Science Fair Central
Science Fair, two words that terrify both students
and parents.  Is your child participating in the
science fair this year?  If so, don’t panic!  If the
right steps are taken the local science fair can be
successful.  Planning is key!  An award-winning
science fair project is not created overnight.  
Realize ahead of time that it takes patience and
time when doing these projects.  PLEASE do not
do your child’s science fair project!  Kids learn
science by doing science.    






SCIENCE FAIR IDEAS
The hardest part is choosing a topic.  Start by having your child select a topic they find
interesting.  If you are having trouble finding the perfect science fair topic, here are a few
ideas.   
How do laws/policies on deer affect deer populations?    
What conditions impact productivity while doing homework?
How does photo-editing affect perception?
How does weather affect mood?
How does temperature affect the brewing of tea?
Which detergent is best for removing stains?
Which paper towel absorbs the fastest?
What is the best way to remove wrinkles from fabric?
How does temperature impact the activity of ants?
How does smell affect taste?  

SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Make sure the science fair project is an experiment and not a demonstration.  You should
start by asking a question and then use the scientific method to get an answer.  The scientific method is a step-by-step process used to ask and answer scientific questions.  
Although the scientific method can be traced back to the Greeks and even to ancient
artisans, Galileo is known as the father of "The Scientific Method.”

STEP 1:  Ask a Question – The scientific method
starts by asking a question.  It’s important to pick a topic you find interesting and to
develop a question that can be measured.  
STEP 2:  Form a Hypothesis – A hypothesis is an educated guess.  Your hypothesis
should be measurable and say something like, "Raising the temperature of a cup of
water will increase the amount of sugar that dissolves."
STEP 3:  Design and Perform an Experiment – Design and perform an experiment
that will prove your hypothesis true or false.  
STEP 4:  Analyze the Results – Once your experiment is complete gather and analyze
all data to determine if your hypothesis is true or false.  If your hypothesis is false go
back to STEP 2 and create a new hypothesis.  
STEP 5:  Communicate the Results  - Communicate your results via a report and a
science fair board.

SCIENCE FAIR SUPPLIES
Are you looking for science fair supplies?  If so the Learning Railroad has a large
selection of science fair supplies.  Here are some supplies you may need.    
Project Boards
Project Board Titles
Border
Safety Goggles
Microscope
Magnifier
Baby Soda Bottles
Eye Droppers
Graduated Cylinders
Petri Dishes with Agar
pH Paper
Microscope Slides
Prisms
Magnet Wand
Spring Scales
Platform Scales
Utility Tape
Stapler
Glue
Scissors
Index Cards
Markers
Clipboards
Crayons
Ruler
SCIENCE FAIR
LINKS
Science Skills: Safety
Rules!
Science Skills: Doing
a Lab Write-Up
Science Skills:
Understanding
Variables
Science Skills:
Working with
Hypotheses
Science Skills:
Designing an
Experiment
Science Skills: Using
the International
System of Units (SI)
Science Skills:
Measuring
Math Skills
Worksheets
Southeast Missouri Regional Science Fair – Tuesday, March 9, 2010West Tennessee Regional Science & Engineering Fair – Friday, March 12, 2010Southern Kentucky Regional Science Fair – Saturday, March 13, 2010Illinois Junior Academy of Science Regional Science Fair – Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Intel International
Science and
Engineering Fair
Science Fair Guide
for Teachers
Science Fair Guide
for Students
Science Fair Guide
for Parents
Hooked on Science
Experiment Archive
SCIENCE FAIR
REFRESHER
2009 Southeast Missouri
Regional Science Fair