Examples of Science Fair Experiments
So the science fair is coming up, and you don't know where to begin. Your teacher gave you some examples of science fair experiments you could do that seemed right out of a textbook. But you're a creative type, and you'd rather come up with your own ideas. Well, I can't promise you that any of the following examples will necessarily win you first place in your school, district, state, or universe, but I do love thinking of fun and interesting ideas and sharing them with you. And if you need some materials, we carry loads of science fun for kids ages 4 to teen.
First, some ground rules. It doesn't have to be earth shattering. (As a matter of fact, if it truly is earth shattering then we're probably talking nuclear devices, and those are a definite no no.) It shouldn't involve live animals unless you know how to handle them and can be certain they won't be harmed in any way. It should interest you.
18 February 2008: This one's a great science experiment for kindergarden kids, or slightly older. Answer the question, "Will a bean seed grow faster if it is cut through the cotyledon or down the middle (between the cotyledons)?" A cotyledon is a "seed leaf". It's that first leaf that comes out when a seed sprouts. If you look closely at a bean, you'll notice that it has two halves that are identical, and if you tap it lightly it will split down the middle into these halves. These are the two cotyledons.
This experiment or science fair project is fun because it involves a saw! I suggest using at least 6 beans for each treatment, in case some of your beans don't sprout at all. Your treatments will be: (1) split the bean into its two cotyledons, (2) saw the bean across the cotyledons, so that you have two halves, each with a part of one of the two original cotyledons, and (3) just leave the bean as it is.
With a parent or teacher helping (very important!), saw your beans as noted. You need to keep your beans moist in order for them to sprout. The easiest way to do this is to place them between two pieces of moist paper towel inside a closed plastic bag. Write the treatment on the bag! Then check them each day, and note how many days have gone by. Once your seeds have sprouted, take them out of the plastic bag but keep them moist. Each day measure all the seeds in each treatment.
What do you think will happen?
And if you've got a fun idea that you don't mind sharing, then send it in. If we like it, we'll post it here and give you credit. Just shoot us an email with your idea, addressed to Professor PlayFair, and with the subject line: Science Fair Experiment Example. Also if you try any of our example science fair experiments or science experiments, we'd love to hear what happened. Please email the Professor and let her know what you discovered!