Experiments & Science Fair

Beginning a Science Project

A good scientific research project involves a test of something where the results can be guessed at, but are not known for certain. You find out whether your guess is accurate by doing an experiment. The purpose of a science project is to discover something new.

• Is there something that could be changed to help answer the question?

• Change only one thing (called a variable) in the experiment

• Find out how you can make the change happen

• Search for a method that will tell how the amount of change can be measured

• Plan for a "control group" that is not changed so that the change can be observed.

Simple experiments are best. If the experiment is too complex, unknown variables can interfere with the results.

Even an experiment that does not work can be helpful! If your experiment does not work, or something unexpected happens, you will still have learned something. Sometimes unsuccessful scientific research is used as a model for other experiments. Knowing that something did not work is actually knowing a lot. Scientists often study very complex problems. They can spend a lifetime and not find the answers. Even so, their research is valuable to other scientists. The failed experiment can be used by someone to find out the correct answer. Are you that someone?

The Science Club has lots of ideas for experiments that you can try for science fairs.

Science made easy Get fun science projects & great experiments using household materials.

Science Fair Fun from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).

Soil Erosion Experiment easy to do in you own backyard with a little soil and a hose.

Soil Science Fair Ideas from the University of Minnesota

Agricultural Ideas for Science Fair Projects from the USDA (United States Dept. of Agriculture)