Do you need some ideas for your science fair project?
- The best project ideas come from working with what interests you and asking a question that you don't already know the answer to.
- The project is based on designing and using an experiment to help investigate the answer your question. If researching information would answer your question, then it is material for a report, not a science experiment. So think of something else.
- The whole point of this project is to solve a question using the steps of the scientific method. Keep the content/topic simple and do the process thoroughly!
No student will be allowed to design or conduct any science project that involves:
- firearms, explosives, or discharge air pressure canister devices (i.e. potato guns)
- growing bacteria or mold at home
- causing pain, suffering, sickness, or death of an animal
- any activity or substance that presents a danger to the student or the environment, including hazardous chemicals or radioactive materials.
There are many websites that have been set up to help you explore project ideas. A few favorite websites are:
Discovery Education - this website does a SUPER job of providing examples of project ideas and spells out:
What is being tested? What is staying the same? and What data needs to be collected?
It is an EXCELLENT resource for kids (and their parents!)
Steve Spangler Science - this website has GREAT VIDEO CLIPS of simple experiments that can trigger some questions to explore. Click on one that interests you, watch it, and then start to wonder what other things might happen if you changed a variable. That can lead you to a question to test with an experiment. Bingo!
Science Buddies - this website has a "Topic Selection Wizard" that will ask you some questions and then provide you with some suggested topics that match up to your interests.
Another great find is through education.com - they have many project ideas arranged by grade level and difficulty levels.
Website created and maintained by Mrs. Diane Wells - 5th Grade Teacher at Kiker Elementary, Austin ISD, Austin, TX.