Authored by Kennedy Allen in Education
Published on 07-22-2009

Choosing a science fair project idea can be a complicated process. There are so many to choose from. However, if you want to stand out and win, the project you choose should be one that hasn’t been overdone. No project that has been shown time and time again (like the erupting volcano) will grasp the attention of the judges!

First thing in choosing a science fair project idea is to focus on the branch of science that appeals to you the most. Also keep in mind that the more relevant your experiment, the more people will pay attention to it. A good subject for this would be environmental science. Nowadays everyone is open to learning more about the environment and how to protect it, so why not teach people a little about the effect some pollutants have on our earth?

The rule of science fair project ideas is to answer questions people really ask themselves. One is: Do detergents affect plant growth? This is an easy project, but it takes some time for proper observation. The supplies are 4 plants (same species, separate pots), 3 detergents (all different), and a space with sunshine to leave your plants at for a minimum of 7 days. One plant will be cared for with one cup clean water, while the others will each be watered with half a cup of detergent mixed with half a cup of water. At the end of the 7 days, record what happened to each plant and compare it to the original hypothesis.

Another science fair project idea would be to show the importance of recycling. The environmental question to answer is: How much space does trash occupy? This science fair project idea requires research and dedication, but might be by far the most rewarding. It also requires no materials other than your presentation board.

You will need a box to place all the plastic, paper, and aluminum garbage that your household puts out for one week. When the week is done, calculate how much trash there is in the box (by using the height x depth x width of the trash collected). Multiply that by the weeks in a year, and then that number by the amount of houses on your street. The answer is sure to create an impact. So much space, and that’s just the families on your street!

Then you can compact the trash (by flattening it or chopping up) and calculate how much space it takes up. For sure it will still be a lot. Add statistics like how long this waste takes to decompose, and how much harm it causes the air when it is burned. Your project will point out to people how much space is wasted on waste products, and encourage recycling.

The key to having the best science fair project idea lies in the originality and relevance of the question you choose to answer. Your presentation should show how much time and effort you put into it, with useful information and facts. Plan accordingly, and best of luck!