Science Fair Projects

The Beaverton City Library has acess to numerous books and online resources for

anyone who is doing a science fair project.

Ask for a Science Fair Pathfinder or print this out!

check out this cool database at BCL

Facts on File: Science Online--also available from home via http://www.wccls.org/periodicals/index.cfm?pac=a under science
This database is an excellent science reference resources that includes science experiments classified by discipline and rated for age/difficulty. Science online also uses beautiful tables, diagrams, and videos to illustrate concepts and includes essays on major topics an issues in science and technology. Seriously, check this out.

On The Web

Conservation International: 7 Steps to a Successful Project http://investigate.conservation.org/xp/IB/sciencefairs/7steps/step1.xml From identifying you research question to presenting your project, this site takes an in-depth look at the seven steps they suggest it takes to complete a successful science fair project. Also browse through their database of science fair winners.

Neuroscience For Kids: Successful Science Fair Projects http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html This website features a brief outline to help you complete your science fair project as well as a few tips and tricks. This site also contains additional links and brain activities.

USC: What Makes a Good Science Fair Project? http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/Resources/Good_Project.html . A short selection of tips to help you form your hypothesis along with some insider info as to what the judges might be looking for.

Wiley: Developing a Science Fair Project http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-104125.html.This website offers a step-by-step overview to completing your science fair project with advice about “tinkering” research and developing a hypothesis.

Chemisty.About.com: How to Do a Science Fair Project http://chemistry.about.com/od/sciencefairprojects/a/doscience.htm This website is great because it not only offers an overview of how-to complete your science fair project but also links to other sites that go more in-depth into experimentation, presentation, etc…

Science Buddies: Steps to the Scientific Method
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_scientific_method.shtml
In addition to a great overview of the scientific method, this site also provides help with choosing a topic and a step-by-step guide to completing and presenting your science fair project. The Tips and Techniques for preparing for advanced science competitions is a great resource for older students.


Discovery Education: Science Fair Central
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/Getting-Started/Investigation.html
Plenty of project ideas and tips and techniques for developing and presenting successful science fair projects and virtual labs for practicing science inquiry techniques. Designed for educators but could be useful for students as well.


US Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Ideas for Science Fairs
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/fair/ideasframe.htm
Project ideas for exploring agriculture using a variety of scientific disciplines. What happens when you grow sweet potatoes next to other plants? How does soil type affect different types of plant growth? You will just have to do the experiment to find out.


All Science Fair Projects
http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/index.php
Browse or search through hundreds of project ideas organized by scientific discipline and grade level.


Society for Science and the Public: The Process of Science
http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/primer/scientific_method.asp
An in-depth yet accessible essay on the process of scientific inquiry as wells as tips and techniques for non-inquiry based research projects and theoretical projects. This is a great
resource for middle school and high school students.


PBS Kids DragonFly TV: Science Fair
http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv/show/bodyelectricity.html?video=bodyelectricity
Let the Super Science Spinner help you choose a topic you are curious about and then explore experiments and procedures that will lead you to the answers. Each project has its own webpage where you can watch videos of kids conducting the experiments along with tips on how to create your own science fair project. This is a great resource for younger kids.


Science News For Kids: Science Project Topics
http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/pages/sciencefairzone/topics.asp
Browse topics by scientific category, ask an expert, and even catch up on Science Fair News.


Bill Nye the Science Guy: Nye Labs
http://www.billnye.com/
This is a really fun website with hundreds of ideas for experiments, tips, and an episode guide for Bill Nye’s television show.

Peter Macinnes: Science Fair Page http://members.ozemail.com.au/~macinnis/scifun/projects.htm#N21 A straight and to-the-point introduction to the “standard” format for presenting your project.

NCES KidsZone: Create a Graph http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx

This website allows you to make all kinds of cool graphs and then print them out!

BBC Bitesize: Representing Data http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/maths/handling_data/rep_data_1_intro.shtml A brief introduction to all types of graphs, tables, and charts with games to test what you have learned.

Dr. Shawn’s Super Science Fair Support Center: Secrets to Writing a Winning Science Fair Report http://www.scifair.org/howtowriteakillerreport.html A variety of tips on how to communicate your ideas and findings clearly and secrets that will impress the judges.

Connecticut Science Fair: Getting Your Display Ready http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/students/abstract.asp This is a really great essay on creating your display with information on what you need to include (and what not to include.)

Science Fair Central: How to Create A Winning Science Fair Display Board http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/Science-Fair-Presentations/How-to-Create-a-Winning-Science-Fair-Display-Board.html This page is full of presentation dos & dont's, insider tips on judging criteria, and a final checklist for finishing up your project.

Internet Public Library’s: Science Fair Resource Guide http://www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/projectguide/

California State Science Fair http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/

Science Fair Handbook http://eduplace.com/science/profdev/science_fair/index.html

Exploratorium http://www.exploratorium.edu/explore/index.html (Includes a hands-on-activities page!)

Newton’s Apple Science Fair Projects http://www.newtonsapple.tv/ScienceFair.php

———————————————————————————

Books & DVDs

The Everything Kid’s Science Experiments Book (2001) By Tom Robinson With the help of a few household objects, high school science teacher Tom Robinson will help you structure an experiment… and blow the minds of the judges! (J507.8 ROB)

Strategies for Winning Science Fair Projects (2002) By Joyce Henderson and Heather Tomasello “Written by a science fair judge and an international science fair winner” this resource is “packed with strategies and pointers for putting together a winning science fair project.” (507.8 HEN)

Science Fair: Developing a Successful and Fun Project (1987) By Maxine H. Iritz In addition to an in-depth step-by-step guide to completing your science fair project, this book also contains examples of forms you might need for submitting your project. (507.8 IRI)

Science Fair Handbook (1998) By Danna Voth A good beginner’s resource full of information starting with the most important question of all:“What is a Science Fair?” Covers all of the science fair basics. (507.8 VOT)

Janice VanCleave’s 202 Oozing, Bubbling, Dripping, & Bouncing Experiments (1996)
By Janice VanCleave

Contains a variety of easy to understand experiments in science disciplines ranging from Biology to Physics. (J 507.8 VAN)

Janice VanCleave’s Guide to the Best Science Fair Projects (1997)
By Janice VanCleave
Even more science fair ideas from the queen of the science fair.
(J 507.9 VAN)

Janice VanCleave’s 203 Icy, Freezing, Frosty, Cool, & Wild Experiments (1999)
By Janice VanCleave
Get your thermometers out and explore this collection of experiments “designed to show you that science is more than a list of facts—science is fun!”( J507.8 VAN)

Janice VanCleave’s Help My Science Project is Due
Tomorrow! (2002)
By Janice VanCleave
This book was designed with procrastinators in mind. Hooray! Filled with experiments that can be done over night. ( J507.8) VAN)

Science Arts: Discovering Science Through Art Experiences (1993)
By MaryAnn F. Kohl and Jean Potter
Art and science come together in this book science experiments. Also include age suggestions for each experiment as well as other considerations such as the amount of time required and the amount of assistance needed. ( J 507.8 KOH)

47 Easy-To-Do Classic Science Experiments (1989)
By Eugene F. Provenzo, Jr. and Asterie Baker Provenzo
Go old-school by building your own moving picture machine or a paper cup string telephone. (507.8 PRO)

Chemistry Science Fair Projects Using French Fries,
Gumdrops, Soap, and Other Organic Stuff (2004)
By Robert Gardner and Barbara Gardner Conkin
Explore experiments that will help you discover the world of organic chemistry using household materials. (507.8 GAR)

Sports Science (2006)
By Shar Levine and Leslie Johnstone
Conduct experiments that will help you explore everything from Anthropometry to what makes the perfect sprinting shoe.
(J 507.8 LEV)

Shocking, Slimy, Stinky, Shiny Science Experiments (1998)
By Steve Parker
EWWW! Use household objects to make gross things and learn something in the process. (J 507.8 PAR)

Yikes! Wow! Yuck!: Fun Experiments for Your First Science Fair (2008)
By Elizabeth S. Harris
For your first science fair, this book has it all: how to do it, how to record the results, and great ideas for a project! (J 507.8 HAR)

Genetics and Evolution Science Fair Projects Using Skeletons, Cereal, Earthworms, and More (2005)
By Robert Gardner
Want to explore the world of DNA and genes without a million dollar lab? These science experiments will have you testing genetic inheritance, population growth, and more! (507.8 GAR)

Cell and Microbe Science Fair Projects Using Microscopes, Mold, and More (2005)
By Kenneth G. Rainis
Uncover the teeming world of bacteria, fungi, and protists that exist right under your very nose! (507.8 RAI)

Championship Science Fair Projects: 100 Sure-to-Win Experiments (2004)
By Supita Bardhan-Quallen
Not sure if you feel ready for a science fair project? This book introduces you to all sorts of projects that even the science-shy will enjoy! (507.8 BAR)

Bill Nye the Science Guy: Do-it-yourself Science (2003)
Let the master of scientific inquiry walk you through fascinating, kooky science experiments you can try! (J DVD 500 NYE)

Books Science Fair Success (1999) By Ruth Bombaugh In addition to guiding you through the research and experimentation process, this book also includes chapters on writing your research report, making an attractive visual display, and talking to the judges. (507.8 BOM)

How to Excel in Science Competitions (1999) By Melanie Krieger Covers details on organizing, writing, and presenting your abstract and research paper. (J 507.8 KRI)

Science Fair Projects: Planning, Presenting, Succeeding (1999) By Robert Gardner A guide through the entire science fair project process including how to write your research paper and clearly explain your findings to the judges. (507.8 GAR)

Experiment Central: Understanding Science Principles through Projects Vol. 1-6 (2000-2004)
This amazing series features experiments arranged in subject specific chapters. Each chapter is further divided into sections designed to help students follow the standard experimental process and contains a “Design Your Own Experiment” section that allows students to apply what they have learned about a concept to their own experiment to enhance their understanding of the subject. This series cannot be checked out, but it can be used in the library or photocopied. (HC REF 507.8 EXP)

Facts on File Science Library: Science Experiments (2000) (Featured in photograph, above)
This series contains hundreds of experiments categorized by discipline and then further classified by grade level, time commitment, and whether or not it can be done alone or requires adult supervision. This series cannot be checked out, but it can be used in the library or photocopied. (HC REF 507.8 SCI)