STEM projects for 36 weeks of Grade 8, with a brief description for each project:
Week 1: Designing and Testing Model Skyscrapers
Design and build model skyscrapers using materials like toothpicks, cardboard, and glue. Test their stability and structural integrity while exploring architectural and engineering principles.
Week 2: Investigating Alternative Energy Sources
Research alternative energy sources such as geothermal, biomass, or tidal power. Explore their feasibility, advantages, and challenges in comparison to traditional energy sources.
Week 3: Exploring Coding with Java
Learn the fundamentals of coding using Java, a widely used programming language. Develop coding skills by creating programs, solving problems, and understanding object-oriented programming.
Week 4: Designing and Testing Water Propelled Rockets
Design and build water-propelled rockets using plastic bottles and other materials. Test their flight distance and explore principles of aerodynamics, pressure, and propulsion.
Week 5: Investigating Genetic Traits and Inheritance
Study genetic traits, inheritance patterns, and DNA. Explore topics such as dominant and recessive traits, genetic disorders, and genetic variation in populations.
Week 6: Designing and Testing Model Wind Turbines
Design and build model wind turbines using materials like cardboard, PVC pipes, and small generators. Test their efficiency in converting wind energy into electrical energy.
Week 7: Exploring Mobile App Development
Learn the basics of mobile app development. Design and create a simple mobile app using platforms like MIT App Inventor or Swift Playgrounds.
Week 8: Investigating Earth’s Ecosystems
Study Earth’s ecosystems and the interactions between organisms and their environment. Explore topics like food chains, biodiversity, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems.
Week 9: Designing and Testing Model Air Pollution Filters
Design and build model air pollution filters using materials like activated carbon, foam, and fans. Test their effectiveness in filtering air pollutants and discuss the importance of clean air.
Week 10: Exploring Robotics and Automation
Learn about robotics and automation systems. Design and program robots to perform specific tasks, and explore the applications of robotics in industries and daily life.
Week 11: Investigating Space Exploration Technologies
Research technologies used in space exploration, such as rovers, satellites, or space telescopes. Explore their functions, advancements, and contributions to our understanding of the universe.
Week 12: Designing and Testing Model Suspension Bridges
Design and construct model suspension bridges using materials like popsicle sticks, string, and weights. Test their strength and stability while understanding the principles of bridge engineering.
Week 13: Exploring Coding with MATLAB
Learn coding and data analysis using MATLAB, a programming language widely used in scientific and engineering applications. Develop skills in data manipulation, visualization, and analysis.
Week 14: Investigating Human Physiology and Health
Study human physiology, focusing on body systems like the circulatory, respiratory, or nervous system. Explore topics like homeostasis, diseases, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Week 15: Designing and Testing Model Hovercrafts
Design and build model hovercrafts using materials like balloons, CDs, and foam. Test their stability, maneuverability, and lift while understanding the principles of air cushion vehicles.
Week 16: Exploring Sustainable Agriculture
Investigate sustainable agriculture practices such as organic farming, hydroponics, or vertical farming. Explore their benefits, challenges, and potential solutions for food production.
Week 17: Investigating Forensic Science
Explore the field of forensic science and its applications in solving crimes. Learn about fingerprint analysis, DNA profiling, and other forensic techniques.
Week 18: Designing and Testing Model Solar Cookers
Design and build model solar cookers using reflective materials and insulation. Test their efficiency in harnessing solar energy for cooking and discuss the benefits of renewable energy in daily life.
Week 19: Exploring Coding with Raspberry Pi
Learn coding and electronics using Raspberry Pi, a small single-board computer. Create projects that involve sensors, actuators, and programming while developing problem-solving skills.
Week 20: Investigating Sustainable Materials
Research sustainable materials like bioplastics, recycled materials, or natural fibers. Explore their properties, advantages, and environmental impact compared to traditional materials.
Week 21: Designing and Testing Model Gliders
Design and build model gliders using materials like balsa wood, foam, or paper. Test their flight performance, aerodynamics, and explore principles of lift and drag.
Week 22: Exploring Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Learn about artificial intelligence and machine learning. Explore concepts like neural networks, algorithms, and ethical considerations in AI.
Week 23: Investigating Earthquakes and Seismic Activity
Study earthquakes and seismic activity. Learn about plate tectonics, seismic waves, and earthquake-resistant building designs.
Week 24: Designing and Testing Model Electric Cars
Design and build model electric cars using materials like cardboard, motors, and batteries. Test their speed, energy efficiency, and explore principles of electric vehicle technology.
Week 25: Exploring Renewable Energy Integration
Study the integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid. Explore topics like smart grids, energy storage, and the challenges of balancing renewable energy generation.
Week 26: Investigating Human Anatomy and Medical Imaging
Study human anatomy and medical imaging techniques. Explore topics like X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRI scans, and their applications in diagnosing and treating medical conditions.
Week 27: Designing and Testing Model Aquaponics Systems
Design and build model aquaponics systems combining hydroponics and aquaculture. Test the symbiotic relationship between plants and fish in a closed-loop system.
Week 28: Exploring Coding with HTML/CSS
Learn web development using HTML and CSS. Create and design web pages while understanding the basics of front-end web development.
Week 29: Investigating Sustainable Transportation
Research sustainable transportation solutions like electric vehicles, public transportation, or cycling infrastructure. Explore their environmental benefits and challenges in implementation.
Week 30: Designing and Testing Model Water Treatment Systems
Design and build model water treatment systems using materials like sand, gravel, and activated carbon. Test their efficiency in purifying water and discuss the importance of clean water access.
Week 31: Exploring Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
Learn about biotechnology and genetic engineering techniques. Explore applications such as genetic modification, gene therapy, or bioremediation.
Week 32: Investigating Robotics in Medicine
Study the applications of robotics in medicine, such as surgical robots or prosthetics. Explore how robotics is advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes.
Week 33: Designing and Testing Model Green Buildings
Design and construct model green buildings using sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs. Test their energy performance and explore the principles of green architecture.
Week 34: Exploring Coding with Unity
Learn game development using Unity, a popular game engine. Create interactive games, explore 3D environments, and develop coding and design skills.
Week 35: Investigating Climate Solutions and Adaptation
Research climate solutions and adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Explore topics like renewable energy, carbon capture, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Week 36: Designing and Testing Model Robotic Arms
Design and build model robotic arms using materials like cardboard, motors, and sensors. Test their functionality and explore the principles of robotics and automation.
These Grade 8 STEM projects aim to provide students with engaging hands-on experiences while exploring various scientific and technological concepts.