What is Science fair: Definition and 117 Discussions

A science fair is a competitive event, hosted by schools worldwide. The distinguishing characteristic of a science fair is that project entries employ the scientific method to test a hypothesis. Science fairs are not exhibits or mere displays of projects. Students present their science project results in the form of a report, display board, and/or models that they have created. Science fairs allow students in elementary, middle and high schools to compete in science and/or technology activities. The goal of a science fair is for students to answer a question based on a hypothesis. Students often work on science fair projects in addition to their school work. Therefore, most science fair entries are usually modified versions of existing experiments. Display boards help communicate the nuances of a project to science fair judges, visitors, and other entrants.Science fairs may also allow for students with intense interest in the sciences to be paired with mentors from nearby colleges and universities, so that the students have access to instruction and equipment that the local schools do not provide.

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  1. Someon332

    Schools What are some good science fair project ideas or resources?

    I am currently a sophomore in HS, and I have a science fair project next year. I want to do something interesting- I don't want to put in barely any effort and do something that everyone has done, like 'growing plants in different light levels'. I would ideally like to do something with...
  2. Saba_467

    Chemistry projects that I can create at home

    There is no laboratory in my school ,looking for best chemistry project ideas for the 12th class students at minimal cost and that can be prepared at home . need suggestions on this,response would be appreciated
  3. Alex Karatzky

    How to optimize spark gap Tesla coils?

    My elementary school had its first annual science fair a few weeks ago, so me and my friend signed up and we decided to do it on wireless electricity. So naturally, we built a tesla coil. It took a couple of tries, but we eventually got it to barely illuminate a portion of a fluorescent light...
  4. ChrisisC

    B High School Science Fair Ideas: Unique Research Projects

    I am in high school and i am taking a independent research class that requires me to do a few months of research and then present it at a science fair. I have access to a good amount of materials. Nothing too complex because I'm in high school and there are limitations. Are there any ideas of...
  5. astro_chara

    B Astrophysics Science Fair Project Ideas?

    Hi, a friend and I are planning to participate in a county science fair this year. We're in need of ideas, especially since we want to focus on a project in astrophysics that we would be able to test. Or research. We can get access to an observatory, and maybe perform the research there. Any...
  6. E

    Who is Stephen D. Klotz and What Are His Specialty Areas?

    Hello everyone. My name is Stephen D. Klotz. I reside in Dayton, OH. Currently, I work as a physics / math instructor and tutor. My physics specialty areas are mathematical physics, fluid dynamics, gas dynamics, thermodynamics. My mathematics specialty areas mathematical modeling, applied...
  7. S

    Google Science Fair 2016

    Does anyone have any idea of participating in Google science fair 2016? Is anyone interested?
  8. Ryan Ferguson

    I need an engineering project for my Science Fair

    Hi! Thank you for reading and (hopefully) responding. I am really desperate right now. For my science fair project, I need to build something that works or does a task. Last year my friends built a linear accelerator and someone else built a potato gun. These are things that work. I desperately...
  9. E

    Science Fair Project: Natural Water vs Bottled

    Hello I'am a high school student doing a science fair project on the chemicals and heavy metals found in both natural water sources(lakes,rivers,streams) and bottled. I'am looking to see if anyone has information like a list of chemicals and heavy metals found in both sources. any reply is...
  10. D

    Finding a Class I Laser Pointer for a Science Fair Experiment

    I am doing some experimentation, for a science fair. And I want to make sure I the laser pointer I use is Class I (conceivably, I may change that, but any class of laser can be used to replicate results similar to the double slit experiment correct?). Can anyone direct me as to where I may be...
  11. D

    Need help in deciding what to research for physics project

    Hello enlighted people of this forum. I'm an undergraduate from a university in Colombia, my subject of study is software engineering but I have a class which is named "Physics 2", this class introduces the subjects of simple harmonic motion(pendulum, sound waves, etc), electric fields, Gauss's...
  12. Paulene Gueco

    Science fair physics Investigation

    Hi, guys! So my school has a science fair coming up, and I've decided to do an experimental research on this topic: Determination of thermoelectric characteristics in the ambient environment of Qatar. I'll be using peltier tiles...? I live in Doha, Qatar. Thoughts? Thanks :)
  13. C

    Superconductor science fair project?

    I'm thinking of doing a science fair project having to do with a superconductor. However, the problem is that I have two things I don't understand, exactly what the science fair is asking for, but that's okay, I can always ask my teacher- And also, how I should start with this superconductor...
  14. E

    Building a cloud chamber for Science Fair

    Hello physicists, This is my first time on these forums, so I'm sorry if this isn't the right place. Feel free to move it if it isn't. I am building a small cloud chamber to detect particles resulting from the decay of pions in the atmosphere for a local science fair. I hope to see electron...
  15. D

    Physics science fair on shoe polymers

    So I am doing a physics science fair project. My original idea was "How does heat affect friction in shoe polymers?" but how would I know how to identify shoe polymers and where would I get 5 or 6 different pairs of shoe polymers. I changed it to "How does different temperatures affect friction...
  16. M

    Science Fair Project involving Vectors

    Homework Statement My science fair project (high school sophomore) is about calculating the amount of force that is sustained from a fall off of a horse at different heights at different gaits (speeds). I would then compare the force sustained in the fall and compare it to what certified...
  17. B

    Engineering Science fair DC motor help needed

    Homework Statement Hello, I am a 6th grade student trying to build a DC motor for the science fair. My hypothesis is that the dc motor will run faster if I place batteries in parallel versus batteries in a series. Is there an equation i can look at to explain what is happening? the mootr...
  18. R

    Calculating Flux Density and Induced Voltage in a Linear Induction Flashlight

    For my science fair i am attempting to make a linear induction flashlight. I am a bit confused on how to demonstrate the scientific effects mathematically. I would greatly appreciate any help. Farradays law states EMF= -N(change in flux/ change in time). I am confused about how to find the...
  19. R

    Physics project help -- magnetism

    Is it possible to make a magnet that slides down a pole with no friction? The magnet would be a cylinder, the exterior would be N and the interior S. It would slide down the S end of a magnetized pole. That way the the pole would push equally on the sides of the interior of the cylinder. This is...
  20. N

    What equipment do I need to set up a sonoluminescence experiment?

    I am working on a high school science fair project and I wanted to study sonoluminescence. I am having trouble with the setup and I am not sure what kind of stuff I need. I've been referring to websites and papers such as: http://dave.ucsc.edu/physics195/thesis_2010/mccluney_thesis.pdf...
  21. Physicist50

    Helium Plasma Reaction: Magnetic Field Impact

    Hello everyone, I was recently creating two different types of plasma for a Science Fair, one created from ionised Helium, (although it's the party balloon stuff, and I hear there's some Oxygen in them) and the other was created from air. I was testing how the plasmas reacted to magnetic fields...
  22. S

    Comparing Helium & Air Plasma in a Science Fair Experiment

    After a science fair experiment we have measured the similarities and differences of plasma created by air and helium. Our methodology is as follows. Methodology A(air): 1. Light a match and place it on a small raised surface inside a microwave 2. Cover the match with a glass bowl/beaker...
  23. zzzzzzzzzz0

    Schools College/Career Quandary: Electrical Engineering Advice

    Hi, all. I'm new here, though I've done some lurking, and I have finally decided to ask a question that's been kind of bothering me. You see, I've been interested in particle physics since I was a kid, and now that I'm entering senior year of high school, it's time to hash out what I really...
  24. S

    Is It Safe and Feasible to Create Plasma in a Microwave Using Helium Gas?

    For a science fair experiment me and my partner are working on creating plasma in a microwave.Our hypothesis is that if the manipulability of plasma is affected by the type of gas used, then plasma will react to magnetic fields differently depending on the gas that has been ionised. Because...
  25. S

    Plasma and magnetic fields

    For a science fair experiment me and my partner created plasma using a microwave. We used two different methods which both had different results. For the first one we simply put a match on a raised surface and put a beaker over the top using small pieces of cork to elevate the blacker so that...
  26. Physicist50

    What Causes the Formation of Plasma in a Microwave?

    Hi everyone, I am about to enter a local Science Fair and my project revolves around creating plasma in a microwave. This is a great experiment, all you do is stick a lighted match in a cork, (or something to hold the match in place) put it in the microwave with a glass beaker over the match...
  27. M

    Career Advice(The bout between Physics and Engineering)

    Hello, I'm new here and currently a 10th grader, and unlike many of my friends I've known what I want to be since the 4th grade, only it's an endless bout between the two heavyweights of Physics and Engineering. Math has always come fairly naturally to me and have never gotten less than an "A"...
  28. Infrared

    Schools About to Start college but don't know what to do

    Well, the title isn't quite right. I want to study (pure) math, but this probably isn't the most employable STEM major out there. So, since I do plan on pursuing a BA in mathematics, I've also been thinking about what I can do/take additionally in the coming years that would allow for avenues...
  29. Govind_Balaji

    I need to do a project for science fair based on Newton's laws

    The science fair is after 1-2 months but I should submit a report not exceeding 300 words what I will do in the project tomorrow morning to my teacher. Now it's 10pm. Please give me ideas as soon as possible(Before 30min from now)
  30. M

    Engineering The Truth About Nuclear Engineering vs. Physics (Employability)

    Hey everybody, so I've been going through a bit of a dilemma and have done a kind of ridiculous amount of personal research on this including talking to people and looking at jobs/programs etc. I'm looking for another opinion, hopefully unbiased (disappointingly difficult for me on this it...
  31. S

    I desperatley for science fair

    Over the summer, to go into Chem I Honors, students at my school have to complete a science fair project. I had decided to do something with bridge structure, and nobody- not my adviser or my teacher- told me what a terrible idea i had. I originally had planned to make mini models with actual...
  32. N

    Win ISEF: My MagLev Train Idea for Energy & Transportation

    Hey PF, I want to precipitate ISEF (The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair) this year, there's an idea that came up in my mind during studying MagLev trains in physics, since high speeds are achieved in MagLev trains due to the elimination of friction, what if air pressure was...
  33. N

    My planned project for ISEF

    Hey PF, I want to precipitate ISEF (The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair) this year, there's an idea that came up in my mind during studying MagLev trains in physics, since high speeds are achieved in MagLev trains due to the elimination of friction, what if air pressure was...
  34. The Eraser

    Schools International Olympiad = Top University ?

    After this summer I'm starting my 11th grade. I would like to study physics at a top university (UK or US). But at the moment, I don't have any physics or mathematics olympiad prize. Do I need an International Olympiad to go to a top university? I'm confident my baccalaureate grade...
  35. P

    Preparation for Upper Division Physics (general advice in doing well)

    and grad school as well. Hi, I'm a physics major at UCSD (3rd best UC school; behind UCLA and UC Berkeley) , and I'm looking for general advice in doing well in my upper division courses, since I'm fairly nervous. I know I will be in smaller classes filled with the next Einsteins and Feynmans...
  36. interhacker

    Aeronautical Engineering in China

    I just received an acceptance letter from the Nanjing University of Aeronatics and Astronautics in China. They accepted me for their Bachelors in Aeronautical Engineering programme which is taught in English. However, I neither know anything about China nor the university. My first preference...
  37. NATURE.M

    Engineering Comp. Science to Comp. Engineering

    So, I've been doing a lot of thinking and was just wondering is the transition from computer science to computer engineering common ? Namely, if one obtains a bachelors in comp. science, is it common to pursue graduate studies in comp. engineering. Computer science coursework would include...
  38. N

    Can I reasonably expect a decent low-level job with a BSCpE?

    I am a Junior in my school's Computer Engineering curriculum, and am thoroughly enjoying it. Since CpE programs vary enormously, http://ece.okstate.edu/sites/default/files/files/images/udgfl_2012_2013CE.pdf for reference. I have added a few courses (actually, 26 credits of courses) for a...
  39. M

    Engineering Engineering Careers That Will Use the Classes I take

    I'm aware that a lot of careers may only use one or two upper-level subjects that I study in an Engineering program, which is what I'm essentially in (Applied Physics Bachelor's with a co-terminal Master's in Mechanical Engineering). I doubt that there are any jobs out there that will use a...
  40. H

    Programs PF, be completely honest with me: should I switch majors?

    Here's the rundown of things: I've been wanting to be a computer engineer for years and years, but now, I'm just finding it difficult to understand math, specifically trigonometry (not even calculus yet!). I know for a fact that I'm just really awful at...shapes(?), so geometry and trigonometry...
  41. enorbet

    Stargazing Telescope that can easily be connected to a laptop

    Greetings! I have read every post in this thread and I'm suitably impressed with the variety and quality of posters so I think I may get a good answer here. Although I have only minimal to moderate knowledge of where things are in the sky, I do see the value in Dobson's and respect the...
  42. Greg Bernhardt

    USA Science Festival: DC Event Info and Other US Science Events

    Going on this weekend in DC. Was anyone able to go? I can't believe I missed it! Next year I'm going to try to get PF a booth! http://www.usasciencefestival.org/ Does anyone have the scoop on other science fairs/festivals/conferences coming up this year in the US?
  43. S

    Schools Majoring in physics at a lower tier university/career options

    Hi, I am currently finishing my freshman year at San Jose State University. SJSU is not a very prestigious or selective university especially in the sciences. I was a bit of a slacker in high school, but I still managed to do fairly well ( >3.5 GPA, 2190 SAT I, lots of AP's). I ended up...
  44. G

    Stargazing Is a Geo Stationary Satellite the Key to Building the World's Biggest Telescope?

    sir i am taking part in the google science fair with my own design of worlds biggest telescope. my design is given below:- we will have a geo stationary satellite, which will revolute around the Earth and we will have a big mirror on the Earth with focus on the satellite when rays will come...
  45. N

    What would be a good way to immerse myself into programming A.I.?

    Fairly new to Computer Science at University. I am interesting in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Although, I am unsure as to where I should start. Any suggested reading? courses? Programming Languages or any advice? Thank You
  46. T

    Quantum Physics Science Advanced Project

    So, I love physics and math. I have my first Science fair coming up, and I've dreamed about this day since I was five. Putting my knowledge into work that my peers can judge, and maybe spark interest in Physics for someone else. What project could I do that is Quantum Physics or really any...
  47. J

    Trying to start a space club at university, help?

    Trying to start a "space club" at university, help? I've really been wanting to get into things like model/amateur rocketry and astronomy for some time. My school doesn't have any clubs for that and there are no local organizations as far as I can tell, so I figured I'd just get things going...
  48. AXidenT

    Programs Deciding Between Second Major to go with Maths

    So I'm entering the second year of my undergrad degree (in Aus) and am majoring in maths. I have enough space to add a second major to my degree - however I've been torn between three options I think I'd enjoy and benefit from. First is a physics major - I really love physics, however the...
  49. Etienne

    Science Fair *Investigation / Paper*

    So, I want to write a paper for this year's science fair. I wanted to ask, if anyone could give me a few suggestions on some cool topics? It doesn't necessarily have to be Chemistry, it could be Physics, Mathematics, Bio, etc. If anyone has some ideas about Food Chemistry, that'd be cool too...
  50. S

    Little bit of help for science fair project please

    Little bit of help for science fair project please! Hi guys, I am 13 years old and I am a new member on this forum and I need help with a science fair project. For my project I am showing how companies make tablets so I need to learn how to make a tablet. I did some research but some of the...
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