Selecting A Project Topic
Choosing a science fair project topic can sometimes be the hardest part. It's important that you choose something that interests you. After all, you'll be spending lots of time studying and experimenting with the topic, so you want to select something that's exciting to you. You also need to be sure you're topic is safe and follows the science fair rules and regulations. Remember, you cannot use humans in your project. You may choose a project that involves animal observation provided that there is no change to the animal's natural environment.
Next, you need to be sure your topic is an experiment, not a demonstration, and should be written in question form. Your project should compare different components. For example, "How to build a model volcano" is a demonstration, so that type of project cannot be entered in the science fair. Also, that topic isn't written in question form. Even if you change your title to "How can you build a model volcano," you still aren't testing, experimenting, and comparing. However, if the topic was "Does the amount of vinegar affect the size of a model volcano's eruption," then you'd be comparing and experimenting. With that project question, you'd test different amounts of vinegar to see which makes the biggest eruption in a model volcano. Therefore, you'd be able to enter that type of project in the science fair.
Finally, make sure your project has a clear purpose. A great science fair project will give useful information to others. When deciding on a topic, ask yourself, "Will anybody care about the results of this project?"
Search the Internet for different topics and find several that interest you. The best science fair projects are ones that are unique. See if you can add a creative spin to a topic you've seen before or find on the Internet. As you look for a topic, don't forget:
1) The project must be safe for elementary students.
2) The project cannot include animals, but can include human observation.
3) The project must be an experiment, not a demonstration. You should be comparing different components.
4) Your project topic should be a question.
5) Make sure your topic is interesting and useful.
Question and Purpose Worksheet | |
File Size: | 47 kb |
File Type: |
Areas of Study
*Behavioral & Social Sciences
*Biochemistry
*Botany
*Chemistry
*Computer Science
*Consumer Science
*Earth & Space Science
*Engineering
*Environmental Science
*Medicine & Health
*Microbiology
*Physics
Project Pre-approval
Before you can begin your science fair project, you'll need to get your topic approved by three people:
1) Your project advisor: This is a parent or guardian who will supervise you as you experiment. Your advisor will ensure that you are safe throughout the project.
2) Your homeroom teacher (if required)
3) The East Vincent Science Fair Coordinator (Mrs. Barlow - 5th grade)
You need to complete the pre-approval form and submit it to Mrs. Barlow by November 9, 2012.
pre_approval_form.pdf | |
File Size: | 27 kb |
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Sample Successful Projects from East Vincent Science Fairs
Each year at the East Vincent Science Fair (EVSF), the judges recognize the hard work of about twenty-five students whose projects are exemplary. Fifteen (4th, 5th and 6th graders) of these students go on to represent our school at the Chester County Science Fair (CCSF) in late spring. Below you'll find the titles of the projects which were recognized for their outstanding scientific merit during the 2007 Vincent Science Fair.
*What melts ice the fastest? by Sarah T. (CCSF Participant)
*How much wood could wood glue glue, if wood glue could glue wood? by Brandon W. (CCSF Participant)
*Does weight, size, bounciness, and color affect the distance a ball travels when hit? by Mikayla C. (CCSF Participant)
*What clothing material provides the best insulation? by Theresa W. (Honors at CCSF)
*What kind of nut, when burned, makes water temperature increase the most? by Amanda S. (High Honors at CCSF)
*What material makes the best thermal insulator? by Ryan Q. (High Honors at CCSF)
*Do I really breathe this stuff? by Ciara B. (High Honors at CCSF)
*Is homemade weed killer as effective as store bought weed killer? by Tristan A. (Distinguished Honors at CCSF)
*Which brand of light bulbs is the most shatter resistant? by Austin C. (Distinguished Honors at CCSF)
*Which packing material is most effective? by Emily E. (Distinguished Honors at CCSF)
*Can different types of water solutions help seed germination? by Zane F. (VSF Honorable Mention)
*What household item makes a slip and slide the slipperiest? by Ben Y. (VSF Honorable Mention)
*Does temperature affect the elasticity of flubber? by Natalie C. (VSF Honorable Mention)
*Do cheaper batteries run as long as more expensive batteries? by Lindsey G. (VSF Honorable Mention)
*Which maker has the most soluble ink? by David C. (VSF Honorable Mention)
*Which plant loses the most water? by Kate M. (VSF Honorable Mention)
*Which brand of plastic wrap is the strongest? by Lauren S. (VSF Honorable Mention)
*How does tire stagger affect a race car's speed? by Zoe M. (VSF Honorable Mention)
*Which barrier is most effective against water? by Billy B. (VSF Honorable Mention)
*Which type of sweeteners are the worst for your sweet tooth? by Casey M. (VSF Honorable Mention)
*What kind of fire log burns the hottest? by Michael M. (VSF Honorable Mention)
*What metals oxidize the least? by Michael Q (VSF Honorable Mention)