Which Project should I choose?

[DeadArby5]

My previous project, The Thermoelectric effect, made it to Nationals but I sadly didn't get chosen for ISEF.

I'm thinking about doing either http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-f ... ml#summary or http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-f ... p002.shtml. Which project is the better one?

Thanks

[kgudger]

Hello and welcome to the forums.

I looked at both experiments, and they are very different. The ion engine project is more of a research project, and the fuel cell project requires building a fuel cell from a kit. The fuel cell project will take much longer to complete. I don't think either project will be a "winner' without significant modification by the student (which is a good idea anyway.) Judges don't tend to like either research projects or "kit" projects.
Questions to ask yourself:

How much time do you have?
How much do you want to spend?
Do you prefer virtual projects or "hands-on" projects?
How can you extend the project into something more interesting?

If you can answer these questions, let us know what you decide.
Keith

[DeadArby5]

I think I have chosen the Ion Engine Project.

How much time do you have? 8 months +-
How much do you want to spend? Any Amount of time required to make it a good project
Do you prefer virtual projects or "hands-on" projects? I like both equally
How can you extend the project into something more interesting? Yes I am considering doing something like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwqD3uebmy4.