Science fair projects can be the most memorable part of your science class, giving you an opportunity to show your abilities and creativity. Many students find that getting started is one of the hardest parts of the 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.
There are three basic types of science fair projects: models, demonstrations, or investigations. When picking among them, there are two things to consider. First, it’s important to check with your teacher to find out what type of project is required. 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 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. 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. Here, you might display a collection of objects or interesting artifacts (for example, your rock collection) connected with a topic (geology) and describe them in detail on your display board, or in your report or speech. As an alternative, you could use a visual project display board to describe the research you performed. These kinds of projects are simply an illustration or explanation of 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 are interested in a science career, or would like to move on the regional or national science fair, then you should be looking into this area. 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. There are many different books and web sites from which you can obtain ideas, but remember, the more individual and unique your project, the better your chances 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, no matter which type of project you choose to do, you can enjoy the experience, confident that you have chosen well!