Show the effects of ethylene gas by conducting a fruit ripening experiment. Visit a local grocery store and purchase a least four unripe bananas and one apple. In a paper bag, place two bananas with the apple. Leave the other two bananas out on a counter, uncovered. Observe both groups over three to four days, making sure that the results are recorded every eight hours. Note the changes for presentation and conclusion purposes.
The effect of jet lag can be severe, running the gamut from depression and headaches to sleep loss and sickness. Consider an experiment in which hamsters show the effects of jet lag. Using two groups of five hamsters each, in separate cages, keep them on a normal pattern for the first two days, or with lights on for 12 hours and off for 12 hours. On day three, begin disrupting the sleep of group A, placing them in a separate room and turning the light off for shorter intervals over the next five days. Keep group B on the same normal schedule throughout the process. Make comparisons of the different groups' behavior and record the findings for the presentation.
Show the process of creating condensation by gathering a gallon jar, a piece of black paper, matches, colored warm water and a gallon-sized sandwich bag filled with ice cubes. Tape black paper on one side of the jar, creating a background for observation. Fill the jar one-third of the way with warm, colored water. Light a match and hold it over the jar's opening. After five seconds, drop the match into the jar and cover the top with the prepared bag of ice. Record the results for the presentation and consider repeating the process as part of a science fair demonstration.
Teach the concept of matter by creating ice cream in a bag. Gather 2 cups of sugar, 4 cups half and half, 4 beaten eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, milk, crushed ice, a clean, gallon jug with a lid, table salt and large, resealable bags. Place the eggs, sugar, vanilla, half and half and salt in the gallon jug, adding milk until the jug is nearly full. Shake vigorously, pouring the mixture into the plastic bags. Place the crushed ice and salt in another bag and add the sealed bag of ice cream mix to this bag. Begin churning by shaking for a steady amount of time. Record the results as the ice cream forms, noting changes in matter.