Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello, I am not sure where to start really. For a few weeks I have been thinking about entering a local science fair revolving around high schools and community colleges in the area. With that said, I have absolutely no idea where to begin. I have thought about a few ideas (using radar to detect surrounding cars, recording biodiversity in a species of goldfish (analyzing dominant and recessive traits) etc.), but they are either too expensive or I am at risk of copyrighting something. I would like to talk over some ideas that are affordable and perhaps have a chance of winning, as I have always had an interest in science but have no idea where to begin.

I understand that we can't share personal information here, however I believe there is alternative ways to contact each other, if we do not choose to do so on this thread directly.

NickSpec101-

I think you'll have fun with the science fair. Since you have interest in a lot of areas, the question I'd ask you is what of these areas really makes you smile when you think about it? If you really love biology rather than electronics, or genetics rather than physics then concentrate on a project in that area. Copyright issues aren't a problem for science fair projects if you make reference to work that's been done AND you cite it properly.

The whole purpose of the Science Buddies site is to help you along the way and give you ideas. Have you looked at the topic selection wizard? (https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... gister.php). There are over a thousand ideas here and you can obviously use any of them as-is, or as a basis for making up your own.

The 'chance of winning' is hard to pin down. It depends entirely on how your work is judged in comparison to others. To win in fairs I've judged you have to know your topic cold, be prepared to discuss all aspects of it in detail, be meticulous with your notes and have followed good scientific or engineering methods. For many students it's not about winning as it is about having the chance to show what you know about a subject to your peers and experts.

And you're right that people here won't discuss things off the forum. That's for everyone's safety. Discussing your project here is fine - you also will have access to more expertise depending on what you decide your project will be.

Howard

HowardE wrote:NickSpec101-

I think you'll have fun with the science fair. Since you have interest in a lot of areas, the question I'd ask you is what of these areas really makes you smile when you think about it? If you really love biology rather than electronics, or genetics rather than physics then concentrate on a project in that area. Copyright issues aren't a problem for science fair projects if you make reference to work that's been done AND you cite it properly.

The whole purpose of the Science Buddies site is to help you along the way and give you ideas. Have you looked at the topic selection wizard? (https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... gister.php). There are over a thousand ideas here and you can obviously use any of them as-is, or as a basis for making up your own.

The 'chance of winning' is hard to pin down. It depends entirely on how your work is judged in comparison to others. To win in fairs I've judged you have to know your topic cold, be prepared to discuss all aspects of it in detail, be meticulous with your notes and have followed good scientific or engineering methods. For many students it's not about winning as it is about having the chance to show what you know about a subject to your peers and experts.

And you're right that people here won't discuss things off the forum. That's for everyone's safety. Discussing your project here is fine - you also will have access to more expertise depending on what you decide your project will be.

Howard

Thank you. I appreciate the help. Alright let us see... I really enjoy physics. It has always been an interest of mine. Besides that, it would have to be genetics. Those two I really do enjoy learning about. So I guess it would be 1. Physics, 2. Genetics.

With that in mind I will check out the URL you posted. If you have any other suggestions with these two subjects and requirements in mind, I will be pleased to here it.

Anyway, thanks again.

I loved both physics and genetics when we got to it in Biology. There was something so matter-of-fact about genetics, yet it had many imprecise things about it as well. Physics of course it very precise and the applications of it in science are endless.

Throw out some topics here that get your heart racing and someone in the field may be able to jump in and give you suggestions. And do look at the project selector. It's pretty cool.

Howard

Alright. I guess to start it off I did a report or so back dealing with alternative energy sources and really focused on hydroelectric power. So most projects encompassing that would be I guess right up my alley. I also enjoy doing things with magnets or electricity. Besides that, pretty much anything dealing with astrophysics, sun, light speed, planets, etc.

Update, after careful consideration I have decided to do an experiment on the viability of hydroelectric generators as a replacement for fossil fuels in place accompanied by a multitude of streams/rivers with a higher stream flow rate.

With this in mind, I was wondering if you could suggest sites that would help me get a glimpse in to how to build a mini hydroelectric generator. I know the basics of course and plan to use copper and neodymium magnets but with that and other then a few ideas I am at a loss at how to design and execute that design.

If you could refer any sites or info that you might know off the top of your head I would be ever so grateful. Anyway, thanks!

You could always start with our generator project, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p078.shtml . You'll have to improvise the hydro part but a basic water wheel connected to the generator shaft would be a good start. Almost any cheap DC motor will work as a generator if you don't want to build that piece yourself.

Once you have a hydro generator built, devise an experiment. What is it you'd like to test? Different flow rates? Water coming from different heights? Different generator designs?

I will most likely test waters with different densities (e.g. fresh and salt water) at a few varying heights. Eventually I want to find out what places are best suitable for hydroelectric generators rather then carbon-based energy.

Alright I will check that site out and with help from a few other webpages I stumbled across, I think I can build it with little to no problem. Thanks!

Good ideas! Be scientific about it and please come back and post with your progress. It sounds very cool.

Howard