Science exhibitions are a fun way to turn simple curiosity into real discovery. A good project starts with a clear question, uses careful testing, and shows results in a simple, visual way.

This guide gives you easy ideas, step-by-step plans, and presentation tips so you can build a safe, interesting project that anyone can understand. 

Why do a science exhibition project?

• Helps students learn by doing — hands-on experiments build understanding.
• Encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Teaches planning, time management, and teamwork.

Must Read: Science Project Portfolio: Complete Guide, Template & Checklist

How to choose the right science exhibition project

Pick a project by balancing interest, difficulty, and resources.

1. Interest: Choose a topic you care about — you’ll spend time on it, so enthusiasm helps.
2. Scope: For one student vs a team: small experiments suit individuals; larger builds suit teams.
3. Safety: Avoid dangerous chemicals, high voltages, or weapons.
4. Originality: Add a small twist to common ideas to stand out.
5. Time & Materials: Ensure you can finish within the time and materials available.
6. Learning Goal: Ask: What do I want the audience and I to learn?

Categories of science exhibition project ideas

Below are category headings to help you find the right project type quickly.

Physics & Mechanics

• Simple machines: levers, pulleys, inclined planes demonstrations.
• Ballistics and projectile motion models (low speed, safe).
• Solar oven and heat transfer projects.
• Homemade spectroscope to study light.
• Bridge building and load tests (cardboard, popsicle sticks).

Chemistry (Safe / school-friendly)

• pH indicators from red cabbage.
• Homemade polymer (slime) chemistry (safe recipes).
• Electrolysis of water (low-voltage, safe setup).
• Rusting experiments and corrosion prevention.
• Natural preservatives: testing which household items slow spoilage.

Biology & Life Sciences

• Plant growth under different colored lights.
• Yeast fermentation and CO₂ production.
• Microbial growth from different surfaces (use safe, supervised conditions).
• Effect of music on plant growth.
• Study of insects or local ecosystems (ethical, non-harmful).

Environmental Science & Ecology

• Wastewater filtration on a model scale.
• Composting and decomposition rate experiments.
• Air quality monitoring (dust or particulate collectors).
• Solar vs fossil fuel energy efficiency comparisons.
• Local biodiversity survey and conservation suggestions.

Engineering & Robotics

• Line-following robot using simple sensors.
• Automatic plant watering system using soil moisture sensor.
• Water wheel and micro-hydroelectric generator model.
• Bridge or tower design and testing for load capacity.
• Catapult or trebuchet design (small, safe).

Computer Science & Data Science

• Simple machine learning demos (classification using spreadsheets).
• Data logging and visualization of temperature/humidity.
• Game or simulation demonstrating algorithms (pathfinding).
• Encryption basics and simple code-breaking demos.
• Website or app prototype that solves a local problem.

Health & Human Biology

• Handwashing effectiveness (using UV-sensitive lotion).
• Reaction time tests using simple online or self-made tools.
• Study of heart rate changes with exercise and recovery.
• Effects of sleep on cognitive tests (survey-based).
• Nutrient content estimation using safe home tests.

Everyday Science / Demonstration Projects

• Invisible ink using lemon juice.
• Non-Newtonian fluids (cornstarch & water) to show unusual properties.
• Balloon rocket experiments demonstrating thrust and friction.
• Surface tension experiments with detergents and pepper.
• Thermochromic color change demos with safe materials.

100+ Science Exhibition Project Ideas

I’ll list many ideas so students and teachers can quickly pick one. You can adapt the scale and complexity for class level.

1. Build a model solar oven and test cooking time.
2. Red cabbage pH indicator and household acid/base tests.
3. Make and test biodegradable plastic from starch.
4. Study plant growth under LED, fluorescent, and sunlight.
5. Create a simple water filtration system and measure turbidity.
6. Design and test a paper bridge for maximum load.
7. Build a static electricity experiment with balloons and hair.
8. Investigate which natural preservatives slow fruit spoilage.
9. Demonstrate capillary action with colored water and celery.
10. Observe germination rates at different temperatures.
11. Test how salt affects ice melting speed.
12. Build a simple electromagnet and test lifting power.
13. Study the effect of different music on plant growth.
14. Make a DIY spectroscope out of a CD and box.
15. Show density layering with liquids (honey, oil, water).
16. Build a wind turbine model and measure power output.
17. Create a DIY periscope and explain reflection laws.
18. Model the greenhouse effect with jars and thermometers.
19. Demonstrate osmosis with potato slices in different salt solutions.
20. Build a line-following robot using simple IR sensors.
21. Set up yeast fermentation experiments to measure CO₂.
22. Test which fabrics dry fastest — physics of evaporation.
23. Make a rain gauge and analyze local rainfall data.
24. Study the best angle for solar panel mounting.
25. Make a DIY battery using lemons or saltwater.
26. Investigate the cleaning power of different soaps on oily stains.
27. Create an erosion model and test vegetation effects.
28. Build a simple radio receiver and explain waves.
29. Test the insulating properties of different materials.
30. Study how fertilizer concentration affects plant growth.
31. Create an earthquake-resistant model building.
32. Test how different types of music affect concentration (survey + tests).
33. Investigate how colors affect heat absorption (painted boxes).
34. Make a potato battery and measure voltage.
35. Demonstrate chromatography with markers and coffee filters.
36. Build a hand sanitizer effectiveness test (with supervision).
37. Observe the life cycle of a plant from seed to seedling (time-lapse).
38. Create a model of the circulatory system and demonstrate blood flow.
39. Build a mechanical claw and explain levers.
40. Study the effect of screen time on short memory tasks.
41. Test local water hardness and effects on soap.
42. Compare composting methods (hot vs cold).
43. Build an automatic night light with LDR and transistor.
44. Simulate oil spill cleanup and test absorbent materials.
45. Model aerodynamic shapes and drag using a fan tunnel.
46. Create a simple chatbot using conditional statements.
47. Test how fruit ripeness affects sugar content (Brix test).
48. Investigate how altitude (pressure) affects boiling point (model).
49. Build a simple calculator or counter using switches and logic.
50. Study how pH affects plant growth.
51. Build a mousetrap car and test efficiency.
52. Demonstrate refraction with a water-filled container and a pencil.
53. Compare candle flame colors with different chemicals (safe, small scale).
54. Make a rainwater harvesting model and calculate efficiency.
55. Test the strength of recycled paper vs new paper.
56. Build a solar-powered phone charger prototype.
57. Demonstrate how carbon filters work using charcoal.
58. Test reaction rates vs temperature using safe reactions.
59. Build an insect hotel and study biodiversity.
60. Show magnetic field lines with iron filings and magnets.
61. Study how soap reduces surface tension with pepper sprinkling.
62. Build a model of a water cycle in a closed container.
63. Create a behavioral study: how people choose between two options.
64. Make a model of lungs and demonstrate breathing mechanics.
65. Build a small hovercraft using a CD and balloon.
66. Test conductivity of various liquids (safe voltages).
67. Study how different soil types affect plant growth.
68. Create a scavenger hunt based on local ecology and analyze results.
69. Make a bread mold growth study under different storage conditions.
70. Build and program a traffic light sequence with LEDs.
71. Study how baking powder vs baking soda affects rising.
72. Design a low-cost thermometer and calibrate it.
73. Test the effect of fertilizer on algae growth in water samples.
74. Make a DIY hovercraft using household items.
75. Analyze noise levels in various school locations.
76. Build a simple robotic arm with syringes (hydraulics demo).
77. Test which metal corrodes fastest in saltwater.
78. Make a DIY microscope using a smartphone lens.
79. Create an edible water bottle (bioplastic) experiment.
80. Demonstrate diffusion with food coloring in hot vs cold water.
81. Make a model of a solar dryer and test dehydration rates.
82. Test how different pigments affect plant health.
83. Build a pulley system and measure mechanical advantage.
84. Use a compass and map to study local orientation changes.
85. Design an app prototype solving a school problem (paper prototype).
86. Study friction with surfaces and sliding blocks.
87. Test the effect of exercise on short-term memory tests.
88. Build a model of a hydroponic system and grow lettuce.
89. Make a DIY anemometer and measure wind speed.
90. Test different adhesives strength (glue comparison).
91. Study crystal formation speed with sugar/salt solutions.
92. Make a model of the solar system and correct scale demonstration.
93. Explore thermal conductivity of metals vs wood vs plastic.
94. Study the effect of sugar on yeast growth.
95. Build an automatic handwashing reminder (sensor-based).
96. Test how sugar vs artificial sweetener affects dental bacteria (safe).
97. Make a model to demonstrate wave interference with water waves.
98. Build a model to show blood filtration (kidney model).
99. Study how different fertilizers affect soil pH over time.
100. Build a prototype low-cost incubator for seeds and test growth rates.

Tip: Pick one idea from the list and then follow the detailed project guide below to turn it into a full exhibition project.

How to plan your science exhibition project — step-by-step

Use this plan to stay organized and finish on time.

1. Choose your idea (Day 1–2). Write a short question you want to answer.
2. Do background research (Day 2–4). Read simple articles or books and record references (no links needed on display).
3. Formulate hypothesis (Day 3). A clear, testable statement. Example: “Plants watered with sugar water grow faster than those with plain water.”
4. List materials & safety (Day 3). Make a materials list and safety plan.
5. Design method (Day 4). Step-by-step procedure with variables defined.
6. Run pilot test (Day 5–7). Do a small trial to refine methods.
7. Collect data (Days 8–20). Run full experiment, record measurements in tables.
8. Analyze data (Days 21–23). Graph results, compute averages, and simple stats.
9. Prepare display & report (Days 24–26). Create poster, write abstract, and prepare demo.
10. Practice presentation (Days 27–28). Rehearse explaining in 2–3 minutes and answering questions.

Adjust timeline based on how much time you have.

Detailed example: 10 ready-to-run project plans

Below are full plans (question, hypothesis, materials, procedure, expected results, display tips). Pick any and adapt.

1) Red Cabbage pH Indicator (Chemistry / Safe)

Question: Can red cabbage extract act as a pH indicator for household liquids?
Hypothesis: Red cabbage extract will change color depending on acid or base of the liquid.

Materials: red cabbage, knife, blender or pot, strainer, small clear cups, vinegar, soap solution, baking soda solution, lemon juice, water, dropper, white paper for color comparison.

Procedure:

1. Chop cabbage and boil in water for 10–15 minutes. Strain to get purple extract.
2. Place small equal amounts of extract in cups.
3. Add a few drops of different household liquids to each cup.
4. Observe color change and record (pink for acid, green/yellow for base).

Expected results: Different liquids will produce distinct colors. Create a color chart for pH estimation.

Display tip: Show color chart, photos of each sample, and a short explanation of acids, bases, and pH scale.

2) Solar Oven (Energy / Environmental)

Question: How well does a DIY solar oven cook food at different angles?
Hypothesis: The oven will be hottest when facing the sun directly (optimal angle).

Materials: Pizza box or cardboard box, aluminum foil, transparent plastic sheet or oven bag, black paper, thermometer, food sample (marshmallow or chocolate), protractor.

Procedure:

1. Line inside of box with black paper and cover flap with foil to reflect light.
2. Place food in the box and position at different angles to the sun.
3. Measure internal temperature every 10–15 minutes.

Expected results: Higher temperatures when sun angle is perpendicular; show temperature vs. angle graph.

Display tip: Bring a small, pre-cooked sample or photos showing stages of cooking. Include thermometer readouts.

3) Line-Following Robot (Engineering / Robotics)

Question: Can a simple robot follow a path using sensors?
Hypothesis: Two IR sensors will allow the robot to follow a black line with simple logic.

Materials: Small DC motors, wheels, microcontroller (basic), IR sensors, chassis, battery, black tape, breadboard, jumper wires.

Procedure:

1. Assemble chassis, attach motors and wheels.
2. Mount IR sensors pointing at the ground.
3. Program simple logic: if left sensor sees white, turn left; if right sees white, turn right; else go forward.
4. Test and refine.

Expected results: Robot follows black path with minor adjustments.

Display tip: Show live demo or video, block diagram, and short code snippet printed on poster.

4) Plant Growth Under Colored Lights (Biology)

Question: Does the color of light affect plant growth?
Hypothesis: Plants under blue light will develop more leaves; red may promote stem elongation.

Materials: Fast-growing seeds (mung or radish), pots, soil, LED lights (red, blue, white), ruler, notebook.

Procedure:

1. Plant seeds in identical pots.
2. Place each pot under a different colored LED light with the same duration and intensity.
3. Measure height and leaf number every 3 days.

Expected results: Differences in height and leaf count depending on light color.

Display tip: Show photos by date, graphs comparing heights, and short explanation of photosynthesis and photoreceptors.

5) Water Filtration Model (Environmental Science)

Question: Which filter layers remove the most impurities?
Hypothesis: A layered filter (gravel → sand → charcoal) will reduce turbidity best.

Materials: Plastic bottle, gravel, sand, activated charcoal, cotton/wool, dirty water (soil mixed with water), clear jars.

Procedure:

1. Cut bottle, invert top as funnel, add cotton, charcoal, sand, gravel in layers.
2. Pour dirty water and collect filtered water.
3. Measure turbidity visually and compare.

Expected results: Layered filter will visibly improve water clarity.

Display tip: Show before/after photos and explain filtration science.

6) Non-Newtonian Fluid (Physics / Demo)

Question: How does cornstarch and water mixture behave under stress?
Hypothesis: The mixture will act solid under sudden force and liquid under slow force.

Materials: Cornstarch, water, bowl, spoon.

Procedure:

1. Mix cornstarch and water until thick.
2. Punch the surface, then slowly dip fingers.
3. Record observations and explain viscosity concepts.

Expected results: The mixture behaves as non-Newtonian fluid.

Display tip: Live demo is eye-catching — have towels and safety note.

7) Erosion Model (Environmental Science)

Question: How does plant cover affect soil erosion?
Hypothesis: Vegetated soil will erode less under simulated rain.

Materials: Trays of soil, small plants or grass, spray bottle or watering can for simulated rain, measuring cups.

Procedure:

1. Prepare trays: one bare soil, one with plant cover.
2. Simulate rain with equal water and measure runoff and sediment.
3. Compare results.

Expected results: Plant-covered soil retains more soil and has clearer runoff.

Display tip: Show sediment quantities and photos.

8) Handwashing Effectiveness (Health)

Question: Is handwashing with soap more effective than water-only?
Hypothesis: Soap removes more contaminants than water alone.

Materials: UV-sensitive lotion or powder, UV lamp, soap, water basin, paper towels.

Procedure:

1. Apply UV lotion, have participant wash with water-only, then wash with soap.
2. Use UV lamp to visualize remaining lotion.

Expected results: Soap-washed hands show less residue under UV.

Display tip: Strong visual demo — include safety and explanation of microbes.

9) Homemade Battery (Physics/Chemistry)

Question: Which fruit or metal combination gives the highest voltage?
Hypothesis: Citrus fruits with copper and zinc will produce measurable voltage.

Materials: Lemons/oranges, copper coins/wires, zinc nails, voltmeter.

Procedure:

1. Insert copper and zinc into fruit, measure voltage.
2. Try different fruits and record values.

Expected results: Acidic fruits give higher voltages; series connection increases voltage.

Display tip: Display voltmeter and short explanation of redox reactions.

10) Plastic Decomposition (Environmental / Long-term)

Question: How long do different plastics show visible degradation under sunlight or soil?
Hypothesis: Biodegradable plastics degrade faster under compost conditions.

Materials: Samples of different plastics, soil, compost, sunny spot, logbook, photos.

Procedure:

1. Bury or expose samples in controlled conditions.
2. Check monthly and record changes.

Expected results: Visible differences over months — useful for long-term projects.

Display tip: Use photos across months and explain environmental impact.

Must Read: 99+ Lab Project Ideas for BSc Students 2025-26

How to prepare your display board / poster

A good display is clear and tells the story at a glance.

1. Title: Big and readable. Include your project name and school.
2. Abstract (short): 2–4 sentences summarizing aim and result.
3. Question & Hypothesis: Clear and bold.
4. Materials & Method: Bullet points and a simple diagram.
5. Data & Results: Tables, graphs, photos. Keep labels clear.
6. Conclusion: One-paragraph takeaway.
7. Future Work: Brief ideas to extend the project.
8. Acknowledgments: Thank teacher/mentor.
9. Safety & Ethics: Note safety steps taken.

Design tips: Use large fonts, contrasting colors, and photos. Keep text short — let visuals do the talking. Practice a 2–3 minute explanation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)