COMPILATION OF

SIMPLE
EXPERIMENTS IN
SCIENCE 8
TOPIC 3: FORCES AND MOTION
LESSON 1: DESCRIBING MOTION AND FORCE
Experiment Title: Investigating Motion and Force with Rolling Objects
Objective
To observe how different forces affect the motion of objects and to understand concepts like
speed, distance, and friction.
Materials Needed
● Different balls: (e.g., a tennis ball, a marble, a basketball)

● Ramp: You can use a piece of cardboard or a sturdy board to create a slope.

● Measuring tape: To measure distances.

● Stopwatch: To time how long it takes for each ball to reach the bottom of the ramp.

● Notebook: For recording observations.

Procedure
1. Set Up the Ramp
● Place the ramp at an angle. You can prop one end up with books or a box to create a
slope.
2. Rolling the Balls
● Trial 1: Roll the first ball (e.g., tennis ball) down the ramp.

o Measure the distance it rolls once it reaches the bottom of the ramp.
o Use the stopwatch to time how long it takes to reach the bottom.
● Trial 2: Repeat the process with the second ball (e.g., marble), measuring distance and
time again.
● Trial 3: Use the third ball (e.g., basketball) and record the same data.

3. Record Data
Create a chart to record your findings:
Ball Type Distance Rolled (cm) Time Taken (seconds)
Tennis Ball
Marble
Basketball
4. Analyze Results
● Compare the distance each ball rolled and the time it took.

● Discuss factors that may have affected their motion, such as size, weight, and surface
friction.
5. Conclusion
● Summarize your observations about how force (gravity) and friction influenced the motion
of each ball.
● Discuss how different objects may behave differently under the same conditions.
Expected Outcomes
● A better understanding of how force affects motion.

● Insights into concepts like speed, distance, and friction.

TOPIC 3: FORCES AND MOTION

LESSON 2: SPEED, VELOCITY AND ACCELERATION

Experiment Title: Measuring Speed, Velocity, and Acceleration with a Toy Car
Objective
To understand and measure speed, velocity, and acceleration using a toy car on a flat surface.
Materials Needed
● Toy car: A small, wheeled toy car.

● Measuring tape: To measure distances.

● Stopwatch: To time the car’s movement.

● Flat surface: A smooth floor or long table.

● Marker: To mark starting and ending points.

Procedure
1. Set Up the Track
● Use the measuring tape to measure a distance of 2 meters (or a comfortable distance).

● Mark the starting point and the ending point with the marker.

2. Measuring Speed
● Trial 1:

o Place the toy car at the starting point.

o Release the car without pushing it.
o Start the stopwatch as soon as you release the car and stop it when the car reaches
the ending point.
o Record the time it takes to travel the distance.
● Calculate Speed:

3. Measuring Velocity
● Direction: Discuss how velocity includes direction. For example, if the car moves from left
to right, the velocity would be 0.67 m/s to the right.
4. Measuring Acceleration
● Trial 2:
 o Push the toy car gently from the starting point to give it an initial speed. Measure
the time taken to reach the ending point again.
o Calculate the initial speed (if you timed how long it took to reach the end and
measured the distance).
● Acceleration Calculation:

5. Record Data
Create a table to summarize your findings:
Trial Distance Time Speed Velocity Initial Final Acceleration
(m) (s) (m/s) Direction Speed Speed (m/s²)
(m/s) (m/s)
Trial 2
1
Trial 2
2
Conclusion
● Summarize your findings on speed, velocity, and acceleration.

● Discuss how the toy car's movement demonstrated these concepts.

Expected Outcomes
● A clear understanding of the differences between speed (scalar) and velocity (vector).

● An understanding of acceleration and how it relates to changes in speed over time.

TOPIC 3: FORCES AND MOTION
LESSON 3: NEWTON’S LAWS OF MOTION
Experiment Title: Exploring Newton's Laws of Motion with a Toy Car
Objective
To observe and understand Newton's three laws of motion through hands-on activities.
Materials Needed
● Toy car: A small wheeled car.

● Ramp: A piece of cardboard or wood to create an incline.

● Marbles: To act as different weights.

● Measuring tape: To measure distances.

● Stopwatch: To time the car's motion.

● Weights: Small weights or additional marbles to add to the car (optional).

● Surface: A smooth, flat surface for the experiment.

Procedure
Newton's First Law: Law of Inertia
1. Set Up: Place the toy car at the top of the ramp without pushing it.
2. Observation: Release the car and observe how it stays at rest until you push it.
3. Explanation: Discuss that an object at rest stays at rest until acted upon by an external
force.
Newton's Second Law: F = ma (Force equals mass times acceleration)
1. Trial 1: Roll the toy car down the ramp without any added weight. Measure how far it
travels after it leaves the ramp.
2. Trial 2: Add a marble (or small weight) to the car and repeat the experiment. Measure the
distance traveled again.
3. Recording Data: Create a table to summarize your results:
Trial Weight on Car (g) Distance Traveled (m)
1 0
2 10
3 20
4. Analysis: Discuss how the added weight affects the distance traveled and relate this to
the formula F = ma. More mass may result in different acceleration.
Newton's Third Law: Action and Reaction
1. Experiment: Blow up a balloon and hold the end closed.
2. Release: Let go of the balloon and observe how it flies in the opposite direction of the air
escaping.
3. Discussion: Explain that this demonstrates Newton's Third Law: for every action, there is
an equal and opposite reaction.
Conclusion
● Summarize your observations for each of Newton's laws.

● Discuss how each experiment illustrates the principles of motion and forces.

Expected Outcomes
● A clear understanding of Newton’s Laws of Motion through practical examples.

● Hands-on experience demonstrating fundamental physics concepts.

TOPIC 3: FORCES AND MOTION
LESSON 4: FRICTION AND GRAVITATIONAL INTERACTIONS
Experiment Title: Investigating Friction and Gravitational Forces with a Toy Car
Objective
To observe how friction and gravity affect the motion of a toy car on different surfaces.
Materials Needed
● Toy car: A small wheeled car.

● Ramp: A piece of cardboard or a board to create an incline.

● Various surfaces: Fabric, sandpaper, plastic, and cardboard.

● Measuring tape: To measure distances.

● Stopwatch: To time the car's motion.

● Weights: Small weights or additional marbles to add to the car (optional).

Procedure
1. Set Up the Ramp
● Create an incline using the ramp. Make sure it’s stable and secure.

2. Experiment with Different Surfaces

1. Trial 1:
o Place the ramp on a smooth surface (like a hardwood floor).
o Release the toy car from the top of the ramp.
o Measure the distance it travels after leaving the ramp and time how long it takes to
reach the end.
o Record the results.
2. Trial 2:
o Place a piece of fabric over the ramp.
o Repeat the same process: release the car, measure the distance traveled, and
record the time.
3. Trial 3:
o Use sandpaper as the surface.
o Again, release the car and measure the distance and time.
4. Trial 4:
o Use cardboard as the surface and repeat the process.
3. Record Data
Create a table to summarize your findings:
Surface Distance Traveled (m) Time Taken (s)
Smooth Surface
 Fabric
Sandpaper
Cardboard
4. Analyze Results
● Compare the distance traveled and the time taken on different surfaces.

● Discuss how friction affects the car's motion. A rougher surface (like sandpaper) will
create more friction, slowing the car down, while a smoother surface will reduce friction.
5. Gravitational Interaction
● Observation: Discuss how gravity pulls the car down the ramp and how the incline
affects the car's acceleration.
● If you have weights, you can repeat the trials by adding weight to the car and observe how
this affects the distance and speed.
Conclusion
● Summarize your findings on how different surfaces affected the motion of the toy car.

● Discuss the roles of friction and gravity in everyday motion.

Expected Outcomes
● A clear understanding of how friction and gravity interact to affect the motion of objects.

● Practical experience observing physical forces in action.

TOPIC 4: GENES AND HEREDITY
LESSON 1: PATTERNS OF INHERITANCE

Experiment Title: Investigating Inheritance Patterns Using Beans

Objective
To observe how traits are inherited using different types of bean seeds (e.g., kidney beans) that
exhibit contrasting traits.
Materials Needed
● Beans: A mix of different colors or patterns (e.g., brown, white, speckled).

● Paper and pencil: For recording observations.

● Small pots or cups: For planting seeds.

● Soil: For planting.

● Water: For maintaining soil moisture.

● Ruler: For measuring plant height (if desired).

Procedure
1. Preparation
● Select Traits: Choose two traits to study. For example, color (brown vs. white) or pattern
(solid vs. speckled).
● Set Up: Plant a few seeds of each type in separate pots, labeling them accordingly.

2. Plant Growth
● Water the seeds and place them in a sunny location.

● Observe and record growth over a few weeks, noting any differences in germination rates
and growth patterns.
3. Record Data
● Once the plants have grown, measure their height and observe their traits.

● Create a chart to record your findings, for example:

Seed Type Number of Seeds Planted Number Germinated Average Height (cm)
Brown 5 4 15
White 5 3 12
Speckled 5 5 18
4. Analyze Results
● Discuss the results: Which seed type germinated better? Which one grew taller?

● Consider how the traits might be inherited. If you have multiple generations (e.g., saving
seeds from the tallest plants), discuss how these traits might pass on.
5. Conclusion
● Summarize what you learned about inheritance patterns from your experiment.
 ● Reflect on the differences you observed and how they relate to dominant and recessive
traits.
Expected Outcomes
● An understanding of how traits can vary within a species and how these traits may be
inherited.
● Hands-on experience with scientific observation and data recording.
TOPIC 4: GENES AND HEREDITY
LESSON 2: CHROMOSOMES AND INHERITANCE

Experiment Title: Exploring Chromosomes and Inheritance Using Paper Models

Objective
To illustrate the concept of chromosomes and how traits are inherited through the use of paper
models.
Materials Needed
● Colored paper: Several different colors (to represent different traits).

● Scissors: For cutting shapes.

● Markers: To label traits.

● Glue or tape: To assemble your models.

● Ruler: For measuring lengths (optional).

● Notebook: For recording observations.

Procedure
1. Create Chromosome Models
1. Cut Out Chromosome Shapes:
o Cut out strips of colored paper about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. Each strip
represents a chromosome.
o Use different colors to represent different chromosomes.
2. Label Traits:
o Decide on a trait to represent, such as flower color (purple vs. white) or seed shape
(round vs. wrinkled).
o Write the traits on the strips. For example, you might label one purple and another
white.
3. Pairing Chromosomes:
o Create pairs of chromosomes. For instance, use one color for purple (dominant) and
another for white (recessive).
o Glue or tape them together side by side to represent homologous chromosomes.
2. Simulate Inheritance
1. Create Offspring:
o Decide on "parents" by randomly selecting one chromosome from each parent. For
example, one parent might have a purple chromosome and the other a white one.
o Create a new pair for the "offspring" by combining one chromosome from each
parent.
2. Record Traits:
o Write down the traits of the offspring based on the combination of the
chromosomes. For example:
 ▪ Purple (dominant) + White (recessive) results in a purple offspring.
▪ If both parents have one of each color, you can have:
▪ Purple + Purple = Purple
▪ Purple + White = Purple
▪ White + White = White
3. Repeat and Analyze
● Repeat the pairing process several times to simulate multiple offspring.

● Record the traits observed in each offspring and create a chart to summarize your
findings.
Example Data Chart
Parent 1 Trait Parent 2 Trait Offspring Trait
Purple White Purple
Purple Purple Purple
White White White
Conclusion
● Discuss the results of your experiment.

● Explain how dominant and recessive traits work, using your paper models to illustrate
inheritance patterns.
● Relate your findings to real-life examples, such as how traits are passed from parents to
offspring in plants or animals.
Expected Outcomes
● A basic understanding of chromosomes, dominant and recessive traits, and how
inheritance works.
● Hands-on experience creating models to visualize genetic concepts.
TOPIC 4: GENES AND HEREDITY
LESSON 3: GENETIC CODING AND PROTEIN SYNTHESIS
Experiment Title: Understanding Genetic Coding and Protein Synthesis with Beads
Objective
To illustrate the concepts of genetic coding and protein synthesis using beads to represent
nucleotides and amino acids.
Materials Needed
● Colored beads: Different colors to represent the four nucleotides (A, T, C, G) and various
amino acids.
● String or thread: To create a necklace or chain.

● Paper and pencil: For recording sequences and notes.

● Scissors: For cutting string.

● Chart of codons: A simple chart showing which codons correspond to which amino acids
(you can create a basic chart with three-letter combinations).
Procedure
1. Create a DNA Sequence
1. Choose Colors: Assign colors for each nucleotide:
o A (Adenine) = Red
o T (Thymine) = Blue
o C (Cytosine) = Green
o G (Guanine) = Yellow
2. Create a Sequence:
o String a series of colored beads in a sequence to represent a DNA strand. For
example: Red (A), Blue (T), Green (C), Yellow (G).
o Example sequence: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Red, Blue (A, T, C, G, A, T).
2. Transcribe the DNA to mRNA
1. Transcription: Replace each bead color based on the complementary base pairing rules:
o A (Red) pairs with U (Uracil, represented by a new color, like Orange).
o T (Blue) pairs with A (Red).
o C (Green) pairs with G (Yellow).
o G (Yellow) pairs with C (Green).
2. Create mRNA Sequence:
o If your original sequence was A, T, C, G, A, T, the mRNA sequence would be: U, A,
G, C, U, A (using your assigned colors).
3. Translate mRNA to Protein
1. Create a Codon Chart: Prepare a chart showing which three-letter combinations (codons)
correspond to specific amino acids. For simplicity, you can use a few amino acids:
 o UAG = Stop
o UAC = Tyrosine
o UGC = Cysteine
o etc.
2. Translation: Group your mRNA beads into sets of three (codons).
o Example: If the mRNA is U, A, G, C, U, A, the codons are UAG and CUA.
o Use the codon chart to find out which amino acids correspond to each codon.
3. Record the Result: Write down the amino acids that correspond to each codon.
Example Data Chart
Codon Amino Acid
UAG Stop
CUA (Find the corresponding amino acid)
Conclusion
● Discuss the entire process of how DNA is transcribed to mRNA and then translated into a
protein.
● Explain the significance of genetic coding in protein synthesis and its role in traits and
functions in living organisms.
Expected Outcomes
● A hands-on understanding of the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein.

● An engaging way to visualize complex biological processes using simple materials.

TOPIC 4: GENES AND HEREDITY
LESSON 4: TRAIT VARIATIONS
Experiment Title: Exploring Trait Variations Using Bean Seeds
Objective
To observe and understand variations in traits within a population of plants (or beans) and how
these traits can differ due to genetic factors.
Materials Needed
● Bean seeds: A mix of different types (e.g., kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans).

● Paper and pencil: For recording observations.

● Small pots or cups: For planting seeds.

● Soil: For planting.

● Water: For maintaining soil moisture.

● Ruler: To measure plant height (if desired).

● Marker: To label pots.

Procedure
1. Plant the Seeds
1. Select Varieties: Choose a few different types of bean seeds that have observable traits
(e.g., color, size, shape).
2. Planting: Plant each type of bean in separate pots. Label each pot with the type of bean
and its traits.
2. Grow the Plants
1. Care for the Seeds: Water the seeds regularly and ensure they get enough sunlight.
2. Observation Period: Allow the seeds to germinate and grow for about 1-2 weeks.
3. Record Observations
1. Measure Height: Once the plants have grown, use a ruler to measure their height. Record
the data for each type of bean.
2. Note Traits: Observe and note the visible traits of each plant, such as:
o Color (green, purple)
o Leaf shape (round, pointed)
o Plant height
Create a data chart to summarize your findings:
Bean Type Height (cm) Color Leaf Shape Other Traits
Kidney Bean
Black Bean
Pinto Bean
4. Analyze Results
● Compare the traits of different types of beans. Discuss:
 o Which traits are more common?
o How do environmental factors (like sunlight and water) affect growth?
o How might these traits benefit the plants in their natural environment?
5. Conclusion
● Summarize your findings on trait variations in the bean plants.

● Discuss the importance of genetic diversity in populations and how it contributes to

adaptability and survival.
Expected Outcomes
● An understanding of how traits can vary among individuals in a population.

● Practical experience observing and measuring physical traits.

TOPIC 4: GENES AND HEREDITY
LESSON 5: GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES
Experiment Title: Simulating Genetic Modification with Paper Models
Objective
To understand the principles of genetic modification and how traits can be changed in
organisms.
Materials Needed
● Colored paper: Different colors to represent different genetic traits (e.g., green, yellow,
blue).
● Scissors: For cutting shapes.

● Glue or tape: For assembling models.

● Markers: For labeling traits.

● Notebook: For recording observations.

Procedure
1. Create Plant Models
1. Cut Out Plant Shapes:
o Use green paper to cut out a simple plant shape (stem and leaves).
o Each plant will represent a different genetic variety.
2. Choose Traits:
o Decide on traits you want to modify, such as flower color (e.g., red, blue) or leaf
shape (e.g., round, pointed).
o Cut out colored paper circles or shapes to represent these traits.
2. Initial Plant Setup
1. Create Original Plants:
o Assemble a few “original” plants using different colors for flower shapes and leaf
shapes. For example:
▪ Plant A: Green stem with red flowers.
▪ Plant B: Green stem with yellow flowers.
3. Simulate Genetic Modification
1. Modify Traits:
o Choose one of the original plants to modify. For example, you might want to change
Plant A's red flowers to blue flowers to simulate genetic modification.
o Glue or tape the new flower color onto the original plant model.
2. Create Modified Plant:
o Label the modified plant as “Genetically Modified Plant A” and note the changes
made.
4. Record Observations
1. Create a Comparison Chart:
 o Summarize your findings in a table to compare original and modified plants:
Plant Type Stem Color Original Flower Color Modified Flower Color
Original Plant A Green Red
Original Plant B Green Yellow
Genetically Modified Plant A Green Red Blue
5. Discuss Genetic Technologies
● Talk about how genetic modification works in real-life applications, such as:

o Creating crops that are resistant to pests.

o Enhancing nutritional content in foods.
o Producing plants with desired traits for better yield.
Conclusion
● Summarize what you learned about genetic technologies and their potential benefits and
implications.
● Discuss the importance of ethical considerations in genetic modification.

Expected Outcomes
● An understanding of the basic principles of genetic modification.

● Insight into how traits can be altered in organisms through genetic technologies.