Winning Science Fair Project Ideas for Kids
Published:
December 13, 2021
Contributor:
Jeannette Tuionetoa
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The thrill and challenge of creating a science fair project is something all students should experience. Check out these winning science fair project ideas for kids to explore as they decide which is best for them.
What is a science fair project?
A science fair project is NOT just showing people what you know about something. A science fair project involves scientific research and preparation that will require your student to answer questions that peers or teachers may have. Others have said that a science fair project is a test your students can find an answer to and a great way to evaluate answers.
I like that as well. You don’t merely show something in a science fair project, you make people think. It displays the essence of what the scientific method was created to do.
The Scientific Method Process:
- What are you trying to find out?
- What helps you find the answer?
- Can you make an educated guess about what the answer will be?
- Describe if any changes had to be made.
- Then measure the results you have come up with.
- Now, record everything and display it on a board for all to see.
How do you prepare for a science fair project?
The first thing I would like to say is that I failed big time on my science fair project. I mean the best advice I can give your child is to not do it the day before and expect it to win a prize or even get accolades.
Once you are in the science fair and all set up you will feel one of two things – proud of your work or wish you had tried harder. So, when your student has a science fair coming up, start early and prepare. Preparation is key, but how can your child prepare?
Science Fair Tips for Success
- Peruse through lists of science far topics.
Chances are your students will blank out when it comes to what topic to choose. So, the best thing for your child to do is to check out some other projects online. Science fair projects don’t have to be daunting, they can be much fun; discover what interest them.
- Choose a topic and get background information.
Once your student has chosen their topic, it’s time to gather as much information as possible concerning it. Have your students go through books, the Internet, magazines, or even interview people to get their input.
- Use the Scientific Method.
In using the Scientific Method, your student will be able to present and describe the project purpose, the journey they went through to come up with the outcome, and eventually provide a visual display of the process.
- Do the experiment and record your findings.
Run through the experiment or actions yourself using simple supplies. Keep lecture notes / notes along the way. Write down everything that comes to your mind as chances are, others are thinking of it too.
- If possible provide visual aids to support your conclusion.
Where can you gather information on a chart or tally? Answer the question “What Happened?” then gather the result son a chart or graph.
- Create your presentation display.
This may be one of the best parts of a science fair project. Your child can make this as creative or as simple as they want. However, it is what others will see to determine if it is a GREAT science fair project or if it is a table display they will just pass over. (No pressure! Ha!)
- Write the science fair project report.
Literally, here your students explain their journey from start to finish. Be sure to include a thorough introduction and have them describe why they chose the topic, the information they gathered, what happened as a part of their journey, and so on.
- Practice with your family members for the presentation.
Think you will be fine presenting to a crowd? Maybe not. The best thing students can do is practice and practice presenting their science fair project to friends and family members. It will get them at ease with presenting and projecting what they need to say.
What makes a winning science fair project?
These tips will help you get the most out of your science fair project, but how can you get your science fair project to win.
A winning science fair project begins with a child’s curiosity to discover new things. Of course, everyone wouldn’t mind seeing another volcano erupt as a classic science experiment or the sugar content of soda. However, will that win a science fair project – maybe not.
Your student has to know why they chose that particular science fair topic and be able to vocalize it. So, your student should be able to discuss the topic comfortably.
Students should be able to interpret the data they have collected whether it be in charts, summaries, displays, etc. giving logical answers to questions people may have.
As you see a winning science project should be a WOW, but the student’s approach to presenting it also is crucial for a win. We have come full circle here but it all comes back to preparedness.
Check out some winning science fair project ideas for your kids. These will get the creative juices flowing to determine which project they will enjoy doing most, whether it’s a basic project or one of the more advanced projects suitable for older kids.
Winning Science Fair Project Ideas for Kids
The Best First-Timer Science Fair Ideas – Check out this fun way for beginners to think about science. Get age-appropriate science fair ideas for your younger students to explore. The best way to choose a science fair experiment is to get the imagination going. These cool science projects range from baking ideas and centrifugal force and motion to product testing challenges.
Over 75 Science Fair Ideas – Check out some great ideas and different ways to make an impact in your science fair. You will love this series of experiments and ideas from solar system scale models to fingerprint experiments.
Kindergarten to High School Students 70+ Science Fair Projects – I want to make sure you have enough great ideas to help your kids and maybe I am going a little overboard. As a homeschool science teacher, you can totally provide your child with options for their very own science project that impresses.
Science Fair Project Winners
Stain Fighting Science Fair Project Experiment – Explore some real-life necessities with this project on stain removal for all different types of fabrics and stains. Kids can test, make controlled experiments, and more. This is a challenge straight through adulthood.
Brown Eggs for Easter Dye Science Experiment – Why science fairs usually are held around Easter I don’t know. However, it is the perfect time to complete this Dye Brown Eggs for Easter science project.
Paper Airplane Science Fair Experience – This may sound too simple to be a winner but not so fast. This science fair project is a perfect way to take the simple and explain the complex.
10 Winning STEM Science Fair Projects – How much weight of liquid do different brands of diapers hold? What exercise impacts heart rate the most? These are just two of the awesome STEM science fair ideas your kids can explore in this post.
Award-Winning 5-Second Rule Science Fair Project – This girl’s first-place idea puts the 5-second rule to test. This has all the makings of an advanced project but any grade level can do it. As long as your child has an understanding of the 5-second rule, even younger students can do this fun science project.
Wow the Crowd Science Fair Ideas
10 Electricity Science Projects to WOW the Crowd – These awesome electricity science projects introduce students to the power of electricity. From learning how static electricity works to magnetism, kids will know science is cool.
20+ Wow the Crowd Science Fair Ideas – 4th grade? Sixth grade student? Eighth grade student? No matter the grade level, these 20+ science fair project ideas are sure to wow the crowd. You can also learn some more science fair tips for your elementary students or middle school students alike.
Rock Your Science Fair Project – Getting to rock your science fair project is a super cool feeling for children. If your child is having a hard time deciding what to do, these science fair project ideas are sure to make an impact. These are projects with the X factor.
In Conclusion
Remember to let your student choose their own project. It will turn out better if they are passionate about the project themselves. Help them to follow the step instructions carefully and ensure that the scientific method is followed and steps recorded.
A winning project will have a child who is dressed up, looks the judges in the eyes, and is able to answer questions about their project comfortably. Lastly, all else won’t be the same if your child isn’t having fun. So, have fun and enjoy the experience.
