Science Fair Projects for Kids

Choosing Science Fair Projects for Kids

One of the keys to having an award winning project is making the right choice. When choosing a science fair project, there are several things to keep in mind:

Available Materials

Before you choose a project, you have to make sure that the materials are either available or obtainable. You cannot do a project that requires you to observe a Venus Fly Trap if you can’t get your hands on one! In fact, it’s a good practice to make a short list of possible projects and then investigate how readily available the materials are before making a final decision.

Student Interest

Many parents make the mistake of helping their child choose a science fair project based on what seems easiest or most interesting to them. This is a mistake. Allow your child to choose based on his interests. By doing this you will ensure that it’s your child doing the project instead of you.

Time

Some students choose to do projects that require observing plants over a period of months or building complicated contraptions. These can often make very exciting projects. However, you need to make sure that you have the time to complete them before committing to them.

Types of Science Fair Projects for Kids

There are a few different types of projects that you can choose from. If the science fair is going to be judged, make sure that you know the rules so that you don’t get disqualified on a technicality.

Models

A model project is a built model demonstrating a scientific principle. For example, one popular science fair project is a model of the solar system that demonstrates how all the planets orbit. A good model will have all the parts clearly labeled and will be as accurate as possible. Models are often the easiest science fair projects to complete.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are often confused with science experiments--but they are not the same thing. A demonstration is similar to a model, but it generally has a reaction or moving parts to demonstrate a scientific principle. For example, the overly common volcano experiment is a demonstration. Demonstrations can be easy, but you do have to make sure that you can get the demonstration to work.

Experiments

An experiment is something that tests a hypothesis. It needs to have several parts including a control and a variable. It also needs to follow the scientific method rather closely. Experiments can be difficult to set up--most students struggle with identifying both a control and a variable.

Some Ideas for Your Science Fair Project

Start by choosing a general area that interests you and then try to narrow it down from there.

Biology

• Build a model of the heart, the eye or another circulatory system.
• Study a particular animal in depth.
• Study a particular biome or habitat in depth.
• Study the conditions under which mold grows best.
• Figure out what is the best preservative to prevent mold growth.

Botany

• Do plants really respond to music? Affection? Sound?
• Study the Venus fly trap.
• Observe the growth of a bean sprout.
• What type of fertilizer or "plant food" works best?
• Demonstrate how plants draw water upwards from the roots.

Earth Science

• Make a model of an underwater volcano and show how islands are formed.
• Does the height of a volcano affect the viscosity of the lava?
• Make a model of the water cycle.
• Grow a crystal garden.
• Build a model rocket.

Physics

• Explore the science of a roller coaster or other amusement park ride.
• Explore how to build a better bridge.
• Explain how trajectory affects flight distance and vice versa in paper airplanes.
• Demonstrate one or all of Newton’s Laws.
• Explain how putting a spin on a ball affects the flight pattern. (How does a curve ball work?)

Chemistry

• Demonstrate and explain why Mentos makes soda explode?
• Show how to blow up a balloon without actually putting your mouth on the balloon.
• Explore Newtonian liquids like Oobleck.
• Make your own carbonated beverage.
• Demonstrate and explain the effects of yeast.

Misc.

• Which anti-bacterial hand lotion is most effective? (Grow your own bacteria in a petri dish.)
• Which brand of popcorn is best? (As judged by which brand leaves the least amount of kernels unpopped.)
• Which gender has better reaction time?
• Which stain remover works best?
• Show how to distill water.

Science Fair Projects are Fun!

Science fair projects can give you an opportunity to study something in depth and explore areas of science that interest you. It’s important to start early and carefully plan what you’re going to do so that you’re not trying to complete your project the night before! Most importantly, keep good records and have fun!