Good Science Fair Projects - Easy Elementary Science Projects - Make Your Own Thermometer

This is one of our easy elementary science projects where a little background knowledge is necessary. Before starting this experiment you have t explain the concept of water and air expanding when it heats up and retracting when it cools down. You also have to explain the heat coming from the sun. This easy elementary science project can double up as a fun kids crafts!

If you are still looking for good Science Fair Projects you may want to have a look at 24 Hour Science Fair Projects where you will find complete projects you can do in 24 Hours. You will also find good projects on Easy Science Fair Projects.

What you need for this science project:

    * A narrow bottle

    * Water

    * Food coloring

    * Scissors

    * A clear straw

    * Adhesive (in South Africa we will call it Presstick)

    * A card and a Felt-tipped pen

    * A card

    * Sticky tape

How to do this experiment:

   1. First you have to pour water that has been colored by the food coloring into your bottle until it is about 2/3 full.

   2. Now you have to dip the straw into the water and seal the neck of your bottle with the adhesive.

   3. Blow air into the straw to force extra air into the bottle

   4. You will notice that after a while the higher air pressure in the bottle will force the water level to rise in the straw.

   5. Take the card and carefully attach it to the straw

   6. With your felt-tipped pen, mark the water level at room temperature

   7. Now place your thermometer in the sun for about 15 minutes

   8. You will notice that the water level has rise, mark the level with your felt tipped pen

   9. Now you place your thermometer in the fridge for about 15 minutes

  10. You will notice that the water level has decrease, mark the level with your felt tipped pen

  11. Why did the water level rise in the sun and decrease in the fridge?

  12. It might be a good idea to take photos of your work as you go for your display

This is a fun easy elementary science project that the small kids can do very easily with some help from an adult. It is always a lot of fun for them if they can see exactly what happens in a very visual way.