Helpful Hints for Finding Science Fair Ideas
- A good science fair project is one that you are invested in. Choose an area of science and topic within that area--such as life science, earth science or physical science--that interests you. Choosing a topic that you like will make the whole process of putting together a science fair project more interesting and engaging.
- Flip through your science textbook. You might find a lab from which you can build a science fair project idea, or perhaps a certain topic will catch your interest.
- Check out stories related to science in newspapers, magazines and online news resources. For example, an outbreak of food-borne illness from iced tea in local restaurants may inspire a science project to determine which teas are more prone to bacterial growth. Or, a news story about the use of cutting boards may inspire a project about what type of cutting board material is less likely to harbor bacteria.
- Look at the world around you, especially outdoors. Consider what questions you have about the natural world such as how or why certain natural processes occur. Another place to look is inside your home or school. Look around at items you use every day, and consider how they might be useful in developing a science fair project. For example, have you ever wondered how something like a radio works, or if you could build one yourself?
- Talk with your science teacher or seek an expert in the field to help you find a science fair project idea. Local laboratories, hospitals and engineering firms are just a few places to look for expert advice. An expert can also serve as a mentor as you conduct your experiment, and may even be able to provide lab space for your work.
- In addition to using the Internet to search for scientific news stories, you can also use it to find science fair ideas. Your best bet is to use ideas you find on the Internet as a starting point for your own project. Don't copy something that has already been done.