Science fair projects are always a highlight of the school year - one of those times that students can demonstrate their capabilities and creativity. Sometimes, it is hard just to get started on your science fair project. 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 projects are used in science fairs: models, demonstrations, and investigations. When picking among them, there are two things to consider. First, read the science fair rules to find out what type of project is required, and be sure to confirm it with your teacher. Second, if you have a choice, pick the type that will enable you to show what you’re best at.
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 can often be a real working machine, such as a simple crystal radio set, or a straightforward model, such as one of the solar system. Many of us have seen the model of an erupting volcano in which the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar causes realistic looking ‘lava’ flows down the sides of a ‘mountain’. Building models is a lot of fun, but don’t expect it to win your high school science fair. Models are most often used in elementary school fairs. Having said that, though, there can be some spectacular models produced by higher grade level students; especially if the model is actually demonstrating something new.
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. When you do this kind of project, you are not doing anything new, but only explaining or illustrating known scientific principles.
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. Biology, chemistry and physics projects are common, but if your interest lies elsewhere, consider geology, environment, meteorology, or even sports science. Develop a hypothesis around your interest, and then find a method of testing 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.
Remember, it is important to keep your teacher informed about your progress, and confirm that you know the rules and requirements for your science fair. Then, whichever kind of project you choose, you can proceed confidently and enjoy the entire process!
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