Science Fair Resources

Elementary STEM Project Resources

Science Project Information

What is a Science Experiment?

The goal of an science experiment is to conduct an experiment to answer a question. During this project you will determine a testable question on a topic of interest, design and conduct an experiment, collect data, analyze your results, and share your findings with other scientists. 

Science Experiment vs A Demonstration

I is important that you conduct an experiment for your project versus doing a demonstration on how something works or a report on a topic.  A science experiment will always center around a question that is answered by collecting data, NOT a question that is answered by a simple yes or no, or can be answered by searching the internet.

Science Experiment A science experiment has variables, tests different materials, and generates data.	Science Demonstration: A science demonstration shows how something works. Do not do a demonstration.
Examples: Which brand of batteries lasts the longest when connected to a lightbulb using a simple circuit?	Examples: Create a circuit to show how electricity lights a lightbulb.
How do the amounts of baking soda and vinegar affect the volume of bubbles created?	Build a model volcano that uses baking soda and vinegar “lava”.
What slime recipe will create slime that can stretch the furthest?	Show how to make slime.
How does rocket shape affect flight height?	Create a report on the Artemis mission.

 

 

 

 

Setting Up Your Research Notebook

The first thing is to set up your research notebook.  This is just like your class notebook in STEAM.  It will need the following sections:

• Your name and Research Notebook on the front cover
• Starting on page 1 you will need a Table of Contents.  Include a table that has the headings Date, Title, and Page.  I would save 3-4 pages for this section.
• The remainder of the notebook will be used for all your information, notes, data, for each section of this project.
• Number these pages beginning with 1.  For now, 20 - 30 pages should be enough.  Remember, you can always continue numbering if you run out.
• You might want to consider adding section tabs to help you flip through the notebook quickly.

 

The Scientific Inquiry Process

 

 

 

In the Ask step, you will select a topic for your science experiment and develop a question that is testable.  A testable question is one that you answer through conducting an investigation where your observations provide evidence. 

Brainstorming

The first thing is to come up with a topic that your project will be about.

• Begin by creating an entry in your Table of Contents titled Topic Selection and the page number where you will begin.
• Next, go to that page in your notebook and title the page Topic Selection.
• Now it is time to start brainstorming things that interest you.  These could be hobbies, sports, things you wish you knew more about, etc. 
• If you are having a hard time coming up with ideas, talk with your family or friends.  The Science Buddies website has a Topic Selection Wizard that may help you find project ideas.  The energy KIDS website also has science projects ideas. If you use one of these sites to help generate ideas, do not pick a specific project.  Instead, write down several ideas that interest you.
• Write these ideas down in your notebook.  You want to come up with at least 5 or 6 ideas.

 

Selecting A Topic

Narrow down your list to the 2 or 3 ideas that you think are the best.

• Keep ideas that:
  • you can answer with a science experiment
  • have not already been answered
  • are approved by adults and your teacher 
• Exclude ideas that:
  • are unsafe or dangerous
  • cannot be answered in 9 weeks
  • are too expensive
  • are too large
  • require large teams of people
  • are outside your skill set
  • use tools and materials you do not have or can easily get

 

 

 

Middle & High School Project Resources