There is nothing more frustrating for a parent than helping their child choose what they should do for their high school science fair project each year. Having a unique idea for a project is something that can be challenging for some people, since no one wants to duplicate someone else’s work.
Regardless of whether the student has a science background or not, there are many different science project proposals available to choose from regardless of the level of difficulty.
Planning High School Science Fair Projects
Preparing for a science fair project is not an easy task, and it requires thought and planning on the part of the student in order to be successful.
A student’s grade in a science class can often be affected by the design of the project that they are assigned, which is why it is important to be very careful when selecting and carrying out the project in order to receive the highest grade possible.
In order to select a plan that will be useful to the student and that can be completed within the predetermined budget, it is important to select a plan that the student will find interesting and that can be completed in a reasonable amount of time.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the amount of time it will take for the project to be completed, and how long it will take for the project to be completed.
Steps to Creating a Science Project
Whenever a student is creating a science fair project, he or she must follow a formula that has been tried and tested over the years. There are a few basic steps that need to be taken in order to plan and execute the perfect venture:
- Choosing a topic to write about is the first step. A student should choose a topic that he or she feels comfortable discussing. A science question is what we are trying to answer in the end.
- In order to get a comprehensive understanding of your topic, it is important to gather information from various reliable sources, such as magazines, reference books, documentaries, or from professionals in a particular field.
- It is important to follow the scientific method when conducting research. As part of this process, you should clearly state the purpose of your experiment, write a hypothesis, determine how the experiment will be measured, and select the variables that you will be evaluating.
- It is important to start the experiment and keep detailed notes throughout the process.
- In order to create charts and graphs, you need to use graphics.
- In creating your exhibit, you should use lettering and background colors that are eye-catching, but they should not clash with one another.
- If you followed the scientific method in your research, you should write a report that details how you followed the process, and include the graphs and charts that you created. It would be a good idea to include copies of your report in your fair exhibit so that visitors can read it.
- The best way to prepare for your presentation to the judges is to practice it. Put yourself in front of your family, friends, or other relatives so that you can do a dry run.
- We look forward to seeing you at the science fair and having a great time!
Science Fair Ideas
There are many sites on the Internet that offer hundreds of science fair project ideas. Students can use these ideas as a jumping off point, or they can follow these plans step by step to complete a project.
- All Science Fair Projects – This site has over 500 ideas for high school science fair projects, as well as tips for students, parents and teachers.
- Science Fair Projects – Offers step by step information on creating a science fair project as well as many topic ideas.
- Science Fair Central – A collaboration between Home Depo and Discovery Education, students are offered investigation, steps and presentation information.
Things to Avoid
Planning and running a science fair project can be a lot of fun, but it can be stressful if proper preparation isn’t done. There are a few tips that should be followed to help students keep on the right track with their projects.
- Choose a topic that you feel comfortable with and know you can complete.
- Don’t choose a topic that may be too time-consuming. Remember that you will have other classes that put a demand on your time as well.
- Never wait until the last minute to start your project. As soon as you have chosen a topic, obtain all of the necessary items for the project, including the final display.
- Parents should avoid stepping in and doing the project for their students. Teachers usually know when a parent has done the majority of the work for a student.
- It is a bad idea to wait until the last minute to create the display. Begin making the display at least a week before the fair.
Conclusion
A great science fair project depends on the topic chosen and the skill level of the student. Selecting a topic early will allow students to begin their project in able time before the fair. This allows plenty of time to create a display and the final report of the experiment’s findings.
Finally, remember to have fun at the science fair. Check out other student’s displays, especially those that judges really like. This will help you prepare for next year’s event!