Some Motivation For Scientific Projects
The cost of science fair projects can range from a few dollars to more than a hundred dollars depending on the complexity of your science topic, your methods, research equipment, and presentation materials. It can easily become very expensive if your project involves keeping it going for a couple of years - say, a longitudinal study is crucial to your investigation. Getting Started 1. Choose the scientific field that you wish to focus on. Select a topic in your scientific field of interest. You project may fall under Biochemistry, Chemistry, Behavioral Science, Botany, Earth Science, etc. If the science fair has a specific theme (e.g. it is a Chemistry science fair), however, be sure to choose a topic that belongs to the prescribed field. 2. Pose the question you want to answer by the end of your experiment. What is it that you want to prove? It doesn’t have to be a mind-boggling question; a simple question is good if this is your first time to join a science fair. 3. Determine the materials you will need for the experiment. Make sure that your materials are safe to use; otherwise seek the help of an adult. 4. Choose a location in which you can safely and conveniently conduct your experiment. Your project site should be safe, away from any distractions especially if you have younger siblings and pets. It should also be quiet enough so that you will find it easier to concentrate on your project. Your unused storage shed can be a good venue. 5. Keep a journal on which to jot down your notes and your project's step-by-step procedures. Full documentation is required in science fair projects. This facilitates repetition if the results of your study need to be validated. Note taking can also help you keep yourself organized. 6. Work with a mentor. A good choice of mentor can be your science teacher or an adult who has had extensive experience in science fair projects and conducting experiments. Presentation It is not your goal to appeal to the fair judges’ sense of aesthetics. However, a neat presentation will definitely help make your project more interesting and easier to understand. Thus, you should make your presentation as organized and as clear as possible. Do away with fancy words and calculations that are not crucial to answering your research question. These will just confuse the issue and may even work against your favor. Moreover, do not embellish the truth or invent your results; that would be intellectually dishonest.
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