Ideas for Sparking Science Fair Projects

Planning a project for a science fair can seem like an impossible task at first, with choosing a topic as the most important step. Science projects are designed to be courses of independent research and study. Plenty of answers need to be found, so picking a topic, formulating the research question and planning your timetable can be unique. Choose a topic that interests you personally or you may not find the time or enthusiasm needed to complete the project.

One way to start looking for a topic is to think about something you have always wondered why. How does a bumblebee or hummingbird hover in the air? Why do evergreens stay green in the winter? If A happens, how does that affect B? On the other hand, does it not affect when you think it should. 



Reading a book or newspaper may make you think how the author came to that conclusion. Television and movies are full of questionable results that may beg to be approved or disapproved. Of course, the student’s age, level and time frame will modify the science project.

Biology is a large science category with potential projects suited to any age. How well do plants grow under various conditions? Which type of fertilizer is the most effective for flowering plants versus vegetable plants? Even why does bread mold and do different breads have different types of molds. Experiments with ants and worms can be modified for all school levels without too much difficulty.

Chemistry has great potential and not just the explosive type either. Baking soda and vinegar are great ingredients to use in science projects. Someone could test how well different brands of sealed plastic bags keep various foods fresh. Eggs and potatoes are easy foods to use in a variety of experiments. How are they sized for resale? Are there differences in eggshell thickness versus their size? Potatoes can be cooked in various oils to test for taste or tenderness.