A great science fair project doesn't have to be complex, but it should be original.
The best science fair projects start with original ideas. There are many books and web pages that suggest projects and explain do them, but creative ideas can only come from your head. The best way to find an original idea is to start asking questions. Start with a topic that interests you and think of questions you could answer by experimenting or conducting research. Consider your favorite science lessons over the course of the school year and what questions may have remained unanswered at the end of the lesson. Look at project suggestions in books or articles and use those to develop your own ideas.
Do an Experiment
One of the most common types of science fair projects is to conduct an experiment. To decide on your topic, ask questions about everyday objects and situations. You could compare products such as paper towels, batteries or sodas using the scientific method. In fifth grade, you have probably learned about the scientific method, and you can apply it to any problem you choose. You could study plants grown organically, compare friction between surfaces or train a cat to sit, come and stay like a dog. For your research, you will need to state a specific question, formulate a hypothesis about it and do research to test your hypothesis.
Combine Fields of Science
In fifth grade, you will usually study general science that includes a little bit of many different areas of science. Think about science projects that could combine more than one field of science, such as physics and chemistry or biology and geology. One example of a fictional science experiment that combines geology and biology comes from the novel Jurassic Park, when scientists extract blood from insects that were fossilized in amber during the Jurassic period. Or, for example, you can combine elements of physics and chemistry to build a small rocket.
Build a Model
Some science projects involve building a model to illustrate or explore a scientific principle. Think about ways to be creative with a model project. For example, if you build a model of the solar system, see if you can make it to scale and find a way to make the planets actually orbit around the sun. Again, you should think about what science topics interest you and how you can illustrate them in a unique way. For fifth grade, your model doesn't have to be as elaborate as a high school project would be, but don't be afraid to challenge yourself.
Polish Your Idea
Once you have a basic idea, keep working on ways to make your project original. State the question you are researching and your hypothesis in the simplest way possible, and think about related questions that your project might also need to address. Be thorough and logical and use the scientific method (ask a question, research it, formulate a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, analyze the data). Question all your assumptions and consider the problem from different perspectives. When creating your display for your project, be very clear about what your goals were and what you accomplished with your project.
Tags: your project, scientific method, about what, doesn have, fair projects, fifth grade
