The object of this project is to see what types of balloons remain aloft the longest. You'll need several types of helium-filled balloons. Try different shaped versions of both Mylar and traditional rubber or latex balloons. Attach each balloon to a string or ribbon and let them go in a room where they won't be disturbed. Measure how high they go (this is where Mom and Dad come in). At first, they'll probably all be at the same height. Record your findings on some graph paper using different color crayons to represent each balloon. Check the balloons daily and record their height on your graph. Take some pictures as well. After a week, note what balloons stayed up the longest. Why do you think it worked that way? Create your science fair display by using your pictures and your chart.
The experiment will illustrate the difference between fresh water and salt water and how they react under freezing temperatures. Fill identical cups with the same amount of water. Add a spoonful of salt to one cup and stir it very well, but don't put any in the other cup. Label the cup with salt, "Salt" and the other one, "Fresh." Now place the cups of water in the freezer where they won't be disturbed. Remember to take lots of pictures of the various steps for your exhibit. Leave the cups in the freezer overnight and check them the next day. What has happened? Why didn't the saltwater freeze very well?
For this project you will need several differently shaped small magnets. These can be found at craft stores and hardware stores. You'll need lots of paper clips as well. Place two paper plates side by side and place all the paper clips in a pile on one of them. Place the first magnet on the paper clip pile and pick up as many clips as you can. Move them to the second plate and count them and write down the number. Repeat the process for all the magnets, always writing down the number of paper clips they picked up. Create a graph that shows how each magnet did. Which magnet picked up the most clips? Why do you think that happened?
Can you blow bubbles that are different shapes? This project will help you find out. Create some different shapes from pipe cleaners, such as a circle, square, triangle and a heart. Make sure you leave a portion of the pipe cleaner sticking out to use as a handle. Pour some bubble solution into a pie pan and dip one of your pipe cleaners into the solution and blow a bubble. What shape was the bubble? Was it the same shape as the pipe cleaner shape? Repeat the process for each pipe cleaner. Why do you think the bubbles came out the shape that they did? Create a chart to show your results.