Places to find Science Fair Inspiration
- The Library. Go to the local or school library and ask a reference librarian, look for book collections, multi-media offerings, etc. For example, a reference librarian will identify the most useful sources both online and in print, saving time and frustration. The multimedia section may have nonfiction tapes from Bill Nye, PBS and other credible science sources.
- The Community. Another source is people in the community. Chances are that a family friend has a science background, and talking to a person can be far more helpful than picking through materials. Approach science teachers in other grades or at another school. The mom of a friend might be an engineer who can provide real-life data, tables and schema. A classmate’s physician father may explain specific lab techniques. These personal resources allow immediate interaction that can inspire ideas.
- The Internet. You can find a lot online. Sites that end in “edu” and “gov” are the best places for ideas, safety information and instructions.
- The Alternatives. Think outside the box! Consider your activities and hobbies; everything you do involves science. If you loves to bake, the chemical reaction of baking soda versus baking powder makes a fun comparison. If you play sports, imagine a physics question about momentum, force or trajectory. If video and computer games are your thing, learn how they are created—animation, computer programming, etc.