Engaging Science Projects for Kids: Mastering Measurement Techniques

Ever wondered how tall or wide something is? Science projects for kids focused on measuring demonstrate that you don’t need to be as tall as a tree or own an extensive tape measure to gauge significant heights and distances. By using estimation techniques, basic tools, and everyday objects, kids can develop expert measuring skills.

Explore the links below to discover exciting science projects on measurement that are perfect for kids:

What’s the Height of That Tree?

Measure the height of a tree using a yardstick.

What’s the Elevation of That Hill?

Create a basic surveying tool and calculate the height of a hill.

Determine Your Latitude

Determine your latitude using the North Star as a guide.

Measure and Estimate Using Paper Clips

Utilize an unconventional tool to measure everyday objects.

Discover how to measure the height of a tree using only a yardstick and the help of a friend. Find out more on the next page.

Explore additional fun and educational science projects for kids by checking out:

How Tall Is That Tree?

Ever wondered how tall a tree is? If it’s towering, how can you measure its height? This measuring science project for kids provides a clever method to find out.

Materials You’ll Need:

Step 1: Measure a straight line 60 feet away from the tree using a yardstick.

Step 2: Ask your partner to stand at the 60-foot mark and hold the yardstick vertically, ensuring the bottom touches the ground. (For trees over 30 feet tall, switch to a metal tape measure instead of a yardstick.)

Step 3: Move six feet beyond your partner, positioning yourself 66 feet away from the tree.

Step 4: Position yourself at the 66-foot mark and lie down, placing your head as close to the ground as possible.

Step 5: Gaze upward at the tree and identify where its highest point aligns with the yardstick.

Step 6: Instruct your partner to mark the spot where the tree’s top aligns with the yardstick. (Guide them by saying, "A bit lower… a bit higher…" until the correct position is found.) The tree’s height is approximately 10 times the measurement marked on the yardstick. For instance, if the mark is at 24 inches, the tree is roughly 240 inches (20 feet) tall.

Step 7: Determine the tree’s height by multiplying the yardstick measurement by 10.

Proceed to the next page to learn how to create a simple surveying tool and measure the height of a hill.

Explore more exciting science projects to enjoy with kids by checking out:

How High Is That Hill?

Ever wondered how high a hill is? With a basic surveying tool like a level, you can find out. Try this science project for kids, and you’ll learn how to measure the height of any slope.

Materials You’ll Need:

Step 1: Create a simple level by filling a jar one-third full with water.

Step 2: Place the jar on a flat surface and use a waterproof marker to draw a ring around the jar at the waterline.

Step 3: Ask your partner to measure the distance from the ground to your eyes using a tape measure. Record this measurement and label it as your "eye-level distance."

Step 4: Position yourself at the base of the slope and hold the jar so the water aligns with the marked ring.

Step 5: Peer through the jar across the water’s surface, and instruct your partner to stand at the spot on the hill visible through the water. Your partner is now one eye-level distance above you.

Step 6: Climb the hill and stand next to your partner.

Step 7: Look across the water level once more, and have your partner move to the next visible point on the hill. Your partner is now two eye-level distances up the slope.

Step 8: Repeat this process until your partner reaches the hill’s summit.

Step 9: Multiply the total number of eye-level distances measured by the height from the ground to your eyes in inches. This calculation will give you the hill’s height in inches.

Step 10: Convert the total inches to feet by dividing by 12.

Head to the next page to discover how to determine your latitude using the North Star.

Explore more engaging science projects to enjoy with kids by checking out:

Find Your Latitude

Discover your latitude by using the North Star. This science project for kids employs the same method used by the ancient Greeks.

Centuries before modern navigation tools existed, ancient civilizations relied on the stars for guidance. The Greeks, aware of the Earth’s spherical shape, created a mapping system still in use today. They divided the globe into latitude lines based on the North Star’s apparent height above the horizon. To determine your latitude, head outside on a clear night and locate the North Star.

Materials You’ll Need:

Step 1: On a clear night, locate the North Star in the sky.

Step 2: Attach a key or another small weight to one end of a string and tie the other end to the protractor’s crossbar.

Step 3: Position the protractor with its curved edge facing downward. Adjust it so the string aligns precisely with the "zero" mark.

Step 4: Gently tilt the protractor and align the straight edge with the North Star. Observe the degree mark where the string rests. This number represents both the star’s altitude above the horizon and your latitude.

Star's Altitude Above the Horizon

While this method can measure any star’s altitude, latitude lines are specifically calculated using the North Star’s angle. Alternatively, you can use your fingers for estimation.

When your arm is fully extended, each finger spans about four degrees, and your hand (excluding the thumb) typically measures 15 to 16 degrees. Since hand sizes vary, use the protractor to verify measurements taken this way.

Why use a ruler when a box of paper clips can do the job? Turn to the next page to explore this unique measurement method.

Discover more exciting science projects to enjoy with kids by checking out:

Measure and Estimate with Paper Clips

You might not know it, but paper clips can be used to measure and estimate. Try this science project for kids to see how everyday objects can be measured using an unconventional tool—a box of paper clips!

Materials You’ll Need:

Step 1: Scan your room and list several objects of varying lengths and widths.

Step 2: Estimate how many paper clips long each object might be. For instance, how many paper clips would a pencil, a shoe, your desk, or your bedroom wall measure?

Step 3: Record the name of each object alongside your estimation.

Step 4: Start measuring! Align paper clips end-to-end next to the object or link them together to form a measuring chain.

Step 5: Write down the actual measurement next to your initial estimate.

Step 6: Once all objects on your list are measured, compare the results with your estimates. Were your guesses too high, too low, or just right?

Step 7: Use your findings to make new estimates for other objects and test your accuracy again.

Explore more fun and educational science projects to enjoy with kids by checking out:

ABOUT THE DESIGNERS

How High Is That Hill by Maria Birmingham, Karen E. Bledsoe, and Kelly Milner HallsFind Your Latitude by Maria Birmingham, Karen E. Bledsoe, and Kelly Milner Halls