I need a variable idea for my project!

[deleted-305228]

OK, for my science project, i wanted to build a hovercraft. i found one on this website, but i don't know what i could use as a variable without having to make more than one!

[norman40]

Hello CameronDane,

I’m assuming that you are working on the hovercraft project described here:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ml#summary

A couple of possible variables come to mind. You could test to find the maximum weight that the craft can lift. Another could be a test of the speed of the craft on smooth and rough surfaces. This might be challenging as you’d need some way to launch the hovercraft with a consistent force. And you’d need quite a bit of space to do your speed tests.

Another idea is to build the hovercraft as a demonstration but test smaller craft as described here:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ml#summary

This approach may be more practical because it would be much easier to change your test conditions with the smaller hovercraft.

I hope this helps and good luck with your project. Please post again if you have more questions.

A. Norman

[deleted-305228]

Thank you SOOOOOO much!!!!!!
You have really great ideas!

[bfinio]

Hi CameronDane,

Another option is to see if your science fair accepts engineering projects. Engineering projects are different from projects that follow the scientific method. The very short explanation is that in an engineering project your goal is to design and build something (in this case, a hovercraft), which will probably require multiple rounds of building and testing because your project won't work perfectly on the first try. You are not necessarily doing an experiment with an independent and dependent variable like in a regular science project.

We have a page explaining the differences here:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/engineer ... thod.shtml

And a page with more details about the engineering design process here:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/engineer ... ignprocess

Many science fairs now have an "engineering" category, but you should ask your teacher if this would be acceptable.

[deleted-305228]

And, yes, that is the hovercraft guide that i am using.