High school science fair experiments tend to be more involved than those completed in elementary and middle schools, involving either creating an experiment from scratch or altering an already conducted one.
Consider three key criteria when selecting a project idea: originality, timeliness and feasibility. For instance, measuring changes to bird populations over five years with just one experiment would likely prove challenging.
Biology
Biology is an expansive subject that explores living organisms and their interactions with their environments. Participating in biology science fair experiments gives students an excellent opportunity to develop critical thinking and research skills while applying classroom knowledge in an engaging manner.
From measuring food-grade catalase levels to investigating genetically engineered mosquitoes, there are countless engaging biology projects for students to choose from. Selecting one may help students decide if a career in biology is the one they should pursue or provide inspiration to explore other areas of science that interest them if desired.
Keep an eye on bacteria as they develop in a Petri dish to observe how different locations affect their growth, while at the same time learning the importance of proper sample collection methods. Keep track of slime mold as it develops over time – its growth and changes provide valuable data that reveals how we use specialized taste receptors to detect sourness, saltiness, and sweetness in food products.
Chemistry
Students participating in chemistry science fair projects provide students with an opportunity to go beyond what’s included in their school science curriculum and gain hands-on research experience. Lab-based work helps develop problem-solving abilities while public speaking training helps communicate their results to a larger audience.
High school science fair experiments that involve chemical reactions can provide students with access to school chemistry labs and basic knowledge of lab etiquette an ideal opportunity. One such experiment uses sodium hydroxide in order to observe chemical reactions and assess compound solubility limits.
Many projects originally written as classroom labs can easily be transformed into full-fledged science fair experiments by adding variables and testing multiple substances. For instance, an experiment on cell mitosis can become a science fair project by exploring its effect on different bacteria as well as outside factors like water temperature or materials that might influence it. Other projects, like measuring wind velocity or building a maglev train require more extensive materials and equipment – however there’s plenty of room for creativity and experimentation!
Physics
An effective science fair project requires students to successfully design and conduct controlled experiments, draw valid conclusions based on research and data, and present these conclusions in an engaging fashion. Finding an idea can be tough; therefore it is crucial that they select something they find engaging so they can fully develop it using scientific method.
Try classic physics science fair experiments such as testing the effect of temperature on a ball’s bouncing capability, building your own compass or testing conductivity of different materials. Or delve deeper into particle physics using cloud chambers or an easy-to-assemble apparatus and exploring background radiation levels or muons in water.
Encourage your students to become the next Isaac Newton or Louis Pasteur by encouraging them to explore topics of personal interest. Baking or gardening experiments provide excellent ways for students to demonstrate intellectual vitality while developing a lifelong passion for STEM discovery.
Mathematics
Math enthusiasts will find plenty of science fair projects that involve counting numbers, equations and data analysis that require their expertise. Choose your topic based on personal interests or select from our trending experiments – like studying how notes and rhythm patterns combine in classical music pieces; or conducting an investigation on how best to store bread so it lasts longer!
If you are interested in scientific research, consider entering Northern’s annual high school science fair. This event not only imparts important skills and fosters passion for discovery but it is also a chance for students to test out whether scientific research is truly what they wish to pursue. Contact your guidance counselor for information about signing up – Northern’s Science Fair qualifies students for Washington DC International Science and Engineering Fair!