Are you trying to help someone pick a topic for their science fair? This was always a struggle for me as a student in the 1990’s and based on ‘science fair‘ searches on She Loves Science – I suspect helping your student select a topic is a struggle for many parents.
So, I decided to ask my 9th grader, Allie, about how she chose her science fairs topic and how she might give someone advice on how to go about it. I think her insights would be super helpful to your students and the last part of our Q&A is my favorite!
Note: Allie’s most recent project involved how to attract bees to artificial UV light and she advanced from region to district to state science fair in 7th grade. For reference, Allie’s future interests are in becoming a veterinarian.
Me: How would you tell someone how to find a science fair topic?
Allie: Well, pick something that you are passionate about – that you can keep learning about – because it is a lot of research and you don’t want to get bored of your topic. Pick something that will solve a problem and that matters. For example, don’t pick something basic or that has already done. You have to make yourself stand out.
For example, don’t pick creating a potato clock unless you want to find a new and innovative way to use a potato clock like how to charge your phone using a potato clock.
Me: How would find something you are passionate about?
Allie: Try finding out something that you would do in a future profession or job then pick trying to solve a problem that you can see and measure.
Me: How do you pick out the variables that you will test for your topic or problem statement?
Allie: First, you have to think of something you are going to solve. Then, design your experiment based on how you are going to solve the problem.
Me: Do you ever get nervous presenting your topic at the science fair?
Allie: Make sure you have speaking notes or cards. When I’m nervous I tend to blabber on about something that doesn’t matter – speaking notes help.
Me: What is your favorite part of science fair?
Allie: When you finally have your board done and you can fall asleep because you have been up all night making it.
Me: What is your least favorite part?
Allie: Getting the motivation to write the research paper and summaries.
Me: So, why should someone even want to do science fair if it’s such hard work?
Allie: Because (in the end) you will know something that no one else knows and you are able to share it with someone.
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