Botany and environmental projects frequently utilize plants in a variety of environments. Elementary students can study the growth of plants using different fertilizers. Older students may determine if plants grow faster in soil or hydroponically. Discover how PH affects the suitability of soil for plant growth. Environmental studies include water, air, and pollution experiments. Identify the contaminants in air. Determine what factors affect air pollution in cities. Compare rural and urban water to determine which is most polluted.
Earth science includes geology, meteorology and oceanography. Exploding volcanoes are the most common experiment in this category. Demonstrate a tsunami with a model. Explain how a sinkhole is formed. Build a model to show how earthquakes are caused.
Electric projects may need supervision. Create a charge carrier and make sparks. Make a battery using the human body. Build a working wind turbine generator. Magnetism can be used to create visually interesting experiments. Build a levitating train with magnets or a magnetic linear accelerator.
Some categories may require the use of a microscope or other scientific equipment. Examine how much bacteria our hands have. Discover the effect of ultraviolet light on bacteria. Illustrate how bacteria content increases in a water bottle that is not properly cleaned between uses. Create an illustration that shows how the body fights viruses. Simulate the spread of an infectious disease.
Encourage him to utilize the scientific method whenever possible. Record observations, as they occur to maintain accuracy. Be specific in the project to ensure an answer can be observed. Provide assistance only when needed. Science fair projects will need to be moved. Ensure the project can be transported without damage.
Some topics may be to advanced for him. Contact the science teacher to help with modifications to the experiment as needed. Use of tools such as hot glue guns or power tools should be supervised to ensure safety.