Include several interactive stations in your science carnival. Demonstrate physics with super soap bubbles. This will show how different surface tensions cause the surfaces to use minimum energy creating different sizes of bubbles. Let the students dip different size wire frames into a solution of water, glycerin and liquid dishwashing soap to observe different shapes and sizes of bubbles. Create another station to demonstrate buoyancy. Buoyancy is the force of water pushing on something. You will need a large bucket filled with water, a variety of rocks and an empty jar with a lid. Students can experiment by putting different sizes and number of rocks in the empty jar to see if it sinks or floats. Explain how objects displace water and why the rock may float inside the jar but not when it is placed directly into the water.
Create a contest for students to submit a video, essay or create an activity station for the science carnival. Recognize the winner of the contest during the carnival and allow them to display their project. This will encourage creative ways for students to present concepts and ideas about science, technology, engineering, or math.
Invite a guest speaker from your local science center to your science carnival. Many science centers participate in an outreach program that will send representatives to your school or function to present programs, exhibitions or workshops designed specifically to teach children about the wonders of science. Displays may include activities to build a roller coaster for a marble using magnets, using a ball launcher to launch balls into the air or building pyramids from wooden blocks.
Offer prizes to students for completing activities during the carnival. Give participants a list of available activities and have them collect points, stickers or stamps as they visit each display. Students can choose from a selection of prizes at the end of the carnival.