course on interdisciplinary projects, or have students write a complete CER report in their language arts classes.
Diffusion and cell membrane experiments with eggs – Scientific Activities MS-LS1-2
By Mrs. Proton Priest
Topic: Biology, General Science
Standard: CCSS WHST.6-8.1, 1B, 1d, 1e; NGSS LS-LS1-2
Why can some liquids spread in cell membranes while others cannot? Students discovered the answers through scientific experiments targeting junior high school, which involved raw eggs, vinegar and a wide range of CER lab reports projects involving graphs.
4. Disassembly Water Molecule Laboratory
Estimated time: 30 minutes
concept: Electrolysis, matter, elements, atoms
Other materials: Measuring cup, glass jar, Epsom salt, 9 volt battery, safety goggles, tweezers, gloves, water, metering
Add this electrolytic scientific experiment to a unit of matter and atoms, or before giving a greater lesson to water during physical science. This battery-powered scientific experiment at the middle school will discuss the corridor for a long time after class is over.
Electrolysis Laboratory | Schizolisation Water Molecule Experiment
Kimberly Scott Science
Topic: Chemistry, Physics
Standard: NGSS 5-PS 1-1, 1-3, 1-4; 4-PS3-4; MS-PS1-2
Bubble and batteries teach middle school students the basics of electrolysis. This resource includes background information and content vocabulary, a reading paragraph with questions, and a hands-on activity page that includes two variables.
5. Part of the Flower Anatomy Laboratory
Estimated time: Class 1
concept: Plant propagation, plant anatomy
Other materials: Flowers (including list of recommended types), tape, scissors
To perform low prep, high interest secondary experiments, integrate the lab of flower anatomy into your biology course. Have students bring their own flowers to ensure project diversity, or take them on a walk in the local fields to pick native plants for the lab.
Part of Flower Anatomy Science Laboratory – Life Science Reproductive Experiment
By Teacher Toy Store
Topic: Biology, General Science
Standard: NGSS MS-LS1-2, LS4-3, LS1-3, LS1-4, LS4-2, LS4-4, 5-LS1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 -1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 -1-1-1
Turn the festival’s flower display into a hands-on scientific experiment in junior high school. With direct pictures, experimental worksheets and crossword puzzles, the lab is an excellent choice for individuals who work in pairs, groups and even from home.
6. Eggshell measurement experiment
Estimated time: 1 hour
concept: geology, Rocks and minerals
Other materials: Rock salt, quantum cup, egg shell, hot water, food coloring, styrofoam cup, popsicle stick, egg carton
Demonstrate students’ scientific and artistic skills through a geography program involving rock crystals and eggshells. Consider establishing a cross-course allocation with art classes to design interactive volcanic “caves” or set up a display for upcoming parents’ nights.
Eggshell Geode Crystal Growth Mineral Science Laboratory Experimental Printing and Digital
Lafountaine through knowledge
Topic: Basic Principles, Chemistry, Earth Science
Standard: NGSS 5-PS1-3, 1-4; 4-ESS1-1
Geography can take millions of years to form – but you can create measurements of eggshells in one course! After reading background information about measurements and other crystals, students followed step-by-step instructions to create salt crystal “geography” in innovative scientific experiments in middle schools. For your convenience, this resource includes paper and digital resources.
7. STEM catapult
Estimated time: 2 days
concept: Simple machines, engineering, force and movement
Other materials: Handmade sticks, rubber bands, glue, soft projectiles (such as marshmallows or foam balls), wooden blocks (optional)
Looking for STEM activities in middle schools? Connect the STEM catapult laboratory to a medieval history course in social studies, or hold a catapult championship for middle school students to test each other’s work.
STEM Challenge Catapult Experiment and Design Basic Activities for Problem Solving
The teacher is great – STEM activities
Topic: Engineering, Measurement, Problem Solving
Standard: NGSS 4-PS3-4, 3-1; 3-5-ETS1-3, 1-1, 1-2
This resource is ideal for older elementary and secondary school courses, including teacher orientation, student orientation, expansion options, catapult background information and lab tables. All forms can be personalized to the lab according to your class needs.
8. Diffusion and permeability laboratory
Estimated time: 90 minutes
concept: diffusion, permeation, cell transport, part of the cell
Other materials: Dialysis tube, string, glucose solution, glucose test strip, beaker, starch solution, iodine
Designed for older middle and high school students, this lab is a great addition to any class in the cellular or non-biological cell membrane section. Assign it to pairs or groups and have students work together to propose the most creative substance before solving the final analysis.
Permeation and diffusion of laboratory cell cell transmembrane transport
Amy Brown Science
Topic: Biology, General Science
Standard: CCSS RST.6-8.3, RST.9-10.3
You don’t need a microscope to see a demonstration about cell transport. Through the dialysis tube and glucose tube, students can observe that the cell membrane is suitable for certain substances only. Editable student handouts and programs, as well as an easy-to-edit answer key, make the project a biology course.
More popular science experiments in middle schools
There are more sources of science. Let young scientists think and work – Perform more pleasant scientific experiments in middle schools to align with NGSS in grades 6 to 8. Topics of interesting experiments for this age group include matter, movement, energy, ecosystem, biological evolution and engineering design.
- Sun oven
- Balloon car
- Orange peel plate structure
- Egg drop model
- Aquarius Rockets
- Flying tea bag
- Indoor garden
- Popsicle Bridge
- Potato clock
- Baking Soda Volcano
If you are looking for more ways to attract students, choose a project for the group that presents the unit or semester concept. Let them do some experiments with public speaking exercises in front of class!
Middle School Science Experiment
The moments of finding inspiration are everything to a science teacher. Whether it’s Earth Day events or classroom activities via AI, you can find memorable ways to connect with your middle school students without adding more planning or preparation to your busy schedule.
For more scientific experiments in middle schools, including projects and research ideas for secondary school science expo, please visit TPT’s secondary school science resources. Here you will find ideas for every concept under the sun – including lessons about the sun! – and the resources you need to strengthen them.
