research topics for 8th graders

Chess (Gr. 1-4)
TV (Gr. 1-4)
Metal Detectors (Gr. 2-6)
Tetris (Gr. 2-6)
Seat Belts (Gr. 2-6)
The Coliseum (Gr. 2-6)
The Pony Express (Gr. 2-6)
Wintertime (Gr. 2-6)
Reading (Gr. 3-7)
Black Friday (Gr. 3-7)
Hummingbirds (Gr. 3-7)
Worst Game Ever? (Gr. 4-8)
Carnivorous Plants (Gr. 4-8)
Google (Gr. 4-8)
Honey Badgers (Gr. 4-8)
Hyperinflation (Gr. 4-8)
Koko (Gr. 4-8)
Mongooses (Gr. 5-9)
Trampolines (Gr. 5-9)
Garbage (Gr. 5-9)
Maginot Line (Gr. 5-9)
Asian Carp (Gr. 5-9)
Tale of Two Countries (Gr. 6-10)
Kevlar (Gr. 7-10)
Tigers (Gr. 7-11)
Statue of Liberty (Gr. 8-10)
Submarines (Gr. 8-12)
Castles (Gr. 9-13)
Gutenberg (Gr. 9-13)
Author's Purpose Practice 1
Author's Purpose Practice 2
Author's Purpose Practice 3
Fact and Opinion Practice 1
Fact and Opinion Practice 2
Fact and Opinion Practice 3
Idioms Practice Test 1
Idioms Practice Test 2
Figurative Language Practice 1
Figurative Language Practice 2
Figurative Language Practice 3
Figurative Language Practice 4
Figurative Language Practice 5
Figurative Language Practice 6
Figurative Language Practice 7
Figurative Language Practice 8
Figurative Language Practice 9
Figurative Language of Edgar Allan Poe
Figurative Language of O. Henry
Figurative Language of Shakespeare
Genre Practice 1
Genre Practice 2
Genre Practice 3
Genre Practice 4
Genre Practice 5
Genre Practice 6
Genre Practice 7
Genre Practice 8
Genre Practice 9
Genre Practice 10
Irony Practice 1
Irony Practice 2
Irony Practice 3
Making Inferences Practice 1
Making Inferences Practice 2
Making Inferences Practice 3
Making Inferences Practice 4
Making Inferences Practice 5
Main Idea Practice 1
Main Idea Practice 2
Point of View Practice 1
Point of View Practice 2
Text Structure Practice 1
Text Structure Practice 2
Text Structure Practice 3
Text Structure Practice 4
Text Structure Practice 5
Story Structure Practice 1
Story Structure Practice 2
Story Structure Practice 3
Author's Purpose
Characterizations
Context Clues
Fact and Opinion
Figurative Language
Grammar and Language Arts
Poetic Devices
Point of View
Predictions
Reading Comprehension
Story Structure
Summarizing
Text Structure
Character Traits
Common Core Aligned Unit Plans
Teacher Point of View
Teaching Theme
Patterns of Organization
Project Ideas
Reading Activities
How to Write Narrative Essays
How to Write Persuasive Essays
Narrative Essay Assignments
Narrative Essay Topics
Persuasive Essay Topics
Research Paper Topics
Rubrics for Writing Assignments
Learn About Sentence Structure
Grammar Worksheets
Noun Worksheets
Parts of Speech Worksheets
Punctuation Worksheets
Sentence Structure Worksheets
Verbs and Gerunds
Examples of Allitertion
Examples of Hyperbole
Examples of Onomatopoeia
Examples of Metaphor
Examples of Personification
Examples of Simile
Figurative Language Activities
Figurative Language Examples
Figurative Language Poems
Figurative Language Worksheets
Learn About Figurative Language
Learn About Poetic Devices
Idiom Worksheets
Online Figurative Language Tests
Onomatopoeia Worksheets
Personification Worksheets
Poetic Devices Activities
Poetic Devices Worksheets
About This Site
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Understanding CCSS Standards
What's New?

Ereading Worksheets

Free reading worksheets, activities, and lesson plans., site navigation.

Learn About Author’s Purpose
Author’s Purpose Quizzes
Character Types Worksheets and Lessons
List of Character Traits
Differentiated Reading Instruction Worksheets and Activities
Fact and Opinion Worksheets
Irony Worksheets
Animal Farm Worksheets
Literary Conflicts Lesson and Review
New Home Page Test
Lord of the Flies Chapter 2 Worksheet
Lord of the Flies Chapter 5 Worksheet
Lord of the Flies Chapter 6 Worksheet
Lord of the Flies Chapter 10 Worksheet
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
Sister Carrie
The Count of Monte Cristo
The Odyssey
The War of the Worlds
The Wizard of Oz
Mood Worksheets
Context Clues Worksheets
Inferences Worksheets
Main Idea Worksheets
Making Predictions Worksheets
Nonfiction Passages and Functional Texts
Setting Worksheets
Summarizing Worksheets and Activities
Short Stories with Questions
Story Structure Activities
Story Structure Worksheets
Tone Worksheets
Types of Conflict Worksheets
Reading Games
Figurative Language Poems with Questions
Hyperbole and Understatement Worksheets
Simile and Metaphor Worksheets
Simile Worksheets
Hyperbole Examples
Metaphor Examples
Personification Examples
Simile Examples
Understatement Examples
Idiom Worksheets and Tests
Poetic Devices Worksheets & Activities
Alliteration Examples
Allusion Examples
Onomatopoeia Examples
Onomatopoeia Worksheets and Activities
Genre Worksheets
Genre Activities
Capitalization Worksheets, Lessons, and Tests
Contractions Worksheets and Activities
Double Negative Worksheets
Homophones & Word Choice Worksheets
‘Was’ or ‘Were’
Simple Subjects & Predicates Worksheets
Subjects, Predicates, and Objects
Clauses and Phrases
Type of Sentences Worksheets
Sentence Structure Activities
Comma Worksheets and Activities
Semicolon Worksheets
End Mark Worksheets
Noun Worksheets, Lessons, and Tests
Verb Worksheets and Activities
Pronoun Worksheets, Lessons, and Tests
Adverbs & Adjectives Worksheets, Lessons, & Tests
Preposition Worksheets and Activities
Conjunctions Worksheets and Activities
Interjections Worksheets
Parts of Speech Activities
Verb Tense Activities
Past Tense Worksheets
Present Tense Worksheets
Future Tense Worksheets
Point of View Activities
Point of View Worksheets
Teaching Point of View
Cause and Effect Example Paragraphs
Chronological Order
Compare and Contrast
Order of Importance
Problem and Solution
Text Structure Worksheets
Text Structure Activities
Essay Writing Rubrics
Narrative Essay Topics and Story Ideas
Narrative Essay Worksheets & Writing Assignments
Persuasive Essay and Speech Topics
Persuasive Essay Worksheets & Activities
Writing Narrative Essays and Short Stories
Writing Persuasive Essays
All Reading Worksheets
Understanding Common Core State Standards
Remote Learning Resources for Covid-19 School Closures
What’s New?
Ereading Worksheets | Legacy Versions
Online Figurative Language Practice
Online Genre Practice Tests
Online Point of View Practice Tests
62 School Project Ideas
2nd Grade Reading Worksheets
3rd Grade Reading Worksheets
4th Grade Reading Worksheets
5th Grade Reading Worksheets
6th Grade Reading Worksheets
7th Grade Reading Worksheets
8th Grade Reading Worksheets
9th Grade Reading Worksheets
10th Grade Reading Worksheets
Membership Billing
Membership Cancel
Membership Checkout
Membership Confirmation
Membership Invoice
Membership Levels
Your Profile

Want Updates?

101 research paper topics.

Why do we sleep ?
How do GPS systems work?
Who was the first person to reach the North Pole ?
Did anybody ever escape Alcatraz ?
What was life like for a gladiator ?
What are the effects of prolonged steroid use on the human body?
What happened during the Salem witch trials ?
Are there any effective means of repelling insects ?
How did trains and railroads change life in America?
What may have occurred during the Roswell UFO incident of 1947?
How is bulletproof clothing made?
What Olympic events were practiced in ancient Greece?
What are the major theories explaining the disappearance of the dinosaurs ?
How was the skateboard invented and how has it changed over the years?
How did the long bow contribute to English military dominance?
What caused the stock market crash of 2008?
How did Cleopatra come to power in Egypt what did she do during her reign?
How has airport security intensified since September 11 th , 2001?
What is life like inside of a beehive ?
Where did hip hop originate and who were its founders?
What makes the platypus a unique and interesting mammal?
How does tobacco use affect the human body?
How do computer viruses spread and in what ways do they affect computers?
What is daily life like for a Buddhist monk ?
What are the origins of the conflict in Darfur ?
How did gunpowder change warfare?
In what ways do Wal-Mart stores affect local economies?
How were cats and dogs domesticated and for what purposes?
What do historians know about ninjas ?
How has the music industry been affected by the internet and digital downloading?
What were the circumstances surrounding the death of Osama Bin Laden ?
What was the women’s suffrage movement and how did it change America?
What efforts are being taken to protect endangered wildlife ?
How much does the war on drugs cost Americans each year?
How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?
Are humans still evolving ?
What technologies are available to home owners to help them conserve energy ?
How have oil spills affected the planet and what steps are being taken to prevent them?
What was the Magna Carta and how did it change England?
What is the curse of the pharaohs?
Why was Socrates executed?
What nonlethal weapons are used by police to subdue rioters?
How does the prison population in America compare to other nations?
How did ancient sailors navigate the globe?
Can gamblers ever acquire a statistical advantage over the house in casino games?
What is alchemy and how has it been attempted?
How are black holes formed?
How was the assassination of Abraham Lincoln plotted and executed?
Do the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks?
How do submarines work?
Do lie detector tests accurately determine truthful statements?
How did Cold War tension affect the US and the world?
What happened to the lost settlers at Roanoke ?
How does a hybrid car save energy?
What ingredients can be found inside of a hotdog ?
How did Julius Caesar affect Rome?
What are some common sleep disorders and how are they treated?
How did the Freedom Riders change society?
How is internet censorship used in China and around the world?
What was the code of the Bushido and how did it affect samurai warriors ?
What are the risks of artificial tanning or prolonged exposure to the sun?
What programs are available to help war veterans get back into society?
What steps are involved in creating a movie or television show?
How have the film and music industries dealt with piracy ?
How did Joan of Arc change history?
What responsibilities do secret service agents have?
How does a shark hunt?
What dangers and hardships did Lewis and Clark face when exploring the Midwest?
Has the Patriot Act prevented or stopped terrorist acts in America?
Do states that allow citizens to carry guns have higher or lower crime rates?
How are the Great Depression and the Great Recession similar and different?
What are the dangers of scuba diving and underwater exploration?
How does the human brain store and retrieve memories ?
What was the Manhattan Project and what impact did it have on the world?
How does stealth technology shield aircraft from radar?
What causes tornadoes ?
Why did Martin Luther protest against the Catholic Church?
How does a search engine work?
What are the current capabilities and future goals of genetic engineers ?
How did the Roman Empire fall?
What obstacles faced scientists in breaking the sound barrier ?
How did the black plague affect Europe?
What happened to Amelia Earhart ?
What are the dangers and hazards of using nuclear power ?
How did Genghis Khan conquer Persia?
What architectural marvels were found in Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire ?
From where does spam email come and can we stop it?
How does night vision work?
How did journalists influence US war efforts in Vietnam ?
What are the benefits and hazards of medical marijuana ?
What causes desert mirages and how do they affect wanderers?
What was the cultural significance of the first moon landing ?
What are sinkholes and how are they formed?
Have any psychics ever solved crimes or prevented them from occurring?
Who is Vlad the Impaler and what is his connection to Count Dracula ?
What are the risks of climate change and global warming ?
What treatments are available to people infected with HIV and are they effective?
Who was a greater inventor, Leonardo di Vinci or Thomas Edison ?
How are the Chinese and American economies similar and different?
Why was communism unsuccessful in so many countries?
In what ways do video games affect children and teenagers?

This is an image of a young woman in a library. She is sitting at a desk with a pile of books and looking toward the ceiling. She appears to be in deep thought.

923 Comments

I like using this website when I assist kids with learning as a lot of these topics are quickly covered in the school systems. Thankyou

Mackenah Nicole Molina

Wow! I always have trouble deiciding what to do a research project on but this list has totally solved that. Now my only problem is choosing what idea on this list I should do first!

Most of these my teacher rejected because apparently ‘these aren’t grade level topics, and I doubt they interest you”

I’m sorry to hear that. Sounds like you will have a potentially valuable character-building experience in the short-term.

Edwin Augusto Galindo Cuba

THIS SITE IS AWESOME, THERE ARE LOTS OF TOPICS TO LEARN AND MASTER OUR SKILLS!

research kid

I need one about animals, please. I have been challenged to a animal research project, Due Friday. I have no clue what to research! somebody help, thanks for reading!

You can do one on bats

For international studies you can do Defense and Security.

This was very helpful.

Research on Ben Franklin? I think THAT will get a real charge out of everyone (hehehehegetit)

Mandy Maher

“Is it possible to colonize Mars?”

maddy burney

these are silly topics

thx for making this real.

Mary Nnamani

Please I need project topics on Language Literature

Marcella Vallarino

I would appreciate a list of survey questions for middle school grades 6-8

I need a research topics about public sector management

I NEED FIVE EXAMPLES EACH ON QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH (EDUCATION, HEALTH, TECHNOLOGY, ECONOMY AND ENGINEERING)

publish research that are interesting please……

hey can you do one on the burmiueda triangle

Anybody know video games effect kids,and,teens. There Fun!!

they’re

I need a topic about woman history if any of u can find 1 please that would be great!

You could research about the history of the astronauts, and of human past (WWI, WWII, etc.)

so about women? Manitoba Women Win the Right to Vote in Municipal Elections, The First Women, January 23, 1849: Elizabeth Blackwell becomes the first woman to graduate from medical school and become a doctor in the United States, Rosa Parks Civil Rights Equal Pay. I have way more. so if you need more just ask.

communism is good

what are you a communist?!?!

Did FDR know about the upcoming attack on Pearl Harbor on 07 DEC 1941.

do you know how babies are born

Christine Singu

kindly assist with a research topic in the field of accounting or auditing

need more about US army

Please can yiu give me a topic in education

I think one should be how can music/Video games can affect the life for people

or How Do Video Games Affect Teenagers?

zimbabwe leader

I think a good topic is supporting the confederate flag!

Need a research topic within the context of students union government and dues payments

do more weird ones plz

joyce alcantara

Hi pls po can you give me a topic relate for humanities pls thank u.

Subscribe Now

New and Updated Pages

Capitalization Worksheets
Contractions Worksheets
Double Negatives Worksheets
Homophones & Word Choice Worksheets

BECOME A MEMBER!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy

A Research Guide
Research Paper Topics

30 Tips For Finding Great Research Paper Topics for Middle School

Useful information: What is research paper writing and how to format it?

Is going vegan good for your health?
The dinosaurs: what should happen for them to evolve again?
The history of music and its meaning in modern life
Greenhouse effect: is it natural or artificial
What are the possible consequences of drugs legalization
World War II and its impact on the rights of women
Schools, learning and social networks
The causes, effects and consequences of earthquakes
The geological periods of Earth development
The history of cryptography
The nature of sports. Why competition is so important for humanity?
How a person’s behaviour changes in the crowd?
What is propaganda and how it works?
Is sexual education important? Why?
How much can we play computer games to not get addicted?
The prison system: shall it be reformed?
The types and forms of poetry: how does poetry evolve?
Internet safety: what to do if you are threatened or blackmailed?
The endangered cultures: is it important to preserve them in the age of globalization?
Gender roles in media and books for children
The effective strategies of waste recycling
Shall some media be banned from TV or is censorship always bad?
Human morality. Is it a national trait or a social construct?
Multicultural community: do the cultures mix?
Healthy self-esteem: what can influence it?
Forming of social hierarchy: does it differ from one group to another?
Family issues and their impact on the development of the children’s personality
What Jupiter contains of?
What is more perspective planet for colonizing: Mars or Venus and why?
Are cryptocurrencies real currencies?

By clicking "Log In", you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We'll occasionally send you account related and promo emails.

Bibliography
Research project proposal writing tips
College midterm paper synopsis samples
Introduction writing hints
Cheap research project examples
The elements of a solid midterm paper
Buying a research project online
Getting quality research project help
Custom midterm papers
Buying a midterm paper
Social responsibility & Malaysia project
Promising midterm paper writing agencies
Getting midterm paper templates
EMTALA requirements research paper
Soil structure research projects
The purpose of study research project
Citing sources in your project
A project with footnotes: tips & tricks
Research project rubric samples
Finding a research paper plan template
Writing a paper on African literature
How to conclude a sociology paper
Rules for composing a front page
Creating a biology research project
Crafting a hypothesis
Completing a philosophy project
Writing a history research paper
Completing the discussion section
Creating a paper the Civil War
Writing on promotion strategies
How to start your project
Crafting your thesis statement
College project layout
Ordering a project online
How to save on writing services
Finding an affordable writer
Where to get a paper for cheap
Chicago format examples
Basic components of a good project
Top-quality custom papers
Choosing your writing agency
Affordable companies online
How to give definition of terms
Writing on technology in education
Marketing project introduction
MLA academic paper samples
Writing a quantitative project
Creating a 1000-word project
Crafting your concluding section
Graph theory research project
Constructing an outline
Writing a paper on Orwell's 1984
Crafting a literature review
Writing a paper on homelessness
Guide for students of business
Juvenile Deliquency midterm paper ideas
Great midterm paper topics
Medical research project ideas
Economic midterm paper topics
Fresh research project topic ideas
American History term paper subjects
Problem solution research project ideas
Undergraduate midterm paper topics
Violence in sports project topics
The Maguindanao Massacre subjects
Writing a healthy lifestyle midterm paper
Research paper topics on literature
Marketing midterm paper subjects
Research paper ideas for literature class
Gun control: research project topics
Video game history research paper ideas
Harmful effect of water pollution ideas
The best argumentative topics

A List Of Good Research Paper Topics For 8th Graders

Research papers can be one of the first really rewarding papers a students will write: often times they can choose a topic they are interested in or passionate about, they can delve into researching it, and they can learn a lot about it.

When choosing a topic, there are several things to keep in mind. First, you want to choose a topic that you will be able to find credible sources on. While websites like Wikipedia may be helpful in starting your research and learning the basics about a subject, it isn’t a source that you can cite in your paper. So you’ll want to make sure that there are books, studies, or news articles on the topic you are interested in. Next, you’ll want to makes sure that the subject is narrow enough, or that you’ve narrowed it down enough, to fit the length of the paper you’ve been assigned. A good strategy for this is to focus on just one part of the topic, or just one time period.

But choosing a topic can be a challenge for many students. So use this list of good research paper topics for 8th graders to get started:

1. The factors that led to ending apartheid in South Africa
2. The laws of physics that have contributed to the design of skateboards
3. Major turning points in the history of your favorite sports team
4. The history of the rivalry between the Red Sox and the Yankees
5. The history of a top fashion magazine
6. The life of the author of your favorite book
7. Profiles of civil rights leaders in America
8. The differences between the civil rights movement in America and Europe
9. How monarchies have changed in the past 200 years
10. The musical influences of your favorite band
11. The history of your hometown
12. The life of someone famous from your state
13. How the rules of your favorite sport have changed over t
15. The history of expeditions on Mt. Everest
16. The lifecycle and ecology of your favorite animal
17. The most successful college football programs and coaches
18. A history of the American and National baseball leagues
19. The Native American tribes that once lived in your area
20. How plate tectonics work

Research Paper Services

Topics for your research project
8th grade research paper ideas
Psychology problems to explore
A bibliography for your research project
College midterm paper ideas
Formatting styles: MLA vs. APA

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 great research paper topics.

General Education

One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and cover a wide range of subjects so you can easily find the best topic for you.

In addition to the list of good research topics, we've included advice on what makes a good research paper topic and how you can use your topic to start writing a great paper.

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

Not all research paper topics are created equal, and you want to make sure you choose a great topic before you start writing. Below are the three most important factors to consider to make sure you choose the best research paper topics.

#1: It's Something You're Interested In

A paper is always easier to write if you're interested in the topic, and you'll be more motivated to do in-depth research and write a paper that really covers the entire subject. Even if a certain research paper topic is getting a lot of buzz right now or other people seem interested in writing about it, don't feel tempted to make it your topic unless you genuinely have some sort of interest in it as well.

#2: There's Enough Information to Write a Paper

Even if you come up with the absolute best research paper topic and you're so excited to write about it, you won't be able to produce a good paper if there isn't enough research about the topic. This can happen for very specific or specialized topics, as well as topics that are too new to have enough research done on them at the moment. Easy research paper topics will always be topics with enough information to write a full-length paper.

Trying to write a research paper on a topic that doesn't have much research on it is incredibly hard, so before you decide on a topic, do a bit of preliminary searching and make sure you'll have all the information you need to write your paper.

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

Don't get so carried away looking at lists of research paper topics that you forget any requirements or restrictions your teacher may have put on research topic ideas. If you're writing a research paper on a health-related topic, deciding to write about the impact of rap on the music scene probably won't be allowed, but there may be some sort of leeway. For example, if you're really interested in current events but your teacher wants you to write a research paper on a history topic, you may be able to choose a topic that fits both categories, like exploring the relationship between the US and North Korea. No matter what, always get your research paper topic approved by your teacher first before you begin writing.

113 Good Research Paper Topics

Below are 113 good research topics to help you get you started on your paper. We've organized them into ten categories to make it easier to find the type of research paper topics you're looking for.

Arts/Culture

Discuss the main differences in art from the Italian Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance .
Analyze the impact a famous artist had on the world.
How is sexism portrayed in different types of media (music, film, video games, etc.)? Has the amount/type of sexism changed over the years?
How has the music of slaves brought over from Africa shaped modern American music?
How has rap music evolved in the past decade?
How has the portrayal of minorities in the media changed?

Current Events

What have been the impacts of China's one child policy?
How have the goals of feminists changed over the decades?
How has the Trump presidency changed international relations?
Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
What factors contributed to the current decline in the rate of unemployment?
What have been the impacts of states which have increased their minimum wage?
How do US immigration laws compare to immigration laws of other countries?
How have the US's immigration laws changed in the past few years/decades?
How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected discussions and view about racism in the US?
What impact has the Affordable Care Act had on healthcare in the US?
What factors contributed to the UK deciding to leave the EU (Brexit)?
What factors contributed to China becoming an economic power?
Discuss the history of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies (some of which tokenize the S&P 500 Index on the blockchain) .
Do students in schools that eliminate grades do better in college and their careers?
Do students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests?
Do students who receive free meals at school get higher grades compared to when they weren't receiving a free meal?
Do students who attend charter schools score higher on standardized tests than students in public schools?
Do students learn better in same-sex classrooms?
How does giving each student access to an iPad or laptop affect their studies?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Montessori Method ?
Do children who attend preschool do better in school later on?
What was the impact of the No Child Left Behind act?
How does the US education system compare to education systems in other countries?
What impact does mandatory physical education classes have on students' health?
Which methods are most effective at reducing bullying in schools?
Do homeschoolers who attend college do as well as students who attended traditional schools?
Does offering tenure increase or decrease quality of teaching?
How does college debt affect future life choices of students?
Should graduate students be able to form unions?

What are different ways to lower gun-related deaths in the US?
How and why have divorce rates changed over time?
Is affirmative action still necessary in education and/or the workplace?
Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
How has stem cell research impacted the medical field?
How can human trafficking be reduced in the United States/world?
Should people be able to donate organs in exchange for money?
Which types of juvenile punishment have proven most effective at preventing future crimes?
Has the increase in US airport security made passengers safer?
Analyze the immigration policies of certain countries and how they are similar and different from one another.
Several states have legalized recreational marijuana. What positive and negative impacts have they experienced as a result?
Do tariffs increase the number of domestic jobs?
Which prison reforms have proven most effective?
Should governments be able to censor certain information on the internet?
Which methods/programs have been most effective at reducing teen pregnancy?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Keto diet?
How effective are different exercise regimes for losing weight and maintaining weight loss?
How do the healthcare plans of various countries differ from each other?
What are the most effective ways to treat depression ?
What are the pros and cons of genetically modified foods?
Which methods are most effective for improving memory?
What can be done to lower healthcare costs in the US?
What factors contributed to the current opioid crisis?
Analyze the history and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic .
Are low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
How much exercise should the average adult be getting each week?
Which methods are most effective to get parents to vaccinate their children?
What are the pros and cons of clean needle programs?
How does stress affect the body?
Discuss the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
What were the causes and effects of the Salem Witch Trials?
Who was responsible for the Iran-Contra situation?
How has New Orleans and the government's response to natural disasters changed since Hurricane Katrina?
What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
What were the impacts of British rule in India ?
Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary?
What were the successes and failures of the women's suffrage movement in the United States?
What were the causes of the Civil War?
How did Abraham Lincoln's assassination impact the country and reconstruction after the Civil War?
Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?
What caused Hitler's rise to power?
Discuss how a specific invention impacted history.
What led to Cleopatra's fall as ruler of Egypt?
How has Japan changed and evolved over the centuries?
What were the causes of the Rwandan genocide ?

Why did Martin Luther decide to split with the Catholic Church?
Analyze the history and impact of a well-known cult (Jonestown, Manson family, etc.)
How did the sexual abuse scandal impact how people view the Catholic Church?
How has the Catholic church's power changed over the past decades/centuries?
What are the causes behind the rise in atheism/ agnosticism in the United States?
What were the influences in Siddhartha's life resulted in him becoming the Buddha?
How has media portrayal of Islam/Muslims changed since September 11th?

Science/Environment

How has the earth's climate changed in the past few decades?
How has the use and elimination of DDT affected bird populations in the US?
Analyze how the number and severity of natural disasters have increased in the past few decades.
Analyze deforestation rates in a certain area or globally over a period of time.
How have past oil spills changed regulations and cleanup methods?
How has the Flint water crisis changed water regulation safety?
What are the pros and cons of fracking?
What impact has the Paris Climate Agreement had so far?
What have NASA's biggest successes and failures been?
How can we improve access to clean water around the world?
Does ecotourism actually have a positive impact on the environment?
Should the US rely on nuclear energy more?
What can be done to save amphibian species currently at risk of extinction?
What impact has climate change had on coral reefs?
How are black holes created?
Are teens who spend more time on social media more likely to suffer anxiety and/or depression?
How will the loss of net neutrality affect internet users?
Analyze the history and progress of self-driving vehicles.
How has the use of drones changed surveillance and warfare methods?
Has social media made people more or less connected?
What progress has currently been made with artificial intelligence ?
Do smartphones increase or decrease workplace productivity?
What are the most effective ways to use technology in the classroom?
How is Google search affecting our intelligence?
When is the best age for a child to begin owning a smartphone?
Has frequent texting reduced teen literacy rates?

How to Write a Great Research Paper

Even great research paper topics won't give you a great research paper if you don't hone your topic before and during the writing process. Follow these three tips to turn good research paper topics into great papers.

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

Before you start writing a single word of your paper, you first need to know what your thesis will be. Your thesis is a statement that explains what you intend to prove/show in your paper. Every sentence in your research paper will relate back to your thesis, so you don't want to start writing without it!

As some examples, if you're writing a research paper on if students learn better in same-sex classrooms, your thesis might be "Research has shown that elementary-age students in same-sex classrooms score higher on standardized tests and report feeling more comfortable in the classroom."

If you're writing a paper on the causes of the Civil War, your thesis might be "While the dispute between the North and South over slavery is the most well-known cause of the Civil War, other key causes include differences in the economies of the North and South, states' rights, and territorial expansion."

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

Remember, this is a research paper you're writing, so you'll need to use lots of research to make your points. Every statement you give must be backed up with research, properly cited the way your teacher requested. You're allowed to include opinions of your own, but they must also be supported by the research you give.

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

You don't want to start writing your research paper and then learn that there isn't enough research to back up the points you're making, or, even worse, that the research contradicts the points you're trying to make!

Get most of your research on your good research topics done before you begin writing. Then use the research you've collected to create a rough outline of what your paper will cover and the key points you're going to make. This will help keep your paper clear and organized, and it'll ensure you have enough research to produce a strong paper.

What's Next?

Are you also learning about dynamic equilibrium in your science class? We break this sometimes tricky concept down so it's easy to understand in our complete guide to dynamic equilibrium .

Thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner? Nurse practitioners have one of the fastest growing careers in the country, and we have all the information you need to know about what to expect from nurse practitioner school .

Want to know the fastest and easiest ways to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius? We've got you covered! Check out our guide to the best ways to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit (or vice versa).

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

Eighth Grade Research Paper Ideas

Rebecca bagwell.

Eighth grade research papers primarily focus on learning how to research a topic and document that research properly. These important skills will enable eighth grade students to write well-researched papers, while drawing conclusions, when they attend high school. Students needing eighth grade research paper ideas should find a topic that covers an historical time period, current issue or personal interests.

Explore this article

Historical Ideas
Current Issues Ideas
Favorite Interest Ideas

1 Historical Ideas

Pick an historical topic to find research easily. The events documented in the 20th century contain a variety of first-hand source materials such as film, interviews and pictures. Many national newspapers archived their accounts of events such as President Kennedy's assassination, the Civil Rights movement, the Nixon Watergate scandal, the Space Program, Vietnam War, Holocaust or the Depression. A research paper idea such as an historical event or an historical person needs to be narrowed down so that you can research fully one aspect of that person or event. Any president will make an interesting eighth grade research paper idea because each president uniquely affected America.

2 Current Issues Ideas

Current issues that have a world-wide affect can be easy to research. Experts routinely publish findings on topics such as animal rights, gun control, the death penalty, global warming, immigration and so on, as they research how these topics affect people. Take an issue that affects your community and learn more about the options available for these current issues. Look at other countries for different perspectives on human rights, education, universal health care, elderly care or labor unions, to compare how America approaches problems differently. Research alternative fuel sources or compare and contrast the benefits and dangers of nuclear power. Decide if space exploration should be a priority over other national concerns. Eighth grade research paper ideas can also focus on how these issues will affect tomorrow's leaders.

3 Favorite Interest Ideas

Choose your favorite interest to write an eighth grade research paper. Though music and sports are broad topics, narrow your interest to research on a specific facet of the music industry or sports leagues. Pick a favorite musician or athlete and research influences in that person's life. If you have a certain hobby, research its origins or influence on society. Any particular interests in a science, such as astronomy, medicine, botany, zoology and so on, can develop into a research paper on the significance of that science. Pick a favorite author or artist and research their work. If any family members have ever served in the armed forces, write about the history of that branch of the military.

1 Corning Union ESD: Report Topics for 8th Grade Report

About the Author

Rebecca Bagwell is an educator with a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Trinity Baptist College. She has taught in China and the United States. While overseas she started writing articles in 2006 for bilingual trade journals. Now, she lives in the South where she homeschools and writes freelance articles encouraging creative approaches to education.

Seventh-Grade Research Paper Topics

List of Conservative Think Tanks

How to Write an Elementary School Research Report

School History Project Ideas

What Is a Good Topic for an Argumentative Research...

History Thesis Topics

Ideas for a Cultural Anthropology Research Paper

What Is a Quasi Experimental Study?

Science Research Paper Topic Ideas

How to Write a Thesis Statement About a Country

PhD Topics in Commerce

Weird Topics for a Research Paper

How to Start an Informative Paper

Research Topics for a Paper on Drugs

Good Topics for Research Papers for Third-Graders

Definition of Micro & Macro Economics

How to Write a Biography Analysis

International Relations Paper Topics

What Is Policy Analysis?

Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers.

Accessibility
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Copyright Policy
Manage Preferences

The Classroom | Empowering Students in Their College Journey

American History Research Paper Topics for Eighth Grade

Report Writing Guidelines for Middle School

For many American students, the eighth grade is the first time they delve deeply into the details and controversies of American history. As such, it is a great time for eighth-graders to undertake a research project. Many students may even be able to use primary sources in this research, and numerous suitable topics are available for this age group.

American Revolution Topics

A basic research topic that will allow eighth-graders to present an argument, use primary sources and learn general American history involves assessing the events that led to the American Revolution. Students, for example, could explore a question such as "Which British policies most outraged the American colonists?" From there, they could use primary resources -- like newspaper snippets or Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" -- to clearly outline what issues were most important to the Patriots. In the process, they would learn further about issues like the Boston Tea Party -- No taxation without representation! -- and the Intolerable Acts.

Sectional Crisis and Civil War

A good way for eighth-graders to both understand primary source research and to learn the basics of the American Civil War is to research the differences between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglass during the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. Teachers could ask for a clear outline of how the two figures differed in their views on slavery. This would entail learning about both politicians while also reading the primary arguments of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. Teachers could provide some guidance on which debates were most useful, and they could help students understand antiquated language; however, students could read and learn about the two figures on their own.

The Great Depression

To study the Great Depression, teachers could give eighth-graders a research topic that allows them to explore how the economic downfall affected a particular region of the country. For example, each student in the class could be assigned a different region and could do research on how that area was impacted. The regions should not be so obscure as to make the research excessively detailed and complicated. A good example might be the Great Plains, which would give students a good chance to explore the Dust Bowl.

Contemporary History

For contemporary U.S. history, eighth-graders have a wide range of options. A perfect case study might be the African-American civil rights movement. For this research project, teachers could assign different leaders in the movement -- from Martin Luther King to Rosa Parks to Malcolm X -- and then give a specific topic such as "Research this leader's views on nonviolence as a method of civil rights protest." Students could then, for example, find that Malcolm X was skeptical of the nonviolent approach, while Martin Luther King strongly supported it. Their research could use primary sources and should offer a more nuanced view of their leader's approach to nonviolence.

How to Prepare a Theoretical Framework for a Research Paper

Activities for Students on the "Joy Luck Club"

World War II Research Paper Topics

Anthropology Project Ideas

Spanish Oral Presentation Topics

Ideas for a Theology Dissertation

Political Topics for Research Papers

How to Write a Research Proposal for Domestic Violence

Kevin Wandrei has written extensively on higher education. His work has been published with Kaplan, Textbooks.com, and Shmoop, Inc., among others. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Cornell University.

Search on OralHistory.ws Blog

Engaging 8th Grade Research Paper Topics for Budding Historians

Writing a research paper in the 8th grade is an exciting opportunity to explore a historical era, event, or figure that sparks your interest. Research paper writing is a stepping stone towards enhancing your research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate your ideas in a structured manner. More importantly, it also provides a glimpse into the intriguing world of historical research and scholarly writing. But where do you start? This article is your guiding light!

Table of content

The Importance of Choosing the Right Topic

Choosing a good research topic is your journey’s first and perhaps most crucial step. It’s like selecting the right pair of running shoes for a marathon – get it right, and you’re off to a great start! The topic should be something that intrigues you, something that you are eager to explore further. After all, you will spend considerable time reading, thinking, and writing about it. And who knows, you might even stumble upon something extraordinary that history has tucked away!

Historical Research and Its Significance

Historical research allows you to learn from the past, understand the present, and anticipate the future. It’s a thrilling ride through time, replete with grand events, compelling characters, and narratives that have shaped our world. Researching historical topics can enhance your understanding of different cultures, ideologies, and human behavior across various periods. Moreover, the skills you hone during this process – critical thinking, research proficiency, and coherent writing – are invaluable life skills.

Engaging 8th-Grade Research Paper Topics

Here’s the part you’ve been waiting for – our handpicked list of 8th-grade research paper topics. These topics span diverse historical periods and regions, catering to various interests.

The Golden Age of Piracy: Fact vs. Fiction
The Salem Witch Trials: A Study of Mass Hysteria
The Underground Railroad: Pathways to Freedom
Women’s Suffrage Movement: The Struggle for Equality
The Fall of the Roman Empire: Causes and Effects
The American Revolution: Birth of a Nation
Life in Medieval Europe: A Social Study
The Harlem Renaissance: Cultural and Artistic Explosion
The Atomic Age: Scientific Breakthroughs and Ethical Dilemmas
The Space Race: Competition Beyond Earth
The California Gold Rush: The Dream and the Reality
The Crusades: A Collision of Faiths
Prohibition in the 1920s: A Failed Experiment
The Civil Rights Movement: The Road to Equality
The Epic of Gilgamesh: An Ancient Tale of Heroes
The Age of Enlightenment: A Revolution of Ideas
The Transcontinental Railroad: A Pathway to Expansion
The Great Depression: An Era of Struggle and Resilience
The Renaissance: A Burst of Creativity and Knowledge
Life During the American Frontier: Challenges and Triumphs
The Boston Tea Party: Catalyst for Revolution
The World War II Home Front: Life on the Domestic Side
The Rise and Fall of the Aztec Empire: A Lost Civilization
Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs: Their Power and Legacy
The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Journey into the Unknown
The Cuban Missile Crisis: A Faceoff of Superpowers
The Code of Hammurabi: An Early System of Law
The Impact of the Printing Press: A Technological Revolution
The Industrial Revolution: The Dawn of Modern Society
The Oregon Trail: A Perilous Journey Westward
The Discovery of DNA: Cracking the Code of Life
The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln: A Nation Mourns
The Scopes Monkey Trial: Science vs. Religion in the Courtroom

Don’t limit yourself to these topics! Use them as a launchpad to delve deeper into the past and discover a topic that truly resonates with you.

Choosing the right topic is your first step toward writing an impactful 8th-grade history research paper. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. So, choose a topic that excites you, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the fascinating world of historical research! Who knows, you might make a historical discovery of your own!

Happy researching!

📎 Related Articles

1. Navigating the Past: Inspiring History Thesis Topics 2. The Great Wall: An Essay Topic Examples 3. Choosing Inspiring Historical Events to Write About 4. Navigating the Historical Labyrinth of Ancient Rome: Essay Topics 5. Unlocking the Past: World History Research Topics

What your 8th grader should have learned

by: The GreatSchools Editorial Team | Updated: January 23, 2023

Print article

What your 8th grader should have learned

Here are some of the key academic skills that kids acquire in eighth grade. If your child hasn’t learned or mastered some of them, don’t worry. The important thing is that your child makes progress toward mastery . Choose a few areas to focus on this summer, but keep things low-key — both for you and for your child. The most important outcomes of at-home learning are encouraging your child to enjoy both learning and taking on challenges.

By the end of 8th grade, kids should be able to:

Be comfortable discussing plot, theme, and characters in fiction.
Analyze arguments in nonfiction texts to determine if they are logical, relevant, and supported with sufficient evidence.
Be able to identify evidence and make inferences from the evidence presented. ( Read more about making inferences .)
Understand and use academic vocabulary words (see word lists for 7th grade , 8th grade , and 9th grade ).
Understand that writing involves several steps: planning, revising, giving and receiving feedback respectfully, editing, rewriting and, sometimes, trying a new approach.
Show increasing sophistication in their narrative, informative, and opinion writing ( read more about 8th grade writing ).
Understand how to paraphrase and quote information — and cite the source — to avoid plagiarism.
Type accurately at about 40 words per minute or faster.
Give oral presentations of their research and writing in which they present their main ideas to their classmates aloud, using formal language, clear pronunciation, and at a volume loud enough for everyone in the class to hear.
Be comfortable collaborating and working in online platforms such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
Understand irrational numbers and be able to compare them to rational numbers.
Find the volume of three-dimensional shapes, including cones, spheres, and cylinders.
Find square roots and their opposite, exponents.
Use linear equations to explain relationships between two variables, and create graphs or diagrams to illustrate those relationships.
Analyze data using charts and graphs and be able to explain the patterns in the data.

Read more about your eighth grader and reading , writing , and math under the Common Core Standards.

Homes Nearby

Homes for rent and sale near schools

$I-am-bad-at-math-expert-answers$

3 things to say when your child says, "I'm bad at math."

5 ways to respond when your child says, "I hate reading!"

6 ways to improve a college essay

Yes! Sign me up for updates relevant to my child's grade.

Please enter a valid email address

Thank you for signing up!

Server Issue: Please try again later. Sorry for the inconvenience

paperbag kits

Custom term paper
Writing on advanced materials
Cover page formatting in Chicago
Term paper proposal formatting
APA research paper citations
How to cite the Constitution?
Turabian format
Writing a proposal in MLA
Getting literature review samples
Creating an introduction
Writing a college term paper
History paper thesis statement
Crafting a project in economics
Finding a research paper service
Project without a hypothesis
Getting paper samples in business
Discussion section samples
Catchy 9th grade project titles
Titles for an 8th grade paper
Getting topics in physics
Topics for middle school
Ideas on human body
Ideas in finance
Criminal justice system
Research paper title makers
Buying term papers
Creating an outline on divorce
Writing a paper on racism in the US
Getting 7th grade project examples
Creating a paper on college majors
Finding custom paper writers
Writing a paper outline in anatomy
Hiring a writing help service
Writing help
Buy a paper

Fresh Ideas For Writing An 8th Grade Research Paper

8th grade students are often given research paper assignments. However, many of them have undeveloped writing skills and procrastinate while choosing topic ideas for their work. Fortunately, students can find many sample topics on the web and in their school library. The following list of fresh ideas for 8th grade students, ideal for those who want to get inspired and come up with a manageable topic:

Consider the following topics in history:
Egyptian pharaohs and their accomplishments.
The Pyramids of Egypt and their historical value.
The Atlantic slave trade: the main causes and effects.
Apartheid in South Africa: the role of Nelson Mandela.
What is genocide: the example of Cambodia.
Write about religion:
Hinduism in India: the role of the caste system in the society.
Buddhism and the personality of Siddhartha Gautama.
The influence of Islam on the important historical events.
The main statements of Confucianism.
The world religions: the main differences and similarities.
Investigate major environmental problems:
The causes and effects of desertification in Africa.
The rise of the sea level: the impacts on the small island states of Polynesia.
Global warming: a myth or reality.
Water pollution in big cities: the potential threats.
The extinction of species: the main causes and effects.
Compare and contrast different subjects:
What is the best pet: a dog or a cat?
What is more difficult: being a lawyer or a doctor?
Who earns more: a famous singer or a successful athlete?
Why do you like travelling: visiting interesting places vs. meeting new people?
The healthy meal: should people eat at home or go to a restaurant?
Analyze the learning environment in your school:
Wearing school uniforms: the main pros and cons.
Playing games in class: an effective learning method.
Homework debate: why do you like/dislike studying after classes?
A professional teacher: what skills should a good teacher have?
What school resources can you use in order to improve your academic performance?

You can use one of the ideas provided above, or brainstorm topics for your research paper with your classmates. Keep in mind your teacher’s requirements, and make sure that your research topic is narrow enough to be covered within the scope of the assignment. It is important to use the reliable sources and insert in-text citations if you borrow the ideas of others. You can visit the school writing center to get a research paper manual with examples of formatting.

Professional Essay writing service - get your essays written by expert essay writer.

Expert essay writing services - they are writing essays since 2004.

For Writing

Help with biology homework
Writing on negotiation strategies
Hiring good term paper writers
Buy dissertations safety
8 tips on how to order term papers
Composing a title page
When hiring a writing service
A thesis statement on gun control
Getting a proposal in MLA
Find a reliable writing help
In quest of editing agencies
Trustful writing agencies
Hire a top notch writer

Latest Post

Components of a research project
Writing a project on pricing strategy

Translate this page

Hundreds of scientific articles. written for kids. approved by scientists. free., search or filter, search articles, reading level.

Elementary school (29)
Lower high school (246)
Middle school (184)
Upper high school (95)

Scientific Topic

Biodiversity and Conservation (85)
Biology (69)
Chemistry (13)
Energy and Climate (57)
Food and Agriculture (26)
Health and Medicine (80)
Paleoscience (18)
Physical Science (18)
Pollution (30)
Social Science (56)
Technology (23)
Water Resources (48)
All NGSS standards 2-LS4 (2) 3-5-ETS1 (3) 3-LS2 (1) 3-LS3 (2) 3-LS4 (3) 4-ESS3 (3) 4-LS1 (3) 4-PS3 (1) 4-PS4 (1) 5-ESS1 (1) 5-ESS3 (2) 5-PS1 (1) HS-ESS1 (3) HS-ESS2 (19) HS-ESS3 (81) HS-ESS4 (1) HS-ETS1 (12) HS-LS1 (72) HS-LS2 (84) HS-LS3 (27) HS-LS4 (48) HS-PS1 (5) HS-PS2 (2) HS-PS3 (5) HS-PS4 (3) MS-ESS1 (5) MS-ESS2 (14) MS-ESS3 (77) MS-ETS1 (6) MS-LS1 (66) MS-LS2 (74) MS-LS3 (14) MS-LS4 (23) MS-PS1 (3) MS-PS2 (1) MS-PS3 (4) MS-PS4 (3)
All AP Environmental Science topics 1. The Living World: Ecosystems (68) 2. The Living World: Biodiversity (70) 3. Populations (142) 4. Earth Systems and Resources (30) 5. Land and Water Use (67) 6. Energy Resources and Consumption (18) 7. Atmospheric Pollution (11) 8. Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution (45) 9. Global Change (97)
All IB Biology topics 01. Cell biology (2) 02. Molecular biology (38) 03. Genetics (41) 04. Ecology (28) 05. Evolution and biodiversity (32) 06. Human physiology (67) 07. Nucleic acids (5) 08. Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis (9) 09. Plant biology (7) 10. Genetics and evolution (12) 11. Animal physiology (57) A. Neurobiology and behaviour (42) B. Biotechnology and bioinformatics (59) C. Ecology and conservation (6) D. Human physiology (12)
All Scientific Methods Agricultural yield data (6) Bacterial culture (1) Case study (47) Cell culture (5) Chromatography (2) Climate scenarios (25) Community jury (1) Controlled blinded study (2) Correlational study (1) CRISPR (1) CT (1) Data extrapolation (44) Data reconstruction (19) Data validation (35) DNA sequencing (36) ELISA (6) Experiment (136) Expert committee (1) Field study (41) Fluorescence imaging (11) Gene editing (11) GIS (3) GPS tracking (12) High resolution filming (1) Life cycle assessment (2) Mark-release-recapture (2) Mass spectrometry (11) Meta-analysis (4) Microscopy (22) Observation (47) Onsite study (1) PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) (16) Policy analysis (23) Proxy data (22) Radiocarbon dating (2) Remote sensing (1) Representative sampling (85) Risk analysis (9) Scientific modeling (116) Spectroscopy (1) Survey research (28) Systematic review (20) Tomography scans (2) Tree core sampling (4) X-ray scanner (2)
All Scientific Figures Bar graph (101) Box and whisker plot (7) Data table (28) Dendrogram (1) Flow chart (5) Histogram (8) Line graph (26) Map (103) Microscopy image (31) Pictograph (85) Pie chart (11) Scatter plot (27) Time series graph (36) Venn diagram (4)
Research Location Africa (40) Antarctica (2) Asia (34) Australia (15) Europe (75) North America (150) Ocean (38) South America (18) Space (5)
All Scientist Affiliations Aarhus University (1) Adam Mickiewicz University (1) Aix-Marseille University (1) Amherst College (1) Arizona State University (4) Baylor University (1) Boston University (1) Brigham Young University (1) Brown University (1) California Institute of Technology (3) California State University (1) Cardiff University (2) CDC (3) Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles (1) Centre for Communicable Diseases Bangladesh (1) China Agricultural University (1) Chinese Academy of Sciences (1) City University of New York (1) Clemson University (2) Colorado State University (4) Columbia University (1) Complutense University (1) Cornell University (7) CSIRO (1) Duke University (7) Emory University (1) ETH Zurich (2) Five Gyres Institute (1) Forest Research Institute of Baden-Wuerttemberg (1) George Washington University (2) Georgetown University (2) Georgia Institute of Technology (1) Harvard University (10) Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1) Hokkaido University (1) IFPRI (1) Imperial College London (8) Indian Institute of Technology (1) INRS (3) Iowa State University (3) IRSTEA (1) ISAC (1) Johannes Kepler University (2) Johns Hopkins University (4) Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (1) King's College London (1) Kyoto University (1) Lancaster University (2) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (2) Lehigh University (1) Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (2) Leipzig University (1) London School of Economics (1) LSHTM (5) LSTM (1) Marine Biological Association UK (1) Max Planck Institute (4) McGill University (3) Merrimack College (1) Met Office UK (1) Missouri University of Science and Technology (1) MIT (4) Monash University (1) Murdoch Children's Research Institute (2) Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio (1) Myongji University (1) Nanjing University (1) NASA (6) National Autonomous University of Mexico (1) National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases (1) National University of Ireland (1) Natural Resources Canada (2) New York University Abu Dhabi (1) NOAA (8) North Carolina State University (1) Northeastern University (2) Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (1) Norwegian University of Science and Technology (1) Oregon State University (1) Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (1) PATH (1) Peking University School of Public Health (1) Pennsylvania State University (4) Pepperdine University (1) Princeton University (2) Purdue University (1) Queen Mary University of London (2) Queensland University of Technology (1) RMIT University (1) Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (1) RPI (1) RTI International (1) Rutgers University (1) San Diego State University (1) Seattle Pacific University (1) Stanford University (8) Stockholm University (2) Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (1) Tampere University (1) Technical University of Denmark (1) Texas A&M University (3) The Francis Crick Institute (1) Trent University (1) Tulane University (2) UC Berkeley (10) UC Davis (4) UC Irvine (1) UC Los Angeles (6) UC Riverside (2) UC San Diego (2) UC Santa Barbara (1) UC Santa Cruz (2) UKCEH (1) United Nations Children’s Fund (1) Universidad Nacional de Colombia (1) Universit of Minnessotta (1) Universität of Osnabrück (1) University of Alaska (1) University of Alberta (1) University of Arizona (1) University of Arkansas (2) University of Auckland (1) University of Bern (1) University of Birmingham (2) University of Bologna (1) University of Bristol (1) University of British Columbia (4) University of Cambridge (3) University of Cape Town (1) University of Central Florida (1) University of Chicago (2) University of Cincinnati (1) University of Connecticut (1) University of Copenhagen (1) University of Dar es Salaam (1) University of East Anglia (1) University of Edinburgh (1) University of Exeter (1) University of Florida (5) University of Georgia (1) University of Groningen (1) University of Hawaii (1) University of Helsinki (2) University of Houston (2) University of Illinois (1) University of Konstanz (1) University of Lausanne (1) University of Leeds (1) University of Liverpool (1) University of London (2) University of Maine (1) University of Manitoba (1) University of Maryland (1) University of Miami (1) University of Michigan (2) University of Minnesota (2) University of Missouri (1) University of Montreal (2) University of Nebraska (1) University of New England Australia (2) University of North Carolina (2) University of Northern Colorado (1) University of Oklahoma (1) University of Otago (1) University of Oviedo (1) University of Oxford (3) University of Patras (1) University of Pennsylvania (2) University of Pittsburgh (1) University of Plymouth (5) University of Potsdam (1) University of Queensland (1) University of Reading (1) University of Rochester (1) University of Sassari (1) University of South Carolina (1) University of South Florida (1) University of Southern California (2) University of Southern Denmark (1) University of Southern Mississippi (1) University of Strathclyde (1) University of Texas (9) University of the Witwatersrand (2) University of Tokyo (1) University of Toulouse (3) University of Tübingen (1) University of Vienna (1) University of Virginia (2) University of Warwick (1) University of Washington (8) University of Western Australia (3) University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1) University of York (1) University of Zurich (3) Uppsala University (1) USDA (1) USDA-ARS (2) UT Austin (1) Utah State University (1) Utrecht University (1) Virginia Commonwealth University (1) Virginia Tech (1) Wageningen University (2) Washington University (1) Weill Cornell Medicine (1) West Virginia University (1) Wildlife Conservation Society (1) Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (1) World Bank (1) World Health Organization (1) Yale University (5)
All Additional Languages Afrikaans (1) Arabic (5) Bengali (1) Bulgarian (37) Burmese (1) Chinese (4) Danish (1) Dutch (3) French (17) German (4) Greek (1) Italian (1) Korean (1) Lao (1) Mongolian (1) Portuguese (2) Russian (2) Spanish (51) Swedish (1)

Articles by Publication Date

Where was the research.

How can AI make online chats kinder?

+ Audio version of article + Blackboard version of article + Links to lessons on political discourse and civil debates

How can doctors treat endometriosis?

+ Audio version of article + Links to activities about reproductive health and macrophages + Blackboard version of the article

How do bumble bees play?

+ Audio version of article + Links to lessons on bees and animal behavior + Blackboard version of article with bee footage

How can we tell whether we are talking to a computer or a person?

+ Audio version of article + Links to activities about AI and machine learning + Blackboard video version of article

How have the life choices of women in India changed over time?

+ Audio version of article + Links to lessons on demographics and empowering girls + Lesson Idea video

How do animals behave during a solar eclipse?

+ Audio version of article + Get involved: Link to citizen science projects about eclipses + Links to activities about solar eclipses

How do dolphin mothers speak with their babies?

+ Audio version of article + Links to lessons on dolphins and echolocation

What do parenting and brain size have to do with each other?

+ Audio version of article + Two reading levels available + Links to lessons on birds and brains

Why do measles survivors get sicker?

What can we learn from carbon on Mars?

What can we learn about dinosaur skin using a laser?

How well can a computer think?

Article collections.

Socially Important Scientific Research in 2024 Election Year

Gross and Disgusting Science Articles Collection

8 Research Articles on Women and Girls

High School Intro Biology Collection

Popular lesson ideas.

Data Graphing Activity for 4th-7th Graders

Articles Translated in Multiple Languages

SJK Recommends: The World’s Best STEM Resources. Free.

Ask-A-Scientist Podcast E2: Dr. Allison Master, social psychologist

Learn more about us, funding support by:.

Disclaimer: Funders play no role in article selection and writing.

Book a Free Demo

Math Calculus Geometry Algebra Trigonometry Statistics Chemistry Economics Macroeconomics English Physics Computer Science Accounting Biology Business Studies Finance Programming Management Science Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 College

Search Here

8th grade science topics

This collection includes resources to support teachers and students as they engage in the topics outlined in the 8th grade NYC Science Scope & Sequence. Resources support the following units: 8:1 Reproduction, Heredity and Evolution; 8:2 Forces and Motion on Earth; 8:3 The Sun, Earth and Moon System and 8:4 Human Impact on the Environment and Health: Needs and Tradeoffs.

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

Included Resources

Reproduction, heredity and evolution.

This collection of resources supports unit 8:1 of the 8th grade science Scope and Sequence: Reproduction, Heredity and Evolution.

Forces and motion on Earth

This collection of resources supports unit 8:2 of the 8th grade science Scope and Sequence: Forces and Motion on Earth.

The sun, earth and moon system

This collection of resources supports unit 8:3 of the 8th grade science Scope and Sequence: The Sun, Earth and Moon System.

Human impact on the environment and health: N...

Human impact on the environment and health: needs and tradeoffs.

This collection of resources supports unit 8:4 of the 8th grade science Scope and Sequence: Human Impact on the Environment and Health: Needs and Tradeoffs.

Grades 6-12
School Leaders

Win a $200 Amazon Gift Card in Today's Teacher Appreciation Giveaway 🎁!

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

50 Top 8th Grade Science Fair Projects and Classroom Activities

Find interesting ideas to engage all learners!

Collage of 8th grade science fair projects, including building a better lightbulb and guiding a plant through a light maze

Whether your students are preparing for the science fair or you’re looking for classroom ideas to grab their interest, we’ve got the answers! Find lots of 8th grade science fair projects across a spectrum of topics and difficulty levels (including plenty of easy science fair project ideas). Plus, check out fun classroom demos and hands-on experiments and activities your students will love.

To make it easier to find classroom activities or science fair projects for 8th graders, 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 Life Science 8th Grade Science Fair Projects

Chemistry 8th grade science fair projects, physics and engineering 8th grade science fair projects, 8th grade science classroom demos, experiments, and hands-on activities.

Explore human behavior, plants and animals, the water cycle, and more with these 8th grade science fair project ideas.

Measure and compare lung capacity

Two eighth grade science students measuring the circumference of a blue balloon

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium

This experiment combines math and biology to measure lung capacity using a balloon. There are a lot of interesting hypotheses students can form, document, and explore while taking these measurements.

Learn more: Measuring Lung Capacity at Blog She Wrote

Guide a growing plant through a maze

A plant in a cardboard box, growing in a twisted pattern through holes toward light at the top

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

Prove that plants really do seek out the light by setting up a simple or complex maze. This is a simple 8th grade science project with really cool results.

Learn more: Plant Light Maze at KiwiCo

Explore symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Frozen peas next to two plant containers labeled control and bacteria

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Many plants depend on nitrogen for growth, but how important is it? This science project compares the growth of pea plants with and without nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Learn more: Nitrogen and Plants at Education.com

Test water quality

Water quality testing kit with TDS meter

A water-testing kit opens up limitless options for 8th grade science fair projects. Test the water quality of local streams, swimming pools, or even the taps at home.

Learn more: Water Quality Experiment at The Homeschool Scientist

Cast animal tracks

Plaster cast of dog footprint next to autumn leaves, dated 7/25/15

Explore wildlife biology by becoming an expert tracker! Learn to identify tracks and take casts. Turn this into an experiment by trying different methods to take casts, or use it as a method of identifying wildlife in the woods.

Learn more: Casting Animal Tracks at Blog She Wrote

Determine a plant’s favorite music

Play different types of music for plants, then observe and document any changes in the growth and development of the plants as they’re exposed to different genres of music.

Conduct fingerprint analysis

Large fingerprint in black ink on white paper

Budding forensic scientists will love this idea. Learn to dust for prints and try a technique called “fuming” for trickier surfaces. See if you can compare prints and make accurate matches in the classroom. You can buy a fingerprinting kit just for kids or use supplies from around the house.

Learn more: Fingerprinting at Home Science Tools

Examine the connection between personality and memory

Notecard labeled Personality Type INFJ and worksheet labeled Memory Tests

Do introverts have better memories than extroverts? This science project aims to find out. Round up some willing volunteers and administer the Myers-Briggs personality test, then challenge your subjects with a memory test. The results may or may not surprise you!

Learn more: Memory and Personality at Education.com

Measure algae growth

Mason jars filled with water and algae, along with other chemicals

Fertilizer runoff has become a serious cause of water pollution. In this experiment, students will see its effects firsthand and brainstorm ways to keep it in check.

Learn more: Algae and Pollution Experiment at Layers of Learning

Water plants with different liquids

A series of plants in glass jars, labeled

In this easy science fair project, kids water plants with different liquids, like rainwater, tap water, salt water, and even soda. They might be surprised at the results!

Learn more: Effecting Plant Growth at Calm the Chaos Parenting

Beakers and test tubes, pouring and mixing … do it all with these fun chemistry science fair project ideas for 8th graders.

Perform a starch test with iodine

Test tube with yellow liquid labeled neg, test tube with black liquid labeled pos, and stoppered bottle filled with iodine

This simple chemistry experiment uses iodine to determine the starch content of food items. Use the process to perform a variety of 8th grade science experiments related to food.

Learn more: Starch Test at Biology Notes for IGCSE

Keep your hands warm

Man rubbing hands together with plastic bag of black liquid in between

If you live in a chilly part of the world, chances are you’ve seen chemical hand warmers for sale. In this 8th grade science fair project, use oxidation to make your own hand warmer, and find other creative ways to use this heating process.

Learn more: Homemade Hand Warmer at Steve Spangler Science

Compare electrolytes in sports drinks

Sports-loving kids will enjoy the chance to learn just how many valuable electrolytes their favorite sports drinks contain. Compare them with water or orange juice for a cool science fair project. You’ll need a few special supplies, like a multimeter and an ohm resistor , but they’re not too expensive and they’re easy to find.

Turn juice into spheres

You’ll need a few special supplies for this experiment , but the results are so cool. Turn spherification into a science fair project by experimenting with different beverages and liquids.

Block the sun’s UV rays

Use color-changing UV beads to test the protective power of medicine bottles, hats, clothing, and more. This is an easy 8th grade science fair project with nearly endless possibilities.

Grow a carbon sugar snake

Tin pan of sand with large carbon snake growing out of it

Remember those little black pellets that fire up into long snakes on the 4th of July? This is the same concept but much bigger! The simple chemical reaction of sugar and baking soda makes it happen. Turn this into an 8th grade science fair project by varying the formula to create even bigger results!

Learn more: Carbon Sugar Snake at KiwiCo

Create a rainbow of flames

You can change the color of fire by adding chemicals found at your local grocery store—what a sight! How can you use these flame colors to determine the chemical content of other materials? Sounds like a cool 8th grade science fair project!

Get your laundry really clean

Container of OxiClean with beakers of liquid on a counter

Find out if all those laundry detergent commercials are really telling the truth with this 8th grade science fair experiment. Test their cleaning power on a variety of stains and fabrics, and analyze your results.

Learn more: Science of Cleaning Products at Steve Spangler Science

Study the effects of acid rain

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic

In this project, students use chalk as a stand-in for stone to learn how acid rain affects buildings, statues, and more. Turn this into a science fair project by exploring ways to mitigate the effects of the acidity.

Extract bismuth from Pepto Bismol

Black mortar filled with pink powder and a pestle

Difficulty: Advanced / Materials: Advanced

This is the kind of project that really makes you feel like a scientist. Grinding tablets with a mortar and pestle, filtering in beakers, heating over a Bunsen burner … this is what chemistry is all about!

Learn more: Extracting Bismuth at Popular Science

Optimize fermentation temperature

A Hot Yeast Experiment. Bottle of fizzing liquid with a partially inflated green balloon attached to the top.

Delve into the mystery of how temperature affects the fermentation process and determine the optimum temperature for yeast development. (Test your hypothesis by baking a loaf of bread!)

Learn more: Hot Yeast at Elemental Blogging

Brew up some root beer

Bowl filled with root beer and dry ice, spilling over with white vapors

Who says science can’t be delicious ? Tinker with the basic root beer recipe to make it sweeter, fizzier, or better in any way you like!

Learn more: Root Beer Science at Steve Spangler Science

For those who love to build and tinker, try a science fair project that experiments with various physics concepts like energy, electricity, motion, and more.

Build a better light bulb

Simple lightbulb built from a glass jar, battery, and wires

First, use the steps at the link to build a simple light bulb with a jar, some wire, and a 6-volt battery . Then, turn it into an 8th grade science fair project by tinkering with the various materials to make a light bulb that lasts longer, burns brighter, or is powered by an alternative source.

Learn more: Build a Light Bulb at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Test the strength of interleaved paper

Paper seems smooth and slides apart easily, right? Not when you add friction into the mix! Mythbusters was amazed at how much strength it took to pull apart two interleaved phone books. Try this with smaller books for an 8th grade science fair project that people won’t believe!

Stand on a pile of paper cups

Student standing on top of a structure built from cardboard sheets and paper cups

Combine physics and engineering and challenge 8th grade science students to create a paper cup structure that can support their weight. This is a cool project for aspiring architects.

Learn more: Paper Cup Stack at Science Sparks

Cook up a tasty treat with solar energy

Students can design and build a solar oven, and then use it to cook food to compare the cooking time and temperature with a conventional oven. See if you can improve on the original design by changing up the materials or construction.

Investigate advanced properties of liquids

8th grade science project studying viscosity, surface tension, and temperature.

Do surface tension and viscosity decrease with increasing temperature? Find out in this 8th grade science fair project.

Learn more: Surface Tension and Viscosity at Education.com

Make a solar desalinator

Clean freshwater is a valuable commodity. Construct solar-powered desalination devices with readily available materials, and find the most effective desalination methods.

Engineer a roller coaster loop

Kids may have created marble roller coasters before, but have they ever built one with a loop-the-loop? They’ll have to experiment to find out which initial height gives a marble the speed it needs to complete the journey.

Capture a picture of lightning

Lightning pattern made on piece of acrylic with photocopier toner

Difficulty: Advanced / Materials: Medium

Lichtenberg figures capture the branching path of electricity as it travels through an object. You can make your own in a variety of ways, including burning it into wood or acrylic.

Learn more: Lichtenberg Figures at Science Notes

Crash cars for science

Collage of STEM car crash project images

This is a great class project for teachers, but it’s also excellent for an 8th grade science fair project. Build cars and crash-test them to learn the best methods of keeping passengers safe.

Learn more: STEM Car Crash Project at The Ardent Teacher

Discover the center of gravity

Wood craft stick balanced on end on a pencil, with orange pipe cleaner twisted around it

Once you find and maintain its center of gravity, almost any object will balance, even in surprising circumstances. Using this concept, what amazing objects can you balance and where?

Learn more: Center of Gravity at Rookie Parenting

Power up homemade batteries

Bottle of distilled white vinegar, paper towel, aluminum foil, duct tape, pennies, electrical wires, and voltmeter

Building batteries is a classic science experiment for any age. Make it into an 8th grade science fair project by trying different variables and exploring the amount of power you can produce.

Learn more: DIY Batteries at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Assemble a spring balance scale

Apply Hooke’s law to find out if the stretching of a spring can be used to accurately measure the weight of objects. The materials are simple, but you’ll need patience and physics to calibrate a spring and use it to test weights.

Design a robotic hand

Model robotic hand made from paper, straws, and string

This is a project that can be tweaked by coming up with ways to improve upon the design. Can you build a hand that can pick up a ball? How about one that can pluck up a piece of string? So many possibilities!

Learn more: DIY Model Robot Hand STEM Activity at Mombrite

Build an infinity mirror

Experiment with optical illusions by creating a tunnel of lights that seems to stretch away into infinity. Eighth grade science students will learn about engineering and the physics of optics along the way.

Construct a Rube Goldberg machine

Create a machine to complete a simple task in the most complicated fashion! This is a neat 8th grade STEM fair project because it allows you to use a variety of physics concepts in a fun way.

Explore a wide variety of 8th grade science concepts with these fun and engaging activities.

Protect an egg in a crash

We love this spin on the classic egg-drop project. In this version, students build a structure to protect an egg during a collision with a wall, making the connection between crash tests and physics concepts.

Drop an egg to prove the first law of motion

Egg on top of a toilet paper tube, standing on a plate on a glass of water, with a man ready to hit the plate

This experiment looks like a magic trick, but it’s firmly grounded in Newton’s first law of motion. When you knock the pie tin out of the way, the egg falls straight into the glass thanks to inertia. (Worried about making a mess? Use plastic eggs instead.)

Learn more: Egg Drop Inertia Challenge at Steve Spangler Science

Break out the leaf blower to teach Bernoulli’s principle

Eighth grade science students have probably seen a Bernoulli demo or two, often with straws and Ping-Pong balls. So grab their attention by trying it with a leaf blower and a beach ball instead!

Assemble a Newton’s cradle

Newton's Cradle built of wood craft sticks, yarn, and marbles

Newton’s cradle is a fascinating way of demonstrating momentum and energy transfer. Follow the directions at the link to build one, or challenge 8th grade science students to experiment with their own construction methods.

Learn more: Newton’s Cradle at Babble Dabble Do

Extinguish a candle without blowing it out

Combine an acid/base experiment with some fire science in this really popular classroom science demo. It seems like magic, but it’s just science!

Relight a candle without touching it

Student's hand holding a lighter over a candle that has just been blown out

Tell students you’re going to relight a candle without touching the flame to the wick. The results will boggle their minds!

Learn more: Magic Traveling Flame at Steve Spangler Science

Demonstrate the “unpoppable” balloon

Your students won’t believe you when you say you can hold a balloon up to a flame without popping it. Use the conductivity of water to prove your point.

Extract your own DNA

Test tube with cloudy liquid and small white floating strand

DNA is the blueprint of life, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to extract your own with a few simple supplies. Preserve it in alcohol in the freezer when you’re done.

Learn more: How To Extract DNA at Home at Home Science Tools

Build a trash can air cannon

This is such a fun way to demonstrate an air vortex! It takes a little effort to build the air cannon, but you can use it year after year for amazing 8th grade science demos.

Separate water into hydrogen and oxygen

Eighth grade girl wearing goggles, looking at a container of water with test tubes and electric wires

Use electrolysis to prove that water really is made up of hydrogen and oxygen. It’s a simple concept but one that never fails to amaze.

Learn more: Separating Water at Navigating by Joy

Assemble a ring of Pringles

Everybody loves an edible STEM challenge! Here’s one that seems simple but takes some time to work out: Build a ring of Pringles chips without using any other materials.

Construct a cup holder

Student showing a foil platform balanced on drinking straws, holding two yellow plastic cups of water

Can your 8th grade science students build a device to stabilize and carry two cups of water, using only a few simple supplies? Oh, and can they manage it in just 5 minutes? This timed challenge pushes their creative engineering limits!

Learn more: Cup Holder STEM Challenge at Homeschool Creations

Navigate a light maze

Here’s the STEM challenge: Bounce a beam of light around a corner past an obstacle. Increase the difficulty by adding more obstacles and variables.

Engage your 8th grade science students further with these 24 Science Kits for Middle and High School That Make Hands-On Lessons Easy .

Plus, sign up for our newsletters to get all the latest teaching tips and ideas straight to your inbox..

Find engaging 8th grade science fair projects, including plenty of easy options, plus fun demos, experiments, and hands-on activities.

Collage of 7th grade science projects, including Oreo mitosis models and electroplating a coin

50 Sensational 7th Grade Science Fair Projects and Classroom Activities

Mummification, oxidation, electroplating, and more! Continue Reading

Discover Explore Learn

Science Fair Ideas - 8th graders science tips and ideas

101 Science Fair Ideas for 8th Graders: Unleash Your Inner Scientist

Are you looking for some fun and interesting science fair ideas for your 8th-grade project? Science fairs are a great way to showcase your creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.

You can choose a topic that interests you, design an experiment, and present your results to your classmates, teachers, and judges. But how do you find a good science fair idea?

There are so many possibilities, and you want to pick something that is original, feasible, and relevant. To help you out, we have compiled a list of 101 science fair ideas for 8th graders, divided into different categories.

Whether you are interested in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, or something else, you are sure to find something that sparks your imagination.

The Effect of Different Types of Fertilizers on Plant Growth
Investigating Tooth Enamel Erosion: Effects of Various Liquids
Natural Mosquito Repellents: Extracts vs. Mosquitoes
The Photosynthesis Palette: Effects of Light Colors on Plants
Purifying Water: Building a Simple Filtration System
Nature’s Cleaners: Removing Stains with Natural Agents
The Effect of Caffeine on Heart Rate
The Effect of Music on Memory
The Effect of Exercise on Lung Capacity
The Effect of pH on Enzyme Activity

The Chemistry of Making Ice Cream
Make a Battery with Metal, Air, and Salt Water
Make Your Own Shampoo
The Reaction Between Baking Soda and Vinegar
How an Instant Cold Pack Works
Color Changing Iodine Clock Reaction
The Effect of Temperature on Crystal Growth
The Effect of pH on the Rate of Rusting
The Effect of Soap on Surface Tension
The Effect of Solutes on the Freezing Point of Water
Drop an Egg to Prove the First Law of Motion
Build a Rube Goldberg Machine
Make a Simple Electric Motor
Make a Simple Electromagnet
Make a Simple Speaker
Make a Simple Telescope
Make a Simple Periscope
Make a Simple Kaleidoscope
The Effect of Air Resistance on Falling Objects
The Effect of Friction on Sliding Objects

Engineering

Develop a Robotic Hand
Construct a Wind Turbine
Create a Solar Oven
Build a Water Filter
Design a Bridge
Engineer a Catapult
Design a Parachute
Construct a Roller Coaster
Create a Paper Airplane
Build a Marble Run

Earth and Environmental Science Experiments

Monitor Algae Growth
Assess Soil Moisture Levels
Test Soil pH
Evaluate Air Quality
Analyze Water Quality
Investigate the Greenhouse Effect
Examine the Impact of Acid Rain
Study the Effects of Global Warming
Observe the Consequences of Erosion
Explore the Benefits of Composting

Astronomy Models

Simulate the Solar System
Demonstrate the Moon’s Phases
Illustrate Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Represent Earth’s Seasons
Model Oceanic Tides
Depict Planetary Orbits
Show Earth’s Rotation and Revolution
Construct Constellation Models
Model a Star’s Life Cycle
Create a Crater Formation Model

Psychology Experiments

Conduct the Stroop Effect Test
Investigate the False Memory Effect
Explore the Serial Position Effect
Study the Anchoring Effect
Examine the Halo Effect
Observe the Bystander Effect
Test the Placebo Effect
Analyze the Priming Effect
Research the Dunning-Kruger Effect
Investigate the Pygmalion Effect

Sociology Studies

Examine Gender’s Impact on Academic Performance
Study Age’s Influence on Generosity
Explore Cultural Effects on Food Preferences
Assess Social Media’s Impact on Self-Esteem
Investigate Music’s Effect on Mood
Examine Video Games’ Influence on Aggression
Analyze Peer Pressure’s Role in Decision-Making
Study Group Size’s Effect on Cooperation
Explore Diversity’s Impact on Creativity
Investigate Competition’s Role in Motivation

Video Games

Impact of Video Games on Brain Activity
Effect of Video Games on Mood
Influence of Video Games on Vision
Video Games and Learning Outcomes
Video Games and Social Skills Development
Creativity Enhancement through Video Games
Physical Health Effects of Video Gaming
Video Games and Environmental Awareness
Ethical Reasoning Influenced by Video Games
Cultural Competence through Video Gaming

Computer Science

Teach a computer to play tic-tac-toe
Use Artificial Intelligence to classify emotions
Build an App
Identify objects with Machine Learning
Make a Motion Sensor Alarm
Design your own video game
Code a calculator
Make an encryption program
Create a chatbot
Program a music synthesizer
Develop a web crawler

Making Your Science Fair Project Shine

If you’re a fan of volcano projects then, starting a science fair project will be an exciting journey into the world of science and new ideas. But with so many great projects out there, it can be tough to make yours stand out.

To grab attention and make people remember your project, you need to be creative. This means coming up with fresh and different ideas that make your project unique.

Think outside the box, question the usual ways of thinking, and add your own original twist to your work. While it’s great to be imaginative, remember to base your ideas on solid science and do thorough research.

This balance between creativity and science is key to a successful project.

Tip: Another successful project idea for the next Science Fair can be food molding .

Thorough Research

Doing thorough research is really important for your science fair project. Look into your topic, learning all the small details and important points.

Make sure to use information from trustworthy sources, do careful experiments, and look at your results carefully and fairly. Your research is the strong base that makes your project believable and convincing.

Having a good plan is like having a map for your project. Write down each step of your research, how you’ll do your experiments, and how you’ll look at your data.

Think about what might go wrong and have backup plans ready. A clear plan helps you work better and keeps you organized and confident .

Effective Communication: The Art of Storytelling

Your science fair project is more than just a science experiment; it’s like a story you get to tell. Share your results clearly and with excitement.

Use things like graphs, diagrams, and charts to help explain your work and make it more interesting. Get your audience involved with hands-on activities and interesting questions.

Good communication can turn your project into an exciting story. Think of your science fair project as a chance to grow and learn new things.

Enjoy the ups and downs, and value what you learn along the way. Stay curious and let your love for science drive you.

Remember, the journey is just as important as the end result. Your project shows how hard you’ve worked, your creativity, and your science skills.

With these tips, you can make your project really special and memorable. Let your project stand out and make a lasting impression at the science fair.

Science Fair Ideas for 8th Graders - tips

Can I integrate technology like AR or VR into my science fair project?

Absolutely! Incorporating augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) can make your project more interactive and engaging. For instance, you could use VR to simulate an environment related to your project, or AR to provide a more immersive explanation of your findings.

How can I involve the audience in my science fair presentation?

Interactive elements can greatly enhance audience engagement. Consider incorporating simple experiments or demonstrations in which the audience can participate, or interactive quizzes related to your project. This not only makes your presentation more memorable but also helps in explaining complex concepts.

Is it beneficial to collaborate with local scientists or experts in my project?

Collaborating with experts can add depth and credibility to your project. They can provide valuable insights, resources, and guidance. Just ensure that your project remains primarily your own work, and give appropriate credit for any assistance received.

How can I use social media to enhance my science fair project?

Social media can be a powerful tool to document and share your project’s progress. You can create posts or videos explaining your experiments , share interesting findings, or even conduct online surveys. This not only broadens your project’s reach but also helps in receiving feedback and ideas.

What role can storytelling play in my science fair project?

Storytelling can make your project more relatable and engaging. You can weave a narrative around your project, explaining the problem you’re addressing, your journey of discovery, and the implications of your findings. This approach can make complex scientific concepts more understandable and interesting.

How can I ensure my project is environmentally sustainable?

Consider using recycled or eco-friendly materials and focus on sustainability in your project design. If your project involves experiments, ensure they are environmentally safe. Projects that address environmental issues or promote sustainability often stand out for their relevance and ethical considerations.

Final Words

In summary, the 101 science fair ideas for 8th graders span a wide array of subjects, from biology to computer science, offering students a chance to explore their interests and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These projects are more than just assignments; they are opportunities for young learners to engage in scientific inquiry, express creativity, and build confidence.

The key to a successful science fair project lies in choosing a topic that excites the student, conducting thorough research, and presenting the findings effectively. This experience not only enriches their knowledge but also fosters a lifelong passion for science and discovery.

Science Fair Project Idea: Why Do Some Foods Mold…
How to Make a Volcano for a Science Fair Project -…
How to Make Lemon Battery Science Fair Project -…
Balloon Rockets: A Journey Into Science and Fun
7 Best Youtube Science Channels for Kids: Turn…

IMAGES

8th grade history research paper topics
Research Topics in Education [Updated]
😍 Physical science paper topics. Selecting Science Research Paper
55 Brilliant Research Topics For STEM Students
Eighth grade Lesson Choosing A Topic For Research Papers
8th grade physics science projects

VIDEO

Science Project For Class 8th Students Working Model Easy Science Exhibition Projects Class
Science Project For Class 8
Big 8th Graders back in the day VS Big 8th Graders today🤣🤣🤣 #shorts
Inspire Sparks, Grade 8
8th Grade Math Calculating Simple Interest
Epic Trivia Showdown: Test Your Knowledge

COMMENTS

101 Research Paper Topics
Find a topic that interests you and learn about it with this list of 101 research paper topics for 8th graders. From history to science, from art to culture, from war to nature, you can choose a topic that suits your interest and write with passion. Download the list in RTF or PDF format.
30 Middle School Research Paper Topics
30 Tips For Finding Great Research Paper Topics for Middle School. If you get stuck on the stage of choosing the topic of your research paper, we can completely understand you. It is the case when too vivid or too tired imagination can both work against you. The good news are that in the middle school the teachers are usually less strict when ...
Teaching a Research Unit
Olivia Franklin. Engage students with interesting research topics, teach them skills to become adept independent researchers, and help them craft their end-of-unit research papers. CommonLit 360 is a comprehensive ELA curriculum for grades 6-12. Our standards-aligned units are highly engaging and develop core reading and writing skills.
A Selection Of Research Paper Topics For 8th Graders
So use this list of good research paper topics for 8th graders to get started: 1. The factors that led to ending apartheid in South Africa. 2. The laws of physics that have contributed to the design of skateboards. 3. Major turning points in the history of your favorite sports team. 4. The history of the rivalry between the Red Sox and the Yankees.
113 Great Research Paper Topics
113 Great Research Paper Topics. One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and cover a wide range of subjects so you can easily ...
Eighth Grade Research Paper Ideas
Eighth grade research papers primarily focus on learning how to research a topic and document that research properly. These important skills will enable eighth grade students to write well-researched papers, while drawing conclusions, when they attend high school. Students needing eighth grade research paper ideas ...
PDF 8th Grade Research Packet
In 8th grade, we will conduct THEMATIC RESEARCH - that is research that is based on an overarching theme. Your goal is to create a 2 - 3 "magazine-type- page" academic essay that presents information and illustrations (pictures, charts, graphs, etc.) that supports your group's theme by exploring a specific topic within the theme.
100 Interesting 8th Grade Writing Prompts
These fun and interesting 8th-grade writing prompts will inspire older students to write longer and more in-depth work. Dictionary ... It's important to include topics that require some research, as well as topics that kids can complete in one sitting. Either way, the subject needs to be interesting:
American History Research Paper Topics for Eighth Grade
For many American students, the eighth grade is the first time they delve deeply into the details and controversies of American history. As such, it is a great time for eighth-graders to undertake a research project. Many students may even be able to use primary sources in this research, and numerous suitable topics are available for this age ...
Unlocking Creativity: 8th Grade Research Paper Topics
Writing a research paper in the 8th grade is an exciting opportunity to explore a historical era, event, or figure that sparks your interest. Research paper writing is a stepping stone towards enhancing your research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate your ideas in a structured manner.
What your 8th grader should have learned
By the end of 8th grade, kids should be able to: Be comfortable discussing plot, theme, and characters in fiction. Analyze arguments in nonfiction texts to determine if they are logical, relevant, and supported with sufficient evidence. Be able to identify evidence and make inferences from the evidence presented.
Interesting Ideas On Writing A Research Paper In 8th Grade
The following list of fresh ideas for 8th grade students, ideal for those who want to get inspired and come up with a manageable topic: Consider the following topics in history: Egyptian pharaohs and their accomplishments. The Pyramids of Egypt and their historical value. The Atlantic slave trade: the main causes and effects.
The Ultimate List of Interesting Research Topics for Kids
Other interesting research topics for kids related to Ancient Civilizations: The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - Great Pyramids of Giza, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Statue of Zeus, Temple of Artemis, Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, Colossus of Rhodes, Pharos of Alexandria. The Epic of Gilgamesh.
33 Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School
Good Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas (and Free, too!) With these 33 new argumentative essay topics for middle school students, you can help your students learn more about what makes a good argument and how to evaluate and decipher so-called "evidence.". As they explore topics like the ways in which schools handle bullying and whether or not ...
Science Journal for Kids and Teens
Scientific Topic. Biodiversity and Conservation (85) Biology (69) Chemistry (13) Energy and Climate (57) ... Where was the Research? Social Science. How can AI make online chats kinder? ... Data Graphing Activity for 4th-7th Graders Articles Translated in Multiple Languages SJK Recommends: The World's Best STEM Resources. Free.
Printable 8th Grade Research Strategy Worksheets
Printable 8th Grade Research Strategy Worksheets ... to help students compare and contrast information from different sources of their choosing while researching a relevant topic. 8th grade. Reading & Writing. Worksheet. Evaluating Sources Checklist. Worksheet. Evaluating Sources Checklist.
Eighth Grade Science Projects
Eighth Grade Science Projects. (743 results) Science Buddies' eighth grade science projects are the perfect way for eighth grade students to have fun exploring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Our eighth grade projects are written and tested by scientists and are specifically created for use by students in the eighth grade.
100 Science Topics for Research Papers
How to Start Your Science Research Paper. Science papers are interesting to write and easy to research because there are so many current and reputable journals online. Start by browsing through the STEM research topics below, which are written in the form of prompts. Then, look at some of the linked articles at the end for further ideas.
25 Best English Essay Topics for Grade 8 Students
August 31, 2022. homeworkhelp. Students. A grade 8 school student have to write many essays on different topics. Thankfully we have put together a list of 25 great essay topics to ease your task.
70+ Fascinating Informative Essay Topics for Kids and Teens
All Grades K-5 All Grades 6-12 PreK 6th Grade Kindergarten 7th Grade 1st Grade 8th Grade 2nd Grade 9th Grade 3rd Grade 10th Grade 4th Grade 11th Grade 5th ... an in-depth analysis of a topic, research papers, or compare-and-contrast essays. Just remember to stick to the facts, and be clear and descriptive. These informative essay topics offer ...
8th grade science topics
8th grade science topics. Grade 8 Science. This collection includes resources to support teachers and students as they engage in the topics outlined in the 8th grade NYC Science Scope & Sequence. Resources support the following units: 8:1 Reproduction, Heredity and Evolution; 8:2 Forces and Motion on Earth; 8:3 The Sun, Earth and Moon System ...
50 Top 8th Grade Science Fair Projects and Classroom Activities
The Ardent Teacher. Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium. This is a great class project for teachers, but it's also excellent for an 8th grade science fair project. Build cars and crash-test them to learn the best methods of keeping passengers safe. Learn more: STEM Car Crash Project at The Ardent Teacher.
101 Science Fair Ideas for 8th Graders: Unleash Your Inner Scientist
In summary, the 101 science fair ideas for 8th graders span a wide array of subjects, from biology to computer science, offering students a chance to explore their interests and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These projects are more than just assignments; they are opportunities for young learners to engage in scientific ...
Record number of students dive deep into diverse research topics on
Research topics can arise from a variety of experiences, including internships. That was the case for J'Lynn Poplin '25, who is majoring in human service studies and policy studies. ... "It's directly applicable to my teaching and I feel like I can give better guidance for my students through my research." ... Elon welcomes eighth ...