What makes a good project

Science Fair Projects

http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/Resources/Good_Project.html

http://w= ww.isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/cf/SciProjIntro.html

htt= p://www.ri.net/schools/East_Greenwich/Cole/sciencefair.html

http://school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/scifairstudio/handbook/=

What judges look for

http://www.sciencehunt.com/websites/hunthow.nsf/8th_Under?openframeset=

Scientific Method

http://school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/sc= ifairstudio/handbook/scientificmethod.html

Project Topic Ideas

Products Testing Which soap works better Which fertilizer makes plants grow healthi= er Which motor oil withstands heat the best <= /span> Which gasoline provides better fuel econom= y? Detergent properties Washing in hard water/soft water Cell phone reception Calculation speed on computers Frozen foods and taste Radiation to preserve food <= /li> Botany The effect of different light on plants (v= ary intensity, color) Hydroponic Plants = Growing Plants with different soils / fertilizers Plant Growth and Artificial Lighting The effects of crowding in plant life Microscopic structure of plant cells Osmosis in plants Plant diversity in a field <= /li> Plant genetics Plant diseases Plant-insect relationship Plant identification Phosphate effects Fossil plants Zoology Animal territoriality (mice, rats, etc..) Animal societies Animal sounds Food habits Migration studies Motion studies Habitats Earth Science Effects of water impurities in plant growt= h Effects of magnetic fields on plant growth= Organic Fertilizer vs. Chemical Fertilizer= s Erosion Control Biodegradability Air purification methods Water purification methods (filtering/distillation) Analysis of lightning strikes Depletion of ozone layer Global warming Local rain fall patterns Rock and mineral classification Physical properties of minerals Local weather computer model Recycling and landfill space Physics Magnetic Fields Magnetically Levitated Trains Aerodynamics (wind tunnel) <= /li> Motion Friction Electrochemical cells How to tell a positive battery pole How does a dry cell generate electricity <= /span> Testing the strength of electromagnetic fi= elds Can electricity be produced by friction What is a spark? Compare sliding and rolling motion = How to make heat by friction What factors does the force of friction de= pend on Reducing friction Transmission, reflection, and adsorption of colors Light refraction Speed of sound Mechanical advantage Engineering Test different metals (conductivity, tensi= le strength, heat dissipation) Analog computers Autonomous robots Electrostatic precipitation = Electroplating Solar furnace Solid state lasers Conductivity of metals Mathematics Boolean algebra Learning algorithms Symbolic logic Probability Survey accuracy Fuzzy logic Calculation accuracy of pocket calculators= Chaotic systems Random systems

Find a Project Category That Interests You

Some= times it’s easier to get an i= dea if you narrow your thinking to one category first. Here are some categories th= at might interest you.

Astronomy =

What stars and planets c= an you see from your house?
Where have all the stars gone? A study of light pollution

Biochemistry

Whic= h color saran wrap allows plant= s to grow the tallest?
Do fruit and vegetable juices contain the same amount of vitamin C?
Do hydrating shampoos really strengthen hair more than regular shampoos?
The effectiveness of sunscreen
How does vitamin C packaged orange juice compare= to freshly squeezed orange juice?
Can yard trash be substituted as a fiber source in cattle feed?
Heat induced denaturation of Nutrasweet into D.P.
What are the effects of lead on enzyme activity
Sugar, acid and tooth decay
Does chewed gum lose mass?

Biology

How<= /span> does your body work?
What is the average height of kids my age?
Does a skinned knee heal faster when it’s covered with a bandage or l= eft alone?
Germs and microbes
Dry tooth brushing’s effectiveness for removal of plaque from teeth <= br> Does your hearing level change after exposure to amplified music?
Do taller people have greater lung capacity then shorter people?
The relationship between muscle strength and body fat
Are 6th grade boys more physically fit than 6th grade girls?
Snakes, spiders, worms and snails
Do boy gerbils and girl gerbils behave differently?
Can animals tell time?

Botany

How<= /span> fast does grass grow?
What soil grows the best plants?
Does sugar prolong the life of cut flowers?
Can distilled water be used to water plants?
Which plants absorb more water?
The effects of varying amounts of water on seed germina= tion
Hoe does colored light effect radish growth?
What is the duration needed to chill tulips to get the tallest growth?
Where do plants store their food?
Do cacti grow better in topsoil or sand?
Does soil compaction affect growth and yield of corn?
Physical effect of ultraviolet rays on the germination = and growth of phaseolus vulgar= is in different magnetic fields.
The effect of increased CO2 levels on pinus elliotti
Enhancement of agdroponics through the use of r= eused water.
How often to water grass?
What type of condition does algae grow best in? =
The effects of two common window cleaners on plants
Irrigation: drop or regular?
Leaf size versus transpiration
How do plants survive in extreme temperatures? <= br> Can flower seeds germinate in a microwave?

Chemistry

Consumer Chemistry

Do some batteries last l= onger than others?
Does washing your hands really get rid of germs?
Which bar of soap lasts the longest?
How fast does water evaporate?
What product best removes pet stains?
Does expired film work?
pH of common beverages
How do household bleaches compare?
Do batteries last as long after they have been recharged?
The effects of octane on gasoline mileage
The secret life of waterproof mascara
Does the speed of photographic film affect image quality?
How long does chlorine stay in water?
Is print quality affected by the kind of paper used?
Sticky situations: which glue is strongest?
The effects on detergent brand on bubble height.
Bubble-logy: a hygroscopic solution equals a better bubble
Does fabric softener affect drying time?
What preservations can stop rust from forming?
Claims on TV commercials about removing carpet stains — are they true= ?
How can you prove them?
Why do things change color and temperature?
How long does it take water to freeze? How long does it take ice to melt? <= br>
Food Chemistry

Why<= /span> do foods turn colors when you= cook them? Why does food get cold?
What makes a gummy bear sticky?
What whips faster, egg whites or whipping cream? Why?
What makes yeast foam (proof) ?
Which chocolate melts fastest?
Which ice cream melts fastest?
“Sizzle, not so lean”: which bacon has the most fat?
Which citrus fruit is the best electrolyte?
What form of sugar combined with baker’s yeast will produce the most Carbon Dioxide?
Which is more accurate, a digital thermometer, an alcohol thermometer or a mercury Thermometer?

Environmental Science

What= ’s happened to things that aren’t here anymore (like horseless carriages and dinosaurs)?
Air, water, garbage, recycling, oil spills, etc.
What makes a clean car get dirty?
Which is better for the environment: paper or plastic?
Which minerals can you find in sand?
Percent of calcium carbonate in shells
How does plastic wrap affect a water heating sol= ar panel?
How does light affect the pH of soil?
Will reflected light change the efficiency of a solar cell?
Which mulch conserves moisture the longest?
Snow and ice control on highways: is salt a safe solution?
Is there lead in your water?
Which cars produce more pollution: American of foreign?
Is firewood better than manufactured logs?
Do earth friendly cleaning products measure up?
The biodegradability of packing materials
Which season has more acid rain?
Using sunspots to measure solar rotation

Geology

Rocks and earth
Gemology
Can soil type be a factor in landslides?

Math/Computer Science

Does it cost less to rid= e the bus or drive a car?
The little engine that could: finding the best way to search the web
How much damage is imparted by a magnet on a com= puter disk?

Meteorology

How<= /span> does the weather change?
Where do hurricanes and earthquakes come from?
Can today’s clouds predict tomorrow’s weather?

Sociology/Psychology

Do soft drinks really ta= ste different from each other?
What fast food fries are the best bargain by weight and count?
Can you tell time without a clock or watch?
Do your senses influence your taste buds?
How do people react to violence?
Music and its effect on heart rate
Does music affect how we sleep?
Who gets more attention in the classroom: males or females?
Does participation in extracurricular activities affect grades?
Does Mozart help students perform better on tests?
The coordination of left handed people versus right handed people
Do specific facial proportions determine beauty?
The validity of eyewitness reports
The effect of perfume on pulse rate
The effects of playing video games on hand-eye coordination

Paleontology

Did dinosaurs live in my= town?

Physics

Can you make a photograph without a camera?
What would make an M&M melt in your hand?
Can you make a working radio?
The effect of soccer ball temperature on kicking distance
How does weather affect baseball?
Specs on specs: How to protect your eyes from UV light
Temperamental golf balls - which golf balls travel the furthest?
Can mathematical patterns be found in J.S. Bach’s Preludes and Fugues= ?
The effect of temperature on the velocity of winds
How does oxygen affect the rate a candle burns? =
How do different liquids affect water surface tension?

Zoology

Whic= h cat food do cats purr-fur?
Do birds care what’s in the bird feeder?
What do ants think is a delicious picnic?
Do mice really like cheese?
Are dogs color blind?
Ability of goldfish to distinguish colors
Do insects have a different respiration rate at different temperatures?
Monkey Business: Why gorillas don’t swing from trees?
The effects of Herbal Phen-fen on Daphnia magna=

PHYSICS

1. Fire and Burning- what= factors affect burning?

2. Fuels and their effici= ency in producing energy.

3. Musical instruments- t= he scientific principles behind them

4. Music vs Noise- difference

5. Pendulums- how can a period of a pendulum be increased?

6. Air Pressure- Water Pressure

7. Gears- compare efficiencies, effect of different lubricants

8. Solar Furnace
10.Lenses- effects of curvature, materials on light beams

11.Ca= n eggs withstand a greater force from one direction than from others?&nb= sp;

12.Ho= w strong are nylon fishing lines?

13.Ho= w strong are plastic wraps?

14.Wh= ich homemade airplane design flies best?

15.Wh= at factors affect the bounce of a dropped ball?

16.Ho= w do compression and tension make things strong?

17.Ho= w strong is a toothpick?

18.Wh= ich type of lawn sprinkler works best?

19.Wh= ich type\size of light bulb produces the most light?

20.How can the strength of light be measured?- the effect on degradable materials

21.Wh= ich materials can be charged with static electricity?

22.Wh= ich battery lasts the longest?- How can power be increased?

23.Wh= at affects light reflection?- refraction and diffraction of light? =

24.Spectrum and colour production- prisms

25.Ho= w is sound produced? What affects the pitch of sound= ?- What affects the volume of sound? - How would you measure the velocity= of sound?

26.Electric Motors- principles and factors effecting their efficiency

27.Electric Circuits- fac= tors affecting voltage,amperage, resistance&nbs= p;

28.Ma= gnets and electromagnets- What affects the strength of and electromagnet?&nb= sp;

29.Bu= zzers and bells and alarms.

30.Radios

31.Internal Combustion engines

32.Heat convection- Radia= tion of heat

33.Insulation-best materi= als, thickness

34.Ho= w is paint affected by temperature changes?- Elasticity of rubber; effec= t of glue.

ENGINEERING\PHYSICS

1. Use of solar energy- design and construct solar cookers, solar panels, etc.

2. Designing a strong bri= dge, an energy efficient home

3. Efficient use of renew= able energy resources- E.G. Wood, Wind

4. Determine the accuracy= of various thermometers

5. How much heat is requi= red to raise the temperature of various substances by an equal amount?&nbs= p;

6. Principle of energy conservation

7. Comparing active & passive solar energy systems in cost and efficiency.

METEOROLOGY

1.Snow- what happens whe= n it melts; what does it contain; structure of snow flakes; life in a snowbank

2.Sky Colour- account for differences in colour at diffe= rent times

3.Wi= nd and Clouds- what are the common wind patterns in your area and why? Is cloud formation related to height, weather systems and temperature? St= udy and record how clouds relate to weather patterns.

4.Wa= ter levels- study and record varying levels over the year in a body of wat= er; account for differences and the results on the surrounding environment.

5.Dew formation- how muc= h is formed on a square meter for a period of time; account for variations

6.Wi= nd-does wind travel at same speeds and in same directions at different heights?

7.Fr= ost formation- what must the temperature be to form first; what are the effects of humidity? What is the make-up of frost and dew?

8.Ev= aporation- which effects the rate of evaporation most- temperature, humidity, wind speed or other factors?

9.Ra= in- can you measure the speed and force of raindrops?-What is the effect on soil, with and without ground cover? Could you simulate the effect of rain?

10. Heat Retention- does fresh water hold heat longer than salt water? How does water compare to land and what effect does this have on the weather? What factors affect the cooling of land?

11.S= unlight- how do different surfaces affect the amount of sunlight reflected and absorbed? Design a method of measuring how much sunshine is available = each day.

12. Humidity- can you collect the amounts of water in the air at different temperatures?&nbs= p;

13.T= emperature- what is the difference between direct sun and in the shade? Is the difference constant?

14.W= eather records- Design and build an automatic recording weather device. Test = it over a period of time.

15.E= ffects of Humidity- what happens to hair during periods of changing humidity?= How does human hair compare to that of other animals? How do other materia= ls compare in expansion and contraction.

CHEMISTRY

1. Effects of temperatur= e on viscosity of oil, chemical reactions, Brownian movement, burning of different materials.

2. Everyday activities t= hat illustrate chemical principles

3. Chemical reactions th= at produce energy or that require energy

4. Testing of consumer products- glues, stain removers, antiseptics, mouthwash, detergents, p= aper towels, making salt water potable, removal of pollutants

5. Effects of sunlight on rubber, ink, paper

6. Effects of increased concentrations on the rate of chemical reactions

7. Compare the pH levels= in mouths of various animals and humans at different times in the day&nbs= p;

8. Compare the surface tension of various liquids

9. Dealing with chemical spills from industry

10.Analyzing snow and ra= in for pollutants; samples from different locations

11.Effects of temperatur= e on density of gases

12.Effects of salt and o= ther contaminants on rate of rusting

13.Growing crystals- fac= tors that affect the rate and the size

14.C= an you obtain water from ink, vinegar, milk?

15.W= hat effects do different amounts of exercise have on the production of car= bon dioxide in humans?

16.Analyze soil samples = for their components, ability to hold moisture, fertility and pH
17.D= oes the amount of particle pollution vary with distance from a road, with location, with height. Determine types of particles found in pollution fallout

18.Catalysts- how they w= ork and why; commercial applicants and problems

19.Fire extinguishers-principles of operation and factors affecting their efficient use

20.How do acids react wi= th different metals under varying conditions

21.Identify different me= tals by the colour of flame when they burn = ;

22.Can you devise and experiment that will list metals in order of their activity, from the = most potassium to the least active ore gold

23.Electroplating- the principles, how different metals can be used and the practical applications

BOTANY

1.Germination - how mono= cots and dicots differ - the effects of heat, l= ight, carbon dioxide, pH level, etc. on germination rate

2.Photosynthesis - facto= rs affecting the rate of photosynthesis temperature, light intensity, wat= er, carbondioxide - part of light spectrum used in photosynthesis

3.Leaf - do the numbers = and sizes of stomata vary with different plants - what happens if stomata = are covered and why

4.Roots - how much water= is used by different plants - what is the effect of temperature, sunlight, etc., on the use of water (transpiration) - how do different types of soils affect the ability of roots to anchor plants - what factors encourage root growth and what is the effect of water, oxygen, soil ty= pe, minerals on root growth

5.Plant growth - determi= ne the effects of various nutrients, amounts of water, hours of sunlight, strength of weed killer, temperature, pollutants, pH levels on plant growth and crop yields - can plants live without oxygen, carbon dioxid= e - what percentages of various plants is water

6.Genetic Studies - conn= ections between hair and eye colour, sex and left handedness, hair colour and strength - fam= ily studies on inheritance

7.What conditions are favourable for: -fungus growth- E.G. yeast, mold, mildew diseases -mushroom production -growing brine shrimp -algae grow= th -bacteria growth or control- mutations -rooting cuttings -the survival= of Planaria -the growth of nitrogen fixing bacteria -lichen growth

8.Field Studies -effects= of herbicide spraying, acid rain in a lake, auto exhausts on a roadside, = SO2 emissions on plants, under hydro lines -types of bacteria found around= the home, on the body, in soil of different types

9.Reactions of protozoa = to changes in the environment

10.The preferred pH leve= l in the soil for various plants

http://www.hunkinsexperiments.com/default.htm

http://school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/scifairstudio/ideas.ht= ml

= http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/

http:= //madsci.wustl.edu/experiments/

http://rockhoundingar.com/pebblepups/growcryst.html

http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/HOMEEXPTS/COLLAPSE.html

http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/HOMEEXPTS/SOFTWATR.html

http://scif= un.chem.wisc.edu/HOMEEXPTS/FIREBALLOON.html

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http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/WOP/Reaction.html

http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/WOP/RandomWalk.html

http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/WOP/SmokeRings.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/J001796/bshypoth.htm

http://libra= ry.thinkquest.org/J001796/domaterials.htm

http://libr= ary.thinkquest.org/J001796/bcmat%26proc.htm

http://library.thinkquest.org/J001796/friction.htm

ht= tp://library.thinkquest.org/J001796/procedurechris.htm#Anchor

http://www.spartechsoftware.com/reeko/Experiments/ExpHoverCraft.htm
ht= tp://www.spartechsoftware.com/reeko/Experiments/capillary.htm

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h= ttp://www.spartechsoftware.com/reeko/Experiments/refraction.htm

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htt= p://www.spartechsoftware.com/reeko/Experiments/momentum.htm

= http://www.cdli.ca/sciencefairs/elem.html