As in years past, we welcome all types of science displays and projects from students of all ages.  NHE students may display an individual project or a joint project with family members or a friend.

The typical science fair project does not have to be a big investment in time.  Depending on the details of the project, it could be done in a few days or spread out over several weeks.  It is recommended (but not required) that each project has a display board with appropriate information.

Remember, a science project should be fun, give the student some insight into science, and encourage sharing of results as the students interact with other students and adults at the fair.  If you can not convince them to do a project this year, bring them to the fair and they will want to do one next year!

Sign-up will be in the spring.  The name of the Science Fair coordinator can be found in the service task list of the log-in section of this website.

Websites for Further Information

Discovery School's Science Fair Central

KidSpace's Science Fair Project Resource Guide

Science Fair Projects with Complete Instructions

Possible Science Fair Projects

1. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?
2. Which paper towel is the best (strength, liquid pickup, etc.)?
3. How does the height of a basketball bounce depend on its inflation pressure?
4. How do liquid evaporation rates depend on temperature?
5. What is the optimum parachute size for a given weight toy?
6. How can you limit algae growth in pool water?
7. Which battery brand lasts the longest?
8. Does a magnet's strength depend on its size?
9. Which toothpaste cleans stains the best?
10. How does a lens work?

Any project can be done by any student.  The older the student, the more detailed it might be, for example, the number and extent of alternatives evaluated, the amount of statistical work, and the comparison of the results to theory.

JUDGING CRITERIA (Judging is made available to older students.)

The judges are looking for understanding of their projects by the students, being able to project their results to other similar situations, and innovative ways to conduct the experiment and measure the results. The use of fancy and expensive equipments, even by seniors, is not required. One project that was highly rated at the State Science Fair last year involved dropping various sized pieces from a height to simulate debris scattering from a mid-air collision. What impressed the judges was the student realized that she could use the tile floor as a grid instead of measuring the position of each piece.

Preparing for the SCIENCE FAIR

General Guidelines and Judging Criteria

1. Students should choose an investigative project-that means that they will ask a question-then they will start with a hypothesis, conduct experiments, make observations and collect data, and finally draw conclusions.
2. A tri-fold board is used, to display the project and should not be larger than 48 inches in width.
3. Work should be by the students-parents my guide, advise, and help with typing as needed.
4. Please use good judgment if humans or animals are used in your project. Also keep safety in mind.
5. Projects will be judged on the following criteria:

• Scientific thought-30 points
• Originality creativity-20 points
• Evidence of knowledge gained-20 points
• Thoroughness-10 points
• Clarity-10 points
• Visual appeal-10 points

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