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6th grade science topics

This collection includes resources to support teachers and students as they engage in the topics outlined in the 6th grade NYC Science Scope & Sequence.  Resources support the following units: 6:1 Energy and Simple Machines; 6:2 Weather and the Atmosphere; 6:3 Diversity of Life; and 6:4 Interdependence. 

Please note that the files in this collection can not be downloaded from WeTeachNYC because they link out to an external site.

Included Resources

Energy and simple machines.

This collection of resources supports unit 6:1 of the 6th grade science Scope and Sequence: Energy and Simple Machines. 

Weather and the atmosphere

This collection of resources supports unit 6:2 of the 6th grade science Scope and Sequence: Weather and the Atmosphere.

Diversity of life

This collection of resources supports unit 6:3 of the 6th grade science Scope and Sequence: Diversity of Life.

Interdependence

This collection of resources supports unit 6:4 of the 6th grade science Scope and Sequence: Interdependence.

Awajis

6th Grade Essay Topics – Best 100 Essay Ideas for Sixth Graders

6th grade essay topics don’t have to be boring and uninspiring. With the right essay topics, sixth graders can express themselves in depth and descriptively. This article aims to highlight 100 amazing essay topics for 6th graders that’ll enhance their writing skills and improve their mental performance. These essay topics all meet the Common Core Standards.

100 Great 6th Grade Essay Topics

Since the 6th grade is the bridge to middle school, teachers will ensure students are prepared for middle school. The emphasis will be laid on the quality of writing and frequent writing assignments and tasks. The key to boosting the writing creativity of 6th graders is allowing them to research essay topics in advance. This will enable you to be more prepared and organised. To find the perfect 6th-grade essay topics, you have to allow your students to sift through the list of essay topics and select the one they feel interested in.

Narrative Essay Topic for 6th Grade 

Whether you want your students to recount an event that happened shortly or an adventure that need them to fuel their imaginative spirit, narrative essays tell a story. The narrative essay is structured with a plot, which organizes it into beginning, middle and end.

Here are some narrative essay topic for 6th graders:

  • Think about the best day of your life. What made it so great?
  • Who is the oldest person you know?
  • Describe a friend situation that changed over only one day.
  • Write about how it feels when you’re alone.
  • Describe your favourite vacation.
  • Has a book, movie, or album ever changed your life?
  • Think about your future self. Write about a day in your life, one year from today.
  • Tell a family story from your perspective.
  • Describe a memory you have of extreme weather.
  • Think about a time you had to work hard to learn something.
  • Your first day of school.
  • Your most exciting day of school
  • A field trip that your class took.
  • Your favourite summer vacation.
  • A trip that included something unexpected or surprising.
  • A time that you experienced something spooky.
  • A time that you experienced something truly frightening.
  • A time that you learned something new that changed you in some way.
  • The moment when you met someone who changed your life.
  • The day that you got your first pet.
  • A move from one place to another.
  • Something funny that happened to you.
  • Something funny that happened to one of your family members or friends.
  • Something embarrassing that happened to you.
  • Your favourite birthday party.
  • A birthday that was disappointing.
  • A big storm (rain, snow or even a tornado!).
  • A time that the power went out.
  • A summer day when the temperature got much higher than expected.
  • A time when you went to an amusement park
  • A time when you got lost somewhere.
  • A memorable experience with a favourite family member
  • A sad experience with someone about whom you care
  • Your most exciting moment playing sports
  • Your most exciting moment is performing in a play, singing, playing music, or dancing.
  • An experience that left you feeling frustrated.
  • An experience that was hard but ended up being worth it.
  • A time that you experienced rejection.
  • A weird encounter with a stranger
  • A random act of kindness.
  • A time that you took a stand for someone or for an issue that you care about.
  • A moment when you thought you might get hurt but didn’t.
  • Breaking a bone (or otherwise suffering an injury).
  • Your first time away from home for the night (or longer).
  • A time when you experienced a historic event.
  • Where were you when a major event happened? (Note: You don’t need to have been at the site of the event; this prompt is about where you were when you found out about the event and how you reacted.)
  • A time when you rebelled against your parents or teacher.
  • A dangerous experience.
  • A misunderstanding between yourself and someone else.
  • A difficult decision that you had to make.
  • The end of a friendship or relationship.
  • The beginning of a friendship or relationship.
  • A time when you judged someone first and then realized that you were wrong about the person.
  • A time when someone judged you first and then realized that he or she was wrong about you.
  • A moment when you felt that you were starting to grow up.
  • A time when you saw one or both of your parents in a different light.
  • A time when you looked up to your older sibling
  • A time when your younger sibling looked up to you
  • A time when you were grateful to be an only child.
  • An experience that you think has only ever happened to you!

Expository essay topic for the 6th Grade

Expository essays are informative. They are fantastic tools you can use to teach your 6th graders about the method of exploring and researching. You’d want to build their writing skills. So here are some Expository essay topic for the 6th graders:

  • Write an extended  definition essay  on one of your vocabulary words.
  • Pretend a friend hasn’t seen your favorite TV show. And what is it about?
  • Compare and contrast two of your friends.
  • Describe your school year so far. And what have been the most important events?
  • Choose a problem at your school. And what’s the best solution?
  • What was the cause of a recent argument you had? And what was the effect?
  • Compare and contrast two of your favorite sports or activities.
  • Discuss a conflict in a movie you like. And how was it resolved?
  • Write a definition essay about the concept of empathy.
  • Explain how to send a friendly text message.
  • Teach a reader how to play your favorite board or card game.
  • Write about the steps needed to tie a shoe.
  • Create a user manual for something you use a lot (e.g., hair straightener or cell phone).
  • Describe how you get home after school.
  • Tell a younger reader how to do homework without wasting time.
  • How do you get to the library from your classroom?
  • How do you choose what to watch on a streaming service?
  • Explain how to pass a difficult level in a video game.
  • Write about the steps you follow to listen to your favourite music.

Argumentative essay topic for the 6th Grade

Read:  How to Write a Unique Scholarship Application

The argumentative essay is about debating. It is formal writing that aims to persuade readers to the writer’s line of thought or point of view. It is one way of spurring curiosity in your 6th grader, allowing them to passionately research and boost their writing skills.

Here are some argumentative essay topics for the 6th grade:

  • Would you rather get or give a gift?
  • If you were anybody when you grow up, who’d you be?
  • What is the most selfless thing that you have ever done?
  • Do you believe that there are things that only men or only women can perform? Why or why not?
  • Do you think that astrological horoscopes are true?
  • What are some of the problems faced by immigrants to a new country? How did this experience make you feel?
  • What was the funniest moment you’ve ever experienced? Why?
  • How do you talk to somebody who has political or spiritual beliefs which are different than your own?
  • What is the longest time that you have ever kept a secret? What was the key?
  • Write about an experience where you thought you knew something for certain, but were later turned out to be wrong.
  • Name and explain somebody that has been a inspiration to your life.
  • In 20 years, where do you think you’ll be? What will you do?
  • How do you start a conversation with somebody that you do not know?
  • What is your deepest, darkest fear?
  • What would you believe at the most? How can you create this belief? What’s it about?
  • What is your favorite thing to do after school or on this weekend?
  • Have you ever been lost? How did you end up finding your way?
  • Should kids have homework?
  • Is your city a good place to live?
  • Is it important to learn math?
  • Should school start later?
  • What’s the best way to eat an ice cream cone?
  • Should skateboarding be allowed in private parking lots?
  • Is Monday through Friday the best school schedule?
  • Does pizza make a good breakfast?
  • Are hamsters fun pets?
  • Should students be allowed to go anywhere they want on the Internet?

Narrative essay topic for the 6th Grade

The Narrative essay is used to motivate students to tell a beautiful story and craft pictures in the mind of readers. Here are some Narrative essay topic for the 6th graders,

  • Your favorite summer vacation.
  • Your favorite birthday party.
  • A time when you went to an amusement park.
  • A memorable experience with a favorite family member.
  • A sad experience with someone about whom you care.
  • Your most exciting moment playing sports.
  • Your most exciting moment performing in a play, singing, playing music or dancing.
  • A weird encounter with a stranger.
  • A moment when you thought you might get hurt but didn’t.
  • Where you were when a major event happened. (Note: You don’t need to have been at the site of the event; this prompt is about where you were when you found out about the event and how you reacted.)
  • A time when you looked up to your older sibling.
  • A time when your younger sibling looked up to you.

Descriptive essay topic for the 6th Grade

Here are some fun and inspiring essay topic for 6th graders:

  • Describe your favourite place.
  • Describe your ideal bedroom.
  • Describe the house in which you grew up.
  • Describe what the first house on the moon would look like.
  • Describe some of your favourite places in your hometown.
  • Describe a peaceful place that you’ve visited.
  • Describe a place that exists only in your imagination.
  • Describe a friend’s or family member’s house where you enjoy spending time.
  • Describe your perfect fantasy vacation destination.
  • Describe your favourite store.
  • Describe your favourite teacher’s classroom.
  • Describe a museum that you’ve visited recently.
  • Describe a place you have dreamed about that doesn’t exist in real life.
  • Describe a place where your pet likes spending time.
  • Describe an outdoor place that you know well.
  • Describe your favourite person.
  • Describe each of your family members.
  • Describe a famous person that you would like to meet.
  • Describe one of your friends.
  • Describe one aspect of someone that you like (for example laugh, style of dress, words that the person likes to use, etc.)
  • Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
  • Describe the average human to an alien who has never before seen a person.
  • Describe your pet.
  • Look at some old family photos and describe an older family member as he or she was when at your age.
  • Describe someone whom you miss.
  • Describe an object that is special to you.
  • Give a tour of one room in your house by describing the most important objects in that room.
  • Describe one of your favorite outfits.
  • Describe your favorite toy as a child.
  • Describe how you get around (for example: a bicycle, skateboard, sneakers, your parents’ car, the school bus).
  • Describe your favorite piece of furniture where you like to spend time and relax.
  • Describe something that you would bury in a time capsule to tell people about what life is like today.
  • Describe an object that has been in your family for a long time.
  • Choose a piece of food to eat; then, write a description of it that includes the way it looks, smells and tastes.
  • Describe a smartphone to a time traveler from the 1900s.
  • Describe your oldest memory.
  • Describe your best summer vacation.
  • Describe a memorable concert you attended.
  • Describe a memorable trip you took.
  • Describe a special time that you and your family had together.
  • Describe the first time you met one of your friends.
  • Describe a time you met someone famous.
  • Describe one of your happiest memories.
  • Describe one of your saddest memories.
  • Describe a time that you felt scared.
  • Describe a time that you felt excited.
  • Describe a time that something totally unexpected happened.
  • Describe a memory of someone whom you miss.
  • Describe one of your most memorable first days of school.
  • Describe one of your most embarrassing moments.

Creative Essay Topics for 6th Grade

  • What is the best thing someone has ever given to you?
  • What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?
  • Write about what you can teach others. Everyone is good at something. This question helps children think about what they’re good at and how they can help others.
  •  Did you ever get into an argument with a friend or family member? How did that make you feel?
  • Did you ever hurt someone’s feelings? Explain what happened and how it made you feel.
  •  Did someone ever hurt your feelings? How did it make you feel? Did you talk to that person about it?
  •  Is there anyone you would like to switch places with? who and why?
  • What does it mean to be loyal?
  •  When was a time you were loyal to a friend or a friend who was loyal to you?

Self-Esteem Essay Topics for 6th Grade

  • Has a friend ever betrayed you? How did it make you feel? What do you think your friend should have done differently.
  • Have you ever been friends with someone who was unpopular or not part of the group? This is a great question to ask children when teaching them about acceptance and how it feels not to be part of a group.
  • When was a time you felt you were treated unfairly? How did it make you feel?
  • Is it fair to give someone a head start in a race? When is it fair? When is it not fair?
  • Write about a time when you had a strong opinion about something? Why did you feel so strongly about it?
  • Write about a time you made a big mistake. How did you fix it? Everyone makes mistakes. This writing topic helps children understand that mistakes are part of the learning experience.
  • Write about a time when you were very angry. What happened? How did being angry make you feel? I find that many times children will feel sad when they are angry. Did I make a good choice when I was angry?
  •  If you heard a rumour about a friend that you knew wasn’t true, what would you do? How would it make you feel?
  • \Write about a time when you cheered someone up. What did you do? How did it make you feel? How did it make that person feel?
  • Write about a time when you used your inner strength to get through a tough situation.
  •  Write about 3 things that are hard for you and why.
  • When was the last time you were afraid? What scared you? How did you react?
  •  What is the bravest thing you’ve ever done?
  •  Who is your hero and why?
  • What do you think risk-taking is? Have you ever taken a risk?
  • Write about your best friend. Who are they, how long have you known them, why are they your best friends?
  • What does it mean to have good character? Do you think you have a good character? Why?

Compare and contrast essays for grade 6

  • Group work and individual work
  • Only child vs. having siblings
  • Nature vs. nurture
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Old friends and new friends
  • Your teacher vs. your parent/guardian
  • Car ownership and public transportation
  • Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
  • Parents and grandparents
  • Elementary school and high school
  • Learning to read vs. learning to write
  • The importance of any two school subjects
  • Wearing glasses vs. having braces
  • You and your best friend
  • Friendship vs. romantic love
  • Public and private schools
  • Online school and in-person school
  • Any two schools or colleges
  • Going to college vs. starting work full-time

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Science Essay

Science Essay Topics

Betty P.

150+ Engaging Science Essay Topics To Hook Your Readers

10 min read

science essay topics

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Check Out 5 Impressive Essay About Science Fair Examples

Have you got a science essay to write but cannot find a good topic?

It can be hard for students to come up with interesting and engaging essay topics.

So check out this list of topics for science essay that are sure to engage your readers.

From physical sciences to genetics and robotics, there's something for everyone on this list. Plus, you'll get tips on how to choose an essay topic for yourself.

So read on! 

Arrow Down

  • 1. Science Essay Topics For Students
  • 2. Science and Technology Topics
  • 3. Natural Science Essay Topics
  • 4. Environmental Science Essay Topics
  • 5. Forensic Science Essay Topics
  • 6. Earth Science Essay Topics
  • 7. Biology Essay Topics
  • 8. Physics Essay Topics
  • 9. Health Science Essay Topics
  • 10. Tips for Choosing a Science Essay Topic

Science Essay Topics For Students

School and college students often have to write science essays . But it's difficult for students to think of a science essay topic. 

If you are one of those students, this list will help you out!

Science Essay Topics For 5th Graders

  • How does climate change affect the environment?
  • How do earthquakes happen?
  • What is the cause of global warming?
  • Why are fossil fuels harmful?
  • What is the difference between a virus and a bacterium?
  • What are some renewable energy sources?
  • The amazing world of minerals: A science fair exploration
  • What is the difference between a comet and an asteroid?
  • How do galaxies form?
  • How does photosynthesis work?
  • What is the water cycle, and how does it work?
  • What is soil erosion?

Science Essay Topics For Class 8

  • The benefits of space exploration
  • Earth's climate and how it has changed over time
  • Evolution: How it works and the evidence for it
  • The human body: Its functions and how it works
  •  Science in everyday life: Uncovering the hidden wonders
  • The solar system: What we know about it
  • Microbes: What they are and what they do
  • Technology in science: Its impact and future

Science Essay Topics For High School Students

  • What is the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?
  • How does the scientific method work?
  • What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
  • What are some common elements of chemistry?
  • What is the difference between an element and a compound?
  • What is the difference between mass and weight?
  • Why do scientists use models in their experiments?
  • How can scientists use data to support or disprove a hypothesis?
  • What is the importance of Peer Review in science?
  • How has science evolved over time?

Science Essay Topics For College Students

  • How can we prevent pandemics from spreading?
  • How does radiation affect living things?
  • What is an ecosystem, and how does it work?
  • What is energy, and how is it created?
  • What are the causes and effects of sea-level rise?
  • What is the impact of space exploration on human life?
  • What is the importance of biodiversity?
  • How can genetic engineering be used to improve our food supply?
  • How can nanotechnology be used in medicine and healthcare?

Easy Science Essay Topics For Students

  • How does evolution work?
  • Discuss the role of science museums in science education.
  • What causes climate change?
  • Is there evidence of extraterrestrial life?
  • What are the effects of global warming?
  • What is the nature of dark matter and dark energy?
  • How does the human brain work?
  • What is the purpose of quantum mechanics?
  • How has technology changed communication?
  • What are the benefits of stem cell research?

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Science and Technology Topics

Science and technology is a growing field. Here are a few emerging topics related to science and technology.

Information Technology Essay Topics

  • The role of technology in modern society
  • Exploring the implications of artificial intelligence
  • What is machine learning, and how does it work?
  • What are the benefits of cloud computing?
  • Discuss the role of robots in modern technology
  • What is the future of information technology?
  •  The influence of science fiction on modern technology and society
  • The impact of information technology on business
  • The impact of information technology on education
  • The impact of information technology on healthcare
  • The impact of information technology on the environment

Computer Science Essay Topics

Here are some interesting computer science topics. 

  • The role of computer science in modern society
  • Explore the impact of artificial intelligence on people’s lives
  • How can algorithms be used to solve complex problems?
  • Understanding the basics of coding and software development
  • Examining the role of robotics in modern technology
  • What does the future of computer science look like?
  • The implications of Big Data on our lives
  • Exploring the ethical and legal issues surrounding AI and machine learning.

Data Science Essay Topics

  • The role of data science in modern society
  • What is big data, and how can it be used?
  • Explore the implications of artificial intelligence on data science
  • The importance of data security and privacy
  • Examine the role of machine learning in data science
  • What are the basics of coding and software development
  • What is the future of data science?
  • Explore the ethical and legal issues surrounding data science

Natural Science Essay Topics

  • How do natural disasters affect ecosystems?
  • Are the effects of pollution reversible?
  • What are the different types of renewable energy sources?
  • Is deforestation a major contributor to global warming?
  • How can we protect marine life from climate change?
  • What is the role of genetics and environment in human health?
  • What has been the most significant medical discovery?
  • How does climate change impact agriculture and food production?
  • What are the consequences of overfishing?
  • What is the role of technology in sustainable development?

Environmental Science Essay Topics

  • The impact of human activity on the environment
  • What can be done to protect the environment
  • The importance of recycling
  • The dangers of pollution
  • The need for alternative energy sources
  • The threat of climate change
  • The impact of deforestation
  • The importance of conserving water
  • How overpopulation impacts the environment
  • Ways to make a home more energy-efficient

Forensic Science Essay Topics

  • The use of forensic science in criminal investigations
  • The role of forensic science in solving crime
  • The training and education required to become a forensic scientist
  • The different types of forensic science
  • The challenges faced by forensic scientists
  • The future of forensic science
  • Ethical issues in forensic science
  • The Impact of Technology on Forensic Science
  • The impact of Forensic Science on Society
  • What are the benefits of forensic science

Earth Science Essay Topics

  • The causes and effects of tsunamis
  • How has climate change affected our planet?
  • What are plate tectonics and their impact on Earth’s geology
  • Examining the implications of space exploration
  • How does soil composition affect plants?
  • The causes and effects of ocean acidification
  • What impact have humans had on Earth’s biodiversity?
  • Examining the greenhouse effect and its effects on Earth’s climate
  • Exploring the role of Ozone in protecting our atmosphere
  • How does energy from the sun affect life on Earth?
  • The importance of preserving endangered species and habitats

Biology Essay Topics

  • What is DNA, and how does it work?
  • How does our immune system work?
  • How do animals adapt to their environment?
  • What are the environmental effects of overpopulation?
  • Exploring the role of genetics in human behavior
  • The impact of hormones on human behavior
  • Examining the links between diet and health
  • Exploring the role of stem cells in treatments for diseases
  • Exploring the impact of viruses on human health
  • What is epigenetics and how does it work?
  • How can we use biotechnology to improve our food?

Physics Essay Topics

  • What is the nature of light?
  • Explain the properties of matter and energy
  • Explain the laws of motion
  • What are the implications of quantum mechanics?
  • Explain the structure of atoms and molecules
  • What are the basics of thermodynamics
  • Explain the properties of waves
  • Exploring the principles of electromagnetism
  • The implications of relativity on our understanding of the universe
  • Exploring the nature of dark matter and dark energy.
  • Examining the implications of advanced physics on technology.
  • How can particle accelerators be used to further our understanding of the universe?

Health Science Essay Topics

  • What are the causes and effects of obesity?
  • Explore the implications of alternative medicine
  • The role of nutrition in maintaining good health
  • How important is exercise for overall health?
  • Discuss the benefits of preventive healthcare
  • Examine the ethical and legal issues surrounding genetic testing
  • How can we use science to address global health challenges
  • What are mental illnesses, and how are they treated?
  • Explore the implications of advances in medical technology
  • What is the role of mental health in overall health and well-being?
  • The impact of environmental pollution on public health 

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Tips for Choosing a Science Essay Topic

A good topic is a key to a good essay. But choosing a good science essay topic can be tricky.

Here are a few tips to help you choose a good topic.

  • Choose a topic that interests you.

When choosing a topic for your science essay, it is important to choose one that you find interesting.

This will make the process much easier and more enjoyable. You will be able to focus on the topic with greater enthusiasm and write about it with more passion.

  • Make sure the topic is relevant to your course or field of study.

Your science essay should be relevant to what you have been studying in your course.

Choose a topic related to the material you have been studying in class or researching.

This way, you will already have preliminary knowledge about the topic, making further research easier.

  • Make sure the topic is manageable.

Make sure you choose a topic that is manageable and can be adequately explored within the scope of your essay.

Choosing a topic that is too broad or too narrow can make writing difficult. 

  • Consider the audience.

Think about who will be reading your science essay when choosing a topic.

If you are writing for an academic audience, like your teacher or classmates, select an appropriate and relevant topic.

Considering the preferences of the audience will help you select a better topic.

  • Choose a topic that you can comfortably write about.

When selecting a science essay topic, make sure it is one you are comfortable discussing.

This doesn’t mean choosing an easy topic. Instead, find a topic that allows you enough room to explore the subject without becoming overwhelmed.

  • Do some preliminary research before making your final decision.

Researching the topic before making a final decision is essential.

This will give you an idea of how much information is available on the subject. Researching will also show you whether you can sufficiently discuss the topic in a short essay.

Moreover, take notes during your research so you may cite them in the essay. Citing your research will make your essay more credible and help you avoid plagiarism .

By following these tips, you should be able to choose a great science essay topic.

To conclude,

The list of topics in this blog has addressed your topic-related difficulties. Moreover, with the tips provided, you will be able to choose a great science essay topic that best suits your needs. 

You can also read some science essay examples to learn science essay writing or try our AI essay typer to get some creative and unique science essays for reference.

Are you looking for essay writing assistance? Our science essay writing service can help you out. 

We have years of experience writing top quality science essays for students. So, contact our essay writing website now, we're just a click away!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i avoid when choosing a science essay topic.

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Avoid science topics that are:

  • Not interesting for you or your readers
  • Not related to your course
  • Too broad or too narrow
  • Too difficult to research
  • Too controversial

How do I determine if a science essay topic is manageable?

When determining if a topic is manageable, check whether enough information is available on the subject. Moreover, consider how effectively you can discuss the topic within the scope of your essay. If you can find information easily and convey it effectively, your topic is good to go.

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Betty P.

Betty is a freelance writer and researcher. She has a Masters in literature and enjoys providing writing services to her clients. Betty is an avid reader and loves learning new things. She has provided writing services to clients from all academic levels and related academic fields.

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35 Thought-Provoking Persuasive Writing Prompts For 6th Graders

Looking for a solid persuasive essay topic for your 6th grader?

The below post contains tons of great ideas that will get your 6th-grade students thinking, researching, debating, and writing!

I’m not talking about simple opinion writing topics – like their favorite food, favorite book, or how much money they should get for an allowance.

That is the the thing that my 3rd grade student would delight in arguing. 

No, sixth graders are ready for more meaty topics that require a bit of research and thought. The more they dig into the topic and refine their point of view, the more they will sharpen their critical thinking and writing skills!

Don’t miss the free pdf printable at the bottom of this page with all of the ideas in one place!

Persuasive Writing Prompts For The 6th Grade Student

1. is a dress code ever necessary.

In this prompt, students will be asked to take a stance on whether or not they think there is ever a time to enforce a dress code. Are there times when someone should be told how to dress? Such as a school dress code or wedding? Or should people be allowed to dress in any way that expresses themselves or their personality? 

2. Should recycling be mandatory instead of suggested?

Students will be asked to consider whether the government should be more aggressive about recycling. They will  be working with the concepts of the benefits of recycling vs. the freedoms of people.

3. Should  vending machines ban junk food?

6th grade students will be asked to argue for or against the ban of junk food in vending machines. Vending machines are often used by people who are hungry and in a hurry. The vending options are usually less than healthy. Should vending machine owners be required to provide better choices? Or should they be allowed to stock their machines as they see fit?

4. Is it okay to keep exotic animals as pets?

This persuasive topic will have students take a stance on whether or not it is a good idea to keep exotic animals as pets. They will need to consider the benefits and drawbacks of keeping exotic pets and present a strong argument for their position. Make sure the student has a good understanding of the topic and the different types and sizes of animals that some people keep as pets.

5. Should the federal government impose a tax on sugary drinks?

In this prompt, students will be asked to argue for or against a government tax on sugary drinks – similar to the tax on cigarettes. They will need to consider the potential benefits of such a tax. What would the tax money be spent on? Or should people be free to drink any kind of beverage they wish, no matter how healthy or unhealthy? 

6. Should life skills be a greater focus for education?

In this prompt, students will be asked to take a stance on what should be taught in school. Should the schools be doubling down on the basics of reading, writing, and math since test scores have dipped? Or should schools start allotting more time for important life skills, like time management, personal finance, and cooking, which are things many young adults struggle with.

7. Should there be age limits to use social media? 

Students will list specific reasons why there should or should not be age restrictions for facebook pages and other forms of social media.

8. Is it important to save endangered species?

Students will be asked argue why enndangered animals should or should not be protected. They may be quick to make up their mind, but make sure they do research and find factual reasons that support their opinions.

9. Should video games be considered a sport?

Even though video games do not require the physical activity of traditional sports, does it still require focus, skill, and grit that would make it a modern sport? Or should that title only be awarded to an activity that requires you to sweat?

10. Should there be a ban on plastic bags?

Everyone knows plastic bags are bad for the environment, but should they be banned? What would the alternative be? 

11. Is it necessary to have physical books anymore?

In the age of digital everything, are paper books still necessary? College students are already buying digital books instead of expensive physical ones. What benefits would come from doing away with paper books? What drawbacks would there be for those without a computer or solid internet?

12. Is it important to teach physical education in schools?

What is the goal of physical education? Does it have a place in the academic environment of education? Should those things be taught at home or on a sports team instead of during school hours? Shouldn’t physical activity be optional? Or is PE a vital piece of knowledge for a well-rounded education?

13. Should zoos be banned?

Do zoos raise money and awareness for animal conservation…or do they imprison animals for a lifetime that should be free and in the wild?

14. Should recess be scheduled for all kids in school? Even high school students?

What are the benefits of taking an outside break with fresh air for students? Are other subjects too important to sacrifice the time? Could older students be more productive with some sunshine and fresh air during the day?

15. If a student has good grades all school year, should they still have to take standardized tests?

If a student has shown that they are learning and progressing academically, should they have to take a long standardized test? Are there other reasons to take these tests? 

16. Is hunting cruel to animals?

Most people buy their meat at grocery stores these days, so is there really any reason to still hunt animals? Does harvesting animals keep humans safe? Or does it make sport of animal lives?

17. Should gas powered cars be outlawed?

Fossil fuels are wreaking havoc on the planet, so should gasoline powered vehicles become illegal? Are electric cars a better option? Do electric cars have any drawbacks? 

18. Is a rewards program or discipline more effective to motivate students?

What incentivizes kids to dive into their work, when maybe they don’t want to? Is it a really strong rewards program that will motivate them to finish a difficult task? Or fear of a consequence if they don’t complete their work?

19. Should the United States require military service for men and women, like other countries do?

Many countries require their population to do some form of federal service. America has a draft registration for men, but not for women. Should both genders be required to serve our country? Would it strengthen our nation and our people to have a common experience with service? Or is it unfair to require people to pause their lives for 2 years during the prime of their youth?

20. Should healthcare be free for everybody?

Is it a human right to get healthcare for free? If the patient doesn’t pay, then who should pay for the treatment? What benefits and/or consequences could come from reshaping our healthcare system?

21. Should candy purchases be limited based on how many cavities you have?

Dental health is very serious. Should a kid’s candy be rationed based on their dental records? The more cavities, the less candy you can have – and vice versa?

22. Is it appropriate to let kids work at younger ages, like 10 or 12, if they can do the job?

Many kids today have a strong desire to work, make money, and be successful. We have child labor laws in place to protect kids, but could that be holding them back? If they can do a job, should they be allowed to be hired? Or would that be robbing a kid of their right to a carefree childhood?

23. Should foreign language be required in school or should it be one of the elective courses?

English is spoken nearly worldwide, as it is taught in many countries around the world. What benefits come from learning another language? Should students be able to choose another elective if they don’t want to learn a new language? Or should American children try harder to be multilingual?

24. Should students be allowed to use their cell phones during tests?

You cannot get away from cell phones these days. Even small children have them! They will be a readily available resource in most work places, so shouldn’t they be allowed during tests? Or are memorization and internalization of information important skills for students to learn?

25. Should plastic water bottles be banned?

Plastic water bottles are a huge problem in our environment. Should we outlaw them to help the Earth? What kind of things are one-use water bottles used for that might be important? 

26. Is it more important to continue exploration of space or the ocean?

Many wonderful advancements and knowledge have come from space exploration, but we know precious little about our ocean which covers 2/3 of the planet. Should governments be investing money into finding what lies beneath the surface instead of what’s above our heads?

27. Should reading an analog clock still be taught in school?

Digital clocks are everywhere – on your phone, stove, microwave, computer, cable box. Do you really need to learn how an analog clock works anymore? Are there times that digital clocks may not be available? Or are they becoming as archaic as a sundial?

28. Is learning  proper handwriting or fast typing more important in today’s world?

Many have stopped learning cursive handwriting, so should schools also stop focusing so much on print handwriting? Should kids be spending that time learning how to type on a keyboard instead? 

29. Should the voting age be lowered so elementary school students can vote?

Kids today are developing opinions and beliefs at younger ages and want to be heard. Should we lower the voting age so that children can make more of a difference? Or are most children not quite ready to handle the responsibility of voting?

30. Should AI be allowed in writing school papers if calculators are allowed in math?

Many teachers are concerned about how to tell the difference between an AI-written essay and one written by a student. Should that be a concern? If math allows calculators, can’t English classes allow help from another form of artificial intelligence? What drawback could come from not expecting kids to write their own essays?

31. Are cell phones good or bad for your health?

Cell phones are common around the world now, but are they good for us? How do they benefit our health? How might they hurt our overall health?

32. Should bees become a protected species?

Many scientists have expressed concern about the dwindling number of bees. Should these important pollinators become a protected species like the bald eagle? Or is it unreasonable to expect a person not to kill a bee that is buzzing around them?

33. Is it ever appropriate to ban a book?

Many heated discussions have come up recently about banning books. Is there ever a time that certain books should be kept from kids – like an R rating on a movie? Or should kids be allowed to read whatever they are interested in? Should offensive content be censored or should it be learned from?

34. Should community service be required for kids, middle schoolers and up?

What good could come of requiring community service from children? Or should people only serve because they genuinely want to help their community?

35. Is reading or math more important in today’s world?

Which is a more crucial skill to master? Should kids be focused on reading at the highest levels? Or should they be focused on learning the language of math at the highest levels?

Click Here To Download A One Page PDF Printable Of All The Argumentative Essay Topics

The above text link will take you to a new window where you can download and print the topics today. No email required! Terms of Use : Homeschool, classroom, co-op, and personal use only.

These essay topics will go along with any persuasive writing unit in your  writing curriculum ! Let your student go through the list and find the one that really gets them excited.

If you’re looking for more fun writing prompts, be sure to check out the picture writing prompts below. There are 40 images with corresponding text that will get your kid excited to write!

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Science Essay Topics

Barbara P

Ace Your Science Essay with These Interesting Topics and Tips

17 min read

Published on: May 3, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

science essay topics

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Are you struggling to come up with interesting science essay topics for your next assignment?

As a student, you know that science is an essential subject that plays a crucial role in our lives. However, with so many options, it can be challenging to find the right one that's both engaging and informative. 

Don't worry! 

In this blog, we'll help you find the perfect science essay topic that's both fascinating and relevant. From climate change to artificial intelligence, we'll provide you with a range of ideas to choose from. 

Plus, we'll provide helpful tips to make the writing process more manageable. You can ace your next science essay with ease.

So why wait? Let’s dive into it!

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Science Essay Topics for School Students 

Science is not just a subject, but a way of thinking. It's a process of discovery that involves observation, experimentation, and critical thinking. 

Let’s explore a range of exciting ideas that will help you create a compelling essay.

Science Essay Topics For 5th Graders

  • How do plants grow, and what factors affect their growth?
  • What are the different states of matter, and how do they behave differently?
  • How do animals adapt to their environments?
  • What is the water cycle, and how does it impact our planet?
  • How do magnets work, and what are some everyday uses of magnets?
  • What is photosynthesis, and why is it important for life on Earth?
  • How do earthquakes happen?
  • What is the solar system, and what are some interesting facts about the planets?
  • How do our senses work, and how do they help us understand the world around us?
  • What is sound, and how do we hear it?

Science Essay Topics For Class 6

Here are some science essay topics for 6th graders that are both informative and engaging:

  • How do different types of simple machines work, and what are some examples of each?
  • What is the process of photosynthesis, and how does it help plants make food?
  • How does the circulatory system work, and why is it important for human health?
  • How can energy be transformed from one form to another?
  • How do different types of waves behave differently?
  • What is the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources?
  • How do different types of animals move?
  • What are the different states of matter?
  • How do plants and animals adapt to their environments?
  • What is the process of digestion, and how does it help the body?

Science Essay Topics For Class 7 

  • How do different types of clouds form, and what do they tell us about the weather?
  • What are the different types of rocks, and how are they formed?
  • How do different types of ecosystems function, and what are some examples of each?
  • What are the different types of energy, and how can we conserve them?
  • How do the human body's various systems work together to maintain health?
  • What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources, and why is it important to conserve them?
  • How do the Earth's tectonic plates move?
  • What is the scientific method, and how is it used to solve problems in science?
  • What are the different types of cells, and what are their functions?
  • What is the role of DNA in genetics, and how does it determine an organism's traits?

Science Essay Topics For Class 8

  • The importance of photosynthesis in plant growth.
  • Understanding the basics of the human digestive system.
  • How do different types of clouds form and what are their characteristics?
  • Investigating the properties of sound waves and their applications in our daily life.
  • The science behind earthquakes and how to prepare for them.
  • The impact of pollution on our environment and health.
  • The structure and function of the human heart.
  • The role of bacteria in our ecosystem and human body.
  • The science of genetics and heredity.
  • The concept of force and motion and their applications in everyday life.

Science Essay Topics For High School Students 

Writing a science essay can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for high school students. Here is a list of science essay topics that are perfect for high school students.

  • What is climate change, and what are its causes and potential consequences?
  • What are some current research topics in neuroscience?
  • What is genetic engineering, and how is it used in agriculture and medicine?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy?
  • How do different types of viruses and bacteria spread?
  • What is the process of evolution, and what evidence supports the theory of evolution?
  • How do different types of air pollution affect human health?
  • What is the difference between nature and nurture in determining human behavior?
  • What are some ethical considerations surrounding the use of technology in healthcare?
  • How do different types of energy production and consumption impact the environment?

Science Essay Topics For College Students

Check out these perfect topics college students looking to engage with the latest scientific research and discoveries.

  • Role of stem cells in medical research and therapy
  • Current research topics in cancer biology
  • Relationship between nutrition and human health
  • Theories of the origin of the universe and supporting evidence
  • Role of epigenetics in human health and disease
  • Comparison of different types of renewable energy
  • Current state of research on artificial intelligence and its implications
  • Ethical considerations surrounding gene editing technologies such as CRISPR
  • Current state of research on quantum computing and potential applications
  • Development of mental illnesses and current research in neuroscience and psychology

Computer Science Topics

  • Role of artificial intelligence in computer science
  • Importance of cybersecurity in protecting computer systems
  • Evolution of computer programming languages
  • Impact of big data on decision-making in businesses and organizations
  • Working of cloud computing
  • Ethical considerations surrounding autonomous vehicles
  • Role of machine learning in natural language processing
  • Future of quantum computing and potential applications
  • Impact of data analytics on sports performance
  • Impact of social media on society and communication

Political Science Essay Topics 

  • Media's impact on political campaigns and elections
  • Pros and cons of electoral college system in presidential elections
  • Role of political parties in the US political system
  • Globalization's impact on international relations and global politics
  • Lobbying's impact on public policy decisions
  • Supreme Court's role in shaping US politics and policy
  • Voting rights and voter suppression in the US
  • Comparison of different types of governments around the world
  • International organizations' role in promoting global peace and security
  • Social movements' impact on political change and policy reform

Environmental Science Essay Topics 

  • Climate change and its impact on biodiversity
  • Sustainable agriculture practices for food security
  • Human impact on marine ecosystems
  • Pollution and its impact on public health
  • Renewable energy sources and their potential to replace fossil fuels
  • Deforestation and its impact on global warming patterns
  • Water scarcity and management in developing countries
  • Environmental policies and their effectiveness in mitigating environmental degradation
  • Urbanization and its impact on the environment
  • The role of technology in promoting sustainable development

Social Science Essay Topics

  • The effects of social media on mental health
  • Discrimination in the workplace based on race, gender, or sexual orientation
  • The impact of poverty on child development
  • The psychology behind political polarization and tribalism
  • The history and impact of the feminist movement
  • The impact of technology on social interactions and relationships
  • The role of education in promoting social mobility
  • The social and economic implications of immigration policies
  • The impact of social class on opportunities and life outcomes
  • The intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality in modern society

Wonder of Science Essay Topics 

  • The mystery of black holes and their importance in astrophysics
  • The science behind gene editing and its potential ethical implications
  • The potential of artificial intelligence and its impact on society
  • The science of climate change and its potential solutions
  • The role of nanotechnology in modern medicine and healthcare
  • The future of space exploration and colonization
  • The science of aging and the quest for immortality
  • The science of quantum mechanics and its potential impact on computing
  • The science behind renewable energy and its potential for a sustainable future
  • The science of neuroplasticity and its implications for mental health treatment

Natural Science Essay Topics 

  • The role of photosynthesis in the global carbon cycle
  • The science of genetics and the Human Genome Project
  • The impact of human activity on the world's oceans and marine life
  • The science of earthquakes and the search for predictive models
  • The chemistry of the human brain and its role in consciousness
  • The role of biodiversity in ecosystem health and resilience
  • The science behind climate change and the search for renewable energy sources
  • The physics of sound and its applications in modern technology
  • The role of hormones in human development and behavior
  • The chemistry of cooking and the science behind food preservation

Sports Science Essay Topics

  • The impact of sports nutrition on performance and recovery
  • The biomechanics of human movement and its implications for sports training
  • The psychology of sports performance and the role of mental training
  • The role of genetics in athletic ability and performance
  • The physiology of exercise and its effects on the human body
  • The role of sports medicine in injury prevention and rehabilitation
  • The science behind sports equipment and its impact on performance
  • The physics of sports and the role of technology in sports analytics
  • The role of sports in promoting physical and mental health
  • The ethics of performance-enhancing drugs in sports

Forensic Science Essay Topics 

  • The use of DNA evidence in criminal investigations and trials
  • The history and evolution of forensic science as a discipline
  • The role of forensic anthropology in identifying human remains
  • The use of forensic entomology in determining time of death
  • The psychology of criminal behavior and the role of forensic psychology in investigations
  • The use of ballistics and firearm analysis in solving crimes
  • The role of computer forensics in investigating cybercrime
  • The use of forensic toxicology in determining cause of death
  • The impact of forensic science on the criminal justice system
  • The challenges and limitations of forensic science in solving crimes

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Animal Science Essay Topics 

  • Animal behavior and its role in animal welfare and management
  • The impact of climate change on animal populations and ecosystems
  • The use of animal models in medical research and drug development
  • The ethics of animal testing and alternatives to animal testing
  • The role of genetics in animal breeding and conservation efforts
  • The science of animal nutrition and its implications for animal health and production
  • The use of biotechnology in animal agriculture and its impact on food production
  • The impact of animal diseases on global health and food security
  • The role of animal-assisted therapy in human health and well-being
  • The impact of animal behavior and welfare on the meat and dairy industry

Science And Technology Topics 

  • The ethical implications of artificial intelligence and its impact on the job market
  • The development and potential of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power
  • The impact of technology on education and the future of traditional classrooms
  • The history and advancements of 3D printing technology
  • The science behind virtual reality and its potential for therapeutic applications
  • The potential of nanotechnology and its applications in medicine, electronics, and more
  • The impact of social media on our personal and professional lives
  • The history and development of the internet 
  • The science behind space exploration and its potential for future discoveries
  • The potential applications and implications of blockchain technology

Microbiology Science Research Topics

  • Investigating the role of gut microbiota in human health
  • The use of bacteriophages as alternatives to antibiotics
  • Understanding the mechanisms of bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents
  • Developing new approaches for diagnosing and treating viral infections
  • Microbial ecology and its role in biogeochemical cycles
  • The impact of microbial communities on environmental and human health
  • The microbiology of fermented foods and their potential health benefits
  • Investigating the role of probiotics in promoting human health
  • The potential of microbiome engineering for biotechnological applications
  • The impact of microbiology research on public health and policy-making

Physical science topics 

  • The physics of renewable energy sources
  • Investigating the behavior of materials at the nanoscale
  • The physics of time travel and its feasibility
  • Understanding the concept of dark matter and its role in the universe
  • Investigating the properties and potential applications of superconductors
  • Developing new technologies for energy storage and conversion
  • The physics of black holes and their impact on the universe
  • The physics of sound and its role in communication and music
  • Investigating the properties of light and its applications in technology and medicine
  • The physics of earthquakes and how to predict them

Nature Science Topics 

  • The impact of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity
  • The role of genetics in evolution and natural selection
  • The properties and benefits of medicinal plants and herbs
  • The relationship between soil health and plant growth
  • The use of biotechnology in agriculture and food production
  • The physics of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods
  • The properties and behavior of water and its impact on the environment
  • Investigating the properties and benefits of natural fibers and materials
  • The role of microbes in soil health and plant growth
  • The physics and chemistry of the atmosphere and its impact on the environment

Psychology Topics 

  • The impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health.
  • The role of genetics in personality development.
  • The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for treating anxiety disorders.
  • The ethics of using placebos in psychological research and practice.
  • The psychology of attraction and relationships.
  • The impact of social media on body image and self-esteem.
  • The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function.
  • The psychology of addiction and recovery.
  • The relationship between stress and physical health.
  • The psychology of prejudice and discrimination.

Health Science Essay Topics 

  • The benefits and risks of genetically modified foods on human health
  • The impact of air pollution on respiratory health
  • Mental health stigmatization and its impact on healthcare access
  • The role of nutrition in disease prevention and management
  • Health disparities among different racial and ethnic groups
  • The ethics of using animals in medical research
  • The effects of technology on mental health
  • The science behind addiction and recovery
  • The role of public health interventions in preventing infectious diseases
  • The effects of exercise on physical and mental health

Earth Science Essay Topics

  • The impact of climate change on ocean currents
  • The causes and consequences of earthquakes
  • The role of plate tectonics in shaping Earth's surface
  • The relationship between volcanic eruptions and atmospheric chemistry
  • The history of the Earth's atmosphere and its evolution
  • The impact of human activity on soil erosion and land degradation
  • The influence of solar radiation on the Earth's climate
  • The importance of studying rocks and minerals for understanding Earth's history
  • The effects of deforestation on the Earth's carbon cycle
  • The relationship between weather patterns and global air circulation.

Biology Essay Topics 

  • The impact of climate change on plant and animal populations
  • The ethics of genetic engineering in agriculture and medicine
  • The role of microbiomes in human health
  • The effects of pollution on aquatic ecosystems
  • The potential of CRISPR technology in gene editing
  • The evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria
  • The biology and conservation of endangered species
  • The role of hormones in human behavior
  • The effects of nutrition on human health
  • The impact of biodiversity loss on ecosystem function.

Easy Science Essay Topics

  • The importance of recycling and its impact on the environment
  • The science behind weather patterns and forecasting
  • The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources
  • The science behind everyday cooking and baking techniques
  • The science of sleep and its impact on human health
  • The basics of human anatomy and physiology
  • The science of sound and the physics of music
  • The process of photosynthesis and its importance in the ecosystem
  • The science behind the human immune system and vaccines
  • The chemistry of cleaning products and their impact on the environment

Interesting Science Essay Topics 

  • The science behind our sense of taste and the impact of food on our brain
  • The impact of social media and technology on our mental health
  • The science of sleepwalking and other sleep disorders
  • The history and science behind the development of the periodic table
  • The science of happiness and the psychology behind positive emotions
  • The potential applications and implications of CRISPR gene editing technology
  • The science behind the formation and evolution of galaxies
  • The relationship between music and the brain, and its potential for therapeutic benefits
  • The science of quantum mechanics and its implications for computing and communication
  • The science of memory and the potential for memory enhancement techniques

Interactive Science Topics

  • The science behind video games and their effects on the brain
  • The role of interactive technologies in education
  • The future of virtual reality and its potential impact on society
  • The science of human-computer interaction
  • The use of interactive technologies in healthcare and medicine
  • The ethical considerations of using interactive technologies in society
  • The science of gamification and its impact on behavior
  • The role of interactive media in shaping public opinion and political discourse
  • The psychology of user engagement in interactive design
  • The potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionize interactive technologies.

Title For Science And Technology Essay 

Some updated titles for essays on science includes: 

  • The Intersection of Science and Technology
  • Advancements in Science and Technology
  • The Ethics of Science and Technology in a Changing World
  • From the Printing Press to Artificial Intelligence
  • Innovations in Science and Technology
  • The Role of Science and Technology in Sustainable Development
  • Emerging Technologies and their Impact on Society
  • The Dark Side of Science and Technology
  • The Importance of Science and Technology in Solving Global Challenges
  • The Future of Science and Technology

Tips for Choosing a Science Essay Topic 

Choosing the right science essay topic can be challenging, especially when you're given the freedom to choose your own subject. 

There are countless topics to choose from. Finding one that interests you and is also appropriate for your academic level can be daunting. 

However, with some helpful tips, you can narrow down your options and choose a topic that is both engaging and informative.

  • Identify your interests: Choose a topic that you find interesting and enjoy researching. This will make the writing process more enjoyable and engaging for you.
  • Consider your audience: Keep in mind who your target audience is. Such as your classmates or professor, and choose a topic that will appeal to them.
  • Look for current events: Science is constantly evolving, so try to find a topic that is relevant and timely.
  • Brainstorm: Make a list of topics that interest you and then narrow it down based on relevance and feasibility.
  • Research: Once you have a topic in mind, conduct thorough research. Make sure there is lots of information available to write a comprehensive essay.
  • Stay focused: Choose a specific aspect of the topic to focus on and avoid broad or general topics.

All in all, this blog has provided a wide range of science essay topics for various levels of education and interests. By following the tips provided, students can select a suitable topic to showcase their writing skills.

For those who may find it challenging to write their science essays, our science essay writing service can help.

Our essay writer can provide high-quality, original essays tailored to meet individual requirements. 

Contact us to learn how the best essay writing service can assist you in the field of science.

Barbara P (Literature)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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science essay topics for 6th graders

The 9 Best Creative and Argumentative Writing Prompts for 6th Grade

5 creative writing prompts for 6th grade.

Prompt: When you become disappointed, what do you do to manage your emotions?

2. Flying Superpower

3. letter to future self.

Tell students that they will be writing a letter to themselves to read when they are older. You can either pick an age/milestone (graduating from college, getting their first job, having children, etc.), or allow students to pick. Ask students to think about what they believe would be important to know at that juncture in their life and include it in their letter.

4. No Internet for a Month

This could be a fun one to do with middle schoolers who are so dependent on technology and the internet. Before students begin writing, get them to brainstorm a list of all the ways their lives are dependent on the internet.

5. Genie in a Bottle

This is another great creative writing prompt for sixth graders. They’ll have fun thinking about a talent they would like and what they would like to do with that talent.

4 Argumentative Writing Prompts for 6th Grade

I like this writing prompt for introducing students to argumentative writing. The topic of pets is something all students are familiar with, even if they don’t personally own a pet.

You can also use this topic to introduce students to providence factual reasons, versus opinions, to support their answers. For example, if students want to say that a cat is the best pet, a factual reason can’t be that cats are cute. However, they could say something like cats are the best pet because they do not have to be taken outside to go to the bathroom on a cold or rainy day.

2. Teaching Math in School

3. screen time limits.

However, once they start thinking about reasons to limit screen time and examine evidence showing the impact of too much screen time on children, they may change their mind.

4. Conserving Energy

Prompt: What is the most important thing all households should be doing to conserve energy?

However, for this writing prompt, students must decide which one thing is the most important and provide evidence to support their opinion.

Writing Standards for 6th Grade

Sixth grade is a critical year for students in regards to writing and other subject matters. They are transitioning from elementary school to the upper grades and will need the right supports to help them master the grade-level standards.

Writing Process

Students should receive instruction and practice on each stage of the writing process. They should independently implement each of the stages when producing their own written work.

The stages of the writing process that sixth graders are expected to know and use include:

Writing Purposes

Writing evaluation, conventions, research and inquiry.

Research and inquiry is another important standard for sixth graders to show proficiency with. By the end of the year, students should be able to:

Advantages of Writing Prompts at the Lessons

Got to sub in 6th grade today, the predictions were coming fast and furious for today’s writing prompt. Got to love engaged students! pic.twitter.com/nBfzMxxP0T — Nick Jurrens (@NickJurrens) February 20, 2021

All Science Fair Projects

1000 science fair projects with complete instructions.

71 Science Fair Projects for 6th Graders

71 Science Fair Projects for 6th Graders

Our collection of 6th grade science projects offer a fun and hands-on way for middle school students to explore a variety of fascinating science concepts.

Is a dog's mouth cleaner than a human's?

6th Grade Science Fair Project FAQ

What are some easy 6th grade science fair projects.

Each one of these science fair projects are easy for sixth grade students to set up and do!

Burn Rate of a Candle

Soap and Surface Tension

Baking with Yeast

Color and Taste

Growing Mold

Cleaning Teeth: A Science Project

Comparing Blood Pressure

The Chocolate Rock Cycle

Uncovering Fall Colors

Making Oobleck: Liquid or Solid?

Science fair project details right above the FAQ!

What is the best 6th grade science project ever?

We love the Color and Taste science fair project for sixth grade students. The same flavored drink is made red, orange and purple with food coloring. When the three drinks are given to people, see what people taste! It's fascinating to see how color affects our perception of taste in this classic science experiment!

If you're looking for more 6th grade science projects, check out the 6th grade science fair projects at the top of this page! 

Check out more Best Science Fair Projects →

What are some cool 6th grade science fair projects?

Get ready to be amazed by these super cool science projects for 6th graders! With just a few simple things, sixth graders will see how fun and cool science is!

Does Music Help Plants Grow?

Dogs vs. Humans: Bacteria in the Mouth

Singing Glass

Fast Food Nutrition

Cleaning teeth: A Science Project

Video Games and Blood Pressure

Moisturizer Test

What are 5 testable questions for 6th grade?

A testable question is a question that we can answer through a science experiment. To do this, we do a control science experiment, then we change one thing in the experiment to see how it affects what happens. This is how we can discover the answer to our question!

What makes a cloud form?

Can drink and food taste different just by changing its color?

Does the color of light affect photosynthesis?

Does temperature affect seed sprouting?

What makes popcorn pop?

Here are more testable questions along with their science projects →

What are the top 10 science projects for 6th grade?

These are our top 10 science projects for 6th grade, with projects covering biology, chemistry, physics, medicine and health. These projects can be used as science fair project ideas or as a fun experiment to explore different areas of science!

Plant Growth: Hydroponics vs. Soil

Science project details above the FAQ!

Can I do a 6th grade science fair project in a day?

Yes! Quick experiments can be a great option for a science fair project! If you want to explore quick reactions, we have science project ideas on various topics to get you started.

Acids and bases: Test different fluids to see if they are an acid or a base!

Learn how to make your own acid/base indicator using red cabbage and use it to test different fluids! Make Your Own PH Indicator

Chromatography reactions: Separate out colors!

Have you ever wondered why leaves change color in the fall? Let's find out by using chromatography to separate the colors of a green leaf! Uncovering Fall Colors

Heat reactions: Heat speeds things up!

Ever wondered if a balloon filled with water can withstand fire? Fire-Resistant Balloons

What are some hands-on ways to find inspiration for my science fair project?

science essay topics for 6th graders

There may be free admission days or free passes to a science museum near you! Check your local library for free museum passes, nearby science museums for free entrance days and your credit card for offers.

Find a science museum near you and prepare to be awed by all that you can learn there! I always learn something new and am inspired whenever I go to a science museum!

How do I start a science fair project?

science essay topics for 6th graders

What should I do after I have a science fair project idea?

science essay topics for 6th graders

How do I make a science fair board?

science essay topics for 6th graders

What is the scientific method?

science essay topics for 6th graders

What is the engineering design process?

science essay topics for 6th graders

Where can I find a science fair competition?

science essay topics for 6th graders

The www Virtual Library: Science Fairs website also has a collection of science fairs from all over the world, as well as national, state, regional, local, and virtual competitions!

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Rules for Answering Science Essay Questions

1.   Think about your answer before you start to write. Plan and organize what you will say.

2.   Restate the question in the first sentence of your answer.

a.    Example: Why was Alfred Wegener's theory of plate tectonics debated by scientists?

                 Wegener's theory of plate tectonics was debated by scientists because …

3.   NEVER begin an answer with a pronoun (they, he, it …), the word “because”, or the phrase, “The reason is because …”

4.   Use complete sentences. Every sentence should make sense, so read through your answer carefully to make sure you don’t have missing words or jumbled thoughts.Nonsense or unclear answers = no credit.

5.   Answer all parts of each question. Missing parts = missing points.

6.   Include detail in your answer. Be specific by including facts and additional information related to the question. NEVER use the words “stuff” or “things”.

7.   Include vocabulary in your answer. When you use a vocabulary term, also explain the word’s meaning in the context of the answer.

8.   Write neatly even if it takes you longer. If your writing is hard to read, then it’s hard for me to read, so it’s hard to grade. If I cannot read it, I won’t grade it.

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Sixth grade science

IXL offers more than 100 sixth grade science skills to explore and learn! Not sure where to start? Go to your personalized Recommendations wall to find a skill that looks interesting, or select a skill plan that aligns to your textbook, state standards, or standardized test.

A. Science practices and tools

  • 1 The process of scientific inquiry
  • 2 Identify laboratory tools
  • 3 Laboratory safety equipment

B. Designing experiments

  • 1 Identify control and experimental groups
  • 2 Identify independent and dependent variables
  • 3 Identify the experimental question
  • 4 Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials
  • 5 Understand an experimental protocol about plant growth
  • 6 Understand an experimental protocol about diffusion
  • 7 Understand an experimental protocol about evaporation

C. Engineering practices

  • 1 Identify parts of the engineering-design process
  • 2 Evaluate tests of engineering-design solutions
  • 3 Use data from tests to compare engineering-design solutions
  • 4 Explore the engineering-design process: going to the Moon!

D. Matter and mass

  • 1 Calculate density
  • 2 Understand conservation of matter using graphs

E. Atoms and molecules

  • 1 What are atoms and chemical elements?
  • 2 How are substances represented by chemical formulas and models?
  • 3 Match chemical formulas to ball-and-stick models
  • 4 Complete chemical formulas for ball-and-stick models
  • 5 Describe the atomic composition of molecules
  • 6 Classify elementary substances and compounds using chemical formulas
  • 7 Identify elementary substances and compounds using chemical formulas
  • 8 Sort elementary substances and compounds using chemical formulas
  • 9 Classify elementary substances and compounds using models
  • 10 Identify elementary substances and compounds using models
  • 11 Sort elementary substances and compounds using models

F. Chemical reactions

  • 1 Identify reactants and products
  • 2 Count atoms and molecules in chemical reactions
  • 3 Calculate amounts of reactants or products in chemical reactions
  • 4 Describe energy changes in chemical reactions
  • 5 Compare physical and chemical changes
  • 6 Explore chemical structure and properties: soapmaking
  • 7 Explore chemical structure and properties: food flavors
  • 8 Synthetic materials

G. Force and motion

  • 1 Calculate speed from time and distance
  • 2 Calculate distance from speed and time
  • 3 Calculate time from speed and distance
  • 4 Calculate speed, distance, and time I
  • 5 Calculate speed, distance, and time II
  • 6 Identify whether objects are accelerating
  • 7 How does mass affect force and acceleration?
  • 8 Predict forces using Newton's third law
  • 9 Balanced and unbalanced forces

H. Kinetic and potential energy

  • 1 Identify changes in gravitational potential energy
  • 2 Use tables and graphs to identify patterns about kinetic energy
  • 3 Explore energy transformations: roller coaster ride
  • 4 Explore energy transformations: bike ride

I. Electricity and magnetism

  • 1 Electric forces and fields
  • 2 Compare magnitudes of magnetic forces

J. Thermal energy

  • 1 Predict heat flow and temperature changes
  • 2 How are temperature and mass related to thermal energy?
  • 3 Compare thermal energy transfers

K. Particle motion and energy

  • 1 How does particle motion affect temperature?
  • 2 Particle motion and changes of state
  • 3 How does particle motion affect gas pressure?
  • 4 Identify how particle motion affects temperature and pressure
  • 1 Transverse waves
  • 2 Longitudinal waves
  • 3 Compare amplitudes, wavelengths, and frequencies of waves
  • 4 Compare energy of waves
  • 5 Transmission, reflection, and absorption of waves
  • 6 Electromagnetic waves
  • 7 Applications of infrared waves

M. Solutions

  • 1 Compare concentrations of solutions
  • 2 Diffusion across membranes

N. Classification and scientific names

  • 1 Describe, classify, and compare kingdoms
  • 2 Identify common and scientific names
  • 3 Origins of scientific names
  • 4 Use scientific names to classify organisms

O. Biochemistry

  • 1 Structure and function: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids
  • 2 The chemistry of cellular respiration
  • 1 Understanding cells
  • 2 Identify functions of plant cell parts
  • 3 Identify functions of animal cell parts
  • 4 Plant cell diagrams: label parts
  • 5 Animal cell diagrams: label parts
  • 6 Compare cells and cell parts
  • 7 Cell division

Q. Anatomy and physiology

  • 1 Organization in the human body
  • 2 Body systems: circulation and respiration
  • 3 Body systems: digestion
  • 4 Body systems: removing waste
  • 5 Body systems: perception and motion
  • 6 Science literacy: how does the nervous system produce phantom pain?

R. Genes to traits

  • 1 Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
  • 2 Genetic variation in sexual reproduction
  • 3 Genetics vocabulary: genotype and phenotype
  • 4 Genetics vocabulary: dominant and recessive
  • 5 Complete and interpret Punnett squares
  • 6 Use Punnett squares to calculate ratios of offspring types
  • 7 Genes, proteins, and traits: understanding the genetic code
  • 8 Describe the effects of gene mutations on organisms
  • 9 How do genes and the environment affect plant growth?

S. Adaptations and natural selection

  • 1 How can animal behaviors affect reproductive success? Identify evidence to support a claim
  • 2 Introduction to natural selection
  • 3 Calculate the percentages of traits in a population
  • 4 Calculate the averages of traits in a population
  • 5 Construct explanations of natural selection
  • 1 Compare fossils to modern organisms
  • 2 Compare ages of fossils in a rock sequence

U. Plant reproduction

  • 1 Flowering plant and conifer life cycles
  • 2 Moss and fern life cycles

V. Photosynthesis

  • 1 How do plants use and change energy?
  • 2 Identify the photosynthetic organism

W. Ecosystems

  • 1 Describe populations, communities, and ecosystems
  • 2 Identify ecosystems
  • 3 Describe ecosystems

X. Ecological interactions

  • 1 How does matter move in food chains?
  • 2 Interpret food webs I
  • 3 Interpret food webs II
  • 4 Use food chains to predict changes in populations
  • 5 Classify symbiotic relationships
  • 6 Investigate primary succession on a volcanic island

Y. Conservation

  • 1 Coral reef biodiversity and human uses: explore a problem
  • 2 Coral reef biodiversity and human uses: evaluate solutions

Z. Natural resources and human impacts

  • 1 Evaluate claims about natural resource use: groundwater
  • 2 Evaluate claims about natural resource use: fossil fuels
  • 1 Identify rocks and minerals
  • 2 Introduction to the rock cycle
  • 3 Classify rocks as igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic
  • 4 How do rock layers form?
  • 5 Label parts of rock cycle diagrams
  • 6 Select parts of rock cycle diagrams

BB. Earth's features

  • 1 Label Earth layers
  • 2 Identify Earth's land features using photographs
  • 3 Identify Earth's land features using satellite images
  • 4 Label Earth features at tectonic plate boundaries
  • 5 Describe tectonic plate boundaries around the world

CC. Topographic maps

  • 1 Select parts of a topographic map

DD. Earth’s systems and cycles

  • 1 Describe the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere
  • 2 Label parts of water cycle diagrams
  • 3 Select parts of water cycle diagrams
  • 4 The carbon cycle

EE. The atmosphere

  • 1 Explore air masses
  • 2 Identify and compare air masses
  • 3 How do air masses form?
  • 4 The greenhouse effect

FF. Weather and climate

  • 1 Weather and climate around the world
  • 2 Weather or climate? Cite text
  • 3 Use data to describe climates
  • 4 Factors affecting climate: latitude
  • 5 Factors affecting climate: altitude
  • 6 Factors affecting climate: distance from the ocean

GG. Natural hazards

  • 1 Analyze natural hazard maps

HH. Astronomy

  • 1 Analyze models of the Earth-Sun-Moon system
  • 2 Constellations and the changing night sky
  • 3 Identify phases of the Moon
  • 4 Solar eclipses
  • 5 Lunar eclipses
  • 6 What causes the seasons on Earth?
  • 7 Analyze data to compare properties of planets
  • 8 Identify constellations

II. Units and measurement

  • 1 Choose customary units of distance, mass, and volume
  • 2 Choose metric units of distance, mass, and volume
  • 3 Estimate temperatures
  • 4 Abbreviate length, speed, and acceleration units
  • 5 Abbreviate temperature, mass, and volume units
  • 6 Abbreviate force, energy, and electricity units
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Science , Subjects

57 science project ideas for 6th grade.

science essay topics for 6th graders

Are you looking for engaging science projects that hold the attention of your sixth-graders? Look nowhere else! Explore this fascinating collection of 57 exciting science project suggestions that help students better grasp the world around them.

Starting a science project is an excellent method to develop young minds and a love of exploration. Students in the sixth grade are at a receptive stage and eager to explore the wonders of science.

Here is a thorough list of 57 science project ideas for the 6th grade to encourage curiosity and inventiveness.

These initiatives, which range from ecological research to chemistry experiments, promise to be educational and entertaining, turning science into a thrilling journey

Discover 57 Engaging Science Project Ideas for 6th Graders.

With the help of these fascinating and instructive science project ideas suited for sixth graders, you may unlock the universe of scientific exploration.

These practical tasks are intended to pique curiosity, inspire creativity, and build a greater understanding of the natural world.

They range from riddles surrounding plant growth to physics problems.

Embark on a journey with 57 science project ideas tailored for 6th graders that are ideal for young minds eager to solve the universe’s mysteries as we plunge into a world of discovery:

1. Electric Circuits and Conductivity

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

In the sixth grade, delving into electricity became an insightful trip. Students learn the foundations of current flow by building straightforward circuits and conducting experiments with various conductive materials.

They discover the enchantment of closed loops when they see lights go on and buzzers sound. This practical investigation piques interest and opens the door to better comprehending how our technology world operates.

Students learn more about the unique conducting characteristics of many materials, including non-metals and metals.

They experiment with circuit elements to see how conductivity affects current strength.

This enables students to choose materials wisely in practical applications, such as wiring homes or creating technological devices.

The realm of electric circuits and conductivity opens young minds, allowing them to understand the unseen forces that influence our lives.

This fascinating voyage is a launching pad for more difficult scientific investigations and a solid basis for comprehending intricate electrical systems.

2. Paper Airplane Angles

Paper Airplane

Using paper airplane angles, sixth graders explore the world of aerodynamics and flight physics.

They practice folding and bending to see how changing angles affect flying patterns.

This hands-on method turns regular paper into a tool for comprehending lift, drag, and gravity in motion.

Students learn the importance of angle modifications in getting the best flight distance and stability through trial and error.

They know the secrets of various aircraft designs and their distinctive flight characteristics as they hone the skill of precise folding.

These realizations give physics a concrete and thrilling quality.

Investigating paper airplane angles transforms regular paper into flying marvels and piques one’s interest in the concepts underlying flight.

Through this practical learning, young minds yearning to soar to the heights of knowledge can develop an appreciation for the grace of aerodynamics.

3. Pendulum Motion Exploration

Pendulum Motion Exploration

The sixth graders swing into the realm of pendulum motion and plunge into the hypnotic dance between gravity and inertia.

They see the regular back-and-forth rhythm that characterizes pendulum motion through experimentation.

This investigation reveals the beauty of straightforward harmonic motion and provides a concrete link to physical rules.

Students learn about the complex link between these elements and the period of motion by adjusting variables such as pendulum length and weight.

This dynamic process turns intangible ideas into observable phenomena, encouraging a greater understanding of how physics and math play a part in understanding the natural world.

The rhythmic swing of the pendulum connects with the 6th graders’ inquisitive minds and aligns them with the basic tenets of motion.

They learn that even the most fundamental objects contain hidden meanings as they participate in this fascinating study.

Science becomes a physical adventure that combines interest and discovery through pendulum motion.

4. Ball Drop and Bounce Height

Ball Drop and Bounce Height

In sixth grade, students start an experiment combining excitement and physics as they explore motion mechanics.

They explore the worlds of gravity and energy transformation by dropping balls from various heights and recording bounce heights.

This exciting experiment turns the classroom into a science playground where each bounce contains a physics lesson.

Students discover the continuous association between initial drop height and bounce height by analyzing data gathered from various drops.

This investigation illustrates the complex interplay between potential and kinetic energy throughout the fall and rebound, reinforcing the concept of conservation of energy.

Sixth graders discover the wonders of energy transformation concealed within a routine drop as balls soar and rebound.

This practical experience with physics helps to bridge the gap between theory and practice and stokes interest in the laws that govern our universe.

Students launch into a world of scientific wonder and discovery through the ball drop experiment.

5. Roller Coaster Energy

Roller Coaster

The exhilaration of roller coasters and energy science collide in this sixth-grade investigation. Students explore the transformation between potential and kinetic energy as they design and build small roller coasters.

They embark on an engaging voyage with this hands-on activity that reveals the physics behind these exhilarating rides via twists, turns, and loops.

Students can see the dynamic energy transfers in action by modifying track designs and tracking speed variations.

They understand how the coaster’s highest point’s potential energy changes into kinetic energy during the drop.

In addition to demystifying the science behind roller coasters, this experience improves their comprehension of energy conservation.

Building roller coasters transforms the theme park into a scientific research area.

Sixth-grade students observe the fascinating interaction of energy forms when they race marbles around curves and hills.

This interactive tour serves as a reminder that learning and excitement go hand in hand and instill a lasting respect for the physics that makes roller coasters fascinating.

6. Rainbow in a Jar

Rainbow in Jar

To produce a rainbow in a jar, sixth graders capture the essence of color and density.

They observe the beauty of light refraction by carefully layering liquids of various thicknesses.

This fascinating experiment increases their grasp of how light interacts with matter and reveals the artistry of physics.

Students may see how light bends as it passes through various media through this practical experience.

Each layer simulates a prism-like effect that scatters light into a rainbow of colors.

This project helps students understand the natural phenomena that cause rainbows, fostering a connection between science and aesthetics.

Making a rainbow in a jar emphasizes the beauty of physics in our daily lives while bringing delight into the classroom.

Students in the sixth grade discover science and aesthetics as they watch light dance across layers of liquids.

By bridging the gap between the observable and the scientific, this experiment creates a clear image of the fascinating complexity of the world.

7. Household Substances’ pH

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

Sixth-grade students explore the realm of home material pH, from the kitchen to the bathroom.

Using straightforward assays, they determine if things are essential, neutral, or acidic.

The pupils’ connections between pH levels and commonplace objects like soap and lemon juice help to bridge the gap between science and everyday life.

Students learn about pH scales and fluctuations in acidity first-hand by using indicators and witnessing color changes.

This experiment emphasizes the importance of pH in maintaining balance and function while providing them with practical skills and encouraging critical thought about the chemistry underpinning daily activities.

Students in the sixth grade become chemistry investigators in their homes as they learn about the pH spectrum.

This immersive encounter fosters a stronger bond between science and the environment.

This investigation prepares the way for a lifetime appreciation of the chemical wonders around us, from testing everyday household items to comprehending the significance of pH management in nature.

8. Chemical Reaction Rates

Chemical Reactions

Sixth graders delve into the fascinating world of chemical reaction rates as they examine the dynamic field of chemistry.

They discover the secret pace at which molecules change by combining and observing changes.

This tour reveals the forces at work in routine activities like baking and rust production, making science more approachable and exciting.

Students do practical experiments where they change elements like temperature, concentration, and catalysts to observe how they affect reaction speeds.

By providing new insights into collision theory and activation energy, this investigation helps us better understand the variables that control chemical processes.

By bridging theory and practice, studying chemical reaction rates helps budding scientists understand the complex dance of molecules.

They learn how minor adjustments can have significant effects as they watch reactions develop at various speeds.

By enabling sixth graders to view the world through a molecular lens, this voyage fosters a curiosity that drives students further into the mysteries of chemistry.

9. Crystal Growth

Crystal Growth

Sixth graders sail through an enthralling transformation as they explore crystal growth.

They watch the emergence of complex structures that change over time through the careful control of solutions and diligent monitoring.

This investigation not only demonstrates the exquisite architectural accuracy of nature but also familiarises aspiring scientists with the ideas of solubility and supersaturation.

Students learn how to control crystal size and structure by manipulating variables like temperature and concentration.

This practical experience encourages pupils to recognize patterns in crystalline formations and provides a concrete connection to chemical ideas.

They reveal the mysteries of mineral growth that have captivated scientists for ages as they nurture crystals into life.

Growing crystals gives young minds a tremendous understanding of the delicate artistry seen in the natural world.

The development of crystals reveals the mesmerizing dance of molecules and sparks curiosity beyond the classroom.

This investigation is a beautiful example of how science and nature’s sophisticated designs may coexist in harmony.

10. Density Tower

science essay topics for 6th graders

Sixth graders create a compelling density tower as a visual masterpiece while delving into the concept of density.

They reveal the wonder of physics and fluid mechanics by meticulously arranging liquids with various densities.

Due to the liquids’ continued suspension in different layers, which highlights each substance’s distinctive properties, this practical activity turns science into art.

This experiment teaches Students about the interaction between mass and volume, which affects a substance’s density.

They see the use of the buoyancy principle as they build their density towers, watching as less dense liquids float on top of denser ones.

This investigation links theory and practice while generating a profound respect for physics’ wonders.

The density tower project goes beyond conventional education by clearly illustrating imprecise scientific ideas.

Students in the sixth grade build vibrant layers of liquids to produce a stunning image while also learning the nuances of density and fluid behavior.

This practical experience serves as a reminder that science is an undiscovered art.

11. Plant Growth Conditions

science essay topics for 6th graders

Students in sixth grade explore the field of horticulture by looking into how various environmental factors affect plant growth.

They decipher the elements that affect a plant’s growth and health through carefully controlled tests using different light, water, and soil conditions.

They get to see the effects of environmental factors firsthand, bringing them closer to nature’s wonders.

Students carefully adjust water frequency and light intensity to see how plants react to their environment.

This practical project highlights how crucial it is to create the ideal atmosphere for healthy growth.

As they grow plants under varied settings, they learn about the complex interactions between plants and their environment and gain a fresh appreciation for them.

In addition to providing sixth graders with horticulture knowledge, the experience of experimenting with plant development conditions also strengthens their bond with fragile ecosystems.

As students take care of plants in various environments, they develop a respect for the natural world’s adaptability and resiliency.

This investigation is a first step towards figuring out how we might maintain the beauty and vitality of our world.

12. Photosynthesis Investigation

science essay topics for 6th graders

Sixth-grade students dig into photosynthesis, the mysterious process that powers our planet, as they explore the world of green wonders.

They discover the mechanisms underlying plants’ ability to produce energy by experimenting with light, leaves, and carbon dioxide.

This investigation reveals the crucial function sunshine and chlorophyll play in converting carbon dioxide into oxygen.

Students learn about the complex dance of molecules through hands-on activities, as light energy drives the transformation of water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen.

This tour emphasizes the significance of life’s interdependence on Earth and plants in preserving a healthy ecosystem.

Sixth-grade students learn about the symbiotic relationship between plants and the environment through photosynthesis.

This inquiry inspires a respect for the beauty of nature’s workings and knowledge of the complex systems that sustain life on Earth.

Plants are a constant reminder of the wonder that science has woven into our environment by catching the essence of sunshine and converting it into energy that sustains life.

13. Insect or Amphibian Lifecycles

Lady bug eating food

Sixth graders embark on a metamorphosis trip as they investigate the fascinating life cycles of insects or amphibians.

They discover the stages of development from egg to adult via observation and study, in awe of the wonders of nature’s growth and adaptation.

This investigation sheds light on these organisms’ various techniques to survive in their dynamic habitats.

Students learn how insects or amphibians adjust to their environment as they study each lifecycle stage.

This tour highlights the complex interplay between survival and reproduction in the natural world, from the fascinating molting process to the delicate dance of mating rituals.

Investigating insect or amphibian life cycles allows sixth graders to see the complex drama of adaptation and evolution.

They sincerely appreciate the various methods life uses to survive and flourish by seeing the changes these organisms undergo.

This voyage awakens a sense of wonder and compassion for the numerous stories playing out in the tucked-away places of our ecosystems.

14. Bird Eating Habits Survey

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

Sixth graders start an exciting inquiry into birds’ food preferences with binoculars in hand.

They get insight into the fragile equilibrium of predator and prey in the natural environment by studying and documenting the diets of various bird species.

This investigation reveals the many tactics birds use to get their mark and emphasizes their crucial role in maintaining environmental balance.

Students conduct detailed surveys to identify trends in bird nutrition and relate those patterns to environmental elements like habitat and season.

This tour highlights the profound interdependence of species and the implications of dietary decisions on the entire food web.

Sixth graders can gain a unique perspective on the dynamics of nature’s dining room by studying the eating habits of birds.

This research not only demonstrates the resilience of birds but also encourages an understanding of how interrelated all life is.

Young scientists embrace the complexity of ecosystems and each species’ part in forming the intricate fabric of life as they reveal the tales of beaks and bites.

15. Model Water Cycle

Model Water Cycle

Sixth graders go on a hands-on adventure to simulate the water cycle while focusing on Earth’s hydrological ballet.

They provide life to the dynamic process that keeps our planet alive by imitating evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

This investigation reveals the pattern of water’s motion while emphasizing its transition from liquid to vapor and back again.

Students learn about the effects of temperature variations and other environmental factors on the complex dance of the water cycle through experimentation.

This trip helps people comprehend how water connects land, air, and life, sculpting landscapes and maintaining ecosystems worldwide.

Students in the sixth grade engage themselves in the constant rhythm that sustains life on Earth as they shape the model water cycle.

This encounter clarifies the complexities of precipitation and highlights how valuable this resource is for supporting life.

Young scientists learn to care for the environment by engaging with the water cycle and enjoying the beautiful dance of nature’s hydrological masterpiece.

16. Music’s Effect on Plant Growth

Music's Effect on Plant Growth

Sixth-grade students investigate the fascinating relationship between music and plant growth in a harmonious twist.

They examine whether melodies can have a “green thumb” impact by exposing plants to various genres and rhythms.

This investigation combines science and creativity to dive into the fields of botany and sound to uncover nature’s potential reactions to musical vibrations.

Students collect information on plant growth rates in response to various musical stimuli through meticulous observation and measurement.

This investigation explains the relationship between sound waves and the physiological procedures of photosynthesis and cell growth, provoking the observers to consider that music impacts the environment.

Students combine science with creativity in this experiment, and students gain a deeper grasp of plant physiology.

They get an awareness of the complex interactions that make up life’s great orchestra as a result of this mellow investigation, which connects with the glories of nature.

17. Erosion Simulation

Erosion Simulation

Students dive into Earth’s geological past and take a tactile trip to imitate erosion.

They imitate the forces that sculpt landscapes throughout time by harnessing the power of water and wind.

This investigation sheds light on the delicate dance between the parties of nature and the planet’s shifting surface.

Students change miniature landscapes via hands-on experimentation to see how erosion alters them.

They look at how the movement of wind and rain shapes mountains, canyons, and valleys.

This technique helps understand Earth’s dynamic evolution better while revealing the significant effects of natural forces.

Young geologists learn how wind and water sculpted our planet’s features as they participate in the erosion simulation.

This expedition reminds them that the Earth is a moving canvas on which the elements have painted the world’s history.

This practical experience sparks an interest in geology and a connection to the complex processes that have created Earth’s breathtaking landscapes.

18. Soil Composition Analysis

Soil Composition

Students set out on a mission to unravel the mysteries of soil composition by sifting under the surface.

They discover the complex admixture of minerals, organic matter, water, and air that is the basis of life on Earth by taking samples and conducting experiments.

This investigation reveals the complexity beyond the surface of seemingly everyday dirt.

Students closely examine various soil types to see how they affect ecosystems, support plant development, and retain moisture.

They gain an understanding of the delicate balance that supports biodiversity and agricultural productivity by looking at the texture, structure, and pH of the soil.

This tour serves as a reminder of soil’s critical function in sustaining all life.

The study of soil composition introduces sixth graders to a world brimming with complexities and connections.

This investigation highlights the importance of the Earth’s skin and its critical function in supplying nutrients and stability for the survival of life.

Young scientists deeply respect the undiscovered beauties beneath our feet as they reveal the stories concealed in the soil.

19. Formation of Fossils

Fossil

The allure of time travel draws sixth graders as they travel back in time to solve the mystery of fossil formation.

They learn how the remains of prehistoric life are preserved in stone by reenacting previous procedures.

By turning rocks into time capsules, this exploration reveals snippets of Earth’s past and the species that previously inhabited its surface.

Through practical experiments, students understand how minerals penetrate organic materials and progressively change them into fossils.

They investigate the intricate interplay between geological forces and the fossilized remnants of ancient organisms, revealing the dance of sedimentation and petrification.

This voyage across time reveals the echoes of life’s trek throughout Earth.

Students embark on an exciting journey across historical eras while studying fossil formation.

This investigation piques interest in Earth’s past and fosters knowledge of the complex mechanisms that give it existence.

Young paleontologists can connect with the prehistoric people who once lived on our planet by working with fossils, instilling a timeless sense of wonder.

20. Moon Phases and Tides

science essay topics for 6th graders

Students look to the skies as they investigate the rhythmic dance between the Earth, the moon, and the tides.

They reveal the fascinating interaction between celestial bodies and our planet’s oceans by following the moon’s orbit and observing how it affects oceanic patterns.

This investigation focuses on the sky and exposes the gravitational dance that molds our planet.

Students gain an understanding of how the gravitational pull of the moon on Earth’s oceans, which causes the ebb and flow of tides, via observation and study.

They discover the relationship between lunar phases and tidal patterns and how this affects human activity and coastal ecosystems.

Studying tides and moon phases draws sixth graders into a cosmic ballet that links the celestial and terrestrial spheres.

This investigation highlights the significant impact of the moon on our daily lives while also fostering an understanding of the effects of gravity.

Looking above, young astronomers can understand the far-reaching consequences of the moon’s gentle pull on our watery planet.

21. Stars and Constellations Observation

Stars and Constellations Observation

Students go on a stargazing expedition to learn about stars and constellations while looking into the cosmos.

They map celestial patterns that have guided navigators for millennia using telescopes and their natural curiosity.

A connection to the immensity of space and the tales the glittering stars above tell them through this adventure takes them beyond the confines of Earth.

Through careful observation, students recognize notable constellations and follow the narratives that have weaved them into cultural tapestries.

They gain a greater understanding of how mythology, science, and the human imagination interact through this practical experience, which feeds their interest in astronomy.

Studying the stars and constellations entices sixth graders to practice the age-old hobby of stargazing.

This adventure cultivates a timeless feeling of wonder in addition to arousing interest in the cosmos.

Young astronomers become celestial storytellers by developing a connection with the stars and deciphering the storylines engraved across the night sky.

22. Solar System Model

Solar System Model

The sixth graders build their solar systems as cosmic architects, transforming the classrooms into creative galaxies.

They build models that reflect the intricacy of our solar system by investigating planets, moons, and other celestial bodies.

This interactive activity turns theoretical ideas about worlds into real.

Students learn about planets’ relative sizes, distances, and orbital routes through their models.

They are up for the challenge of depicting the complex dynamics that form the sky while juggling creative expression with scientific correctness.

This investigation sparks a fascination with the size and variety of our little universe.

The building of solar system models allows students to design their celestial spheres.

This investigation broadens their comprehension of the cosmos and ignites a passion for astronomy.

Young astronomers connect with the mysteries and wonders that dance across the vastness of space by giving form to the cosmos.

23. Light Pollution Experiment

Light Pollution

Students in sixth grade switch their attention from the stars to the bright glow of Earth as they engage in a thought-provoking light pollution project.

They investigate the effects of artificial light on our nocturnal environment using measurement methods.

This investigation illuminates a contemporary issue by demonstrating how our cities’ brilliance impacts human and wildlife habitats.

Students gauge the level of light pollution in various locales through data gathering and analysis.

They examine how too much artificial light interferes with circadian rhythms and influences the behavior of nocturnal animals, highlighting the necessity for prudent lighting practices.

The light pollution experiment challenges sixth graders to protect the midnight splendor of our world.

This investigation makes people more aware of the adverse effects of excessive artificial light.

It gives them the tools to promote policies that balance meeting human needs and preserving the nighttime hours.

By participating in this project, young environmentalists enlighten a road to peaceful coexistence between light and night.

24. Moon Phases with Oreos

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

Students embark on a delicious trip to replicate moon phases using Oreos by transforming biscuits into cosmic equipment.

They learn about lunar cycles through practical exercises and use sweets as scientific models to explain the moon’s shifting appearance.

This investigation makes heavenly ideas concrete and enticing by fusing humor with astronomy.

Students learn how the relative positions of the sun, Earth, and moon produce the phases we can observe from our planet as they bend and scrape their edible moon models.

This method fosters a greater understanding of the dynamic interaction between celestial bodies by demystifying the waxing and waning moon.

A delicious method for sixth graders to learn about lunar cycles is through the moon phases with the Oreos project.

By bridging the distance between plate and sky, this practical experience brings cosmic rhythms to life in an exciting and relevant way.

Young astronomers get a taste of comprehending the ever-changing celestial dance above as they savor the science underlying moon phases.

25. Gravity Comparison (Earth vs. Moon)

Gravity Comparison (Earth vs. Moon)

As sixth graders investigate the gravitational contrast between Earth and its planetary neighbor, the Moon, a cosmic struggle of forces takes center stage.

Through inquiry and mathematics, they discover how this unique gravitational attraction variation shapes each surface’s weight and movement.

Students learn about gravitational acceleration and how the Moon’s reduced gravity enables lighter loads and higher jumps.

They look at how this distinction has affected the development of life on each celestial body, from the thriving ecosystems on Earth to the arid surface of the Moon.

The gravity comparison tour teaches Sixth-grade students about a dynamic force that molds worlds.

This investigation demonstrates gravity’s enormous effects on daily life and piques our interest in the celestial mechanics that control our cosmos.

Young scientists compare Earth and Moon in a gravitational odyssey that connects Earthly realities with cosmic wonders.

26. Water Quality and Pollution

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

Students delve beneath the surface into the complex world of water quality and contamination.

They demonstrate the delicate balance between clean and polluted water sources through observation and analysis.

This investigation helps people comprehend the significance of water in supporting life and the pressing necessity to preserve its purity.

Students test the local water bodies to assess pH, turbidity and dissolved oxygen levels.

They face the sad truth of how human activity, from chemical contaminants to plastic garbage, affects water quality.

They get the information necessary from this exploration to become ardent protectors of the planet’s priceless water resources.

The study of pollution and water quality equips sixth graders to protect aquatic environments.

This investigation not only highlights how vulnerable our water sources are but also fosters a sense of obligation to protect the blue gems of the planet.

Young environmentalists set out on a voyage of conservation and stewardship as they interact with the hidden world of water.

27. Material Decomposition Rates

Steel Decomposition

Students in the sixth grade will explore material breakdown rates, taking them inside nature’s recycling center.

They explore how various materials degrade over time with a keen curiosity and scientific inquiry, revealing the ecological significance of decomposition in the nutrient cycle.

Through controlled experiments, students investigate the effects of variables such as temperature, moisture, and microbial activity on the decomposition process.

This interactive tour reveals the complex interactions between living things and their surroundings, emphasizing how linked life and death are in ecosystems.

Studying material decomposition rates allows sixth graders to observe nature’s intricate cycle of death and rebirth.

This investigation highlights the critical function of decomposition in sustaining ecological harmony and feeding life.

By participating in this process, young ecologists embrace the natural cycles and strengthen their connection to the complex web of life.

28. Composting Benefits

Composting

Students explore the benefits of composting, from food scraps to garden gold.

They demonstrate the transformative power of decomposition by converting organic waste into nutrient-rich soil.

This investigation shows how people may contribute to the planet’s recycling efforts by bridging the gap between waste minimization and environmentally friendly gardening techniques.

Through composting experiments, students learn how organic matter breaks down to produce nutrient-dense compost that improves soil fertility.

A greater awareness of the symbiotic relationship between people and the environment is fostered as they investigate how this practice decreases garbage transported to landfills and nourishes gardens.

The knowledge of the advantages of composting equips sixth-graders to take up environmental savagery in their backyards.

This investigation promotes a sense of accountability for sustainable living while simultaneously highlighting the benefits of waste reduction.

They plant the seeds of change as future Earth guardians by turning organic waste into a valuable resource for feeding the world.

29. Wind Turbine or Solar Cooker

Wind Turbine

Sixth graders will decide between utilizing renewable energy sources like wind and solar or using their creative cooking skills.

This investigation goes into environmentally friendly technology and inventive cuisine, providing insights into the potency of renewable resources and the practice of creative energy use.

Students learn how to turn wind into electricity as they investigate wind turbines.

On the other hand, examining solar cookers exposes the unique method of using sunlight to produce gastronomic pleasures.

They develop a comprehensive grasp of how these technologies serve the requirements of humans and the environment through testing and study.

Students in sixth grade have a decision to make on the wind turbine or solar cooker inquiry that goes beyond practicality and explores responsible resource use.

This voyage not only enlightens them about the possibilities of sustainable technology and creative cooking techniques but also equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to make decisions that support a greener and more sustainable future.

30. Packaging and Food Preservation

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

Students dive into the fascinating topic of food preservation while uncovering the hidden function of packaging.

They discover the delicate balance between safeguarding commodities and reducing waste by examining the effect of various packing materials on food freshness.

This investigation fills the gap between customer preferences and packing practices’ environmental impact.

Students conduct experiments investigating how food packaging affects food quality, nutritional value, and shelf life.

They face the issue of juggling preservation with environmental concerns, exposing the need for environmentally friendly packaging options that protect both food and the environment.

Students in sixth grade understand the crucial intersection of consumerism and sustainability via their study of packaging and food preservation.

This investigation highlights the significance of making appropriate packaging decisions while encouraging awareness of our environmental effects.

They embrace their ability to make decisions that promote both their health and the health of the Earth as youthful, eco-aware customers.

31. Exercise and Heart Rate

Exercise and Heart Rate

As students investigate the relationship between exercise and heart rate, a rhythmic investigation of human physiology occurs.

They explore the complex link between effort and cardiovascular response by exercising while monitoring their heart rates.

This trip connects the worlds of biology and wellness, developing an awareness of how physical activity affects the body’s essential engine.

Students learn how different types of exercise, such as brisk walking or jumping jacks, affect heart rate variability through measurement and analysis.

They discover the link between a higher heart rate and better cardiovascular health, realizing the enormous advantages of regular exercise.

Students in the sixth grade get passionate about holistic health after learning about exercise and heart rate.

Along with highlighting the value of keeping active, this journey also equips children with the information they need to make wise decisions regarding their health.

Young fitness enthusiasts start toward a healthier and more active lifestyle by realizing the dynamic interplay between activity and heart rate.

32. Blind Taste Tests

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

Blind tasting tests will take sixth graders on a sensory journey as they explore the complexity of flavor perception.

By doing away with visual clues, they study the world of taste and the complex interactions between taste, smell, and texture.

This investigation transforms food into an experience trip to disprove presumptions and hone senses.

Students participate in blind taste tests as part of controlled investigations to determine the effect of visual information on flavor perception.

They realize how expectations affect the taste as they explore the unexpected results that follow the removal of visual biases.

This trip emphasizes the individuality of flavor experiences and the multi-sensory nature of eating.

Students have a new perspective on their relationship with food due to the blind taste test trip.

In addition to improving their sensory awareness, this exploration encourages a mindful eating style.

Young food explorers enjoy a variety of taste experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the subtleties of the palate by embracing the complexity of flavor perception.

33. Hand Washing and Germ Spread

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

Sixth graders embark on a hygiene trip that explores the science of hand washing and the fascinating field of germ transmission.

They discover the significance of good hand hygiene in preventing illnesses and preserving public health by delving into the complexities of germs and the efficacy of soap and water.

Through experiments and simulations, students understand how germs travel and how proper hand washing affects that transmission.

This investigation highlights how crucial individual responsibility is in preserving a healthy environment.

The sixth graders become hygiene superheroes after learning about hand washing and the spread of germs.

Along with teaching children healthy habits, this voyage also gives them the confidence to promote cleanliness and good health.

Young health enthusiasts promote a cleaner, safer world for themselves and others by understanding the science behind the suds.

34. Reaction Time and Reflexes

Reaction Time and Reflexes

Students will explore response time and reflexes as they explore the world of neurology.

They demonstrate the complicated relationship between sensory information, brain processing, and physical reactions through experiments and exercises.

This investigation transforms the body into a laboratory, revealing the exciting interaction between the nervous system and outside stimuli.

Through timed experiments, students see how factors like age, the nature of the stimulus, and distraction affect reaction time.

They reveal the adaptable nature of reflexes and the body’s unique capacity to respond quickly to danger.

The study of reflexes and response times gives sixth graders a peek at the inner workings of the neurological system.

This trip gives them a deeper appreciation for the body’s remarkable reactivity and the intricate coordination of senses and communications.

Young neuroscientists begin on a route of exploration that reveals the body’s extraordinary resilience by embracing the science of reflexes.

35. Music’s Impact on Concentration

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

Students investigate the connection between music and attentiveness as they tune into an intriguing inquiry.

They perform trials and surveys to examine whether melodies aid in or interfere with focus.

This investigation shows how sound and brain activity interact by fusing musical harmony with cognitive performance rhythms.

Students identify trends in how various musical genres and tempos influence concentration levels through data analysis.

They investigate the potential of music as a tool for improving learning environments and learn how personal preferences affect how melodies affect attention.

In sixth graders, investigating music’s effects on concentration combines science and creativity.

This investigation piques their interest in the relationship between sound and cognition and allows them to choose their study environments carefully.

Young scholars set out on a path to effective learning and focused involvement by coming to comprehend the melodies of the mind.

36. Simple Household Robot

science essay topics for 6th graders

Sixth graders will embark on an innovation and technology journey as they develop and delve into the world of a basic domestic robot.

They combine creative and technical principles by creating a prototype for everyday chores.

This investigation uses the home as a laboratory to illustrate how automation may streamline routines and improve convenience.

Students give their robots life by programming them to perform tasks like cleaning, sorting, or fetching goods through design and testing.

They learn about sensors, motors, and logical programming as they explore the origins of robotics.

Their experience gives them the ability to see the future of intelligent living.

Students become aspiring technicians and creators after building a straightforward home robot.

This investigation not only fills the gap between theory and practice but also piques their interest in the virtually endless applications of robotics.

Young engineers build the foundation for a society where technology improves daily living by making innovation a reality.

37. Color and Temperature Absorption

Color and Temperature Absorption

Students dive into the fascinating world of colour and temperature absorption as they embark on a colourful exploration.

They discover the fascinating interplay between pigments and energy by examining how various colours absorb and reflect heat.

This experiment invites budding scientists to decipher the vibrant language of heat exchange by converting colours into thermodynamic hints.

Students conduct controlled experiments and measurements to measure temperature changes after exposing coloured surfaces to sunlight.

They investigate how some colours have higher temperatures because they absorb more energy, whereas others have lower temperatures because of their reflective qualities.

Through their use of radiant physics, they make clear the complex dance between light and heat.

Students gain knowledge of how the environment interacts with energy through the study of colour and temperature absorption.

This journey piques one’s interest in light physics and cultivates appreciation for colour’s function in our everyday lives.

Young explorers discover the relationship between colours and heat through interaction with the science of absorption, creating a vibrant symphony of knowledge.

38. Simple Machine Models

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

Sixth graders build simple machine models demonstrating the strength of levers, pulleys, and inclined planes as they delve into the mechanics of daily life.

They transform classrooms into engineering laboratories by conducting experiments with real-world applications.

This investigation turns intangible ideas into actual technologies that increase power and improve human potential.

Students work with simple machines through practical exercises to comprehend how they increase force and change force direction.

They look at how pulleys may facilitate work and how levers can lift big things, revealing the connection between mechanics and problem-solving.

The study of simple machine models equips sixth graders to become creative thinkers.

This investigation not only fills the gap between theory and practice but also piques their interest in the workings of the environment.

Young engineers develop a toolkit of ideas that open doors for innovation and discovery by working with simple machines.

39. Friction and Brake Materials

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

Students investigate the connection between friction and brake materials as part of a physics and safety excursion.

They uncover the rules governing vehicle stopping distances and the function of friction in maintaining control by examining how various surfaces interact when put under strain.

This investigation explores the crucial link between physics and driving safety.

Students quantify the frictional forces between different materials and investigate how these forces affect braking effectiveness through experiments and analysis.

They deal with the complexity of elements, including pressure, surface tension, and climatic circumstances, highlighting the necessity of good brake maintenance and design.

Students in the sixth grade gain a more robust understanding of physics and road safety by studying friction and braking materials.

This investigation helps to close the gap between science and daily life and cultivates a sense of duty for car maintenance and safe travel.

Young advocates for traffic safety develop into conscientious stewards of transportation by learning about the science of friction.

40. Spaghetti or Toothpick Bridge

Toothpick Bridge

Sixth-grade students go on an engineering journey by building bridges out of spaghetti or toothpicks.

They explore the concepts of stability, load distribution, and material strength by creating and testing structures.

Combining creativity and mechanical accuracy, this investigation turns everyday objects like wooden sticks or spaghetti into architectural wonders.

Through experimentation, students learn how to modify bridge designs to support weight without collapsing.

They learn about forces and the significance of load distribution across various bridge components as they investigate the harmony between aesthetics and structural integrity.

Students can become engineers and architects by constructing spaghetti or toothpick bridges.

This path highlights the importance of comprehending structural concepts and inspiring a love for design and problem-solving.

Young architects pave the way for a future where innovation and stability coexist by creating bridges that link art and science.

41. Plant Genetics Variation

Plant Genetics Variation

Students embark on a botanical trip as they investigate the fascinating world of plant genetic variation.

They discover how inherited features and genetic variation affect the adaptation and resilience of plant communities.

By transforming seeds into windows into evolution, this investigation introduces students to the complex mechanisms that support biodiversity.

Through experiments and observations, students investigate the genetic diversity of plants by contrasting features, including leaf form, blossom color, and growth patterns; they look at how natural selection facilitates adaptation and how human activities affect plant variety in agricultural environments.

By studying plant genetic variation, sixth graders enter a world where science and the natural world collide.

This voyage piques one’s interest in evolution and genetic inheritance and cultivates an understanding of how interrelated all life is.

Young botanists appreciate the importance of biodiversity and their involvement in its preservation by becoming involved with the stories encoded in plants’ DNA.

42. Mold Growth Under Different Conditions

Mold Growth

Students go on a microbiological excursion to investigate how molds grows in various environments.

By developing and studying decay in controlled situations, they discover how variables like temperature, humidity, and substrate affect fungal development.

Microscopic spores become windows of knowledge about the mysterious realm of microbiology thanks to this investigation.

Students adjust environmental factors through experiments to observe how mold grows or declines.

They examine how moisture and light might affect mold growth, demonstrating the delicate balance between mold’s role in decomposition and its potential for harm in enclosed spaces.

Studying mold growth in various environments turns sixth graders into microbiological investigators.

This tour highlights the interconnection of the natural world and fosters an understanding of the microscopic organisms that influence our environment.

Young scientists develop an appreciation for the tiny life forms that cohabit with us by learning about the mold life cycle.

43. Effects of Temperature on Gummy Candy

Gummy Candies

Students investigate how temperature affects gummy bears.

By exposing these delicious delicacies to various thermal settings, they discover how temperature affects texture, flavor, and overall appeal.

Combining chemistry and gastronomic curiosity, this investigation transforms sweets into scientific studies.

Through sensory analysis and observations, students investigate how temperature changes the molecular structure of gummy candies, impacting characteristics including hardness, melting, and taste.

They use the interdisciplinary character of this investigation to learn more about the chemical processes that occur when heat interacts with sweets.

Studying how temperature affects gummy candies enables sixth graders to enjoy the science of daily foods.

This adventure increases their interest in molecular changes and strengthens their bond with the culinary world.

Young diners embrace the complexity of the world around them by becoming involved with the flavors of science.

44. Antacid Tablet Reaction Rates

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

Students take a fizzing trip into the antacid tablet response rates world.

They discover how variables like temperature and surface area affect the rate of enthusiasm by experimenting with dissolving tablets and monitoring chemical reactions.

This investigation transforms tablets into inquiry catalysts by bridging the gap between chemistry and practical applications.

Students vary parameters like tablet size and water temperature through timed experiments to observe how these factors affect reaction rates.

They investigate chemical kinetics principles to comprehend how antacid tablets treat acid indigestion by causing quick chemical reactions to release carbon dioxide gas.

Sixth-grade students understand the dynamics of chemistry in action by studying antacid tablet reaction rates.

This voyage highlights scientific knowledge’s practical value while piquing curiosity about chemical processes.

Young scientists learn about the transformational potential of straightforward molecules in our daily lives by interacting with the fizz and foam of chemical reactions.

45. Battery Power and Lifespan

Batteries

The sixth graders begin an exciting adventure to investigate battery life and power as they delve into energy storage.

They explore the realm of volts, amps, and electron flow by dissecting the chemistry of rechargeable and disposable batteries.

This investigation uses commonplace devices as entry points to comprehend energy conversion and the elements that affect battery life.

Students investigate how battery type, usage patterns, and charging procedures affect performance and longevity through experiments and analysis.

They highlight the significance of using and disposing of battery-powered gadgets while examining the importance of effective energy management.

Sixth graders gain knowledge of the core of modern technology through the study of battery life and electricity.

This tour encourages awareness of our part in sustainable energy consumption and stokes curiosity about energy storage.

Young energy enthusiasts can embrace the difficulties and opportunities of an electron-powered world by learning about the chemistry of batteries.

46. Soil Erosion Control Methods

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

Students start a journey into the world of soil erosion management techniques.

They explore the connections between land, water, and ecosystems by researching methods to stop the loss of priceless topsoil.

This investigation turns natural areas into active research sites, demonstrating how human actions can alter the environment’s delicate balance.

Through experiments and simulations, students practice soil erosion prevention methods like mulching, cover crops, and terracing.

To protect fertile land and lessen the effects of erosion on agricultural productivity, they discuss the critical role that vegetation and engineering solutions play.

The study of soil erosion control techniques equips sixth graders to take care of the surface of the Earth.

This tour emphasizes the value of land preservation and cultivates a sense of responsibility for the natural environments that support us.

Young environmentalists develop a stronger bond with the complex web of life on Earth by being involved in soil health methods.

47. Water Filtration Techniques

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

Students explore the topic of clean water by learning about water filtration methods.

They demonstrate the crucial importance of clean water in maintaining environmental harmony and human health by investigating techniques for removing toxins from water.

This investigation uses liquids to teach students about chemistry, engineering, and the worldwide value of readily available water resources.

Students learn about methods for water purification, such as sedimentation, filtration, and chemical treatment, through practical experiments.

They uncover the difficulties in converting contaminated water into potable supplies by examining the complicated interplay between particle size, chemical interactions, and purification efficiency.

The study of water filtration methods introduces sixth graders to a field where science and life support systems collide.

This voyage piques one’s interest in water chemistry and cultivates awareness of people’s difficulties in finding clean water sources.

Young water activists interested in the science of purification have become defenders of universal access and health.

48. Solar Still for Water Purification

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

As sixth graders investigate the solar still for water purification, an exploration into solar innovation occurs.

They bridge the gap between solar energy and sustainability by creating and testing a straightforward setup that turns contaminated water into a drinking beverage.

This research uses sunlight as a tool for technology that can save lives.

Students learn about the laws of evaporation and condensation through exploration, seeing firsthand how a solar still can use the sun’s energy to produce clean water.

They look at how this technology might help areas with little resources deal with water shortages and give access to clean water.

Students can link solar energy with humanitarian innovation by studying the solar still for water purification.

This voyage highlights the promise of renewable resources while raising awareness of the world’s water supply problems.

Young solar pioneers are paving the way for a world where clean water is available everywhere by working with technology that converts sunshine into life-sustaining liquid.

49. Sound Insulation Materials

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

Students go on an audio trip to learn about sound insulation materials while investigating the field of acoustics.

They discover the science of noise reduction by examining how various materials block or dampen sound waves.

This investigation highlights the value of tranquil settings by transforming commonplace scenes into auditory comprehension labs.

Students test various materials, including foam, cotton, and cork, to see their effectiveness in isolating sound.

They investigate the interplay between sound waves and multiple textures and understand how architecture and design might enhance acoustic comfort.

The study of soundproofing materials equips sixth graders to design peaceful environments.

This trip encourages awareness of the adverse effects of noise on well-being and stoking curiosity about the science of sound.

Young space designers develop an appreciation for spaces that soothe and inspire by engaging with the quiet science of acoustics.

50. Renewable Energy Sources Comparison

Renewable Energy

Students dive into the dynamic world of renewable energy sources comparing as they embark on an energizing exploration.

They reveal the intricate network of sustainability and power generation by examining the advantages and drawbacks of solar, wind, hydro, and other renewable sources.

Students who participate in this investigation become supporters of a greener future by bridging the gap between science and the world’s energy issues.

Students evaluate various renewable energy solutions’ environmental effects, effectiveness, and viability through research and data analysis.

Realizing the promise of innovation in the shift to cleaner energy options, they investigate how these sources leverage natural processes to generate power.

Comparing different renewable energy sources introduces students to a world where science and environmental stewardship collide.

This tour highlights the need to make wise energy decisions and promotes awareness of our collective effect on the environment.

Young ecological activists embrace the promise of a sustainable future by dealing with the complexity of energy change.

51. Biodegradable vs. Non-biodegradable Materials

Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable Materials

Students in sixth grade examine the contrast between biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials as part of their study of trash and ecology.

They highlight the significant effects of our consumption decisions by contrasting compounds that decompose naturally with those that persist in the environment.

By fusing the fields of chemistry and environmental responsibility, this investigation teaches us about life cycles through the use of waste.

Students investigate the decomposition rates of diverse materials through experiments and study, realizing the significance of biodegradability in waste management.

They explore the connections between ecosystems and human behavior while highlighting the difficulties presented by non-biodegradable trash.

The comparison of biodegradable and non-biodegradable products gives sixth graders the knowledge they need to make eco-aware purchasing decisions and reduce waste.

This journey cultivates an understanding of the interconnection of life cycles and mindful practices.

Young environmentalists embrace the power to sculpt a cleaner, more sustainable future by engaging with the science of trash.

52. Effects of Different Fertilizers on Plant Growth

57 Science Project Ideas For 6th Grade

Sixth-grade students embark on an adventure into the greener side of life as they investigate how various fertilizers affect plant development.

They learn how nutrients affect plant health, development, and ecosystem balance through testing multiple fertilizers.

This investigation uses soil as a canvas for botanical inquiry to unlock plant nutrition’s mysteries.

Students do practical experiments to see how fertilizers loaded with various elements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, impact plant health and growth.

They investigate the complex interactions between nutrient availability, soil health, and general plant welfare.

Studying how fertilizers affect plant development develops sixth graders into scientifically literate individuals.

This tour fosters a love of botany and emphasizes the significance of ethical farming practices and healthy ecosystems.

Young horticulturists sow the seeds of knowledge for a healthier, more verdant planet by engaging with the science of plant nutrition.

53. Chemical Reactions in Cooking (Baking Soda/Vinegar)

Chemical Reactions in Cooking (Baking Soda/Vinegar)

The dynamic interplay between vinegar and baking soda is the focus of the 6th graders’ culinary investigation of chemical reactions in cooking.

They discover the science behind bubbles, foam, and flavor modification by observing the bubbly cooperation of these culinary colleagues.

By fusing the fields of chemistry and gastronomy, this investigation turns cooking into an intriguing scientific experiment.

Through experimentation and observation, students learn how combining baking soda and vinegar produces carbon dioxide gas and a fizzy reaction that leavens baked goods or forms sauces with vinegar as the primary ingredient.

They examine how acids and bases affect flavor and texture, illuminating the complexity of culinary chemistry.

Students in the sixth grade become passionate about science and the culinary arts after studying chemical processes in cooking.

In addition to improving their cooking abilities, this voyage also cultivates an awareness of molecular magic during meal preparation.

Young chefs and scientists celebrate the delightful confluence of art and science on their plates by exploring the chemistry of flavors.

54. Melting Ice and Sea Level Rise

Melting Ice and Sea Level Rise

Students conduct a scary investigation into the relationship between rising sea levels and ice melting.

They decipher the science behind increasing sea levels and their effects on coastal populations by examining how climate change affects polar ice caps and glaciers.

This investigation combines Earth science and global stewardship to teach about planetary health.

Through research and data analysis, students investigate how the melting of ice sheets contributes to the influx of water into the oceans, which causes sea level rise.

They discuss the repercussions on weather patterns, low-lying regions’ susceptibility, and marine ecosystems.

The study of ice melting and sea level rise immerses students in climate science and environmental responsibility.

This voyage cultivates an awareness of the collective impact on the world and a curiosity about the changing dynamics of the Earth.

Young climate activists become defenders of resilience and sustainability by learning about the science of melting ice.

55. Plant Hormones and Growth

Plant Hormones and Growth

Students delve into the fascinating connection between plant hormones and growth while learning about botany.

They explain the biology of bending, flowering, and branching by examining how hormones like auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins coordinate plant development.

This research transforms plants into a living laboratory for biological marvels, illuminating the complex orchestration of growth control.

Through experiments and observations, students investigate how various hormones affect plant functions like phototropism, germination, and flowering.

Realizing the similarities between plant biology and human physiology, they explore how plants sense and respond to their surroundings through hormone signaling.

Students in sixth grade become interested in biology and become plant enthusiasts after studying plant hormones and growth.

This journey encourages respect for the many survival and adaptation methods in addition to stoking interest in plant behavior.

Young plant biologists foster a stronger bond with the natural environment by learning about the science of growth regulation.

56. Effects of Caffeine on Heart Rate

Effects of Caffeine on Heart Rate

Students explore how caffeine affects heart rate in a heart-pounding investigation.

By experimenting with regulated caffeine intake, they investigate the dynamic relationship between this stimulant and cardiovascular activity.

Due to this investigation, young researchers are invited to unravel the heart’s caffeine-fueled rhythm, which transforms beverages into glimpses of physiology.

Students carefully measure and observe heart rate variations before and after caffeine consumption.

They investigate how caffeine’s stimulating effects can cause faster heartbeats and explain how it affects the nervous system.

They reveal the complex relationship between beverages and heart dynamics by interacting with the body’s reactions.

Studying how caffeine affects heart rate introduces students to where daily decisions and physiology collide.

This journey encourages awareness of the effects of common substances while also stoking curiosity about the inner workings of the body.

Young scientists learn about the science of heartbeats and come to understand the beat of their health in a caffeinated understanding symphony.

50 Interesting 6th Grade Science Fair Projects and Classroom Activities

Award-winning ideas and science demos on every topic.

Collage of 6th grade science fair projects, including a paper plane launcher and compost cups

Sixth grade science covers a wide variety of topics and varies depending on the curriculum. We’ve rounded up the best 6th grade science fair projects to inspire kids, as well as classroom science demos and activities that will grab their attention.

To make it easier to find what you’re looking for, we’ve rated all the projects and activities by difficulty and the materials needed:

Difficulty:

  • Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much anytime
  • Medium: These take a little more setup or a longer time to complete
  • Advanced: Experiments like these take a fairly big commitment of time or effort
  • Basic: Simple items you probably already have around the house
  • Medium: Items that you might not already have but are easy to get your hands on
  • Advanced: These require specialized or more expensive supplies to complete

Biology and Earth Science 6th Grade Science Fair Projects

Chemistry 6th grade science fair projects, physics and engineering 6th grade science fair projects, 6th grade science classroom demos and hands-on activities.

For students interested in anatomy, animals, geology, ecology, and more, these are the science fair projects they need!

Find the fastest way to ripen fruit

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Need to ripen those bananas or peaches in a hurry? Do some research and then experiment to find the fastest way to safely ripen fruit without sacrificing flavor.

Clean up an oil spill

Sixth grade science student using a spoon to try to catch a puddle of oil floating on water

Learn why an oil spill is so devastating for wildlife and the ecosystem with this hands-on activity. Kids experiment to find the best way to clean up oil floating on water and rescue the animals affected by the spill. ADVERTISEMENT

Learn more: Oil Spill Cleanup at Kitchen Counter Chronicle

Explore new ways to filter water

Basic water-filtration systems are pretty simple, but they make terrific science fair projects. Experiment with different setups, and find a way to make safe drinking water for people who need it.

Shake it up with earthquake science

Two foam plates with structures built from wood craft sticks and putty on top

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic

Build simple model structures, then experiment to see how the actions of earthquakes affect them. Do research into what engineers and architects build in earthquake zones, then perform an experiment to see if you can improve on their findings.

Learn more: Earthquake Science at Love To Know

Grow a better garden using hydroponics

Hydroponics is the hot new gardening trend, but is it really a better way to garden? Find out with a DIY hydroponics gardening setup, comparing the results with traditional container gardening.

Find out if chewing gum really helps improve test scores

One of the more popular 6th grade science fair projects answers the question: Does chewing gum affect test scores? You’ll be surprised by the results!

Create top-notch compost in a cup

Two plastic cups filled with compost and covered in plastic wrap

This is an easy science activity, and you can turn it into a science fair project by experimenting with different mixtures, layering, and conditions for your compost cups.

Learn more: Compost Cups at The Happy Housewife

Learn the best way to repel ants

Do you really need to use poisons to keep ants out of your home? Explore other possible solutions in this science project idea.

Simulate a tsunami and find ways to protect people

Build a model to simulate a tsunami, then come up with potential ways to minimize the damage future waves may cause.

Design a squirrel-proof bird feeder

Squirrels can be real pests at backyard bird feeders, and people are always trying to come up with new solutions to the issue. Can you be the one who finally solves this pesky problem?

Students who love to mix up chemicals and explore the results will enjoy these 6th grade chemistry science fair ideas.

Compare baking powder and baking soda

Baking powder and baking soda have similar names, but do they behave the same when used in a baking recipe? Bake up a few cakes and find out!

Devise a formula for creating the biggest soap bubbles

Soap bubble formulas vary, and some allow you to make bigger bubbles than others. What does it take to make the biggest bubble of them all?

Learn if tea and cola damage teeth

Three eggs next to containers of coffee, tea, and cola, with a permanent marker

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium

Use eggshells to explore how various beverages can stain teeth in this classic 6th grade science fair project. (It also teaches important lessons about dental hygiene!)

Learn more: Teeth and Eggs at Education.com

Look for iron in your breakfast cereal

The human body needs iron to be healthy, and many breakfast cereal boxes boast that they contain it. Conduct a 6th grade science fair project to find out if cereals really contain all the iron they say they do.

Find the best way to clean up old coins

Pennies in small cups of liquid labeled coca cola, vinegar + salt, apple juice, water, catsup, and vinegar. Text reads Cleaning Coins Science Experiment. Step by step procedure and explanation.

Use common household items to make old oxidized coins clean and shiny again in this simple chemistry experiment. Form a hypothesis about which method will work best, then do some research to explain the results.

Learn more: Cleaning Coins Experiment at Gally Kids

Explore the effects of various sugars on yeast

Yeast needs sugar to grow, but does the type of sugar matter? And can you use sugar substitutes instead? This is a sweet way to find out!

Grow the biggest carbon sugar snake

Large carbon ash snake growing out of a pan of sand

Tinker with the formula to create the biggest carbon sugar snake possible! This is an engaging project that will wow other students too.

Learn more: Carbon Sugar Snake at KiwiCo

Determine whether soda has more sugar than juice

Which do you think has more sugar, a glass of Pepsi or one of orange juice? Boil away the water to find out in this 6th grade chemistry experiment.

Explore the properties of plastic made from milk

Making milk from plastic is actually pretty simple. Turn it into a science fair project by learning more about its strength, durability, and flexibility, and proposing a practical use for it.

Determine which type of juice has the most vitamin C

Vitamin C might not immediately cure your cold, but it definitely has health benefits. Does orange juice really have the most vitamin C? Conduct an experiment using an iodine titration method to learn the answer.

Calling all tinkerers! Build, create, and engineer a science fair project using physics principals.

Build a powerful paper-plane launcher

Sixth grade science student using a homemade launcher to launch a paper airplane

Here’s a cool 6th grade science fair project. Design and build a paper-airplane launcher that can fly a plane farther than anyone else’s.

Learn more: Paper Plane Launcher at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Figure out the fastest way to cool a soda

Adding ice to a glass of soda cools it off, but it also waters it down. See if you can find a fast way to cool down soda while it’s still in the can or bottle instead.

Launch a bottle rocket higher or more accurately

A basic water-powered rocket isn’t that hard to assemble, but you can turn it into a bona fide 6th grade science fair project by playing around with the design. Figure out how to launch it higher, or change the trajectory to hit a certain target.

Identify the best insulating material

Insulating an item can prevent it from losing heat, like an insulated beverage bottle. What materials are the most effective insulators? How can you find out?

Drop parachutes to test air resistance

Card with text Which is the best parachute? Plastic, paper, cloth. Surrounded by pieces of fabric, plastic, and string.

Use the scientific method to test different types of material and see which makes the most effective parachute. This is an easy project that’s perfect for kids interested in design and engineering.

Learn more: Parachutes at Education.com

Discover which produce best powers a clock

Here’s one of those classic science fair projects that you can really customize to make your own. Try testing out a variety of fruits and veggies, or playing around with connecting several types of produce to see what happens. This inexpensive kit has all the supplies you need.

Engineer the strongest craft stick bridge

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

This is a classic science activity for the classroom, but it works well for 6th grade science fair projects too. Form a hypothesis about the strongest type of bridge design, then build your own models to test it out.

Assemble the best simple motor

A simple motor built from basic materials

Looking for an idea that’s impressive but not too complicated? Build your own simple motor! You only need a few special supplies, including insulated copper wire and neodymium magnets . Turn it into a true 6th grade science fair project by altering the variables to see if you can increase the speed, reduce the noise, or make other improvements.

Learn more: DIY Motor at Home Science Tools

Learn if room temperature affects candle burn rate

This is a simple experiment to conduct, and it’s inexpensive too. Burn birthday candles in a variety of temperatures to see if they burn faster in higher temps.

Determine how much money energy vampires are wasting in your home

So-called “energy vampires” use up energy even when they’re not in active use. And energy costs money. Determine how much energy is being wasted by energy vampires in your home, and figure out how much money you can save on an annual electric bill by getting rid of them.

Engage students with a live demonstration showing the concepts they’re studying. Even better, give them a chance to get hands-on and do the science themselves!

Assemble motorized tiny dancers

AA batteries with tiny wire figures twisted around them, with tutus added to look like ballet dancers

Build a homopolar motor to make little spinning wire dancers. It takes a little practice to get it right, but it’s a really fun way to learn about motors and energy.

Learn more: Tiny Dancers at Babble Dabble Do

Amplify your smartphone with basic supplies

Smartphone amplifier made from paper cups and a toilet paper tube

No Bluetooth speaker? No problem! Build your own from paper cups and a toilet paper tube. This is a 6th grade STEM challenge that’s sure to amaze kids.

Learn more: Cell Phone Speaker at The Mad House

Wear a gene bracelet

Bags of pony beads labeled with various traits like hair color and eye color

This is a neat way to talk about our genes. Have each student add pony beads to their bracelet to represent different traits. Then they can compare their differences and similarities. It’s likely that no two students will have the same bracelets!

Learn more: DNA Gene Bracelet at Pragmatic Mom

Make naked eggs

Sixth grade science student holding a raw egg without a shell

Students dissolve the calcium carbonate eggshell in vinegar and discover the membranes beneath that hold the egg together. It’s a unique and intriguing way to learn about acid-base reactions.

Learn more: Naked Egg at Making Memories With Your Kids

Experiment with naked eggs

Raw egg without a shell that has been dehydrated sitting next to a regular egg

Now, submerge those naked eggs in corn syrup and water to learn about osmosis. The eggs shrink or grow depending on the liquid they’re placed in. So cool!

Learn more: Naked Egg Experiments at Exploratorium

Send water traveling down a string

String running down into a glass partially filled with blue water

Explore the properties of cohesion and adhesion with this simple experiment using only water and cotton string. Expand the learning by trying the same experiment with different materials and liquids.

Learn more: Traveling Water at Rookie Parenting

Launch a two-stage rocket

The rockets used for space flight generally have more than one stage to give them the extra boost they need. This experiment uses balloons to model a two-stage rocket launch, teaching kids about the laws of motion.

Change the color of a liquid in an instant

Want to see your kids gasp in amazement? Perform the iodine clock reaction. You only need a few drugstore chemicals to change the solution from clear to dark blue faster than students can blink.

Levitate a Ping-Pong ball

Sixth grade student holding the cut off top of a plastic bottle with a straw attached. A ping pong ball is floating over the bottle top.

Kids will get a kick out of this experiment, which is really all about Bernoulli’s principle. You only need plastic bottles, bendy straws, and Ping-Pong balls to make the science magic happen.

Learn more: Bernoulli Ping-Pong Ball at Buggy and Buddy

Use a fidget spinner to understand inertia

Series of photos of a child holding a fidget spinner in action. Text reads 3 lights = highest inertia, decreasing inertia, 0 lights = lowest inertia

Learning about the laws of motion? This experiment uses a fidget spinner with three lights to show how mass and torque affect inertia.

Learn more: Fidget Spinner Inertia at Homeschool Momgineer

Build a heart pump model

Simple heart pump model made from plastic bottles, drinking straws, and modeling clay

Students gain a deeper understanding of the cardiovascular system when they construct a working model of a heart ventricle.

Learn more: Heart Pump Model at Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Construct a pair of model lungs

Sixth grade student holding model lungs and diaphragm made from a plastic bottle, duct tape, and balloons

Build model lungs using a plastic water bottle and some balloons to learn more about the respiratory system. You can modify the experiment to demonstrate the effects of smoking too.

Learn more: Lungs Model at Surviving a Teacher’s Salary

Dissect an owl pellet

Sixth grade science student wear gloves, holding an owl pellet over a red tray

Dig into an owl’s regurgitated meals (it’s not as gross as it sounds!) to discover what their diet consists of. Owl pellets are readily available online, and kids will be intrigued by what they find.

Learn more: Owl Pellets at Gift of Curiosity

Study sound waves with a spoon

Sixth grade science student holding yarn strings to her ears and looking surprised

With just yarn and a metal spoon, learn how vibrations create sound, and explore the role of conductors.

Learn more: Spoon Sound Waves at KC Edventures With Kids

Make sparks with steel wool

Steel wool sitting in an aluminum tray. The steel wool appears to be on fire.

All you need is steel wool and a 9-volt battery to perform this science demo that’s bound to make their eyes light up! Kids learn about chain reactions, chemical changes, and more.

Learn more: Steel Wool Reaction at The Homeschool Scientist

Create a colorful cell model

Cell model made from a spiky pink hand sanitizer holder, labeled Our Bacterium Prokaryotic Cell

There are lots of cell model projects out there, but this might be one of the cutest ones we’ve seen! And it’s easier to assemble than you might think.

Learn more: Cell Model at Angelic Scalliwags

Extract DNA from a strawberry

It’s surprisingly easy to pull a strand of DNA from this sweet fruit. Teach your kids about genetics and DNA with this 6th grade science project that uses only basic household supplies.

Design a biodome

Model biodome made from plastic bottles and containers filled soil with and plants

There’s so much to learn in this 6th grade science project. Kids build a scale-model biodome to learn more about different environments and ecosystems, decomposition, the food web, and more.

Learn more: Biodome Project at Teach Engineering

Pull an egg into a bottle

Glass bottle with bowl holding three eggs, small glass with matches sitting on a box of matches, and a yellow plastic straw, against a blue background

This is another classic science demo that never fails to delight. Use the power of air pressure to suck a hard-boiled egg into a jar—no hands required.

Learn more: Egg in a Bottle at Left Brain Craft Brain

Make a pH indicator from a vegetable

Making a PH indicator from cabbage for 6th grade scientists.

Who knew such a simple material could be used to determine a substance’s acidity or alkalinity? Your students can explore acids and bases with this simple experiment.

Learn more: Red Cabbage Indicator at Compound Interest

Need supplies for your 6th grade science fair projects and activities? Check out these 24 Science Kits for Middle and High School That Make Hands-On Lessons Easy .

Plus, get all the latest teaching tips and tricks straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters .

This roundup includes interesting 6th grade science fair projects, as well as classroom demos and hands-on science activities to try.

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Professor Osagie K. Obasogie’s ‘Legacies of Eugenics’ Project

  • Apple Podcast

Links to Berkeley Law Voices Carry podcast episode

In this episode, host Gwyneth Shaw talks to Professor Osagie K. Obasogie , a professor of law and bioethics and the only UC Berkeley faculty member to hold an appointment at both our law school and our School of Public Health , including the Joint Medical Program with UC San Francisco. As a sociologist of law and medicine, Obasogie’s research combines doctrinal scholarship with empirical methods and novel theoretical approaches to understand the ways race is central to how the institutions of law and medicine operate.

He’s the author of Blinded By Sight: Seeing Race Through the Eyes of the Blind and co-editor of Beyond Bioethics: Toward a New Biopolitics , and his scholarship has been published in top law reviews as well as major medical and science journals. Obasogie is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and won a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2022. 

Recently, he organized and wrote the opening essay for a major project published in the Los Angeles Review of Books , “ Legacies of Eugenics .” Over the next couple of years, the review is publishing essays from more than a dozen scholars and writers examining how the ideas underpinning eugenics continue to shape many aspects of science, medicine, and technology in ways that we often don’t appreciate. The project is supported by the Center for Genetics and Society, the Nova Institute, and UC Berkeley’s Othering & Belonging Institute and school of public health. 

To learn more about Obasogie and his work:

Legacies of Eugenics

Excited Delirium and Police Use of Force

The Climate Gap and the Color Line — Racial Health Inequities and Climate Change

Race, Racism, and Police Use of Force in 21st Century Criminology: An Empirical Examination

“Berkeley Law Voices Carry” is a podcast hosted by Gwyneth Shaw about how the school’s faculty, students, and staff are making an impact — in California, across the country, and around the world — through pathbreaking scholarship, hands-on legal training, and advocacy. 

Production by Yellow Armadillo Studios.

Episode Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING]

GWYNETH SHAW: Hi, listeners. I’m Gwyneth Shaw. And this is Berkeley Law Voices Carry, a podcast about how our faculty, students and staff are making an impact through pathbreaking scholarship, hands-on legal training, and advocacy.

In this episode, I’m joined by Professor Osagie Obasogie, a professor of law and bioethics, and the only UC Berkeley faculty member to hold an appointment at both our Law School and our School of Public Health, including the joint medical program with UC San Francisco. As a sociologist of law and medicine, Obasogie’s research combines doctrinal scholarship, with empirical methods and novel theoretical approaches to understand the ways race is central to how the institutions of law and medicine operate.

He’s the author of Blinded by Sight, Seeing Race through the Eyes of the Blind, and co-editor of Beyond Bioethics Toward a New Biopolitics. His scholarship has been published in top law reviews, as well as major medical and science journals. Obasogie is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, and won a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2022. Recently, he organized and wrote the opening essay for a major project published in the Los Angeles Review of Books, Legacies of Eugenics.

Over the next couple of years, the review is publishing essays for more than a dozen scholars and writers, examining how the ideas underpinning eugenics continue to shape many aspects of science, medicine and technology in ways that we often don’t appreciate. The project is supported by the Center for Genetics and Society, the Nova Institute, and UC Berkeley’s Othering and Belonging Institute, and School of Public Health.

At the most basic level, eugenics is a debunked theory that humans can be improved through selective breeding of populations. As Obasogie writes in his opening essay, the term was developed by Francis Galton in 1883, with a meaning of good in birth, or noble in heredity. Galton believed that heredity is the foundation for human behavior and health outcomes. Eugenics stood for the idea that a person’s abilities and social position were innate traits determined by their biological and genetic makeup, and the same attributes would be passed on to their children.

Everything from intelligence to poverty, to criminality, to general morality was thought to be inherited. In the late 19th century, when race science was all the rage, eugenics extended the conversation on scientific racism by providing not only a seemingly objective way to understand the achievements of wealthy whites across generations, but also an explanation for why poor or disabled people and racial minorities seem stuck, unable to break what appeared to be inescapable cycles of destitution. In short, biology was thought to be destiny. Thanks so much for joining me, Osagie. I’m really excited to be talking with you about this fascinating work.

Great, thanks for having me.

GWYNETH SHAW:  Tell us a little bit about your background and training, and how you came to work at this intersection of medicine and law.

OSAGIE OBASOGIE: Sure. So my background in training is at the intersection of law, sociology, and bioethics, and medical ethics. We can do an entirely separate podcast on how I stumbled upon these fields, but the short story is that I went to law school, and graduated from law school, and decided to do a PhD afterwards here at Berkeley. And I came out to Berkeley, and after a couple of years here, I stumbled upon this article, this was around 2005, about what was then a new drug called BiDil.

So BiDil is a combination therapy that was marketed as being able to treat African-Americans suffering from heart failure. And at this point, it was the first race specific-drug to receive FDA approval. So like any good sociologist at the time, I was a bit baffled by the idea that race could be at once thought of as a social construction, that is something that is created by social and political forces. And at the same time could be seen as both medically and scientifically, quote, unquote, real, to the point that the FDA could approve a drug that could help a specific racial group who is suffering from a medical condition. So that began my entree into the field of medical ethics, and issues of health disparities, and racial disparities and health.

And it’s been about two decades since then. And part of the work of examining issues around racial disparities in health involves understanding the broader context and history, regarding issues of race and science and medicine, so that necessarily involved me taking a close look at the history of scientific racism, and as well as the eugenics movement. And for me, it was a fascinating exploration to do this as a graduate student, because in all of my studies as a high school student, and college student, and law student, eugenics was not something that came up.

And it wasn’t really until I was a graduate student that I really was exposed to this history. And looking at the history of eugenics closely, you start to understand how this moment in the late 1800s, up until the 1930s and 1940s, this moment where scientists and physicians were looked at as being the folks who could help guide policy makers in determining which groups should reproduce and which groups should not, that this moment is still with us, even though we understand this as being a quote, unquote, bad moment in human history. Some would say it was the most horrific moment in human history leading up to unbelievable atrocities, including the Holocaust, and periods of forced sterilization, and many other horrific acts.

That ideology and the ways of thinking that were born during this period in many ways still shape the way that science, medicine and technology are done to this very day. And so this project is really an opportunity to examine the legacy of eugenics, how an idea born out of hatred, and racism, and bigotry faced a particular reckoning after World War 2, where we in many ways made a promise never to go down that path again. But at the same time, so much of the logics of eugenics had embedded themselves into many professional areas that continued to work from these frameworks and how they do their work. So this collaboration with the LA Review of Books is a way to understand this legacy, to highlight particular ways in which the ideas of eugenics continue to shape various areas of science and medicine, and to start a conversation about how we can move in a different and better direction.

GWYNETH SHAW:  And what do you think that conversation is going to be like? The lead essay is out, as I said in the intro, you’ve got a couple dozen scholars and writers engaging with this topic. How do you expect this conversation to go, and what are some of your goals for it? When we talked about this before, you said you would like for this to be a 1619 project for eugenics, and really open people’s eyes and minds to, as you just said, how this history, or at least parts of this history is still living with us today. What are some of your goals for this project, both for people who are coming to this as a layperson, because this writing is very accessible to people who aren’t PhD scholars or doctors, but both for the layperson and also for the academic community?

OSAGIE OBASOGIE: So it’s a great question. And I think whenever you embark on a project of this size, you have to have goals at multiple levels. So at a very basic level, one goal is just to have a healthy conversation about the history of eugenics. Periods of forced sterilization didn’t really stop until the 1970s and 1980s. And there are actually examples where, for example, incarcerated women here in California have been forcibly sterilized as recently as 2014.

There are people who have suffered from this idea, and some of them are still with us, and have been treated quite harshly under the auspices of the notion that their reproductive capacity should be cut off as a way to improve public health. That’s a very troubling idea, and at a very basic level, one goal of this project is to show how the notion of eugenics is something that didn’t simply disappear after World War 2, but continues to be with us. And there are people in our communities who are still suffering from that.

So that’s a very basic goal. A second goal and a more ambitious goal, is to really have a serious conversation with medical professionals about how their profession is still grounded in a very troubling idea that is impacting the way they do their work. And again, that’s a more difficult conversation. I don’t expect that by the end of the two-year project that medicine will totally change itself, it’s a very long horizon.

But we want to, at the very least, use these essays as a way to document the various ways that different aspects of science, medicine and technology are drawing upon eugenic ideologies as a way to engage their work. And so I’m hopeful that the folks we’ve invited to share their thoughts through these essays can do that work. They’re all fantastic scholars, and I think many people will be surprised by the depth of the connections between the past and the present.

GWYNETH SHAW: And your introductory essay covers a lot of that history, some of which you’ve already talked about, and outlines ways in which this word may have faded from the spotlight, but the concepts persist. A couple of quotes that really stuck with me, you write that since the end of World War 2, eugenics has, and I’m quoting you now, simultaneously hidden in the shadows and festered in the sunlight, and also that the politics of eugenics is baked into many of the theories and methods of science, medicine and technology.

Can you elaborate a little bit on that– And I know part of the goal, as you just said, is to have that conversation within these fields, so I don’t want to push you into tipping your hand too much –but can you give some examples of just some of the ways you think these concepts are popping up in the things that we engage with? The better living through science always comes to mind when you think about this. But what are some other ways that you’d say this is being recycled, I guess, into our modern society?

OSAGIE OBASOGIE: So before I answer that question, I think it’s useful to take a step backwards to try to understand what eugenics is. So eugenics was this idea developed by Francis Galton in the late 1800s, that was based upon this idea that all social problems and social ills were somehow connected to some type of inherent, biological or genetic inferiority. And so for Galton and his followers, eugenics was a way to identify the biological failures within particular groups, and then use science and medicine to, in a sense, identify what those problems were, and at the same time advocate for the limited reproduction of these groups.

So for Galton, the idea that, for example– Galton was particularly fascinated with the notion of quote unquote, feeble mindedness and other types of developmental disabilities. And eugenics was also particularly interested in limiting the reproduction of folks with disabilities, both physical and cognitive. And also they saw poverty as a issue that was linked to some type of inherent limitations.

And so for eugenicists, the idea was that these were biological problems, rather than problems that stemmed from society. And the idea was that, if we could limit the reproduction of groups that exhibited these problems, that is poor people, people with disabilities and racial minorities that tend to disproportionately exhibit certain issues, then that would, in a sense, improve the entire race. So this begins the conversation of race betterment.

I think that context is helpful, as we think about how eugenics played out over time. So throughout the 1920s and 30s, we saw certain groups being particularly targeted as having limitations that were thought of at the time as being antisocial, or against the improvement of the human race. And we saw rather horrific policies and practices being instituted as a way to limit that reproduction, everything from forced sterilization in states like California and North Carolina, and other states across the United states, as well as genocide that we saw during World War 2. So all of these practices were connected by the idea that by eliminating these groups, we could somehow improve the racial stock of individuals.

So your question is important, which is like, well, if we recognize the problem of this idea after World War 2, and there was at least some type of implicit, and at times explicit promise that we would never go back down this road, or that this was something that was so horrific, we could revisit, how was it that this legacy could persist to this very day? Well, part of the way that this ideology persists, is this ongoing idea that social categories of race are somehow biologically meaningful and salient. That is to say, that we tend to continue to think that racial differences are somehow reflected in the genes, and that the disparities that we see in between racial groups are somehow function of differential biological makeup, which creates the context of thinking about health disparities as being a function of who people are, rather than having the more appropriate conversation of seen health disparities as a function of how people and groups are treated.

And so there’s a legacy of eugenics, and that continued framing of these type of racial disparities and health being tied to the genetics or biology of race. There’s also an important conversation about how eugenic methods become embedded in certain professional fields over time. So, for example, we have an essay coming out shortly by Aubrey Clayton, who’s a mathematician. And he reveals something that many people either don’t know, or don’t talk about, which is that the field of statistics, which is the cornerstone of many academic fields.

It’s a field that was created by, or at least became quite popular through several men who were flat out eugenicists, and very explicit about their eugenic aspirations. And many of their contributions to the field of eugenics were models that were created specifically for eugenic outcomes, that is to say that many of the quantitative models that were contributed by people like R. A. Fisher and some of his colleagues, they were done and created explicitly for the purpose of trying to further, or create a eugenic assessment of the world that could help public policy make these type of reproductive decisions about who needs to have their reproduction controlled and whose reproduction should be promoted.

And so once we understand this as being the cornerstone of the field of statistics, we have to take seriously the idea that if many of these quantitative formulas that have been used across many disciplines, from economics to political science and sociology. And these eugenic aspirations are embedded in the very formulas. I think it’s appropriate to think about, well, how are those assumptions shaping the work that these fields continue to do to this very day, and do we need to engage in a project of reassessing these quantitative measures to ensure that they are not replicating certain ideas about the world that we, in a sense, promised never to do again.

And so that’s another example. Other examples are, for example, the fields of social welfare and public health were instrumental to eugenicist’s aspirations in the early 20th century. These were some on-the-ground soldiers, for lack of a better word, in terms of how folks in social welfare and public health were at the forefront of working closely with communities, and implementing certain eugenic practices, and making sure that families who were thought of as being less desirable were having access to programs that they thought would help limit their reproduction, and conversely, promoting the reproduction of other folks. So again, it’s about trying to understand how these professional fields were at once instrumental to eugenics and its applications during that early 20th century moment, and trying to see if there’s any continuity in thought and practices that continue to shape how the field interacts with certain communities, and thinking about whether or not that’s still appropriate.

So we see these type of issues across a wide spectrum of academic fields. And this is an opportunity for reassessment to make sure that we’re not, in a sense, unwittingly reproducing troublesome ideas about the world by continuing eugenic conversations, but often under a different lens. So, for example, one important conversation that one of our essays will be about how the practice of eugenics for that early period created a lot of specialists and experts who were eugenicists, and who identified as such up until World War 2. And at that point it then became unpopular to call yourself a eugenicist.

Well, what happened to these people? Well, many of the folks in a sense rebranded themselves as geneticists or population geneticists, and continued much of their work, but under a different lens. And so in one of our essays we’ll talk about that transition from eugenics to genetics. Even one of the major journals in eugenics rebranded itself after World War 2 as a journal of genetics.

And so we have to understand the significance of that continuity, and also examine whether or not the textual rebranding, whether it led to substantive rethinking of certain ideas, or the business simply carry on as usual. And if so, again, that should lead us to, in a sense, have a serious evaluation of whether the way folks in these fields do their work, whether it’s appropriate in light of our otherwise anti-eugenic commitments.

GWYNETH SHAW: And to that end, you open your essay, discussing one of the developers of in-vitro fertilization, Robert G. Edwards. And his connections to facility with reverence for genetics. I guess all of those things are true. And you write about when you first heard this being really surprised, and struck by the idea that this person who’s affiliated with this literally life-changing technology, had come out of this movement.

Can you talk a little bit about your own discovery of this history through the lens of medical professionals in particular, and just how it changed your own lens, because I’m listening to you talk about a whole bunch of different things that you’ve been working on for many years. And how did getting that window into the idea that a lot of these same people who are pushing scientific ideas through the 20th century into the 21st had roots in eugenics, or at one point were, as he was, members of a society that was promoting eugenics? How did that influence how you’ve been thinking about a lot of the topics you think about?

OSAGIE OBASOGIE: It’s a great question. And the Edwards situation is so striking. And so this is a widely admired person who won a Nobel Prize in 2010 for developing in-vitro fertilization, which is a technique that has helped millions of people have families, and there’s nothing inherently eugenic about IVF aid of itself.

But it’s a situation where the person who created the technique, was someone who was enthusiastic about eugenics as an idea. And the public perception of Robert Edwards was one where they only focused on his scientific contributions, and not his intellectual background and training and aspirations. And so when I stumbled upon this, and noticed that nobody was talking about this, I was stunned. And at that time, this was shortly after he won the Nobel Prize in 2010, I wrote an article for Scientific American to help people understand what the connections are.

So how does someone who could create a technology that has been so beneficial to many, many people have this dark history behind them? And the answer is, is that for Robert Edwards, he saw eugenics and IVF as being connected to the extent that IVF can become a platform technology for a eugenicists wildest dreams. That is to say that if your wildest dreams are to create the capacity for science and medicine to create a quote-unquote super race of individuals that are free of, quote-unquote disability in other types of social stigmas, and to be able to engineer this race of individuals with all of the advantages, then IVF as a platform technology, where gametes can be joined outside of the body and perfected, and then inserted into the womb, IVF becomes central to that idea.

And so for Edwards, he was working on a part of that, and he saw the development of IVF as part of that broader aspiration. And so that raises some complicated questions about, well, what do we make of all this? Does that mean that IVF should never be Used Well, of course not, and nobody would argue that.

But it is to say that, as members of society who have concerns about our future, we have to be aware that many of the things that we embrace have dark histories. And we can continue to use these technologies and innovations that make our lives better and make our families whole, while also, or I should say that while we continue to use these technologies, we also should be aware that there is a dark side creeping behind many of them. And we have to be very proactive in making sure our that we embrace the benefits, while also appropriately critiquing and fending off the darker aspirations that might surround them.

And so for me, part of the reason why this series we’re doing with the LA Review Books is important, is that it helps keep that conversation going. It helps to educate the public, it allows them to understand that science and innovation move forward, but often time, there is the weight of history behind many of these innovations. And we have to continue to engage and make sure that we hold true to our commitments of equality, and inclusion, and fairness and to ensure that as we move forward, that we don’t continue to stigmatize many of the groups that have been stigmatized for many, many years.

GWYNETH SHAW: I’m struck, too, by how important this is to the broader debate we’re in right now about reproductive rights. I’m thinking, of course, about the IVF case in Alabama, where you had a court saying IVF was illegal. And you saw politicians really rush to, at least, say that they want to protect IVF as something that shouldn’t be caught up in discussions over abortion, and things like that.

But I remember talking to one of your colleagues, Professor Khiara Bridges, a few years ago about teaching Buck v. Bell in her Reproductive History and Rights class, and how, just as you noted earlier, students and younger people today are really astonished by the year on that case, how short a time ago that case was decided. But even today, as we’re looking at an election in the fall, and we’re having these conversations, where do you think this project fits into that reproductive rights discussion? Because obviously, there is a very, very big difference between a policy of forced sterilization, and the ability of a woman and men to a certain extent, to control their means of reproduction. Is it important to understand the underpinnings of those policies that pushed particular groups not to reproduce, as we talk about this larger picture today, because it is about rights, versus the right to decide, versus the right to be told or forced.

OSAGIE OBASOGIE: Yes, and this is one of the more complicated aspects of this entire conversation. Many anti-choice advocates draw upon the history of eugenics as a way to restrict reproductive freedoms. And so part of the work that we have to do is to make sure people have an accurate understanding of that history, and understand that one can, and should, support reproductive freedoms and reproductive justice, while also at the same time being critical of the reemergence of certain eugenic projects. That is to say that we can support individuals rights to decide when and how to have children, while at the same time have a healthy understanding of the history of eugenics. And realize that things like abortion care, while there are moments in our history, where abortion care has been used in eugenic terms, and we should understand and know about the history of people such as Margaret Sanger and others who have had these troubling pasts.

But at the same time, that does not necessarily call into question the practice or the availability of these reproductive services as being integral to broader notions of reproductive justice. And so we can support continuing access, while also having serious conversations about the history of eugenics. And that requires, again, these type of careful conversations, where we are having serious discussions about these nuances, and not allowing the conversation to move off and along a political terrain that, quite frankly, is often not helpful.

GWYNETH SHAW: I, too, was interested in your thoughts on this pro-natalist movement, which is a group of people– I think some of them are very rooted in the California tech culture, who are concerned about the birth rate falling, and committing themselves to having multiple children, many more children than would be average, especially, for most of them, within their social class. I read your essay to be asserting that there’s some whitewashing, for lack of a better word, of some of these eugenics concepts, these underpinnings of eugenics, as modern things.

OSAGIE OBASOGIE: Well, I think part of your question is, how do we make sense of this pro-natalist movement that’s emerging in these aspects of Silicon Valley culture. And I think there’s an important connection there. In one of our essays we’ll be talking about this, which is, at the heart of this pro-natalist movement, is this idea that the smartest, and the best, and the brightest are not reproducing enough, and that as a society, we’re heading towards a demographic cliff, where poor people and people of color are out reproducing those people who are wealthy, white and educated.

And so the pro-natalist movement, in these corners, is really trying to say, hey, if we don’t step up and reproduce, that’s going to lead to a form of race disintegration, which is the very same conversation that Francis Galton was having in the 1880s and 1890s. So it’s a straight line from the concerns that led to Galton’s creation and promotion of eugenics, that is to say that the perceived least equipped of us in society we’re creating the most children and our reproducing those people who are most capable. That’s the very same conversation that these pro-natalist are engaging in today. And oftentimes, that pro-natalist conversation is being put forth and promoted without an acknowledgment, that we’ve been down this road before, and things that did not end up well at all.

So folks need to understand that, when we engage in the form of pro-natalism, that in a sense tries to suggest who should reproduce and who should not, and then tries to not only have a social movement, but also engage in public policies and laws to further support that, that again, is allowing history to repeat itself in ways that we should not. So I think the question is a good one. And it’s further complicated, that in addition to a social movement among certain people in tech culture, that movement is being further supported by technical innovations that further allow for the selection of certain traits, and the deselection of other traits that may very well align with the same type of pro-natalist attitude about what types of people should be produced in the future.

So I think your question is important, because what we’re seeing is a synergy between attitudes among some tech elites that is being further bolstered by new technological capabilities that can, when taken together, again, recreate the past in a new set of terms that could have tremendous consequences for our future and for our democracy. So while these seem like quirky stories that we read in the news, they’re quite serious, because over the next few years, we’re going to be confronting these conversations more and more.

Well, and this is where history really serves us so well, is situations where you develop a technology that does a particular thing. And the missing loop always seems to be, well, just because we can, should we? And it seems to me that pushing forward the history of something like eugenics at a moment in time, like this, is really important, because of that need to step back and say, well, why are we doing this. what is the purpose of this? Is there something that is not entirely altruistic about this technology or our use of this technology?

GWYNETH SHAW: I know you said before, you want to start uncomfortable conversations, where are a couple other places within the technology arena, where you feel like those conversations need to happen? The one that leaps to mind first is gene editing, which has on the one hand, really incredible possibilities, but you can certainly easily imagine that being used for exactly the same things you outlined in the essay that seems like ancient history. Are there other things that you can think of that will be well served by being processed along with this history?

OSAGIE OBASOGIE: Absolutely. So much of my work is in the field of reproductive and genetic technologies, which is basically a field that is all about the set of questions, that is to say that we have a new set of technologies that will allow individuals to screen certain embryos prior to implantation to be able to decide which embryos exhibit the best traits. That raises some ethical issues that should inform the way we think about how these technologies are used, and how that can shape the future demography of our society.

So everything from embryo screening, to other forms of reproductive and genetic technologies that attempt to insert and delete particular traits to questions of surrogacy, to questions of other forms of assisted reproduction, all many of these questions, or many of these issues, I should say, raise issues that speak to the future of humanity. And again, one thing I am not saying, and I want to be clear about this, I am not saying that these technologies are eugenic in and of themselves, but rather it’s time to have conversations about how do we want to move forward as a society, and what, if any, boundaries or regulations we want to have in place to ensure that we don’t go down the wrong path.

GWYNETH SHAW: What’s next for you? You’re going to spend the next 18 to 20 months working on getting this project shepherded all the way through, but what other avenues are you exploring now, or looking to explore from a scholarship perspective?

OSAGIE OBASOGIE: Sure. So I’ll continue this work, and I’m looking forward to editing these next set of essays with the LA Review of Books. In terms of some of my other work, I’m doing a lot of work now on the concept of excited delirium, which is this idea that has developed in the field of psychiatry, that suggests that people who die in police custody are not dying from any type of injury that they receive from the police, but because of some preexisting psychiatric issue they have, that could lead them to become so agitated, just so worked up, that they spontaneously die on their own. And this is an idea that, while developed within the field of psychiatry and forensic sciences, has been adopted by law enforcement as a way to prevent them from being held accountable for deaths that occur in police custody.

What’s interesting is that this idea of excited delirium has very little, if any, scientific or medical backing, there’s no scientific evidence that it exists. But at the same time, law has embraced excited delirium as a real, tangible medical thing. So it raises the question of, how can an idea that has no medical or scientific backing behind it somehow be legally relevant and be used in cases to prevent police accountability. So my work is trying looking at the intersection of these two phenomena, the legal side and the medical side to try to understand what’s happening, and to try to provide some guidelines on what types of evidence regarding expert witness testimony should be allowed in courts when you have medical professional’s testimony testifying to the legitimacy of excited delirium.

So I have an article coming out next year in the Harvard Law review that we’ll talk about the expert witness side of this, and hopefully, at some point down the future, I will be writing a book on the history of excited delirium, and its intersections with law and medicine. So again, another weighty topic that has its own connections with the conversation of eugenics in terms of thinking about how medicine has been used as a site for social injustice, and how can we use law and regulation as a way to ensure that medicine is being used to support the health and well-being of people, and not being used to support motives by the state, that could be quite problematic.

GWYNETH SHAW: Great. Well, we’ll look forward to that, too. Maybe we’ll have to have you back on when we get to that book. Well, thank you so much for this amazing conversation, it’s really interesting. And I really appreciate you taking the time to explain so much about both the history and the connections to today.

And thanks to you listeners for tuning in. If you’d like to know more about Professor Obasogie, his work, and the legacies of eugenics project, you can find links in the show notes. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it. And be sure to subscribe to Voices Carry wherever you get your podcasts. Until next time, I’m Gwyneth Shaw.

OSAGIE OBASOGIE: Thanks so much.

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  24. Professor Osagie K. Obasogie's 'Legacies of Eugenics' Project

    Obasogie organized and wrote the opening essay for a major project published in the Los Angeles Review of Books examining how the ideas underpinning eugenics continue to shape many aspects of science, medicine, and technology in ways that we often don't appreciate.