Middle
School
Projects
Fifth Grade – Eighth Grade
University of Mississippi
National Science Foundation
NMGK-8
North Mississippi Grades K-8
June 2003 - January 2006
http://smartweed.olemiss.edu/nmgk8
Fifth Grade
Creating a PowerPoint Presentation
This is a lesson that outlines the steps for creating a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation. The
presentation format is PowerPoint with the goal of instructing students in creating their own
presentations. A sample PowerPoint slide show about the Mississippi River is included in this
project.
Math Frameworks: 3b, 3c, 3d
Crime Scene Insects
This project will introduce students to the three main parts of an insect, stages of insect
development, and provide means for identifying insects associated with crime scenes.
Math Frameworks: 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 4a
Science Frameworks: 4a, 5a, 5b
Design a Phytoplankter
This experiment introduces students to phytoplankton and allows the students to measure and
compare sinking rates based on shape differences.
Science Frameworks: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 8a, 9b
Egypt from a Math and Science Perspective
This project contains multi-disciplinary activities on Ancient Egypt and a comparison of the
Mississippi River vs. the Nile River from a math and science perspective.
Math Frameworks: 1b, 1d, 1e, 1g, 2a, 2c, 3b, 3c, 3d, 4g
Science Frameworks: 3a, 3b, 5a, 5b, 8a, 8b, 8d
Famous Greek Mathematicians
This project was designed to show students some accomplishments of famous Greek
mathematicians. Among the mathematicians discussed are Pythagoras, Zeno, Archimedes, and
Eratosthenes.
Math Frameworks: 1c, 2c, 4d
Science Frameworks: 9b
Forces and Motion
This is a design project involving the design, construction, and racing of rubber band cars to
explore the motion of objects and the effects of forces.
Science Frameworks: 9a, 9b
How to Build an Ecosystem
This activity-based project includes building two different ecosystems. A desert ecosystem and a
rainforest ecosystem are constructed by the students. The students record their observations over
time.
Science Frameworks: 1b
Mars
This project includes a series of activities based on a hypothetical trip to Planet Mars.
Math Frameworks: 2c, 2d, 4e
Science Frameworks: 4b, 5b
Oobleck
This project includes a discussion of water pollution intended to increase awareness regarding
appropriate and inappropriate methods for disposing of oil, and an activity emphasizing
measurement and proportions.
Math Frameworks: 2b, 2d
The Rebels Measure Up
This project is designed to enhance estimation skills and as a consequence measuring, perimeter,
and area will be discussed.
Math Frameworks: 1b, 1c, 2e, 5i, 5k
Two Systems of Measurement
This activity-based project is designed to help students develop an understanding of the metric
system and understand the relationship between the English and metric Systems.
Math Frameworks: 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e
Zooconomics
This project is an introduction to basic economic principles through the designing and placement
of a zoo.
Math Frameworks: 1b, 2b, 2c, 5f
Sixth Grade
Design a Phytoplankter
This experiment introduces students to phytoplankton and allows the students to measure and
compare sinking rates based on shape differences.
Science Frameworks: 4a, 4b
Earth From Space
This activity tests the student's knowledge and recognition of different geographic places around
the world. There are several satellite images taken of different places, such as the Grand Canyon,
San Francisco Bay , and the Eiffel Tower . Students try to identify the location.
Science Frameworks: 3a
Famous Greek Mathematicians
This project was designed to show students some accomplishments of famous Greek
mathematicians. Among the mathematicians discussed are Pythagoras, Zeno, Archimedes, and
Eratosthenes.
Science Frameworks: 3a, 10c
Measure to Treasure
This is a classroom and outdoor activity designed to improve skills in measurement by using
both English and metric units. Students will measure random classroom objects to familiarize
themselves with measurement and the tools of measurement. Then, they will use a compass in an
outdoor setting to follow a set of directions (directions of length and direction) in order to find a
buried treasure (X marks the spot).
Math Frameworks: 4b, 4c, 4e
Metamorphic Rock Activity
This activity-based project demonstrates how metamorphic rocks are formed. The students will
use chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips and M&M's to create a
metamorphic chocolate rock.
Science Frameworks: 6b
Reduce Your Trash: A Project on the 3R's
A series of activities demonstrating the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling consumer
goods.
Math Frameworks: 3b, 3c, 3d, 4c, 4e, 6c, 8a
Rock Lab
This hands on activity will help students get familiar with the three different types of rocks.
Science Frameworks: 6b
Seeds
This activity will introduce the concept of seeds to students through classroom activities and
presentations.
Science Frameworks: 2a
The Bug Files
An activity that allows students use a dichotomous key to identify insects.
Science Frameworks: 2b, 3b
The First Bank of the United States
This project is a folder of information on the creation of the First Bank of the United States, how
it worked, why it failed, and other relevant topics. A math activity is included to help the
students understand why using money is better method than bartering.
Math Frameworks: 8a, 8b, 8c
The Rebels Measure Up
This project is designed to enhance estimation skills and as a consequence measuring, perimeter,
and area will be discussed.
Math Frameworks: 3a
Two Systems of Measurement
This activity-based project is designed to help students develop an understanding of the metric
system and understand the relationship between the English and metric Systems.
Math Frameworks: 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e
Volcano Activities and Presentation
This project consists of a PowerPoint presentation covering all the basics on volcanoes and
volcanic activity. The accompanying activity consists of creating gelatin volcanoes, injecting
them with red food coloring in order to simulate the formation of dikes, and observation and
interpretation of the results.
Science Frameworks: 6b
Water Quality
This project includes instruction, demonstration, and lab activities for the students to participate
in a series of tests used to determine the health of a water system. The tests include chemical
assays (LaMotte kit), biological indicators, and physical testing. The goal of the project is for the
students to understand how to interpret the results and make a conclusion about the health of the
water system.
Math Frameworks: 4b, 4d
Science Frameworks: 3a, 3b, 5a
What's in a Name? Taxonomy and Species Identification
This is an activity on the modern system of classifying plants and animals including the structure
of the taxonomical system. Students learn the defining characteristics of each of the five
kingdoms through a "Taxonomy Rummy" card game, then use a dichotomous key to identify
plant species in the wild.
Science Frameworks: 5
Seventh Grade
A Guide to Creating a Mississippi River Presentation
This presentation guides students in their research by offering sample topics and questions about
the Mississippi River and provides presentation tips when using PowerPoint.
Science Frameworks: 4c, 6e
A Look into America's Weather
This project will provide the students with a “hands on” activity to understand changes in
weather. A review of possible career choices in the field will be included, along with how
weather affects our surroundings.
Science Frameworks: 6g, 7e
Balancing Equations
An activity demonstrating that solving linear equations is a balancing act. This done by using a
triple beam balance and letting unknown weights be the variables in a linear equation.
Math Frameworks: 7b, 7c, 8b
Budgeting Down the Mississippi River
This activity includes guidance for students to develop a budget as they travel down the
Mississippi River for one simulated weekend. Students must consider travel, food, lodging, and
other costs for each day of their trip.
Math Frameworks: 4a, 4g, 8d, 8f
Constructing 3-Dimensional Figures
This is an activity-based project designed to help students recognize specific 3-dimensional
figures as well as the spatial orientation of them. Constructing these figures is done with
molecule modeling sets.
Math Frameworks: 5i
Design a Phytoplankter
This experiment introduces students to phytoplankton and allows the students to measure and
compare sinking rates based on shape differences.
Math Frameworks: 3a, 4b, 4e
Science Frameworks: 4d
Earthquake Activities
This project includes several activities and a PowerPoint presentation on earthquakes. The
activities include: 1. What liquefaction is and how it occurs, 2. How a seismometer works and
how to construct one, 3. Demonstration on how earthquake waves travel.
Science Frameworks: 6b
Endangered Species
This project consists of multiple activities and a collection of information about endangered
species including designing and constructing a model zoo.
Science Frameworks: 4, 4c, 5, 5c
Erosion and Weathering Activities
This project consists of erosion and weathering activities in five stations that demonstrate various
forms of erosion and weathering, including particle size; erosion in a river, detailing the
relationship between sand, gravel, and angle of tilt; chemical reactions in rocks and minerals; and
air content of soil.
Science Frameworks: 6c, 6d, 8
Forensics and DNA Analysis
This project is designed to introduce the students to the concepts of forensics science and DNA
restriction analysis. The students will use gel electrophoresis to investigate a simulated crime.
Math Frameworks: 3a, 3c
Science Frameworks: 2a
Fractals
This project is designed to show students what a fractal is, some mathematics behind fractals,
and where fractals can be found in art, nature, and technology.
Math Frameworks: 5e, 5f
Fundamentals of Geometry with Geometer Sketchpad
This project is a short introduction to Geometer's Sketchpad (tools and functions) as well as
information on the geometric properties of triangles and squares.
Math Frameworks: 5b, 5c, 5d
Grain Size Analysis
This project is a hands-on activity to get the students familiar with soil in which they collect soil
and take field notes. They learn what soil is and how to distinguish between the different grain
sizes. Additionally the students learn engineering properties and applications of each soil type.
Math Frameworks: 4b, 8d, 8e
It's All in the Genes
Students will analyze the total finger ridge patterns (TRC)in class to determine whether it
follows a typical binomial distribution, which is a characteristic of traits controlled by the
additive effect of many genes (polygenic inheritance). Also, students will study basic DNA
structure and gene regulation.
Math Frameworks: 4b, 4e
Science Frameworks: 2a
It's Easy As 1, 2, 3....
This project introduces the scientific method through the determination of density and specific
gravity.
Math Frameworks: 1a, 1b, 3a, 3c, 8f
Science Frameworks: 8e
Lab Safety
This project describes several major lab safety rules, safety symbols, and safety hazards that are
present in a science lab and why they are important. The rules and symbols are discussed in a
PowerPoint presentation. This project also contains hands-on activities demonstrating lab safety
and proper waste disposal techniques.
Science Frameworks: 4c
Learning HTML
This project is designed as an introductory lesson to acquaint students with the language of
HTML followed by an opportunity to explore and manipulate a web page.
Math Frameworks: 4a
Middle School Level Science Fair Presentation
This presentation is intended to help get 7th and 8th graders interested in participating in the
Science Fair. It includes information on the scientific method, guidance on how to choose a
topic, and tips for the student's science fair presentation.
Science Frameworks: 9c
Mineral Identification Lab
This is a hands-on activity in which the students learn the definition of minerals and how to
identify them. The students identify minerals based on hardness, streak, color, luster, cleavage,
and other special properties.
Science Frameworks: 6a
Percentages and Probability
This project is a series of manipulatives that help the students to understand percentages and
probability.
Math Frameworks: 1d, 4a, 4g, 4h, 8f
Raving About Reactions
This project contains a series of demonstrations and small hands-on activities that illustrate the
major types of chemical reactions.
Math Frameworks: 8d
River Boat Science
This series of activities will teach students about the science and economics of Mississippi River
borne transportation. Students will learn about the river and the traffic on it while touching on
many general science and math concepts.
Science Frameworks: 2, 3a, 4c, 5c, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 9b
Rock and Mineral PowerPoint Presentation
This is a PowerPoint presentation on rocks and minerals. The mineral part of the presentation
covers the following: 1. Defines what a mineral is, 2. Identifies the main minerals that compose
the Earth's crust, 3. Identifies how minerals can be identified, 4. Describes how minerals are
formed, and 5. Describes the economic importance of minerals. The rock part of the presentation
covers the following: 1. Defines what a rock is, 2. Describes the three different types of rocks, 3.
Describes the rock cycle, 4. Describes how each type of rock is classified, 5. Shows the
distribution of the different types of rocks throughout the United States .
Science Frameworks: 6a
Superhero Probability
This project will allow the students to explore different combinations of superhero abilities given
to a superhero team and to compute simple probabilities.
Math Frameworks: 4g, 4h
The Solar System
The student will be able to discuss the effects of the Earth's tilted axis and revolutions around the
sun. This will include how the Earth's motion influences the day, year, phases of the moon, and
eclipses. They will also be to describe the Earth's relation to the solar system.
Science Frameworks: 7, 7a, 7c
Two Systems of Measurement
This activity-based project is designed to help students develop an understanding of the metric
system and understand the relationship between the English and metric Systems.
Math Frameworks: 3a, 3c
Eighth Grade
A History of Mathematics
This folder includes a collection of background information and activities designed to teach
students the early number systems of Egypt and Babylon and how these early civilizations
performed basic operations such as addition and multiplication. Included in the project are
comparisons between these early number systems and our modern day place value system.
Math Frameworks: 1d, 1g
A Lesson on Supply and Demand
This PowerPoint presentation teaches students how prices are set in markets by learning basic
concepts of supply and demand.
Math Frameworks: 7c, 8b
Building Catapults
This is an inquiry based project in which groups of students will be given the same materials
with the goal of building a working catapult. The project goal is for students to be able to
demonstrate the use of potential and kinetic energy through their construction as well as
knowledge of simple machines.
Science Frameworks: 9a, 9b, 10c, 10d
Constructing 3-Dimensional Figures
This is an activity-based project designed to help students recognize specific 3-dimensional
figures as well as the spatial orientation of them. Constructing these figures is done with
molecule modeling sets.
Math Frameworks: 6, 6h
Design a Phytoplankter
This experiment introduces students to phytoplankton and allows the students to measure and
compare sinking rates based on shape differences.
Math Frameworks: 7b, 7c
Science Frameworks: 4b
Discovering Newton's Laws of Motion
This project consists of a lesson that introduces Newton’s three laws of motion, accompanying
comprehension quizzes for each of the laws, simple demonstrations for each law, and a design
project.
Math Frameworks: 1d, 1g, 3c, 3d
Science Frameworks: 9, 9a, 10d
Endangered Species
This project consists of multiple activities and a collection of information about endangered
species including designing and constructing a model zoo.
Science Frameworks: 4c, 6c
Forensics and DNA Analysis
This project is designed to introduce the students to the concepts of forensics science and DNA
restriction analysis. The students will use gel electrophoresis to investigate a simulated crime.
Math Frameworks: 5c, 5d
Science Frameworks: 2d
Fractals
This project is designed to show students what a fractal is, some mathematics behind fractals,
and where fractals can be found in art, nature, and technology.
Math Frameworks: 2e
Gridiron Statistics: A Practical Lesson
The project highlights not only the utility of statistical analysis but also its inadequacies. The
data and concepts are cast in light of a subject many eighth grade students are interested in and
knowledgeable about: football. In a broader sense, the students should finish the module with an
understanding of the limited predictive power of statistics and the many uses of statistics in
deception.
Math Frameworks: 7
How Much is a Penny Worth?
This activity-based project is designed to have students measure different objects, length, volume
and mass with the ultimate goal of determining the density of a penny. Different groups will be
given older or newer pennies (either pre or post 1983) because pennies made prior to 1983 are
95% copper and pennies made after 1983 are about 97% zinc.
Science Frameworks: 8a, 8e
Learning HTML
This project is designed as an introductory lesson to acquaint students with the language of
HTML followed by an opportunity to explore and manipulate a web page.
Math Frameworks: 3c, 7a
Math and Astronomy
The purpose of this project is to teach and then apply mathematical principles such as scaling,
scientific notation, unit conversions, modeling, ellipses, ratios, and measuring. The project first
shows how these principles apply to things concerning Oxford and then moves swiftly to
applications concerning the solar system. The project also discusses Kepler's laws and Newton 's
laws by means of lab activities.
Math Frameworks: 1d, 2d, 2e, 4c, 5a
Measuring pH: Papers, Indicators, and Electrodes
A lab activity that teaches students the basics of pH as a measure of acidity and basicity. In
addition, students measure the pH of acidic, basic, and neutral solutions using litmus papers,
chemical indicators, and pH-sensitive electrodes.
Science Frameworks: 8f
Middle School Level Science Fair Presentation
This presentation is intended to help get 7th and 8th graders interested in participating in the
Science Fair. It includes information on the scientific method, guidance on how to choose a
topic, and tips for the student's science fair presentation.
Science Frameworks: 10a
Roller Coaster Physics
This project is designed to use a roller coaster to allow students to understand the Physics
concepts such as velocity, potential and kinetic energy, motion, free fall, acceleration, and
centripetal acceleration. Students will be required to design and build a roller coaster using
Physics concepts that will be learned through various demonstrations and experiments. The
students will be introduced to basic economic concepts so that the students may budget their
money wisely in the development of their successful roller coaster. In closing, students will
create a portfolio including the design specifications, budget tables, and a news release which
should include a review of the concepts learned.
Math Frameworks: 4c, 6c
Science Frameworks: 10c, 10d
Rube-Goldberg
This activity allows students to design and construct a system for a given simple task (i.e.
moving a ball from one point to another) with the goal of making a contraption that will perform
this task in a complex way using a Rube-Goldberg device.
Science Frameworks: 9a, 9b
Six Activities with Shapes and Fractions
This project consists of activities whose purpose is to learn the names of specific shapes (shapes
from 3 to 12 sides) and to determine the ratio between two of them.
Math Frameworks: 1g, 4a, 6b
The Fall of the USSR
This project illustrates how the USSR was established, why it failed, and what we can learn from
its failure.
Math Frameworks: 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d
The Geology of Mississippi
This project is a PowerPoint presentation on the geology of Mississippi. The different geologic
regions of Mississippi are also discussed, including the role the Mississippi River has played in
shaping the state’s geology.
Science Frameworks: 6, 6a, 6b, 6c
Two Systems of Measurement
This activity-based project is designed to help students develop an understanding of the metric
system and understand the relationship between the English and metric Systems.
Math Frameworks: 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d
Weather Worksheet
This activity will use technology to assist the students in gathering and identifying weather
information.
Science Frameworks: 5a, 5b, 5c
Weatherama!
This project will highlight the relationship between weather and a place’s geographic location on
Earth.
Math Frameworks: 7b
Science Frameworks: 5b, 5c