How to Find Ideas for a
Science Fair Experiment

It can sometimes be very difficult to come up with ideas for a science fair experiment.  Since science fairs are typically competitive, a lot of thought goes into the selection of ideas for a science fair experiment. 

Many people believe that the flashier and bigger the ideas for the science fair experiment are the more likely they are to succeed.  While there may be some truth to this (particularly if the science fair is judged by unqualified individuals--a sadly common occurrence), the best thing that one can do to ensure good placement in the science fair is to have a well designed project that makes a testable hypothesis, features experimental technique that is precise and thorough, and presents well thought out analysis and conclusions. 

In general, particularly if the science fair competition is for middle school or elementary age children, you should keep the ideas for your science fair experiment as simple as possible.  Complex projects typically have too many variables for the school age child to properly test and manage, and this leads to a very common tendency to draw conclusions that are not supported by the research. 

This is the surest way to receive low marks on your science fair experiment.  A better method is to pick a topic that is simple enough to be complete in the time allotted with a full data analysis that leads to a well supported conclusion.  A well judged science fair will have judges quiz the students on how they drew their conclusions and the student must demonstrate understanding of the topic, the methodology behind the experiment, how the conclusions were reached, and what the conclusion means. 

The student should also be prepared to handle questions regarding what future experiments could be conducted relating to the topic and how the conclusion might be used to solve real world problems.

Finding ideas for science fair experiment requires a lot of forethought, and the student should not fall into the temptation to find the flashiest, most exciting topic possible.  Topics should be carefully chosen that can be completed and analyzed fully in the time given.  Variable should be kept to a minimum and the complexity of the topic should be manageable enough that the student will be able to answer questions from judges.