New Jersey's shoreline.
Stretching across approximately 130 miles, according to the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, the New Jersey shoreline provides many opportunities for a variety of science projects. Ranging from city planning to geological history, creating a science project involving the New Jersey coast only requires you to determine which science interests you. Whatever project you choose, focus on learning and exploring, rather than reporting or "regurgitating" facts.
Urban Planning Project
With a population comprising almost 3 percent of the entire United States, according to the United States Census Bureau, a project that studies the foot or driving traffic can lead to a safer, more comfortable traffic pattern for the shore.
To do this, choose one of the busiest piers, neighborhoods or beaches along the shore. Obtain a map and select a square section within that area, at least five blocks by five blocks. Take "readings" of the area over the next two to three weeks, counting the number of traversing pedestrians or drivers. After your data is complete, use the data to develop theoretical changes in the densely populated area to better accommodate foot or road traffic.
Ecology Project
Shorelines, comprised of delicate ecosystems, are more than tourist destinations. To do a project focused on ecological conservation, first study the flora and fauna along the shoreline. Choose three different threats to the ecosystem, such as tourism, trade or even enhanced lighting from piers. Write a report illustrating the possible long-term damage to New Jersey's shoreline ecosystem from these sources.
For a more advanced project, create your own miniature ecosystem, introducing threats to illustrate the effect on the plant life in New Jersey.
Geology Project
Not all projects require serious experimentation; for a scientific paper you can outline the geologic history of the New Jersey shoreline (actually comprised of three distinct shorelines, according to the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey). To prevent your project from becoming a book report, study current climate changes and predict possible futures for the shorelines. Answer questions such as: which of the three different types of shorelines will most likely recede, and which will grow, with the current climate?
Alternative Energy Project
Alternative energy is a hot topic in today's push toward "green" technology. You can design a science project to determine the best source of alternative energy on the Jersey shore. To do this, use in-depth research to develop three different potential alternative energy sources for the Jersey shore. Base your project upon studies of sun exposure, average wind speeds and more. Place these three different machines along the Jersey shoreline and see which one best suits the area. In the end, determine if the entire area could function off your project's most successful type of alternative energy.
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