How to Choose the Right Type of Science Fair Project
Science fair projects allow students to show off their talent and imagination, making it an exciting highlight of the school year. But for many students, one of the most difficult steps is just getting started. Before you can plan your project, and even before you pick a topic, you must first understand the different types of science fair projects. Choosing the right kind of project is important; otherwise you may be wasting your time.
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. If you are able to pick a type of project, go with the one you are most comfortable with.
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. As an alternative, you could use a visual project display board to describe the research you performed. 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 want to go on to state or national science fairs, or are interested in a career in science, then this is an area to look 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. Books and web sites can be valuable sources for project ideas, but the more novel and distinctive your project, the more interested the judges will be.
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, whatever science projects you undertake, you can enjoy them with confidence!