THE SKY’S THE LIMIT!
Middle School Level
Information for Preparing a
Science Fair Project
WATKINS GLEN CENTRAL
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Science Fair
March 19, 2011
Watkins Glen Elementary School
Watkins Glen Central School District
January 12, 2011
Dear Student:
We are delighted that you’re interested in science and our Science Fair “The Sky’s the Limit!” It is scheduled for March
19 at the Watkins Glen Elementary School Cafeterias. This is a great opportunity for you to pursue a research project of
your choosing and be able to tell people in your community what you learned or discovered. You should also know that
extra credit will be offered for any one who successfully completes a project and participates in the science fair. It will be
up to your science teacher to determine how “successfully” your project was completed.
You will need a mentor to help you with your project. It is expected that this mentor will be a parent, other relative or
family friend. It is not expected that this mentor will be your teacher. The mentor’s job is to:
- help with project choice and listen to you work through ideas
- direct or take you to find background research information
- help get materials needed for the project
- ensure safety precautions are taken
- assist with transportation to the Science Fair
Please note that the mentor does not:
- do the project for you
This packet contains information to help you prepare your project. First, fill out and return the “Science Fair Project
Proposal” found on the next page. It is the official registration form for the Science Fair. Make sure to return it to your
science teacher (or to Mr. Murphy) by Jan 28. You will receive word back on approval of your proposal by Feb 4.
It is very important that you read “How to Prepare a Science Project” included in this packet. This section will answer
many of your questions, explain how to conduct your research, and tell you what must be included in your display. Be sure
to read “Safety Rules”. All students must follow these guidelines. Any project, which does not observe these guidelines,
will be disqualified.
The “Student Time Line” will help you develop a plan for your experiment so that you will finish in time to display your
work at the Science Fair. You should discuss this plan with your mentor, so that your goals are realistic.
“Your Display” will help you build your display for your exhibit at the Science Fair. You do not need to follow the
suggestions provided but you do need to make sure that you stay within the maximum size restrictions.
The “Objectives for Middle School Students Participating in the Science Fair”, “Evaluation Criteria for the Middle
School Science Fair” and the “Science Fair Evaluation Form” are included so that you will know the factors that the
evaluators will take into consideration.
You will set up your projects at the Elementary School cafeterias on Saturday morning, March 19, between 9:30 and 10
a.m. The projects will be open for public display between 10 and 11 am. You will have the opportunity to talk to
evaluators about your projects starting at 11:30 am. Please note that parents will wait outside of the cafeteria while
evaluators review projects with students. You may want to practice answering questions about your project with your
parent or mentor before the fair. You may leave after you have completed your interviews. If you would like to see the
certificates and ribbons that were earned you can come back at 5:00. You can at that point pick up any materials that you
do not want to leave at the school. The projects will be kept at the school to display during school hours on Monday,
March 21. You may pick up the projects at the end of the day on that Monday.
The Donovan Academy provided much of the information contained in this packet and funding for the Science Fair was
provided by the Corning Inc. Foundation. If you have any further questions, please contact Sally Cocca at the elementary
school, Jim Murphy at the Middle School, or Sonya McCauley at 535-2359 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
The Science Fair Committee
SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT PROPOSAL
Middle School Level
March 19, 2011
Official Registration Form
YOU MUST FILL OUT AND RETURN THIS FORM TO BE REGISTERED FOR THE FAIR
Name: _________________________________________ Grade:___________________
Teacher: _______________________________________
Home Phone: ___________________________________
Address: ______________________________________
Project Title:
Project Description (Please use back of this page if necessary):
This project is:
______ an experiment
______ a scientific principle
If you have any special requirements for your project display (electrical outlet, etc), please check here.
Only request electricity if it is critical for your display. You will be responsible for bringing your own
extension cords, adaptors etc to the school. Please note if you will need assistance with other
materials.
_______ I will need an electrical outlet
Other special needs: _____________________________________________
Parent Signature: ___________________________________ Date: _______________
Please return this form to your science teacher by January 28.
GENERAL INFORMATION SHEET FOR SCIENCE FAIR
GENERAL: The Watkins Glen School District is sponsoring its first Science Fair “The Sky’s the
Limit”. It will be held March 19 at the Watkins Glen Elementary School Cafeterias.
PARTICIPATION: Any student in grades K to 8 may enter a project. For grades K – 4, one or two
students may work together for a single project, three or four students may work together for a group
project, or five or more student may enter a classroom project. Students in grades 5 – 8 may enter
projects completed by an individual student or by two students working as partners.
MENTORS: All students must work with a mentor. A mentor is an adult who is willing to assist a
student in defining a project idea, provide guidance in setting up the project, experimental procedures
and analysis of results, and who insures that the student follows the rules, regulations and safety
requirements of the Science Fair. A mentor DOES NOT do the project for the student. All work
should be the student’s own. Students may choose their own mentors: a teacher, a relative, a neighbor,
or a friend.
SET-UP: Projects will be set-up Saturday morning, March 19, 2011 at the Watkins Glen Elementary
School Cafeterias between 9:30 and 10 AM. Students will be responsible for setting up their own
displays.
EVALUATIONS: All projects will be evaluated on Saturday, March 19, 2011 between 11:30 AM and
1:30 PM. Evaluators will interview each student regarding his/her project. Once the evaluation
process begins only students participating in the Science Fair and evaluators may be present in the
exhibition area.
PUBLIC EXHIBITION: The Science Fair will be open to the public on Saturday March 19 between 10
and 11 AM.
PLANNING PACKET: This planning packet will provide general information regarding the science
fair; a registration form; a time line for planning; a guide for doing a science project; display
regulations; and a list of factors that will be used for evaluation.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION FORMS: Registration for students begins the week of Jan 18 when
packets are distributed and ends Jan 28 when forms must be submitted to teachers. The project
proposals will be reviewed and approvals will be notified by Feb 4. Reminder notices will be mailed
out Feb 25 confirming students who are registered. If you do not receive a confirmation letter, you are
not registered. Contact Mrs. Cocca at the Elementary School, Mr. Murphy at the Middle School, or
Sonya McCauley ([email protected]) if you submitted a proposal but do not receive a
letter.
IDEAS FOR PROJECTS: There are lists of websites and Science Fair project ideas attached to this
packet. Students are encouraged to pursue their own areas of interest with scientific investigation and
are not required to select a project from the attached lists.
SAFETY RULES
1.
ALL PROJECTS MUST BE APPROVED BY TEACHER AND MENTOR BEFORE BEGINNING.
2.
Wear safety goggles and follow standard safety practices when working with fire, hot liquids, or caustic chemicals.
Parent approval and supervision is required for these projects.
3.
All experiments using vertebrate animals or humans as subjects should cause no harm or undue stress to the subject(s).
These projects require approval from Mrs. Cocca or Mr. Murphy before beginning.
4.
No live vertebrate may be exhibited at the fair (models, toy animals, or photographs should be used instead).
Exceptions may be granted with special permission.
5.
No human body parts should be displayed. Exceptions are teeth, hair and nails.
6.
Students should avoid doing experiments involving bacteria cultures. Bacterial cultures may not be exhibited.
7.
No controlled substances should be exhibited.
8.
No dangerous or combustible chemicals should be displayed. Rockets or engines must not contain fuel. All chemicals
diplayed should have the contents clearly marked on the container.
9.
No open flames will be permitted. Devices producing temperatures greater than 70 degrees C must be adequately
insulated.
10. Expensive or fragile items should not be displayed. Valuable items essential to the project should be simulated or
photographed.
11. Items to be displayed in front of backboard should be adequately secured (ie. Batteries, wire, switch and motor – secure
to a piece of plywood and place in front of backboard.)
12. Carefully pack all materials when transporting to and from the fair.
13. The following electrical safety rules must be observed:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Wiring must be properly insulated and fastened.
Household and high voltage circuits must include an adequate overload safety device.
High voltage equipment must be shielded with a grounded metal age or box to prvent accidental contact.
Approved cords and switches must be used for circuits operating on 110 volts. Open knife switches are not
acceptable for circuits exceeding 12 volts.
Wet cell batteries with open tops are not permitted.
Devices which generate dangerous rays (vacuum tubes, lasers, etc.) must be properly shielded. Only class 1 and II
lasers may be operated at the exhibit. These lasers:
1. Must have a protective housing preventing access to them.
2. Be operated only in the presence of teh exhibitor and be disconnected when not in use.
3. Be accompanied by adequate warning signs (ie. “Danger! Laser radiation, do not look into beam.)
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT TIMELINE
__Jan 18__
Science teachers send packets home with interested students
_________
Choose an area that interests you. Identify a problem or specific topic to investigate within that area.
_Jan 18-28
Submit project proposals to your science teacher
__Feb 4___
Receive approval for your project idea
___________
Research your topic
___________
Organize everything you plan to do
___________
Write out your procedure.
___________
Propose a hypothesis (educated guess on what you think your experimental outcome will be).
___________
Gather all necessary materials
___________
Perform your experiment. Remember to include a control, if applicable, properly manage all
variables, maintain an adequate sample size and collect your data in metric units when possible.
___________
Analyze your results. Use tables or graphs to show important relationships.
_________
Formulate your conclusions. Was your original hypothesis correct? Must you perform any
additional experiments to prove or support your conclusion?
Feb 24
Science & Discovery Center educators available after school to offer extra help for any students
participating in Science Fair (to be held in Mr. Murphy’s classroom.)
___Feb 25_
Reminder notices mailed to registered students. Please note that if you do not receive a reminder notice
at this time you are not registered for the Science Fair.
___Mar 1_
Begin working on display. Present information you collected in easy-to-read graphs or tables. Reserve
special areas on your display for your problem, hypothesis, procedure, results, conclusion, and
acknowledgements.
___Mar 3_
Science & Discovery Center educators available after school to offer extra help for any students
participating in Science Fair (to be held in Mr. Murphy’s classroom.)
__Mar 19
Sign in and set up for projects from 9 to 9:30. Discuss your project with the public from 9:30 to 11:00
AM. You must be present for evaluations at 11:30. Pick up any materials at 5:00 that you do not want
left at the school
__Mar 21_
Pick up projects from Watkins Glen Elementary after school.
OBJECTIVES OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION OF THE SCIENCE FAIR
1. Students should identify a clear and
achievable goal.
2. Students should respond thoughtfully to
ideas and inspiration.
3. Students should describe and justify a
focus on the chosen area(s) of interaction.
4. Students should organize their work in a
coherent manner according to the
required structure.
15. Students should show awareness of the
overall perspectives related to the chosen
topic or piece of work.
16. Students should justify the techniques.
Students should meet deadlines.
17. Students should apply the chosen
techniques consistently and effectively.
18. Students should follow agreed procedures
and work plans.
5. Students should describe the steps
followed to achieve the stated goal.
Students should present information
clearly.
19. Students should analyze the information
in terms of the goal and the focus of the
project.
6. Students should adhere to the stated goal
throughout the project.
20. Students should make appropriate use of
a process journal or log book.
7. Students should present references,
bibliography and symbolic representations
appropriately.
21. Students should express personal
thought. Students should show initiative,
enthusiasm and commitment to the task.
8. Students should select and utilize
adequate, varied resources.
22. Students should support arguments with
evidence.
9. Students should identify the strengths and
weaknesses of the project at different
stages of development.
10. Students should identify and use relevant
information critically.
11. Students should, where appropriate,
suggest ways in which the project could
have been tackled differently.
12. Students should acknowledge sources of
information appropriately.
13. Students should assess the achieved
results in terms of the initial goal.
14. Students should choose techniques
relevant to the project’s goal.
HOW TO PREPARE A SCIENCE PROJECT
I.
Choose a Subject.
A. Start by listing subjects that interest you (baking, painting, football, swimming, music, dancing, skating)
B. List questions from each area that you think might be interesting to answer. (“What does butter do for
cookies?”; “How do different paints behave on different surfaces?”; “How does temperature affect a
football’s air pressure?”; “Do fins really make you swim faster?”; “How does vibration make music?”;
“How fast can a ballerina spin?”; “Which are faster: rollerblades or ice skates?” Make your questions as
specific as possible.
C. Choose one that you think you can answer. This is the “Problem” you will solve. While choosing,
consider these three questions:
1. Will it be interesting and safe?
2. Can I get the necessary equipment or materials to do it?
3. Will I have enough time to complete it?
II.
Decide if answering your problem will “Demonstrate a Scientific Principle” or require an “Experiment”.
A. Demonstration of a scientific principle will explain how something works (an electric motor) or why
something happens the way it does (what causes rainbows)
B. An experiment will test a hypothesis (or educated guess) on what you think will happen when you
answer your problem.
1. Your hypothesis does not need to be correct.
2. The experiment will test it to see if the hypothesis is right. For example, “I expect butter will make
cookies stick together.”
C. Research available resources. Find out as much as you can about your topic.
III.
A.
Begin your project.
Demonstration
1. When you demonstrate be sure you understand it thoroughly and can explain it to others.
2. If possible, put together a working model (ex. A telegraph, a bell, an electric motor.)
B. Experiment
1. State your hypothesis
2. Design your project
a. List materials you will use.
b. Outline procedures you will follow
c. Include tables/charts for collecting data
3. Make measurements and use the metric system if possible.
4. Use a control if possible. The control will be the standard by which you compare how the
experimental changes (variables) work.
-For example, make one cookie with butter as directed in recipe, one cookie with no butter, one
cookie with two times more better, etc. The one that follows the recipe as directed will be your
control.
5. Manage your variables properly. Everything must stay the same except for the one thing you are
testing.
-For example, if you change the amount of butter and the amount of eggs and the cookies fall apart,
you won’t know which change was the one that made that happen. Also remember that they should
be baked under the same conditions as well (time, and temperature.)
6. Make sure your experiment is repeatable. Have a sufficiently large sample size and try the
experiment more than once to see if the results turn out the same every time.
7. Collect your data and present your results. Tables, graphs and charts can all help you understand
what your data tells you by showing you a clearer picture of what happened. You may need to
calculate averages in your analysis.
8. Form your conclusions based off your results. Was your hypothesis correct? Could you do any other
experiments to double-check?
IV.
Make your display
A. Make your display interesting and clearly present your information. Don’t forget to plan ahead to make
sure all of your lettering and segments fit within the available space. Your display MUST contain:
1. Problem (Question you are answering)
2. Hypothesis (What you think will happen)
3. Procedures (How you tested your hypothesis)
4. Results (The data you generated)
5. Conclusion (What you learned from the results)
6. Acknowledgements (Be sure to give credit to any people, companies, or resources that helped you
with your project)
Display Suggestions:
The center panel might contain the project title, hypothesis and statement of the problem (lettering
should be large and clear enough for someone to see from a distance). It may also include any visual
material (photos, drawings, etc.)
Side panels might have supporting material (more photos, drawings, graphs, charts, etc.)
It is suggested that you put the procedure on the left panel and the results and conclusions in the right
panel. Be sure to double-check your grammar and spelling.
B. Do not display expensive or fragile items. Instead, use simulations, models or photographs. Items
which are displayed in front of the backboard should be adequately secured (for example, batteries, wire,
switch, motor secured to a piece of plywood).
C. Design your backboard for easy transportation and be sure to carefully pack all materials before
transferring to and from the fair.
D. Limit your display to within 36 inches wide by 30 inches deep. The height should not exceed 48 inches
above the tabletop. You may use the area between the floor and tabletop (26 inches). Please make sure
that your display does not extend past the table in any direction into the aisles where people are walking.
E. The display may be constructed out of a variety of materials including cardboard (try asking Tops or
Wal-mart for boxes), poster board (which will need to be reinforced), or standard presentation boards
available at area office supply stores. Use your imagination to decide how to present your project.
Remember that it is the science behind the project that matters! If you have any questions or concerns,
please direct your questions to Mr. Murphy at the middle school, Mrs. Cocca at the elementary school,
or Mrs. McCauley at [email protected].
Display Size and Shape Limitations:
1. The Backboard should be a 2 or 3 sided shape within the size limitations stated below.
2. When displayed, the project should not occupy more than 120 cm of length and 75 cm of depth and 274 cm in
height from floor to top of display (tables are 76 cm in height). If equipment is to be displayed it must be
contained within the prescribed area (see top view diagram). Additional space cannot be provided for your
display.
3
Backboards should be made of cardboard, masonite, pegboard, hardboard or wood to which poster paper,
cardboard or fabric may be attached.
Have a photo taken of you and your project for your scrap book. Years later you'll be glad you did!
DISPLAY DIAGRAM
Evaluation Criteria for the Middle School Science Fair
Middle School level projects may be one of two forms:
1. Experiment
2. Demonstration of a Scientific Principal. The demonstration must involve a direct application of the
principal (not simply a restatement) in an area of interest for the student. (ie. “What is centrifugal
force?” would not be accepted but “how does an ice skater perform a triple axel?” would be.)
There will be a total of 20 points possible with a maximum of five points (ranging from 1 – “still
learning” to 5 – “well mastered”) in each of the following categories:
1. Clarity of Presentation: is the information presented clearly and concisely both written (using graphs,
tables, or diagrams) and orally?
2.
Accuracy: are the principals or techniques applied correctly? Has the data been interpreted properly
and does it support the objectives and conclusions? Has the hypothesis (if applicable) been
appropriately (using significant sample sizes) tested? Is it repeatable?
3.
Creativity: is the idea, display, and execution of the project unique? Is the problem solving approach
original? and are materials or equipment used creatively?
4.
Appearance: is the work: graphics, labels, descriptions, neat and clean? Is it presented in an orderly
manner? Is it aesthetically appealing?
5.
Mastery: Can the student demonstrate a clear understanding of the material presented and can he/she
extend it to ideas for further investigation or what would be done differently if the project was
repeated.
Watkins Glen Central District Science Fair
Middle School Student Evaluation Form
1 Accuracy
hypothesis appropriately tested; repeatability and sample size adequate;
learning
developing
secure
1
2
3
competent mastered
4
5
principles and techniques applied correctly; data interpretation logical;
objectives and conclusions supported
2 Clarity of Presentation
information is clear and concise (orally and written)
1
2
3
4
5
3 Creativity
uniqueness of idea, project, display; orginality of problemsolving
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
approach; use of materials and equipment
4 Mastery
clear understanding demonstrated; extension of ideas for further
investigation or what would be done differently
5 Appearance
graphics, labels, descriptions neat and clean; orderly presentation;
aesthetically appealing
Total Points Scored: ________________
Science Fair Web Sites
http://www.cool-science-projects.com/Science-Fair-Project-Ideas.html
http://www.isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/cf/ideas.html
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/register_guest.php
http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/category0.html
http://school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/
http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/
PROJECT TOPIC IDEAS
LEVEL I
Can people identify flavors of Kool-Aid when blindfolded?
Which color liquid do hummingbirds prefer?
What is the best condition for the growth of mold?
Which bread molds most quickly?
In which soil do plants grow best?
Growing potatoes at different locations.
Testing different potting soils.
Do plants prefer tap water or distilled water?
Do different kinds of apples have different amounts of seeds?
Do large apples have mores seeds that small ones?
Does temperature affect the growth of plants?
How do plants react to different kinds of music?
How temperature affects plant growth.
How the amount of light affects the growth of marigolds.
How fast do kidney beans grow?
What a plant needs to grow.
Do plants give off water?
Do roots always grow down?
Which materials dissolve in water?
Do coins corrode more in salt or fresh water?
Do parking meters give us our money's worth?
How long are yellow lights at various intersections?
Leaky faucets - how much do they cost us?
Which popcorn pops the most?
The frequency and length of TV commercials during a one-hour program.
Which candle is the best buy?
Which uses more water, a shower or a bath?
Which paper towel absorbs the most water?
Which brand of raisin bran has the most raisins?
Testing a sundial with a clock.
Measuring rainfall with a rain gauge.
How a shadow changes throughout the day.
Depth of snow at ten different locations.
Which materials conduct electricity best?
Sounds from different rubberbands (or glasses of water).
String telephones -- what materials work best in conducting sound.
Splat! A study in droplet patterns.
Which magnet is strongest?
Which materials conduct heat best?
How hot does it get inside a car with the windows rolled up?
Will an ice cube melt faster when crushed up?
Which toy car rolls furthest?
Magnetic and non magnetic materials.
How accurate is the temperature knob on my oven?
Which color of liquid absorbs the most heat?
Which color container absorbs the most heat?
Which color container cools off the quickest?
What food does a hamster prefer?
Can an earthworm detect light and darkness?
How far does a mealworm (or snail) travel in one minute?
Chickens and colored corn - which will they eat?
The speed of snails on different surfaces.
Do earthworms help plants to grow?
Do goldfish grow larger in a larger tank?
What conditions do pill bugs prefer (light or dark, moist or dry)?
LEVEL II
ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
Monkeys and people at the zoo.
Frequency of cricket chirps vs. air temperature.
Can hermit crabs distinguish different types of music?
territorial habits of goldfish.
Do dogs prefer to eat from a familiar or unfamiliar dish?
Which sugar do ants prefer?
The hearing sensitivity of goldfish.
Boa constrictor responses to false prey.
Will a chicken lay more eggs with rock music playing?
Cage size and nesting habits of zebra finches.
Can an earthworm learn?
The learning behavior of fish through a two-dimensional maze.
BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY
Which type bread molds fastest?
Do pyramids preserve food?
Decomposition of leaf litter.
How fast does the Volvox spin?
Effects of temperature on bacterial growth in buttermilk.
Effects of acid on Euglena.
Does phytoplankton grow better in warmer or colder temperatures?
Can Euglena be trained by conditioning?
How much of an apple is water?
Methods of controlling algae growth in waterbeds.
Variance in the size of Euglena.
Does diet affect the color of Paramecium?
Effect of water pollution on shrimp growth.
Study of marine growth on various surfaces.
BOTANY
Under which thickness of plastic do radishes grow best?
Distribution of dandelions in an open lot.
How much weight can a growing seedling lift?
Under which color cellophane do plants grow best?
Acid rain effects on radishes.
Does acid rain affect the germination of seeds?
Can you give a plant too much fertilizer?
Do seeds sprout better in cold or hot climates?
The effects of rootbounding on plant growth.
Does the phase of the moon affect the germination of seeds?
Effects of artificial vs. natural light on plants.
Relationship of root length to plant height.
Germination rates of pumpkin seeds.
Do avocados ripen more evenly with the stems left on?
Does aspirin prolong the life of cut carnations?
How does increased gravity affect the growth of plants?
Does a magnetic field affect the growth of beans?
Does radiation affect the germination of lima bean seeds?
Which banana has the most sugar - green, yellow or brown?
How detergents affect the growth of algae in pond water.
How various vitamins affect root growth.
Does electricity affect the growth of beans?
Which mulch is best for conserving water while growing plants?
How detergents affect the growth of plants.
Does leaf surface area affect plant growth?
How salt tolerant is ice plant?
Effect of cigarette smoke on plants.
Do lawns grow in a linear function?
Comparing the moisture content of five varieties of apples.
Leaf size vs. location.
Does Instant Grow really work?
The action of tendrils.
Does Oxygen Plus affect plant growth?
Does carbon dioxide concentration affect the growth rate of plants?
Vegetation rebound following a brush fire.
Effects of the environment on popcorn (heat, cold, moisture, time, etc.).
Do mirrors affect the way plants grow?
CHEMISTRY/BIOCHEMISTRY
The pH of soaps.
What are the differences between butter and margarine?
Corrosion - the effects of water on metal.
Ink evaluation with paper chromatography.
How do ultraviolet sterilizers affect the rubber straps on safety goggles?
Can salt water be desalted by freezing?
Epoxy and resins: their resistance to solvents.
What is the (starch, sugar, fat, or protein) content of various foods?
Effects of permanent hair color on normal hair.
How much oxygen does a candle use per minute.
Measuring the calories in a peanut.
How sucrose and yeast levels affect the rate of fermentation.
Chlorine levels in our drinking water.
The effects of swimming pool water (chlorine) on hair.
Testing sugar in soft drinks.
Comparison of vitamin A in frozen, canned and fresh peas.
Testing various orange drinks for vitamin C.
How teeth react to different liquids.
Smoking alternative: clove cigarettes.
The amount of dissolved salt in drinking water.
COMPUTERS
A homemade computer.
Prism simulation.
An inexpensive computer-controlled robot.
Writing an Applesoft BASIC program that plays checkers.
Can I create a unique historical adventure game?
Zoom in! A computer map of my neighborhood.
Electron orbitals on a computer.
Hacker protection.
A computer program that teacher science facts.
Using a computer for mineral identification.
A computer program that tracks satellites.
A program that simulates model rocket trajectories.
Convert to or from metric instantly!
A computer program that finds the planets.
CONSUMER
Liquid vs. bar soap.
Is there sugar in toothpaste?
Which tent stake has the greatest holding power?
Does temperature affect the output of a battery?
Detergents on commonly - used treads.
The effects of washing on dyed materials.
Hardest and softest woods.
Which battery is the best buy?
Which detergent cuts grease the best?
Which lubricant reduces friction the best?
Which nails have the best holding power?
Effect of some exterior wood protectants on cedar siding.
The effects of deodorants on clothes.
The best mix for concrete.
Which sleeping bag fabric retains heat the best?
Endurance of roofing shingles and tiles.
Which hook and loop fastener works the best?
The feathers of archery.
How effective are commercially-produced water filters?
Which glue is the strongest?
Which wood absorbs paint the best?
Flexural strength of concrete.
Which fire alarm is best for the home?
which brand of lighter has the most fuel?
Which container (or wrapping) preserves food the best?
Are flame-retardant fabrics safe?
The effectiveness of pre-wash products.
The effect of different fin shapes on surfboard performance.
Do swimming caps help you swim faster?
Testing sunscreens' absorption of ultra-violet radiation.
How different fabric-care treatments affect the flammability of cloth.
Waterproofing agents -- which is best?
The spoilage rate of different types of baby food.
Which detergent has the longest-lasting suds?
How well do various fabrics absorb dye?
How much money can a pool cover save?
Which light bulb is most efficient?
Can roof overhang cut summer cooling costs?
Waterproof mascaras - are they really waterproof
Which firewood gives the most heat per dollar?
Which stain remover works best?
Are TV commercials louder than regular programming?
How much does it really cost to run a refrigerator?
Which solar panel is most efficient?
Which paint protects wood the best?
Thick or thin bicycle tires - which is best?
Which fabrics are most fire resistant?
How heat affects recording tape.
Stability of color slide film.
A comparative study of various packing materials.
Do oil additives reduce friction on engine parts?
Which toothpaste is most abrasive?
How fire affects roofing materials.
Which detergent removes grass stains best?
Airplane noise analysis in my neighborhood.
The effectiveness of different wood preservatives.
Antifungals: how well do they work on athlete's foot?
Meat, fat and moisture content of hot dogs.
Strength test for glues.
Water solubility of suntan lotions.
The power output of different model airplane fuels.
Shampoo evaluation.
Which diaper is best?
Effects of different sizes and materials on tennis rackets.
Physical properties of various brands of diesel fuel.
Air pressure and tire wear.
Comparison of locks - which is best?
Sole traction - which sole is best?
Fishing lines take the strength test.
Up to bat - wood or aluminum?
Do sausages vary in fat and water content?
EARTH/SPACE SCIENCE
Mass loss in a rock tumbler.
How acid is our rain?
Impact craters: size and shape.
Using feathers to clean up oil spills.
The greenhouse effect.
How clean is our air?
How can mirrors increase a solar cell's voltage?
Wave barriers.
Speed of clouds using photography.
The effects of water on different types of wood.
Terracing and how it affects erosion.
Testing various materials for cleaning up oil spills.
Charting the apparent motion of Polaris.
The effect of wave action on different rocks (using a rock tumbler).
Composition of Hawaiian sand.
How much dust falls on your lawn in a month?
Water retention of different soils.
Crepe paper: it doubles as a relative humidity gauge.
ENGINEERING/ELECTRONICS
Using electromagnets to power a car.
Different parachute designs and descent rates.
Battle of the bridges.
Paper airplane performance.
Can solar heat be used for a dog house?
Testing different water turbine blades.
Power from the waves.
Comparison of the hydrodynamics of keels.
Storing the sun's energy.
Testing a car headlight as a satellite dish antenna.
Best bridge structure for supporting weight.
Power from rising air.
How many rotor blades give maximum lift for a helicopter?
A frictionless magnetic bearing.
Robots.
Moving objects with air.
Automatic fish feeder.
A 3-D adaptor for photography.
Which windmill blade is most efficient for producing electricity?
Effect of lenses on a solar panel.
Do scales on the wings of aircraft increase lift?
Sail performance.
How increasing the number of batteries affects the speed of a motor.
What is the voltage range of the GE-14 bulb?
Analysis of rocket fins: stability and time of flight.
Flight of the boomerang.
Generation of electricity from wave energy.
Wind turbines and blade efficiency.
Aerobie or frisbee: which design flies the farthest and longest?
Strength of parabolas.
Which metals make the best batteries?
Wind effects between tall buildings.
HUMAN PSYCHOLOGY/SOCIAL SCIENCES
Do babies prefer a familiar or unfamiliar toy?
Jelly bean preference.
Does petting an animal affect you pulse rate?
How people stand on a bus.
Homo sapiens at the zoo.
Missing children: do pictures on milk cartons really help?
School subject preference between boys and girls.
Colored cookie comparison.
A study on the usage of left turn signals at intersections.
Who knows the metric system best?
Working vs. non-working parents: effects on kids' grades.
Effect of student seating on academic performance.
Does the level of noise affect eye-hand coordinator?
Assertiveness: are there differences between junior high boys and girls?
Synergy: do we hear colors?
Does heart rate change while watching emotionally-charged movies?
Does you pulse rate go up when you see money?
Does color affect taste?
Music and math - how do they mix?
Tennis: which point wins?
Reading and remembering with different colored paper - which works best?
What type of people do graffiti?
The space between two people when they meet.
Does a blindfolded person walk in a circle?
The relationship between age and response time.
Can you recognize your own profile?
Left-hand, right-hand transference using a mirror tracing.
How do people react when seeing a teenager shoplift?
Are people biased towards types of vitamins?
Does chewing gum affect students in a testing situation?
Does age affect short-term memory?
Student attitudes concerning an AIDS patient in school.
Racetrack accidents: does a jockey's fall affect his/her performance?
Are there similarities between an owner and his/her pet?
Can the use of a computer game increase memory?
Audio memory vs. visual memory.
Are fads cyclical?
Should stop signs be red and white?
Is there a relationship between costs and perceived print quality?
Dumb blonds: rumor or reality?
Comic books - are they becoming more corrupt and violent?
How does our vision affect our taste?
Do adults know U.S. geography?
MATHEMATICS
When it's raining, do you get more wet walking or running?
How accurately can we measure the height of a building with a quadrant?
How common is the perfect histogram?
Is there a sophomore jinx in baseball?
A statistical analysis of the length diversity of kidney beans.
Is high school harder? A comparative grade analysis.
Weather patterns: a study in probability.
World population statistics: what's ahead for the year 3000.
Popcorn: a graphical analysis of pops per second.
Estimating the volume of garbage generated in my town.
How tough is the teacher? A test score analysis.
Should you bet on the gray horse?
MEDICAL SCIENCES
Do cigarette filters work?
How does exercise affect the blood sugars in a diabetic?
Age and the ability to estimate distance.
Cornflakes or candy? Testing glycemic responses.
Effects of caffeine on blood pressure.
Which method of cooking is better for retaining vitamin C in foods?
Correlation between vision acuity and grade-point average.
Pupil size and reaction to light - age and sex differences.
Lights vs. vision - which color is best?
Night vision and the effects of colored objects.
The effect of color on depth perception.
Smoking vs. lung capacity.
Resolving power of the eye.
Lung power of different age groups.
Does eating breakfast affect short-term memory?
Flexibility: males vs. females.
Effects of coffee on a person's steady hand.
Hot tubs and their effect on blood pressure.
Effects of foul smells on blood pressure.
Tar and nicotine in five brands of cigarettes.
So taste buds grow weaker as you get older?
PHYSICS
How temperature affects electricity generated by a solar cell.
Which material makes the best heat insulator?
How propeller pitch affects the power of an outboard motor.
Materials that absorb sound.
how much energy is generated by humans at the health spa?
Calculating liquid density using light refraction.
How temperature affects the height at which different balls bounce.
How accurately can we measure the height of a building with a barometer?
What properties of a ball will cause it to roll more rapidly?
What shutter speed is needed to photograph a moving fan blade?
Who has greater body density, boys or girls?
How do different surfaces effect friction?
Which wavelength of light best penetrates through smoke (or fog)?
Thermal expansion of different metals.
How strong is a spider web thread?
The strength of a magnet vs. distance.
Ball rebound speed: Astroturf vs. grass.
The velocity of water through different tubes (same size, different material).
The velocity of water through different size tubes (same material).
The velocity of different liquids through the same size tube.
Density of various cooking oils.
Microwaves: are U.S. standards safe?
how air pressure effects the performance of a basketball.
Strength of different woods.
Are brown eggshells stronger than white?
Patterns of energy loss experienced by a bouncing ball.
Conductivity of various liquids.
Which metals conduct heat best?
The effect of light on dyed materials.
The effect of temperature on the strength of dry cells.
How much force is required to break an eggshell?
Do black bottom pools keep the water warmer?
How constant is the temperature in my refrigerator?
ZOOLOGY
Ant control - natural vs. chemical repellents.
Can insects pull more than their own body weight?
Can mice see colors?
Effects of household pesticides on earthworms.
The effect of different metals on sails.
Determining the dimensions of butterfly scales.
Horsepower of snails.
Fish feeding - the effects of light.
Can the color of unborn rabbits be predicted?
Shell selection of hermit crabs.
Distribution of earthworms in an open lot.
Environmental effects on the heartbeat of Daphnia.
Density distribution of mussels on a pier piling.
Humidity preference of flour beetles.
Can mice distinguish shapes (squares, circles, etc.)?
How many grams of food does a rabbit eat per day?
Hamster activity and the phases of the moon.
What color light are moths most attracted to?