SELECTING A TOPIC
This is, often, the most challenging part. Please remember the following rules:
1. Start early. Start early. Start early. Start early. Start early. Start early.
2. Pick something that interests you.
Judging categories are:
Behavioral & Social Science / Chemistry & BiochemistryMicrobiology / Earth & Space Science
Physics & Engineering / Medicine & Health
Mathematics & Computers / Environmental Science
Biological Sciences: Botany & Zoology
3. Make the topic challenging. This is a major assignment and carries substantial grade weight. I will not approve an elementary project.
4.The experiment must be one of the following:
a. control - variable, manipulate a variable and maintain a control
b. engineering, in which you design and execute a unique device.
c. observational, in which you collect data on unique behaviors or circumstances.
5. Keep the topic ‘doable’. This means you have access to time, equipment and information that allows you to conduct the research safely and ethically.
6.Start general and refine to specific.
a. Read magazines, newspapers, books to get an idea of an area that sounds interesting. Talk to people or get an idea from a TV show. As you explore, think of how you can extract a ‘doable’ topic.
b. Read through the titles and abstracts of previous science fair projects. These give you an idea of range of topics as well as complexity.
c. The refinement process is time-consuming. Don’t think you will get a topic immediately and don’t think it will come easily. You must be curious and persistent. Remember, you have many criteria that must be followed.
d. ALWAYS – KEEP ME INFORMED.
7.As a rule I am not in favor of using ‘cookbook’ lab procedures for your science fair topic. There are many books available that will give you a pre-designed experiment. I think this reduces your creativity and personal ownership. However, a “cookbook” lab can be used to as a starting point for an idea. Modify the dependent or independent variable to establish your own project.
To be turned in: Time line item #1 3 Topics - On the appropriate form submit 3 titles that indicate the general areas you may be exploring for your project. Use the “3 blank system”.This assignment is worth 5 points.
To be turned in: Time line item #2 1Topic with outline - Eliminate some of your choices above and narrow your selection to one topic.This assignment is worth 5 points.
Note: You can change your topic to something totally different from 3 topics to 1 topic. In fact you can change your topic up until the end of November. It is reasonable that, as you discover more about your topic, you may decide it is no longer “doable”. However, don’t procrastinate.
A useful website with topic ideas is
TOPIC SELECTION CRITERIA
The following abbreviations will be used on the project topics you select. They reflect the concerns I would have on the variety of topics you consider
- basically OK. You may need to refine the topic as class suggestions are made.
?- not sure of what you are saying. This may be the result of not being able to read your writing or not knowing anything about the topic.
X- don’t do. This is usually associated with another abbreviation which explains why you must reconsider. If you don’t understand, see me.
CR - consumer report - this topic is not scientific. The project may reveal interesting and relevant information but it is not scientific. It is designed to establish a comparative list, ie/ what antibacterial soap works the best. These experiments are not permitted but be aware that they can often be easily converted to a good scientific experiment, ie/ The affects of various concentrations of an anti-bacterial agent on E. coli?
SIM- simple - this project is too simple for this class.
IRR - irrelevant - this project is not relevant enough to qualify. This usually r results from not spending enough time looking for a good topic. Don’t be lazy!
DIFF - difficult - I expect that without professional help through a mentor that this topic will be too hard.
DIFFQ – difficult to get quantitative data - this topic will not provide quantitative data. ie/ The affects of different types of music on test scores. It would be impossible to establish whether the scores were the result of the music or individual talents.
VAGUE – unable to reasonably establish the dependent variable, independent variable or object.
LIB- library- this is not an open-ended, engineering or observational project,
REST- restrictions - there are safety restrictions that prevent you from doing this
project without professional mentor ship.
IN ALL CASES, IF YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY - SEE ME!!!!!!