Ms.

Shuaa’ Almarzouq
Science

Alternative science-related activities for middle school students instead of a traditional science fair
project:

1. Science Exhibition

 Students can create models, posters, or experiments to display in a class or school-wide

exhibition, similar to a gallery walk. Each student or group of students could present their work
to others, but without the competitive aspect of a science fair.

2. STEM Challenges

 Organize challenges like building a bridge using limited materials (like popsicle sticks) or
designing a catapult or roller coaster using recycled materials. Students can work in teams and
test their designs in class.

3. Research Poster Presentation

 Students can research a scientific topic of their choice and create a research poster that includes
their findings. Topics could include environmental issues, space exploration, or technology.
Instead of experimenting, they focus on synthesizing and explaining the topic.

4. Science Documentary or Video

 Students can create a short documentary or video on a scientific topic, conducting interviews,
including animations, or explaining a concept. This encourages creativity and allows them to
share their knowledge in a modern format.

5. Science Debate

 Host a classroom debate on a scientific issue (e.g., climate change, renewable energy, or space
exploration). Students research their assigned position and present their arguments to their
classmates.

6. Scientific Journaling

 Have students keep a science journal where they document their observations about the world
around them, conduct small-scale experiments at home, or respond to prompts like, “How does
a plant grow?” or “What happens when it rains?”

7. Science Podcasts

 Students can produce a science-themed podcast episode, where they explain a scientific
concept, interview experts (or role-play as scientists), or report on a scientific discovery.

8. Interactive Science Webpage or Blog

 Let students design a webpage or blog about a scientific topic they are interested in, such as the
solar system, ecosystems, or robotics. They can include written explanations, diagrams, and
videos.
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Science

9. Environmental Stewardship Project

 Have students identify a local environmental issue (e.g., pollution, recycling) and create a project
to raise awareness or take action, like organizing a cleanup day or developing an educational
campaign.

10. Citizen Science Projects

 Students can participate in online citizen science projects, where they contribute to real
scientific research by gathering and submitting data (e.g., tracking birds or observing cloud
cover). Websites like Zooniverse offer these kinds of projects.

11. Historical Science Role-Play

 Assign students historical scientists (e.g., Marie Curie, Galileo, Isaac Newton) and have them
research their lives and discoveries. Students can then dress up as the scientist and present
their findings as if they were that person.

12. Science Art Project

 Students can create an art project that explores a scientific concept, such as painting the water
cycle, creating a sculpture of a DNA molecule, or designing a model of the solar system. This
blends creativity with scientific learning.

13. Create a science board game

 Students can design and build a science-based board game or card game that teaches players
about specific scientific topics. The game can be played in class, and students can explain the
concepts embedded in the gameplay.

14. Science Journalism

 Have students act as science reporters, writing articles or blog posts on recent scientific
discoveries or breakthroughs. They can present their articles to the class, simulating a news
briefing or newspaper column.

15. Science Escape Room

 Create a science-themed escape room where students solve puzzles and use scientific
knowledge to unlock clues. They could focus on chemistry, biology, or physics to solve the
challenges.

16. DIY Science Reels

 Have students create short, engaging videos like TikToks or Instagram Reels that demonstrate
fun science experiments or facts. They can use humor or creative editing to explain a concept in
60 seconds or less. It could be anything from making slime to explaining gravity with fun props.
 Ms. Shuaa’ Almarzouq
Science

17. Build a Roller Coaster

 Using materials like pipe insulation or cardboard tubes, students can design and build their own
mini roller coasters, explaining the physics of loops, hills, and drops. The challenge could be to
keep a marble or ball on track without it falling off.

18. Science Meme Challenge

 Have students create science-themed memes that explain concepts in a funny and relatable
way. They could make memes about gravity, the periodic table, or even famous scientists,
blending humor with education.

19. Junk Drawer Robotics

 Provide students with everyday household items (e.g., rubber bands, batteries, cardboard) and
challenge them to build simple robots or machines. They can get creative in how they power
their creations and demonstrate basic engineering and robotics principles.

20. Creating a Science Newspaper

Creating a science newspaper is a fantastic way for

students to explore various scientific topics and develop
their writing, research, and design skills! Here’s a step-by-
step guide to help you get started, along with some
content ideas:

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Science Newspaper

Step 1: Choose a Format

Decide on the format for the newspaper. It can be a

physical print version or a digital version using platforms
like Google Docs, Canva, or a website builder.

Step 2: Assign Roles

Assign students different roles based on their interests. Roles can include:

 Editor-in-Chief: Oversees the newspaper.

 Writers: Research and write articles.

 Designers: Create layouts and graphics.

 Photographers/Illustrators: Take pictures or create illustrations.

 Fact-Checkers: Ensure accuracy in all articles.

Step 3: Decide on Sections

Determine the sections of the newspaper. Here are some suggested sections:
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Science

1. News: Cover recent scientific discoveries, events, or breakthroughs.

2. Feature Articles: In-depth articles on specific topics (e.g., climate change, space exploration, new
technologies).

3. Interviews: Conduct interviews with scientists, teachers, or students about their research or
science-related activities.

4. Opinion Pieces: Write editorials on current science-related issues (e.g., environmental policies,
ethics in science).

5. Experiments Corner: Share fun and easy science experiments for readers to try at home.

6. Fun Facts/Trivia: Include interesting science facts or trivia questions.

7. Reviews: Review science books, documentaries, or podcasts.

8. Science and Society: Explore how science affects everyday life or discusses societal issues.

Step 4: Research and Write Articles

Students research topics, write articles, and gather images or illustrations. Encourage them to use
credible sources and cite their references. Each article should include:

 A catchy headline

 An engaging introduction

 Clear, informative body text

 A conclusion or call to action

Step 5: Design the Layout

Design the layout of the newspaper, ensuring it’s visually appealing. Include:

 Eye-catching headlines

 Images or graphics relevant to the articles

 Clear section headings

 Consistent fonts and colors

Step 6: Edit and Review

Have the editorial team review all articles for clarity, grammar, and factual accuracy. This is also a good
time for fact-checking.

Step 7: Publish
 Ms. Shuaa’ Almarzouq
Science

Decide on how you will publish the newspaper:

 Print: Print copies for classmates, teachers, and parents.

 Digital: Share a PDF version or create a digital publication that can be shared via email or social
media.

Step 8: Promote the Newspaper

Promote your science newspaper in the school or community:

 Announce it in class or at school events.

 Share it on school websites or social media platforms.

Content Ideas for the Science Newspaper

1. Breaking News: Report on the latest discovery in a scientific field (e.g., a new species discovered,
advancements in technology).

2. Spotlight on a Scientist: Feature a scientist's work and contributions to their field (e.g., Marie
Curie, Nikola Tesla).

3. Climate Change: Discuss current climate issues, effects on the planet, and actions being taken to
combat it.

4. Space Exploration: Update readers on current missions (like Mars exploration) and future plans
for space travel.

5. Health and Medicine: Explore recent medical breakthroughs or public health issues, like
vaccines and disease prevention.

6. STEM Careers: Highlight different career paths in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics, including interviews with professionals in the field.

7. Technology in Science: Investigate how technology (like AI, robotics) is changing scientific
research.

8. Environmental Issues: Cover topics like pollution, conservation efforts, and renewable energy
sources.

9. Weekly Science Quiz: Include a fun quiz related to the articles in the newspaper to engage
readers.

10. Historical Science Moments: Feature significant scientific discoveries or events in history.

Example Layout for the Newspaper

1. Front Page: Eye-catching headline, feature article, and important news.

2. Page 2: News section and opinion pieces.

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Science

3. Page 3: Interviews and feature articles.

4. Page 4: Experiments corner, trivia, and fun facts.