Find a Project Idea

1 - Ask a Question

The scientific method starts when you ask a question about something that you observe: How, What, When, Who, Which, Why, or Where? For a science fair project, your question should typically be something you can measure, preferably with a number, and should be something that is interesting and important to you.

Task #1B: Find a Project Idea

1. Find a project idea using one or more of the following methods:
   • Option 1: Science Buddies Topic Selection Wizard (TSW)
     • Be sure to check the ‘Method’ section near the top of the project and pick a project that follows the Scientific Method.
     • Note that projects with an * are Abbreviated Project Ideas that do not have procedures provided for you.
     • Be sure to check out the ‘Variations’ section at the bottom of each Project Idea for additional ideas.
   • Option 2: Search the Science Buddies Science Projects page for a project that interests you. From this page, you can filter by area of science, grade level, cost, and more.
   • Option 3: An internet or library search.
   • Option 4: Develop your own idea based on a question you have. Discuss possible ideas with your classmates, teacher, and family.
   NOTE: Finding the right project can take time! You may want to keep a list of options that seem interesting to you as you come across them and then narrow the list down based on the checklist below.

2. Make sure your project idea meets each of the criteria on the checklist below:

   Project Idea Checklist

   • The project idea is interesting enough to read about and then work on for the next couple of months.
     The project idea is genuinely interesting to me and ideally customized to meet my specific interests.
     I can find at least 3 trustworthy reference materials on the subject.
     I can measure changes to the important factors (variables) using a number that represents a quantity, such as a count, percentage, length, width, voltage, time, yes/no, etc.
     I can change only one factor (variable) at a time and control the other factors that might influence the experiment so that they do not interfere.
     The experiment is safe to perform.
     I can get all the materials I need for my experiment.
     I have enough time to complete my experiment.
     The experiment meets all the rules and requirements for my presentation (science fair, etc.).
3. Check the option that best applies to you and share your project below:
   • I will be doing a project I found on the Science Buddies website.
     I will be doing a project I found on another website or in a book.
     I will be doing an *Abbreviated Project Idea from the Science Buddies website.
     I will be doing a Variation of a Project Idea from the Science Buddies website.
     I thought up my own science project idea.
   Link to your Science Buddies Project Idea, another project idea, or the title of the book your idea came from (skip if you thought of your own project idea):
   If you are doing your own project idea or a Variation from a Science Buddies Project Idea, explain it here:
4. Why is this project interesting or important to you? How will you customize it to fit your specific interests?
   Your Answer:
5. Will your project require any safety equipment or have any steps you need to follow to stay safe during your experiment? Explain how you will stay safe during your project.
   Yes

   No
   Explain: