Astronomy

• Thinking of an experiment relating to astronomy may seem challenging, but the effects of the stars and planets are part of our everyday lives. Take a thin stick and attach it to a board or thick piece of cardboard so that the stick is upright. Every day at exactly the same time, put the board and stick in exactly the same location, then mark the board where the shadow of the stick falls. The time of day you choose is not important as long as there is enough sun to cast a distinct shadow. Continue marking the shadow for a week or two. The mark will move across the board. Consider how this information relates to the seasons. If you can, try this experiment in the summer and then repeat in the wintertime, then compare and contrast your results.
  
  

Physics

• Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. You would probably guess that cold water, which is closer to this temperature, would freeze faster than hot water. Take a small, clear container (not glass) of cold water and an identical container with the same amount of hot water, and put both in a freezer. Check on them at regular intervals to see which freezes faster. You can use a thermometer to help you measure and detect which is closer to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot water will typically freeze faster due to a phenomenon called the Mpemba Effect.
  
  

Chemistry

• pH is a measurement of how acidic or basic a substance is. Pure water is pH neutral, but other substances dissolved in the water will change the pH. Buy a pH pool-testing kit or some indicator strips. With some small containers, collect water from different sources, such as ponds, lakes, water fountains or swimming pools. Measure, record, then compare the different pH levels that you find. Consider why these sources have different pH levels and what substances might be dissolved in the water. Do you think that pollution is important to the pH of water?
  
  

Earth Science

• Meteorology is the study of weather patterns on Earth. The weather is notoriously difficult to predict, but has certain patterns that can be studied. Find out if elevation has an impact on wind speed. This is easier if done in a group. Hang several anemometers, devices used to measure wind speed, at different heights, but same general location. You could use windows on different stories of the same building. At the same time, count the revolutions of each anemometer for the same amount of time. The more revolutions, the higher the wind speed. Typically, the highest anemometer will register the highest wind speed.