Introduction

Welcome to the exciting exploration of the world around us. . . the world of science! Researching a project for entry into a science fair gives us a glimpse into the marvels of this world.

Participating in a science fair is not only enjoyable, but it also encourages logical thinking, involves doing interesting research, develops objective observations, and gives experience in problem solving. Before you do any project, discuss it in detail with a parent or science instructor. Be sure they understand and are familiar with your project.

Science fair projects must follow a procedure called the scientific method. This procedure is also used by actual scientists. First, a problem or purpose is defined. A hypothesis or prediction of the outcome is then stated. Next, a procedure is developed for determining whether or not the hypothesis was correct. Do not think that your science project is a failure if the hypothesis is proven to be wrong. The idea of the science fair
project is either to prove or disprove the hypothesis. Learning takes place even when the results are not what you expected. 

Thomas Edison tried over a thousand different materials before he found one that would work best in his light bulb. Edison said he failed his way to success! Generally, school science fairs have 12 standard categories under which students can enter their projects: behavioral and social, biochemistry, botany, chemistry, Earth and space, engineering, environmental, physics, zoology, math and computers, microbiology, and medicine and health. 

Some projects may involve more than one science discipline. A project that involves using different colors of light to grow plants could fall under the category of either botany or physics. This crossing over of sciences may allow you to choose between two categories in which to enter your project. It can give you an edge at winning a science fair by entering your project in a category where there are fewer competitors or avoiding a category where other entries are of particularly outstanding quality. 

In this book, we present a wide variety of project ideas for all 12 science fair categories. Select a topic you find interesting, one you would like to research. This will make your science fair experience a very enjoyable one. Many projects in this book are merely “starters,” which you can expand on and then create additional hypotheses for. Know the rules of your school’s science fair before you decide on a project topic. Projects must follow ethical rules. A project cannot be inhumane to animals. Never interfere with ecological systems. Use common sense.

Safety

When planning your science fair project, safety must be your first consideration. Even seemingly harmless objects can become a hazard under certain circumstances. Know what potential hazards you are faced with before you start a project. Take no unnecessary risks. Have an adult or a science instructor present during all phases of your project. Be prepared to handle a problem even though none is expected (for example, keep heat gloves or oven mitts handy when you work around a hot stove). Wear safety glasses when appropriate.

Be Especially Aware of These Hazards

• Sharp objects: Construction tools (hammer, saw, knife, scissors, drill). Be careful how you pick up sharp tools and glass objects, which can fragment and become sharp objects.
• Fire: Cooking fat can catch on fire; alcohol has a low flash point. To boil alcohol, use a “double boiler.” First, bring a pot of water to a boil. Next, turn off the stove burner. And then, lower a test tube filled with alcohol into the water.
• Chemicals: Keep everything out of the reach of children that specifies “keep out of the reach of children” on the label (alcohol, iodine, and so forth). Know what materials you are working with that have extreme pH levels (acids, bases).
• Allergens: When growing mold in sealable plastic bags, keep the bags closed during and after the project. When the project is over, discard the plastic bags without ever opening them, so mold is contained and does not become airborne.
• Carcinogens, mutagens: Stand away from microwave ovens when in use.
• Water and electricity don’t mix. Use caution whenever both water and electricity are present (as with a fish tank heater that must be plugged into a wall outlet). Use only UL-approved electrical devices.
• Heat: Use heat gloves or oven mitts when you deal with hot objects. When using a heat lamp, keep away from curtains and other flammable objects. Be aware that glass may be hot, but it might not give the appearance of being hot.
• Secure loose clothing, sleeves, and hair.
• Wash your hands. When you return home after touching surfaces at public places, be sure to wash your hands to avoid bringing bacteria into your home.
• Rivers, lakes, oceans: Do not work near or around large bodies of water without an adult present, even if you know how to swim.
• Nothing should be tested by tasting it.
• Be aware of others nearby. A chemical
reaction, for example, could cause a glass container to shatter or a caustic material to be ejected from a container. Keep others in the room at a safe distance or have them wear proper safety protection.
• Thermometers made of glass have the potential to break and cause glass to shatter.
• Be aware of gas products that may be created when certain chemicals react. Such projects must be carried out in a well-ventilated area.
• Never look directly at the Sun. Do not use direct sunlight as a source of light for microscopes.
• Loud sounds can be harmful to your hearing. Being aware of these possible hazards and working with adult supervision should ensure a safe and enjoyable project experience.

What Makes a Good Science Fair Project?

A good science fair project is either something that is unique or it is something that is already common, but done uniquely. For example, many elementary students construct a small model of a volcano, and then use the reaction of vinegar and baking soda to make it “erupt.” Such a project could have a unique “twist” to it by hypothesizing that some other substance or chemical reaction would effervesce and give a better eruption.

A good project is also one where the student has done a solid background study and fully understands the project. It’s fine to have an adult or even a science professional assist a student in their project, but a judge will expect the student to understand the project and be able to articulate the work to the judges and others attending a science fair. 

A project will be judged on its completeness. Students should look at their projects as if they are the judges and check for any deficiencies. Presentation is important, but many science fairs weigh more heavily on the
science aspect of projects. 

Good luck with your project!