The science fair starts with a project It’s your chance to be a scientist or engineer You pick a question to explore or a problem to solve These might be What do plants need to grow or How can I build a faster go-kart 6
Then you do some research You make an educated guess To test that guess you develop an experiment or model Sometimes you can even team up with your best buddies for more fun When you work with a partner you get twice as many ideas about how to make your project a success 7
Science projects come in several shapes and sizes Say science fair and most people think of test tubes and lab experiments But there are other types of projects too Engineering projects let you improve an existing product or machine Imagine modifying a go-kart so it goes even faster In some cases you may invent something completely new There are other opportunities too Computer buffs can write new programs Math whizzes can solve a problem The key is to create a project that uses your talents and your interests 8
The recipe for science fair success has just a few simple ingredients a topic you care about and a question you can test You will spend a lot of time on your project so pick a subject that interests you If you are a basketball fanatic find out what drills make better players If you love airplanes make one that flies farther Your enthusiasm will shine through And it could make you a winner Pick a topic that will utilize the skills and knowledge you already have 9
