Topic Selection and Resources

When choosing variables within a topic, keep these guidelines in mind:

  • You must do an experiment to answer your question (at least 100 points of data need to be taken). No models or demonstrations are acceptable for seventh grade projects.
  • Science Fair projects involving humans or animals as test subjects will NOT be allowed (including taste testing). Testing for mold or bacterials swabs is also not allowed. Link to specific rules and regulations.
  • No consumer projects are allowed. For example, no “Which brand of battery works the best?”
  • MS Science Fair FAQs Link

TOPIC SELECTION (This section should be completed in your LAB NOTEBOOK, ONLY)

Due date for Homework #1: January 10, 2020 (Friday)

The first part of the assignment is the selection of your topic. We will work on Part II in class, and you may have time for Part I as well. You will need to work on this at home!

Part I

  1. Indicate two questions/topics/projects that interest you most. Put a star next to the one that you are most interested in. I know some of you already have an idea that you want to do, but in case that project does not meet the criteria, you will have another well researched idea!
  2. Describe the experiment you’re thinking of running (in paragraph form). Try to:
    • Write down your independent and dependent variables
    • Record as many controlled variables as possible

Part II

  • Research your 2 ideas and take bulleted notes from at least 3 sources (a total of 6 sources!)
    • Take bulleted notes on a separate page for each source.
    • Make sure to create an MLA formatted citation
    • Use your own words!

List of Resources to help you select a topic! (NO WIKIPEDIA!)

Science Buddies

Bancroft Library Research Link (brainstorming process and research links!)

Science Fair Wizard

A few reminders and an example:

Independent Variable (Cause, I change): This variable causes something to happen to the dependent variable. The scientist changes the independent variable on purpose.

Dependent Variable (Effect, what you measure): This variable has something happen to it as a result of the independent variable. The dependent variable changes in response to the independent variable. The dependent variable is the variable the scientist measures.


Example Statement of the Problem:

How does the pH of water affect the rate of corrosion of iron?

Independent variable/cause: pH above 7.0, pH below 7.0, and pH 7.0

Dependent variable/effect: Will iron nails rust faster or slower in the different conditions?

2020 Science Fair - looking for ideas.docx