Elementary students can study plants for a biology experiment. Discover what effect salt and sugar have on growing, or the effects of temperature on seeds. Demonstrate how oil spills affect wildlife, for a chemistry experiment. Environmental studies are reflected in showing how much space trash occupies. Learn how changes in temperature affect the power generated by a solar cell. Study how ants react to the dark or how fireflies are able to grow.
Middle school students can create more advanced demonstrations. Build a simple electric generator. Grow fungi to determine the effect of temperature on growth. Discover the effect of ultraviolet light on yeast fermentation. Determine the effect of increased starch on the process of photosynthesis. Build an electric generator. Demonstrate why the sky is blue.
Discover what types of foods cause oral allergy syndrome, which affects some people who have grass and pollen allergies; they may develop a rash when exposed to certain foods. Understand and explain the greenhouse effect. Discover what environmental problems disposable diapers create in landfills. Demonstrate dominant and recessive genes in passing traits from parent to child.
Choose an active experiment to increase interest in observers. A model car built of mousetraps is more interesting than a diagram of the genetic traits of a pea plant. Utilize media if possible when an active experiment is not possible. Laptop computers can be used to create a presentation that is more engaging than standard poster paper. Ensure the student understands all aspects of the experiment and can explain it to a judge when questioned. Modify the experiment to the age level of the student if necessary.
Science-fair projects will need to be transported to the fair. Ensure the project can be disassembled and reassembled if necessary without damage to the experiment. Encourage the student to document all findings as they occur, to maintain accuracy of results. Provide supervision when electric tools or chemicals are used in the experiment. Allow the student to create and monitor the experiment themselves to get the most out of the experience.