WHERE TO START?

Science Fair

How to pick a topic?

Think of a part of science you are interested in.

Do you have any questions or is there anything you ever wanted to know about that part of science?

Research different topics/projects online or with other resources to get ideas.

Once you have found a topic you are interested in make sure it’s an experiment not a demonstration.

Experiment vs. Demonstration

A science demonstration simply shows how something happens. Placing Mentos in diet coke is a demonstration.

A science experiment tests something and answers a question. Placing Mentos in different sodas to see which creates

the biggest reaction is an experiment.

http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/blog/2012/01/16/science-fair-911-demonstrations-vs-experiments/

Question/Purpose

Once you have picked your topic determine what is the scientific question/problem. EX: Which type of soda, diet coke, diet pepsi, coke

zero, or regular coke has the largest reaction when mixed with Mentos?

Purpose: Describes why you are doing the experiment/what you are trying to find out. EX: The purpose of this experiment is to determine

(find out) which soda diet coke, diet pepsi, coke zero, or regular coke has the largest reaction when mixed with Mentos.

Hypothesis

Come up with a possible answer/explanations of the initial question that is based on research.

The words if and then should be used. EX: If diet coke has more chemicals than diet Pepsi,

Coke Zero, and regular coke then it will have the largest reaction with the Mentos because of the composition of the Mentos.

Variables

Before the experiment can be run all variables need to be considered.

Independent Variable: the ONE part of the experiment that changes. EX: The type of soda.

Dependent Variable: the part of the experiment that is measured. EX: The height of the soda caused by the reaction with

Mentos. Control: the parts of the experiment that

remains the same. EX: the amount of Mentos added, the process used to

add the mentos, etc.

Endorsements

All science fair projects need to be safe and controlled.

If a project involves living things: people, plants, animals, and/or bacteria an endorsement is required to ensure that everything is safe.

If your project involves any of the above items check with your teacher to make sure it is acceptable.