GATEway


Science Fair Project Ideas                                             

What is a Science Fair Project?

Anything which demonstrates the use of the Scientific Method:
• Recognition and statement of a problem
• Thinking of and testing a hypothesis (what you think is the answer to the problem)
• Collection of data through observation or experimentation
• Drawing conclusions through an analysis of your data

What is important to a good project?

• Clear statement of the problem and hypothesis
• Good design of the experiment in order to clearly test the hypothesis
• Detailed data collection and clear presentation of information in your exhibit

What kinds of projects might you do?

How about:
• Household product testing
• Effects of light, heat, water on plant growth
• Is it possible to learn while sleeping?
• What design of paper airplanes flies the farthest?
• Color preferences of gerbils
• Does sound affect plant growth?
• Does temperature affect crystal growth?
• Temperature's effect on seed germination
• Does color affect memory?

Ask your school librarian for books that contain ideas for projects, or for books that might help you design an experiment once you have an idea in mind.

Possible Project Board Layout
Purpose: Describe the question or problem you are trying to answer.


Hypothesis: Tell what you think will happen.


Procedure: Give a list of your materials and the step by step procedure you used.
Project Title
Your Name, School & Grade




Pictures




Data Tables & Graphs

 Results: Describe what happened.



Conclusions: Tell why you think you got the results you got. Tell whether or not your hypothesis was right.




Resources: List of books, websites, or experts you used.

This is just a suggestion for your project board layout. You can put things in different places, but it is best to label your sections (Purpose, Hypothesis, Procedure, Results, and Conclusions). If you are doing your project for school, follow the format your teacher gives instead. If you used resources (internet, books, or experts) to learn about the science of your project, add a Resources section to your board to list them.



Websites

http://www.sciencebuddies.org
http://school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/
http://www.cdli.ca/sciencefairs/
http://www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/projectguide/
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html
http://www.isd77.org/se3bin/clientgenie.cgi?schoolname=school305&statusFlag=goGenie&geniesite=45&myButton=g5plugin&db=g45_b211