San Antonio Public Library: Science Fair Help

So, you've found out you have to do a science fair project. Where do you start? Here’s a timeline you can use to get you going. The most important things to remember:
use your imagination and have fun!
: 1. Choose a topic you’re interested in.
: 2. Get approval on your topic from your teacher.
: 3. Read all you can on your topic and gather information (some resource books are listed below).
: 4. Think of an experiment that answers a question in your topic area.
: 5. Gather the materials you’ll need to carry out your experiment.
: 6. Use the scientific process to conduct your experiment.
: 7. Put together an exhibit or display.
: 8. Write a written report.
: 9. Be prepared to discuss your experiment with the judges.
: 10. Get ready to transport your project to the Fair and remember to HAVE FUN!
: IMPORTANT - Start early! Think about what would interest you. Remember to take lists,; instructions, etc. to the library with you. Plan your work with a timeline. Experiment safely. Keep a diary. Ask parents, teachers, and librarians for advice and help if you need it. Make sure you use the scientific method. This is your project - you need to do the work!

Tips courtesy of Jeanne Mundorff
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RESOURCE BOOKS FROM THE SAN ANTONIO PUBLIC LIBRARY

Primary/Intermediate

JUVENILE 500 NYE	Nye, Bill. Bill Nye the Science Guy’s Consider the Following: A Way Cool Set of Science Questions, Answers and Ideas to Ponder. New York: Disney Press, 1995. Considers questions such as how things move by providing experiments and answers to show that science can BE COOL.
JUVENILE 507.8 CHURCHILL	Churchill, E. Richard. 365 Simple Science Experiments with Everyday Materials. New York: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, 1997. Presents a variety of activities, projects, and experiments that illustrate and explain scientific principles.
JUVENILE 507.8 LEVINE	Levine, Shar. Everyday Science: Fun and Easy Projects for Making Practical Things.. New York: Wiley, 1995. Demonstrates that science is everywhere around you and shows how things that you use everyday work.
JUVENILE 507.8 MARKLE	Markle, Sandra. Icky, Squishy Science. New York: Hyperion, 1996. Demonstrates 22 experiments for inquisitive young scientists (mostly icky and squishy) that use materials easily available around the house.
JUVENILE 507.8 POTTER	Potter, Jean. Science in Seconds with Toys : Over 100 Experiments You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less. New York, Wiley, 1998. Find out how an "Etch-A-Sketch" erases pictures, or why a "Slinky" slinks down stairs.
JUVENILE 507.8 VANCLEAVE	VanCleave, Janice. Janice VanCleave’s Guide to the Best Science Fair Projects. New York: Wiley, 1997. A useful guide to 50 projects in the fields of astronomy, biology, earth science and physical science.

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RESOURCE BOOKS FROM THE SAN ANTONIO PUBLIC LIBRARY

Intermediate/High School

JUVENILE 507.8 ADAMS	Adams, Richard C. Ideas for Science Projects. New York: Franklin Watts, 1997. Introduces the scientific method through instructions for observations and experiments in biology, physics, astronomy, botany, psychology and chemistry.
JUVENILE 507.8 TANT	Tant, Carl. Science Fair Spelled W-I-N: A Guide for Parents, Teachers and Students. Angleton, TX: Biotech Publications, 1995. Discussions and guidelines about biology and biotechnical projects that use new technology. Includes tips on displays, reports and scoring. Includes recent changes in science fair rules relating to group projects and home school participation.
JUVENILE 540.78 VANCLEAVE	VanCleave, Janice. Janice VanCleave’s A+ Projects in Chemistry: Winning Experiments for Science Fairs and Extra Credit. New York: Wiley, 1993. Provides step-by-step instructions for thirty advanced chemistry experiments suitable for science fairs.
JUVENILE 523.3 GARDNER	Gardner, Robert. Science Project Ideas About the Moon. Springfield, New Jersey: Enslow Publishers, 1997. Introduces the phases and other characteristics of the moon through a series of experiments, most of which can be used to start a science fair project.
JUVENILE 591 DASHEFSKY	Dashefsky, H. Steven. Zoology: High School Science Fair Experiments. New York: TAB Books, 1995. Using the scientific method, offers hands-on experiments with suggestions for further research, zoological information, diagrams and materials list.

Annotations courtesy Diane Backhus and Cara Waits; Top of Page; ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
: Airports
: If your project deals with aeronautics, then you might contact your nearest airport. Airports often employ meteorologists that may be able to help with projects dealing with weather.
: Animal Hospitals
: Often veterinarians are willing to help students with science projects. Call several weeks in advance for an appointment if you want to request help.
: Botanical Gardens
: Plant specialists can be found at local botanical gardens. You might contact your local Garden Club and locate members who might be willing to assist you with your project.
: Hospitals
: Many hospitals have an education department that you can contact. Family doctors or dentists might be able to help, too.
: Zoos
: Most zoos have an education department or their zoological society may be able to help you. They may be able to arrange a meeting for you with an animal keeper or zoologist.

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SCIENCE FAIR SITES
: CMS - Science Fair page - The Cyberspace Middle School has a fantastically informative site on science fairs. There’s a help desk where you can ask questions, find practical hints for selecting and completing a project, descriptions of possible projects, and a variety of links to other sites. It’s all part of the Cyberspace Middle School which is designed for students in the 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th grades, but it’s useful for all ages.
: Cyber-Fair - This site was created for students in grades 3 through 6 and their teachers. Here you can look for ideas for projects, read the results of previous student science fair projects, and share your results with other students. This site also includes links to a couple of virtual science fairs and some research links.
: Discovery School: Science Fair Central - Are you looking for an idea for your science project? Science Fair Central lists all kinds of project ideas for you to choose from—whether you’re interested in learning about the solar system, the ocean or plant life. Once you have selected your topic, you can find out which current books and links from the web are available to help you with your research.; Eduzone Science Tips - If you’ve ever wanted to see what’s involved in setting up a science fair for a school, this is the site for you. There are also links to elementary and secondary science fair topic sheets, a site with more project ideas, and some links to sites selling various science fair kits.
: IPL Science Fair Project Resource Guide - The sites above and many others are included on this comprehensive site put together and maintained by the Youth Division of the Internet Public Library. The site is organized into five areas (How To Do A Science Fair, Sample Science Fair Projects, Ideas For Science Fair Projects, General Interest Science Magazines, Resources) with a variety of links under each heading. If you can’t find what you need here, you probably can’t find it on the web!
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: last updated on 09/05/2003; Kids' Page | Library Homepage