Ever seen an ant act like a puppet? There’s a fungus called Ophiocordyceps that hijacks an ant’s brain. It forces the ant to climb a plant, bite down, and die in the perfect spot for the fungus to sprout. Gross? Yes. Coolest thing ever? Also yes.
Your project: test how different conditions (like temperature or humidity) affect how fast the fungus spreads. You can order dead infected ants online, or find them in your backyard. Trust me, the judges will never forget you. And you get to tell everyone you studied “zombie science.”
Why this rocks for 7th grade girls
You get to use real lab tools like a microscope and a humidity sensor. Plus, you can name your experiment “Brain Surgery for Ants.” The creepy factor makes it unforgettable. Fun fact: This fungus was the inspiration for the video game The Last of Us. You’re basically Ellie, but with a science fair board.
