Sublimation means a solid changes directly into a gas, with no liquid stage in between. When you build a dry ice comet model, you can see sublimation happen as gas jets stream off the surface. Aiming a hair dryer at the comet simulates solar wind, and the jets shift direction as heat pushes gas away from the solid.

Sublimation

Comets are balls of ice, dust, and rock that grow bright tails near the Sun. A comet model can be created using dry ice, water, dirt, starch, corn syrup, vinegar, and alcohol. Once formed, the model shoots jets of gas, just like a real comet approaching the Sun.

Comets

Astronomy is the study of the stars, planets, and everything in space. Astronomers use telescopes and other tools to learn more about the universe.

In ancient times, people did not understand the objects in the sky, how they moved or what they were. They did not know what a comet was, where it came from, or where it went. A large comet is a spectacular sight and inspired both awe and fear in primitive peoples. 

What happens when you mix crushed dry ice with dirt and corn syrup? You get a model comet that shoots jets of gas.

You add several ingredients to a plastic-lined bowl of dry ice powder:
- water and dirt (representing dust and minerals)
- starch (to hold the model together)
- corn syrup (to darken it like organic compounds)
- vinegar and rubbing alcohol (representing amino acids and methanol)

As the mixture freezes, you shape it into a clump through the bag. Once you remove the comet, gas jets stream off the surface. Aim a hair dryer at it to simulate solar wind. The jets shift direction as the heat pushes gas away. Weigh the comet every five minutes to track mass loss through sublimation (solid turning directly into gas).

Dry Ice Comet with Gas Jets

How to make your own comet

<h1><strong>1000 Science Fair Project Ideas by Subject</strong></h1><p>Looking for a science fair project idea? Each of our science fair project idea has complete instructions with video. Get ideas for your science projects, find extra resources for your class' scientific projects, or try a fun experiment at home! It doesn't matter what grade you're in, there's something for everyone!</p><p>You can find your perfect science fair project from the different science subjects below or from our <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/category0.html#bottom">science fair project idea lists!</a></p>

<h2>Science Fair Project Idea Lists</h2><p>Looking for other ways to find good ideas for science fair projects? Check out these lists of science projects!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>Easy Science Fair Projects</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/176_popular 2 (2).png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Explore the exciting world of science with an easy science fair project that you can do at home using simple materials. Any one of these easy project ideas will teach you important scientific concepts and help you have fun while learning. An easy science fair project is a great way to introduce the wonders of science to kids and adults alike!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><ul><li><p>Changing the Color of Flowers</p></li><li><p>Baking Soda Volcano</p></li><li><p>Swimming Raisins</p></li><li><p>Egg in Vinegar</p></li><li><p>Color of Skittles Experiment</p></li><li><p>Jumping Rice Krispies</p></li><li><p>Mixing Colors of Light</p></li><li><p>Camouflage and Hide</p></li><li><p>Light and Dark on Seed Germination</p></li><li><p>Make a Parachute</p></li></ul><p>More science project details at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/12">Easy Science Fair Projects <strong>→</strong></a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>The Top 10 Best Science Fair Projects</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/177_popular 2 (3).png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">To find the best science fair project for you, we've picked the best science projects from 10 different science categories, all with very interesting topics. If you're looking for more science projects at another difficulty level or topic, you can explore science fair project ideas by grade level at the top of this page!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><ul><li><p>Jet Lag in Hamsters (circadian rhythm, Biology science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Egg with Vinegar (acid-base reaction, Chemistry science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Galileo's Inclined Plane Experiment (acceleration, Physics science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Plant's Favorite Color for Photosynthesis (Photosynthesis, Botany science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Color and Taste (color perception, Psychology science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Does Dog Saliva Kill Bacteria? (antibacterial, Microbiology science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Decomposing Plastic Spoons (biodegradable materials, Environmental Science science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Super Hero Egg Shells (structural engineering, Engineering science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Music Math: Playing Notes with Equations (music, Math science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Temperature's Effect on Seawater (climate change, Earth Science science fair project)</p></li></ul><p>More science project details at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/13">Best Science Fair Projects <strong>→</strong></a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>Cool Science Fair Projects</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/178_popular 2.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Get ready to be amazed by super cool science projects that you can do right at home! With just a few simple things, you can be fascinated by science and have tons of fun with these popular science projects!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><ul><li><p>Explosive Elephant Toothpaste</p></li><li><p>Egg in Vinegar</p></li><li><p>Electrifying Lemon Battery</p></li><li><p>Making Oobleck: Liquid or Solid?</p></li><li><p>Egg Drop Project</p></li><li><p>Colors of Skittles Experiment</p></li><li><p>Cloud in a Bottle</p></li><li><p>Baking Soda Volcano</p></li><li><p>Egg in a Bottle</p></li><li><p>Plastic Milk</p></li></ul><p>Project details and more cool science projects at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/1/Popular_Science_Experiments_At_Home">Popular Science Fair Projects <strong>→</strong></a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>One-Day Science Fair Project Ideas</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/172_popular 2 (1).png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Quick experiments can be a great option for a science fair project. In this list, we've highlighted one-day science fair project ideas for elementary school (easy), middle school (medium), or high school (hard). These experiments are fast and easy to do, but the science topic packs a punch!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h4>Acid-base reactions: Mixing acids with bases quickly makes carbon dioxide gas!</h4><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project830.html"><strong>Rocket Film Canisters (easy) </strong></a>Make a rocket fly sky high with just baking soda and vinegar!</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project829.html"><strong>Make Your Own PH Indicator (medium) </strong></a>Learn how to make your own acid-base indicator using red cabbage and use it to test different fluids!</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project1327.html"><strong>Testing Antacids (hard) </strong></a>Find out which antacid can neutralize the most acid and get relief from heartburn and gastritis!</p></li></ul><h4>Chromatography reactions: Separating out colors as liquid moves through the paper!</h4><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project826.html"><strong>Colors of Skittles Experiment (easy) </strong></a>Did you know that some Skittles have a secret rainbow hiding inside them?</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project678.html"><strong>Uncovering Fall Colors (medium) </strong></a>Have you ever wondered why leaves change color in the fall? Let's find out by using chromatography to separate the colors of a green leaf!</p></li></ul><h4>Heat reactions: Heat speeds things up!</h4><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project274.html"><strong>Which Candle Burns the Fastest? (easy) </strong></a>Do you want to find out which color candle burns the fastest?</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project1291.html"><strong>Fire-Resistant Balloons (medium) </strong></a>Ever wondered if a balloon filled with water can withstand fire?</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project475.html"><strong>Can Peanuts Heat Water? (hard) </strong></a>Have you ever wondered if peanuts have enough energy to heat up water?</p></li></ul><p>Project details at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/15/Quick_Science_Fair_Projects_You_Can_Do_In_A_Day">Quick Science Fair Projects →</a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3 style="text-align: start"><strong>Testable Questions for Science Projects</strong></h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/173_popular 2.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">A testable question is a question that we can answer through a science experiment. To do this, we do a control experiment, then we change one thing in the experiment to see how it affects what happens. This is how we can discover the answer to our question!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><ul><li><p>What makes a cloud form?</p></li><li><p>Can drink and food taste different just by changing its color?</p></li><li><p>Does the color of light affect photosynthesis?</p></li><li><p>Does temperature affect seed sprouting?</p></li><li><p>What makes popcorn pop?</p></li></ul><p>More <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/14">testable questions with their science projects <strong>→</strong></a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h2>Science Fair Project FAQ</h2><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>What are some hands-on ways to find inspiration for my science fair project?</h3><h4>Science museums</h4><p><img src="/images2/flex/124_7.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Science museums are great places to explore if you're looking for inspiration for your next science fair project or just want to learn more about science. Science museums, natural history museums, space museums, and discovery museums are all great places to do that! You can discover all sorts of interesting things about science and find cool project ideas for science fairs.</p><p>There may be free admission days or free passes to a science museum near you! Check your credit card for offers, your local library for free museum passes, and nearby science museums for free entrance days.</p><p>So what are you waiting for? <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_science_museums">Find a science museum near you</a> and prepare to be awed by all that you can learn there!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h4>Look around and observe</h4><p><img src="/images2/flex/117_5.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Do you know how scientists start their cool projects? They often look around and notice things that are interesting or make them curious. Then they start doing an experiment! You can do the same! Look around your school, home, or community. Is there anything that catches your attention and makes you curious? Maybe you notice something interesting or a problem that people are facing. This could be a great starting point for your science fair project!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h4>Try an Easy Science Project!</h4><p><img src="/images2/flex/144_easy square.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">These science projects are easy and fun to do. You may discover a simple experiment that sparks your interest and inspires you to do more experiments, turning it into a science fair project! Check them out at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/12">Easy Science Fair Projects <strong>→</strong></a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3 style="text-align: start"><strong>How do I start a science fair project?</strong></h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/199_science coach.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">No matter if you're in high school, elementary or middle school, science fair projects are a fun and unique way to discover science by asking a question and doing a science project. We'll help you find a science fair project idea and guide you through the process of doing and presenting your science fair project with <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_projects_coach/science-project-coach.html">Science Fair Coach's Science Fair Project Guide</a>.</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>What should I do after I have a science fair project idea?</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/143_intro science fair.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">If you have a science fair project idea, Science Fair Coach can help you turn it into a full science fair project! Starting at the <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/pgpage/4">Introduction to Science Fairs</a>, check out the section on <strong>How to do a science fair project</strong> for a step-by-step guide!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><p><img src="/images2/flex/203_compared to scientific method.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">We'll guide you through every step of the <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/pgpage/5">scientific method</a>, from designing and conducting your experiment to collecting and analyzing your findings.</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><p><img src="/images2/flex/202_engineering design process.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">If you're working on an engineering project, you can head over to <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/pgpage/9">The Guide to the Engineering Design Process</a>.</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><p> <img src="/images2/flex/150_science fair poster.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Finally, we'll help you showcase your results on a <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/pgpage/7">science fair board</a> for others to learn from and enjoy.</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3 style="text-align: start"><strong>How do I make a science fair board?</strong></h3><p style="text-align: start"><img src="/images2/flex/150_science fair poster.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Your science fair board is where you show off your science fair project for everyone to see and learn from. With <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_projects_coach/science-project-display-board-6a.html">Science Fair Coach's step-by-step guide</a>, you can make sure your science fair board stands out and impresses at the science fair!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>Where can I find a science fair competition?</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/179_Intro Science Fair Projects 32.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Science fair competitions are an excellent opportunity to explore science. One of the of the premier science advocacy organizations, the Society for Science, is associated with more than 400 science fair competitions in almost every US state, as well as over 70 other countries, regions, and territories. You can find out if there's a <a href="https://findafair.societyforscience.org/">Society of Science affiliated science fair</a> near you!</p><p>The <a href="http://physics.usc.edu/~gould/ScienceFairs/">The www Virtual Library: Science Fairs website</a> also has a collection of science fairs from all over the world, as well as national, state, regional, local, and virtual competitions!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat">

Physics is the study of how the universe works. Physicists study everything from tiny particles that make up atoms to huge stars and galaxies. They help us understand how things move, how energy works, and even how time and space are connected!

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Dry Ice Comet with Gas Jets

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