5 Steps To Creating Captivating School Science Fair Projects
If you thought science fair projects are just a collection of dead models, you are light years away from the truth. You will be surprised to know that the entire concept of 'video games' originated out of a science fair and exhibition. And if you happen to love exploring the nuances of science, these fairs are perhaps the best platform to experiment with your creativity and innovation. You can actually create demos and experiments that will demystify the complex image science generally carry. However, creating such a project is easier said than done.
Here are a set of five thumb rules that will help you ideate and execute the best of the school science fair projects:
1. Identify a domain that you love: It is very important to understand that you need to love the topic to make an interesting project in that topic. If you love biology, opt for biology. If you love physics, as yourself- is it thermodynamics or mechanics that you love the most. Identify your special interest area and then think of possible topics. Actually, if you love the topic you wont have to 'think' about the topic. It should come to you automatically.
2. While identifying the topic, always keep in mind the fact that you will have to 'build' the demo. Always check for the ease of building that demo. Trying to create a table top volcano is easy, but not creating a device that can transform kinetic energy into light energy. Similarly, measuring the speed of light may captivate you, but you cannot possibly use this concept to showcase your innovation in your school science fair. 3. When you are building the project, do not make it an assembly activity. That means, there is no fun and learning in assembling a DIY radio kit. When you are creating a science fair project, try and build it right from the first and the fundamental step. This way, you will enjoy the process, and add to your learning while building that project. 4. Take care of the details. Attention to details is one of the most important factors that can make or break a great idea. While you are building the project, make sure you document each and every process, and note down data, if any. When you have completed your project, you will have to create a project report too. So, it is strongly advised that you do the documentation as and when you complete a step. 5. Do a dry run- If you are creating a dynamic demo, as in, your project is not a static display, make sure you do a couple of dry runs before you present your project in the fair. Have you heard of Murphy's Law? It states that if anything can go wrong, it will do so when you expect it the least. When you dry runs, it eliminates all dependencies and risk factors and ensures that your performance is as expected in the actual fair. Now, armed with these tried and tested thumb rules, it will require some serious efforts not to make an award winning science fair project. Wish you all the best.
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