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Science fair projects for 5th grade

Projects matched to 5th grade (ages 10–11) from the library's elementary collection, at the difficulty tier that fits this year. Every one lists its materials, time, cost, safety notes and the variables to control.

45 published projects in this collection

What works in 5th grade

Fifth graders are ready for the harder end of elementary: multi-step procedures, repeated trials and a simple graph. These projects ask for a data table with at least three trials per setting — the habit that separates a demonstration from an experiment, and the first thing judges look for.

For parents and teachers

Each project page carries an at-a-glance panel with a cost estimate, a realistic time estimate, the hazards involved and whether adult supervision is required, so you can check suitability before any materials are bought.

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Preparing for a fair? Read the science fair guide or record your data in the lab.

Questions, answered

How were these projects chosen for 5th grade?

They are filtered from the library's Elementary collection at the difficulty tier that fits 5th grade. The wider school-level collections are linked under "By school level" on this page.

What do judges expect at this level?

A clear question, a hypothesis written before testing in if… then… because form, one independent variable with the rest controlled, at least three trials at each setting, and a conclusion that follows the data.

What does each project include?

A research question and hypothesis, the independent and dependent variables, the variables to hold constant, a full materials list with costs, numbered steps, safety guidance and a data table you can fill in as you test.

How much do these projects cost, and how long do they take?

It varies, so every project page states a cost estimate and a realistic time estimate up front. You can rule a project in or out before buying anything.

Do these projects need adult supervision?

Some do. Every project lists its hazards and whether adult supervision is required in an at-a-glance panel on its page, so you can check suitability before you start.