Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,
I am an eighth grade student who would like to build my own telescope for science fair. However, I need some ideas on how to make this project my own. Should I try to find ways to improve the telescope(engineering goal), or use the telescope to observe planetary bodies(astronomy)?
Thank you.

There are lot of variables you could test in a telescope.

Since I'm an engineer I think it would be interesting to test a way to improve the telescope. Perhaps you could test different materials of construction or different sizes/focal lengths.

Using the telescope for astromony would also be very interesting.

Have fun!