Areas of microbiology can be studied at a level understood by a fifth-grade student by applying it to things with which they may already be familiar. One suggestion is for studying the growth process of mold on different types of food. Have the student select three to five different food types, avoiding meat products. Place each food type in a clear plastic container and secure a lid to the top. Put the test items in a warm, dark place and measure the mold growth from day to day. Document the mold growth by taking pictures and creating a journal of the mold growth activity.
A variation of this project can be completed by placing the same food item in two different containers with the lids sealed. Place one container in a warm, dark place such as a cabinet. Place the other container in a cold, dark place such as the refrigerator. Compare the difference in the mold growth patterns on the same food substance in different locations.
Seeing how chemicals react to one another is an exciting experiment for younger children. Consider creating an artificial volcano by combining baking soda and vinegar and noting the reaction that occurs between the sodium bicarbonate and the acetic acid. Note the results of the experiment by taking photos or making a video.
Apply scientific lessons to mathematics by doing simple projects that are also fun. Roll a pair of dice 100 times, count the sum of the dice each time and build a graph showing the frequency of the dice totals.
Another example would be to flip three different coins 50 to 100 times each and record the instance of heads or tails for each coin. These experiments enforce the ideas of statistical probabilities in the scientific world around us.
Create science projects from a variety of areas of science, including geography, physics and space. Ideas can include experimenting with the temperature and conditions at which popcorn kernels pop or the rate at which different types of gum lose their flavor. Build graphs, take photos and engage friends and family members in the experimenting process. With each experiment, develop a hypothesis based on your ideas and either prove or disprove those ideas through conducting your experiments.