For curious kids, making inventions at science fairs can be one of the best times of year. It is a chance to work with other kids interested in science and compete in a fun event. Of course, the real question on kid's minds is, "What will I create?" For new science fair participants, it can be daunting to try to create an invention or experiment that is unique. But don't be intimidated. There are plenty of options to create interesting projects to learn more about the world and teach others. Here are six tips for creating better science fair inventions.
Think Like a Scientist
While you don't want to copy the work of scientists, you can imitate how they think. Scientists approach problems with their own method and great scientists tend to think alike as well. So before you dive in and create your own project, look at how some of the best scientists of our time work. Read up on scientists like Thomas Edison, Buckminster Fuller, and Benjamin Franklin to see how they approached scientific problems. You may be able to use some of their methods.
Pick a Problem
Then focus your project around a problem. Meaningful inventions solve problems in your life. Plato was quoted as saying, "Necessity is the mother of invention." Brainstorm a list of problems in your life and then narrow your list down based on your interests. Also, consider which problems can be solved with a simple science fair project. This will give you plenty of ideas for potential projects. Then, choose three problems that you will explore in the next tip.
DID YOU KNOW?
A Michigan high school student created a nuclear reactor for his science fair. Thiago Olsen, a 15-year old, built a small nuclear reactor for less than $3,500. To create it, he studied vacuum pump manuals, physics textbooks, and found cheap parts online.
Research Thoroughly
With your best three ideas chosen, look to see what other work has been done with them. First, check online to see if any patents have been filed using Google Patents or the U.S. Office of Patents. Also, check to see other similar inventions or projects. Has anyone created a similar idea and how can you improve their methods? Then, head to your library and look at books on the subject. By approaching your research from different angles, you can find places others might not have looked.
Consider 5 Types of Science Fair Projects
Once you have identified your project, decide how you will share your findings. There are five basic types of science fair projects:
*a) Collection: In this type you share a number of specimens, models, or examples to make a point about a topic or concept. The most common example is of a butterfly collection, but you could also have an insect, animal fur, or photograph collection as well.
*b) Demonstration: Show how an existing experiment or invention was created. For example, you could show how a clock works by building your own.
*c) Model: Build a model to make your point. The simplest example is the baking soda and vinegar volcano.
*d) Experiment: Use the scientific method to investigate a problem. For example, you could test different foods to see if the nutritional label is accurate.
*e) Research: Collect information from other sources and present it in a clear way. For example, you could study how much freshwater is available in certain places around the world.
*a) Collection: In this type you share a number of specimens, models, or examples to make a point about a topic or concept. The most common example is of a butterfly collection, but you could also have an insect, animal fur, or photograph collection as well.
*b) Demonstration: Show how an existing experiment or invention was created. For example, you could show how a clock works by building your own.
*c) Model: Build a model to make your point. The simplest example is the baking soda and vinegar volcano.
*d) Experiment: Use the scientific method to investigate a problem. For example, you could test different foods to see if the nutritional label is accurate.
*e) Research: Collect information from other sources and present it in a clear way. For example, you could study how much freshwater is available in certain places around the world.
Show Your Findings
Whatever type of science fair project you choose, you need to visually represent your findings. Fortunately, if you use technology, you have plenty of options for showing your findings to the audience. Some options for using visual aids:
* Photos
*A short video
*An interactive website
*Model
*Collection of specimens
*PowerPoint presentation
* Photos
*A short video
*An interactive website
*Model
*Collection of specimens
*PowerPoint presentation
Common Examples
You could also add on to common science fair projects. You could build a kaleidoscope. This is a fun thing for kids to look through and can be relatively easy to build. Also, you could do an experiment with dry ice. Growing bacteria under varying conditions can also make a simple science experiment. Or try demonstrating the properties of magnets.
No matter what type of project you decide on, creating inventions and experiments for science fairs can teach you a lot. For better results, think like your favorite scientist, choose an interesting problem, and do thorough research. Then pick the best type of science project for your idea and be sure to show the audience visually what you find. If you get stuck, look at other examples of projects and make a similar
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