How To Do Your Own Science

or Engineering Fair Project

A Science fair project is the presentation of an experiment or a research effort.

Examples:
Using paper to separate food colorings
Coating seeds with water-absorbing plastic
Developing better potting soil

It's an investigation that tries to answer a question or solve a problem.

Examples:
Can paper be used to separate the dyes in food colorings?
Which paper separates the dyes the best?
Which solvent works the best?
Does it work with Kool-Aid dyes?

It's an orderly process that involves
Asking a question
Forming a hypothesis
Gathering data
Drawing conclusions
Presenting your work

The First Step

• Choosing a topic for a science fair project is often the most difficult part of the entire process. Here are some thoughts to help you.
• The best idea is one that you come up with.
• The best project is one that you're interested in. Focus on hobbies, sports, or things that would be fun. Science deals with plants, animals, medicine, physics, chemicals but also with TV, music, basketball, aerobics and every other part of life.
• The best project is one where you can gather data.
• A science project begins by asking a question. You are already excellent scientists. Since birth you've been curious about the world and like to ask questions.

Looking At Ideas

Narrow down your list of six questions to those that might result in projects.

• Investigation: Can the question be answered by an investigation?
• Interests: Is this a project I'll enjoy doing?
• Difficulty: Is the level of the investigation reasonable?
• Safety: Is it safe? Is it harmless?
• Time: Is there enough time to complete the investigation?
• Expense: Can it be done with little cost?
• Materials & Equipment: Can I get the materials and equipment I'll need?