| So it's time for science fair projects again. Many | | | | the world today. Doing a science fair project in this |
| students dread these assignments, but there is really | | | | area not only helps you to learn, but could help the |
| no need to panic. For the elementary grade levels, you | | | | whole world. That can be very exciting. Some |
| could do something as easy as growing a crystal | | | | students actually end up making new or important |
| garden. But for middle or high school science fair | | | | discoveries. Today, more than ever, doing a science |
| projects, you will probably need to do something that | | | | fair project could be a way to contribute to the world |
| involves more scientific research and experimentation, | | | | around you. |
| using the scientific method. Science fair projects should | | | | What are some of the other good reasons for doing |
| be fun and interesting, and when you are done you will | | | | science fair projects? Many different people will see |
| have learned something new to share with your | | | | your science fair project display, learn about your idea |
| friends and family. | | | | and the work you put into it. You can win prizes such |
| One of the best things about doing science fair | | | | as money, a trip to another state or country (maybe |
| projects is that they are not like doing homework. You | | | | even with all the expenses paid), or a scholarship to |
| get to pick the topic, ask the questions, and design the | | | | college to further study your own interests. Science |
| experiment. When you analyze the results, there are | | | | fair judges are often important scientists or industry |
| not necessarily any right or wrong answers. Many kids | | | | leaders. Gaining their recognition could lead to a job or |
| find that it is much more fun than doing schoolwork. | | | | internship doing what you love. For instance, in the |
| Picking Science Fair Project Ideas | | | | technology field, you could work on a new computer |
| It doesn't have to be hard finding science fair projects | | | | program that will help a local business in your |
| ideas. As a matter of fact, just look around and see if | | | | community. |
| something in the world around you could use some | | | | By doing science fair projects you will learn a lot about |
| improvement. Or, ask yourself "What am I interested | | | | yourself, your talents and gifts, and what you like to do. |
| in?" and go from there. Turn that interest into a | | | | You will learn how to ask questions and find a solution. |
| question and then find a way to answer it. Choosing | | | | You can learn to work on your own or with people of |
| science fair topics really can be that simple and easy. | | | | various ages, sharing ideas and doing the research to |
| Now maybe you would like to do something different | | | | reach a conclusion. You can earn respect and |
| or more unusual, but you are having a hard time finding | | | | recognition from family, friends and your community. |
| just the right idea. There are many places you could | | | | You can also learn how to communicate better with |
| look. You could start at the library. Or search the | | | | those around you. And of course, you will learn about |
| internet to find all kinds of cool ideas to try. There are | | | | the scientific method, performing valid experiments and |
| many sites that list science fair projects and ideas, as | | | | analyzing the results. These are all are important life |
| well as give you instructions on how to design and | | | | and job skills you will need as an adult. The future of |
| perform your experiment. | | | | the world lies in the fields of math, science and |
| Why Do Science Fair Projects? | | | | technology, and you can make an important |
| There are lots of great reasons for doing science fair | | | | contribution by using your abilities and imagination, all |
| projects. For example, global warming is a big issue in | | | | starting with your science fair project. |