Choose a science field that interests you, like chemistry, for a project theme.
If you naturally are interested in science, you probably have plenty of ideas for a science fair project. But if science does not seem captivate you, look to your surroundings for inspiration. Select a theme that truly startles you and start your exploration there. For example, if looking up into the night sky makes you feel small, consider investigating how planets suspend themselves in outer space. Or if you're curious about history, look at fossils to discover something about the Earth's past.
Solar System
Consider studying the effects of gravity on solar system orbits.
Create a project exploring the beauty, mystery and physical properties of the solar system. Find a topic that intrigues you about how the planets and spce work together. Consider concentrating on gravity and orbits. Demonstrate how, when an object such as a space shuttle is in orbit, the Earth's gravity pulls it so that it constantly curves in a circular direction. Without gravity, the shuttle would fly off in a straight line into endless space. Use a paper plate, a marble and a pair of scissors to demonstrate how an orbit works.
Set the plate on a surface and place the marble on the plate. Give it gentle touch so the marble spins around the plate--like in an orbit. Then cut a piece of the plate out. As the marble goes around the rim, it curves but when it gets to the edge where the plate is cut away, it stops curving and rolls across the table. Things go straight, unless there's something there to change their direction, slow them down, or speed them up. Any of these things can push (or pull) a moving object away from a straight line--off course. Of course!
Mold
Experiment with cheeses to see why some types, like blue cheese, improve with mold.
Examine how and why molds grow on cheeses. You also can discover what types of mold grow on different cheeses and under what conditions. Select a five or six cheeses to experiment on. Cut a wedge of each cheese. Set each wedge on a separate plate. Slip the plate into a plastic bag or, to add another variable to the experiment, slip a few in a brown paper bag or another plastic type. Set the cheeses on top of the refrigerator, a closet or a room in the house or apartment where they can go undisturbed. Wait a week, then check the cheeses. See what happens to each cheese. Research the different molds and present your findings. Protect your classmates by keeping your evidence in a tightly sealed bags to hold in the stench.
Geology
Explore historical plant and animal life by searching for fossils.
Explore fossils in rock samples. Research types of fossils found in your local area. Some parts of the United States, such as swamps, everglades and canyons, hold more fossil remains than others. If you live in one of these higher fossil density areas, speak with a geologist or naturalist about where to find fossils. Search for rocks and stones with leaf, bone, tooth or other kinds of natural imprints. Learn about the three main rock types--igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic--and the kind of animal and plant remains each typically hold. Present your finding at the fair by sharing the rock samples, pictures of the animals or plants that left the markings, and perhaps a history of geology and paleontology.
Tags: each cheese, plate marble, rock samples
