Science fair projects allow students to show off their talent and imagination, making it an exciting highlight of the school year. Getting started is often one of the most difficult parts. Before you can plan your project, and even before you pick a topic, you must first understand the different types of science fair projects. Take the time to choose the right type of science fair project, so that your time and effort are not wasted doing the wrong things.
Three basic kinds of science fair projects are available: models, demonstrations, and investigations. When you choose between them, you should consider two things. Before you do anything else, find out from the teacher what type of project the science fair rules require. Second, if you get to choose which type of project to do, pick the kind you find most interesting.
The Model Building Method
The model building method is the kind of project which, as the name implies, enables you to construct a model, to scale whenever possible, to illustrate a specific scientific principle. This could be as simple as a model of the solar system, or a real working machine. A common model is that of an erupting volcano, where vinegar and baking soda react to create ‘lava’ flowing down the sides of a ‘mountain’. Even though models can be fun, and even exciting, they are usually appropriate only for elementary school, because they do not involve any experimentation or scientific exploration. Some students do create unusual or dramatic models, which can be used demonstrate new ideas.
The Demonstration
The demonstration or descriptive method of research is again fairly self-explanatory. You could display your collection of rocks or other items related to a particular topic (like geology), and describe how they are related in your report, speech or on a display board. Alternatively, you might produce a poster or visual display about a topic on which you have carried out extensive research -climate change is understandably very popular at the present time. If you choose this form of project, again you are not attempting new science; rather, you are illustrating and explaining scientific principles already known.
The Scientific Experiment (Investigation)
It is with the third of the possible methods that you can provide what most science fairs for older students are looking for – proper scientific experiments using scientific methods to construct and test a hypothesis and draw conclusions from it. If you have ambitions in science, or want to progress to regional or even national science fairs, then this is the area that you really should be looking into. And the choice of science fair project topics is limitless. Decide what subject you are most interested in: chemistry, biology and physics are most common, but don’t limit yourself. You could try environmental or earth science, meteorology or sports science. Just develop your hypothesis and method to test it. If you have trouble thinking of an interesting topic, books and web sites can offer helpful ideas. Just make sure it is unique is some way if you want a chance of winning.
Finally, to assure your success, always remain in contact with your teacher about what you are doing, and confirm that you fully understand the science fair rules and guidelines. Then, no matter what science projects you choose to do, you can enjoy the experience, confident that you have chosen well!
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