Nothing captivates first graders like growing their own plants. A classic science project involves growing a seed in a cup or cleaned-out milk carton. The student learns about what plants need to grow and the science of growth cycles, and he can take the mature plant home to enjoy or give as a gift. Growing a marigold can be a great spring project, and once the child has finished with the science project he can plant it at home in the garden. Other types of green projects include planting grass, bean seeds, or a class garden in an area outside the school.
An ant farm is an ongoing experiment that allows first graders to make observations and learn about ant and other insect habitats. A visit to an apiary where a beehive demonstration shows the production of honey and the life of bees can teach first graders about the life of bees, how honey is produced, and the intricate connection between humans and the insect world.
Making goo lets students play and learn about chemical reactions at the same time. Create a simple polymer by mixing an 8-oz. bottle of white school glue, borax and some water. Add food coloring for fun. Empty a bottle of glue into a bowl or container. Fill the glue bottle with water, shake, then pour into the glue. In another cup mix 1/2 cup of warm water with 1 tsp. of borax. Using a stir stick, begin adding to the glue mixture to the borax mixture. Let kids do the heavy mixing by hand and it really becomes a true hands-on science experiment.
Learn about inertia, the reactions of one surface against another and basic physics in this experiment. Have students cut an index card into the shape of a boat with a small notch in the back end. Float the card in a dish of water and ask the students to observe what happens. Add a drop of dish soap to the notch in the back of the card boat and observe the reaction. Ask the students to record what happens and discuss how it occurs.