Science research

Even if kids deny it, winning the science fair is a pretty big honor. It is something a student will get to boast about for years to come. Instilling pride in their school work and sparking a genuine and possible lifelong interest in science is something not many subjects can do through a fair or a competition. Just like in any competition, most children will not want to submit something that will be so-so. Even if it does not win, a science project submitted to the fair has to be world class. It has to be one of the super science fair projects!

Depending on the year level of your child, as well as their branch of science of choice (usually, you have three branches throughout a child’s elementary and middle school life), there are many super science fair projects out there. The first step to getting a super science fair project is to carefully study the rules of the fair. Each fair is different depending on the school or school district. Getting to know the rules, as well as the criteria of what the judges are looking for will help you and your child come up with something worthy of the colored prize ribbons.

Earth Science is the science that studies our world and what it is made of. Think geology, anthropology, carbon dating, and the like. The most famous earth science project out there is probably the baking soda and vinegar volcano which shows how magma can rise from the earth and out over the volcano simulating a volcanic eruption. The project also demonstrates a basic chemical reaction. For a super science fair project that involve earth science though, try coming up with your own system for carbon dating. Study the method behind carbon dating and see if you can probably do the same with a few household tools.

One of the more popular choices for super science fair projects in the lower grades is a project that involves life science. Life science is the study of trees, animals, humans, and all other living things. Something as simple as comparing plant growth will count as a science fair project. In order to win, though, take the project up a notch and try growing plants through a hydroponic or aeroponic system. The most important thing is that your child comes up with a good system that they understand and can present healthy growing plants without the use of soil!

Finally, there is physical science, which is by far the most commonly used concept when it comes to super science fair projects. If you pick physical science as your branch, be ready for the competition! If you have a lesson outline of your child’s physical science lessons, choose a lesson ahead of what they are currently studying, and base the project on that lesson. This will assure you that your child’s project is unique and will throw everyone off by surprise. Being ahead of everyone else in terms of concepts or theory is always a sure winner!

By: Ethan Jeremy

A science fair abstract is an abbreviated report or a summary in brief of the entire project. It is one of the last job of the science project but is of immense importance. It states the essential and most important things about the project. The science fair abstract in a clear and easy language gives the important outlines of the entire project. The abstract is generally around 250 words in length. It should appear at the beginning while preparing the project report and it should also be placed at the display board of the fair. The science fair abstract, when placed at the display board, gives the spectators the condensed version comprising the main elements of the project.

Science fair abstract helps people determine if they want to read the full report. Much more people will read the abstract as any other part of the work. It’s like an advertisement speaking for the work done. If one wants the jury and audience to be excited about one’s science fair project, then writing an exciting, engaging abstract is always suggested.

Since a science fair abstract is so short, each section is usually only one or two sentences long. Consequently, every word is important to conveying message. If a word is boring or vague, it will provide distraction. If a word is not adding something important it should be omitted But, even with the abstract’s brief length, don’t be afraid to reinforce a key point by stating it in more than one way or referring to it in more than one section.

The science fair abstract should always include the following parts -

* Introduction—This is your project’s purpose statement i.e. why was the project undertaken

* Problem Statement—It lays down the hypothesis of the project

* Procedure—give the description of your variables, your approach towards the investigation

* Results—give specific data and the synopsis of the results obtained

* Conclusion—state clearly the conclusion derived

While writing the abstract for the science project one should follow certain specific guidelines and avoid the following –

* Uncommon scientific terms which most people aren’t aware of

* Abbreviations and short forms

* Charts and tables

* Acknowledgements

Given below is an outline to write a science project abstract:

* Title

* Introduction (genera idea about the project)

* Problem statement and the hypothesis (what is that is to be established) Methodology (process employed, materials used etc.)

* Analysis of data (what indication does the data gives)

* Conclusion (what results were found)

* Application (how is the finding of help)

By: Jordan Matthews

Of the many science fair projects for students, few really teach a student a new concept. This is because science fair project rules often suggest that students use science concepts and ideas that students have already learned. Doing a project using learned concepts helps students retain the concept and really understand what they have learned through tangible examples. While this is great for reinforcing learned lessons, more science projects should introduce new concepts to students in order to further interest them in science.

In the realm of physical science for example, the science projects for students learning centrifugal and centripetal force may just ask them to compare bucket rotations. Creating a roller coaster, on the other hand, will help teach students about centrifugal force, and you can further the physics lesson with a discussion on simple and complicated machines. Creating machines can really pique a child’s interest in physics, even if it is just a simple motor that can power the tree house!

A science project for students that tackle life science is a good way to begin introducing young children to biology or older children to molecular biology. Instead of a simple project that compares how plants grow, you can introduce your child to the concept of grafting plants together. Creating a two or three citrus fruit plant is not only useful to your household, but it is sure to garner attention and acclaim at a science fair! What’s more is that your child will learn about how plants grow and how they can survive.

Earth science projects for students can teach students about how to preserve the world they live in. Studies on alternative means of growing crops and how to prevent global warming may not be tackled in your child’s science class, but these concepts are just as important for a child to know. What’s more is that these concepts can lead to projects that introduce new and relevant science concepts to your child. This will put your child ahead of their class in terms of lessons, and with a good possibility of winning the science fair.

For this year’s science fair project, try convincing your child to go for a topic they have not studied yet. For as long as the rules do not prohibit it, it will lead to some great science discoveries between you and your child. Children who study and discover with their parents are likely to do much better in school. It is also a great way for you to spend time together!

By: Ethan Jeremy