Menlo Science
Nourishing young people with the wonders of science.
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Choosing Your Science Fair Project Idea
Selecting an appropriate problem to investigate for the science fair is critical to having fun and achieving a successful result. All of the science fair projects should allow students to utilize the scientific method where the results between two or more variables are compared and can be measured and graphed. Therefore, projects that demonstrate a scientific principle, such as a volcano or solar system (models) or bug collections (observation only), are not permitted. Be sure to get your idea approved by the Menlo Science Committee by the deadline listed in the timetable on the menloscience.org website. To facilitate your selection of an exciting and fun scientific question, some examples of possible questions that can be suitably addressed via the scientific method are listed below.
Science Fair Project Ideas
How do different types of insulation affect temperature change?
What is the water retention capacity of different types of soils?
Which brand/type of glue holds the most weight/has the greatest bonding capacity?
What brand/type of cleanser permits one to clean a surface (e.g., tile) with the fewest scrubs?
Does the activity level of microscopic organisms change with varying water temperature?
What type of Frisbee flies the farthest?
What effect does light have on seed germination?
How do different colors of light affect mold growth?
Does the depth of planting a seed affect its growth?
Which kind of boat will support the most weight?
Which kind of architectural structure (e.g., bridges of different designs) can support the most weight?
What design of paper airplane flies the farthest?
Does the type of material used to make a kite affect its ability to fly? What about its shape?
How much salt does it take to float an egg?
Does warm water or cold water freeze faster?
Will bananas turn brown faster in the refrigerator or on the counter?
Do all objects fall to the ground at the same speed?
Does sugar prolong the life of cut flowers?
Does temperature affect the growth of plants?
Does a bath take less water than a shower?
Do different types of cheese grow mold at different rates?
Does a baseball go farther when hit with a wooden or a metal bat?
Does heart rate increase with increasing sound volume?
How does the color of material affect its absorption of heat?
Do boys or girls have higher resting heart rates?
Does a certain material make a better (worse) conductor or insulator than other materials?
What colors of light have the longest/shortest wavelengths?
How does omitting an ingredient affect the taste of a cookie (or other food)?
Do suction cups stick equally well to different surfaces?
Do preservatives prevent bread mold from growing?
Does mold grow faster on different kinds of fruit?
Special Note to Parents
Our goal with Menlo Science is to allow our students to develop a passion for science and learn the power of the scientific method so that they may apply it in the future. While the science fair project is the responsibility of your child, your assistance in discussing and planning the process your child will go through is critical to his or her fun and success. To supplement the learning process and answer questions, we are fortunate to have several scientific mentors who have graciously given their time to answer any questions and assist you and your child through this process. Given this will be the first project of this nature for many of the children, please guide them, but assist us in adhering to the objective of ensuring this program is for the students to apply themselves and potentially bud into scientists themselves. Thank you for your participation and we welcome your feedback.
To volunteer to help with the Menlo Science Fair, please send an email to:
info@menloscience.org