Welcome to the exciting exploration of the world around us… the world of science! Researching a project for entry into a science fair gives us a glimpse into the marvels of this world.
Participating in a science fair is not only enjoyable, but it encourages logical thinking, involves doing interesting research, develops objective observations, and gives experience in problem solving.
Before you do any project, discuss it in detail with a parent or science instructor. Be sure they understand and are familiar with your project.
Science fair projects must follow a procedure called the scientific method. This procedure is also used by actual scientists. First, a problem or purpose is defined. A hypothesis or prediction of the outcome is then stated. Next, a procedure is developed for determining whether or not the hypothesis was correct. Do not think that your science project is a failure if the hypothesis is proven to be wrong. The idea of the science fair project is to either prove or disprove the hypothesis. Learning takes place even when the results are not what you expected. Thomas Edison tried over a thousand different materials before he found one that would work best in his light bulb. He said he failed his way to success!
Generally, school science fairs have 12 standard categories under which students can enter their projects: behavioral and social; biochemistry; botany; chemistry; Earth and space; engineering; environmental; physics; zoology; math and computers; microbiology; medicine and health.
Some projects may involve more than one science discipline. A project that involves using different colors of light to grow plants could fall under the category of either botany or physics. This crossing over of sciences may allow you to choose between two categories in which to enter your project. It can give you an edge at winning a science fair by entering your project in a category where there are fewer competitors or avoiding a category where other entries are of particularly outstanding quality.
Select a topic that you find interesting, one that you would like to research. It will make your science fair experience a very enjoyable one.
Know the rules of your school’s science fair before you decide on a project topic. Projects must follow ethical rules. A project cannot be inhumane to animals. Never interfere with ecological systems. Use common sense.

SAFETY

When planning your science fair project, safety must be the first consideration. Even seemingly harmless objects can become a hazard under certain circumstances. Know what potential hazards you are faced with before starting a project. Take no undue risks. Have an adult or science instructor present during all phases of your project. Be prepared to handle a problem even though none is expected (for example, keep heat gloves or oven mitts handy when working around a hot stove). Wear safety glasses when appropriate.

Be especially aware of these hazards:
• Sharp objects: Construction tools (hammer, saw, knife, scissors, drill). Be careful how you pick up sharp tools and glass objects which can fragment and become sharp objects.
• Fire: Cooking fat can catch on fire; alcohol has a low flash point. To boil alcohol, use a “double boiler” by first bringing a pot of water to a boil, turning off the stove burner, then lowering a test tube filled with alcohol into the water.
• Chemicals: Keep everything out of the reach of children that specifies “keep out of the reach of children” on the label (alcohol, iodine, etc.. Know what materials you are working with that have extreme pH levels (acids, bases).
• Allergens: When growing mold in sealable plastic bags, keep bags closed during and after the project. When the project is over, discard the plastic bags without ever opening them, so that mold is contained and does not become airborne.
• Carcinogens, mutagens: Stand away from microwave ovens when in use.
• Water and electricity “don’t mix“. Use caution whenever both water and electricity are present (as with a fish tank heater than must be plugged into a wall outlet). Use only “UL” approved electrical devices.
• Heat: Use heat gloves or oven mitts when dealing with hot objects. When using a heat lamp, keep away from curtains and other flammable objects. Be aware that glass may be hot but not give the appearance of being hot.
• Secure loose clothing, sleeves, and hair.
• Wash your hands when you return home after touching surfaces at public places to avoid bringing bacteria into your home.
• Rivers, lakes, oceans: Do not work near or around large bodies of water without an adult present, even if you know how to swim.
• Never test by taste, unless the item you are tasting is food.
• Be aware of others nearby; a chemical reaction, for example, could cause a glass container to shatter or caustic material to be ejected from a container. Keep others in the room at a same distance or have them wear proper safety protection.
• Thermometers made of glass have to potential of being broken and causing glass to shatter.
• Be aware of gas products that may be created when certain chemicals react. Such projects must be carried out in a well ventilated area.
• Never look directly at the Sun. Do not use direct sunlight as a source of light for microscopes.
• Loud sounds can be harmful to your hearing.

Being aware of these possible hazards and working with adult supervision should ensure a safe and enjoyable project experience.
We hope some of the ideas presented here on this web site will help you get started or spark other ideas for you to spin off a similar project. Good luck with your project! (Projects are Copyright (C) 2006 Dan Keen)