Science Fair

The Science Fair is an annual event for our school. Every student completes an experiment and presents their results both orally and on a display board. Experiments and presentations are judged by parents and community members, and prizes are awarded to the top scientists. We stress the scientific method as we prepare students for the Fair: scientists 1) ask a testable question, 2) make a hypothesis, 3) gather their materials, 4) decide on a procedure, 5) collect and organize their results, and 6) come to a conclusion based on their data. Good experiments have a variable -- a part of the experiment that is changed, while everything else is held constant. Without a variable, your project is probably a demonstration, not an experiment! The classic example is the volcano -- mixing baking soda and vinegar together to see what happens is only a demonstration of a scientific principle. It would not qualify as an experiment for our Science Fair. However, last year a student decided to test this question: what happens when you add another ingredient to the baking soda and vinegar? She tested three possible mixtures, recorded her results, and presto! An experiment which was interesting, thoughtful, scientific, and... won first place. Best of all, I think she came up with the idea on her own. Those tend to be my favorites. Of course, it is perfectly okay to get inspiration from science books, the internet, or your teacher if you don't have a question just begging to be answered. Good luck, and start experimenting!