Application of Scientific Method for Winning Science Fair Project

The important thing in science is not so much to obtain new facts as to discover new ways of thinking about them.- Sir William Bragg

Science can be a interesting subject if the children develop a liking for it during school. Science projects and science fairs can be useful events that can develop an interest for science amongst the students. A science fair can be an exciting time for students in grade school as well as high school to explore different scientific ideas and concepts. During a science fair, all the students try their level best to come up with the winning science fair project. The key to winning a science fair project is wise topic selection, perfect execution and good quality presentation.

Selecting the Perfect Topic for Winning Science Fair Project

The key to a winning science fair project is the selection of the perfect topic. If possible make it a point to choose a topic, which is rather contemporary, that makes it interesting. Avoid mundane topics that have been used in science fair projects since ages. It doesn’t matter if you are working on a simple concept – Think out of the box and look how you can incorporate innovation in the run-of-the-mill projects. While choosing a subject or a topic for your science project, make sure you pick a topic that really interests you. Choose a topic that you are confident about. Ask yourself whether you will be able to make a working model for the project, in case you think the construction of the working model is difficult, try and pick an easier topic or else consult your seniors or teachers for suggestions on the model construction. In case you are hunting for topics, you can either look up your textbooks, reference books or just log on to the Internet to find a good subject for your science fair project.

Flawless Execution for Winning Science Fair Project

Once you have finalized your topic, the next thing is executing the idea. A brilliant idea can go totally waste if not executed properly. Make sure you get all the raw material required for executing the idea and making a working model for your project. In case you are handling dangerous chemicals, or complicated electrical wiring and sockets, it is advisable to have an adult to supervise you and guide you during the process. Make sure you use the best material t build your project so that it is sturdy enough. It can be very embarrassing if the model goes kaput on the final day of the science fair. Once you have constructed the model, make sure it functions /runs properly. In case you are using batteries in your project it is advised to keep spare ones for the final day.

Quality Presentation for Winning Science Fair Project

Now that you have your winning science fair project ready, it is absolutely necessary that you present it well. Make sure that you prepare a project report booklet, which has all the necessary information about your project and has your name on it. The booklet should include the principle of working, the mode of construction and the final conclusion of your project. The judges can go through the report to read the details about your project. Also, think of all the possible questions that might be asked about your project and be prepared to answer them with confidence. It is also advisable to prepare a small synopsis and a write up that your can refer to while presenting your project.

All said and done, here are some winning science fair project ideas that might help.

Easy to Demonstrate Rocket Launch

Materials used: Film canisters, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and acetic acid (Vinegar).

Instructions:

1. First of all, chop off the lid of the film canister and pack it completely with baking soda.
2. Slowly pour a small quantity (about two teaspoons) of vinegar into the canister.
3. Now gently place the lid on the film canister and close.
4. Quickly turn the canister upside-down, place it on the ground, and move away.
5. Within a matter of few seconds, the canister will shoot up into the air.

In case it happens that your rocket fizzles, then use a canister with a tighter-fitting lid. Demonstrate this project in an open space. Be quick to move away from the canister, as soon as you put the lid since it can blow quickly.

Easy to Make Barometer

Materials: A measuring glass or an empty container, an empty soda bottle and water.

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass or a container with water and add some colored dye into the water.
2. Flip an empty soda bottle upside down into the glass or container. (Make sure you use a bottle that fits snugly in the container so that the mouth of the bottle doesn’t touch the base of the cup.)
3. Now make sure that the water level extends into the neck of the bottle.
4. Mark a line on the cup, which will help indicate the water level within the bottle.
5. Once you have set this apparatus, re-examine the bottle in a few days.

Since the water extended into the bottle acts as a plug, the amount of air within the bottle cannot change. This quantity of air trapped into the bottle serves as an indicator of the air pressure. When the air pressure increases, the pressure on the water surface is greater and hence the water is forced up into the bottle. This is the basic principle of the barometer that can be simulated in this simple –to-construct barometer that will make for a great science fair project.

Science can be a fun subject if students are allowed to explore the scientific principles and concepts on their own. A science project gives the students the opportunity, to experiment with various scientific ideas and see the results for themselves. Not only this, but a science fair can be the inception of a strong inclination towards the subject and nurture the attitude of looking beyond the obvious…