Project+Ideas


 * Remember: The best projects are those that address a problem you see in your school, community or home.

Life Science **
 * __ Behavioral and Social Science __**


 * // Animals //**

How does temperature affect the behavior of insects? What food do mealworms prefer? What travels faster; a snail or a worm? What effect does temperature have on the metamorphosis of a butterfly? Which do ants prefer- cheese or sugar?


 * __ Microbiology __**

In what type of condition do algae grow best? What makes yeast form? Do all foods grow the same kind of mold? Which citrus food is the best electrolyte? What form of sugar, combined with baker’s yeast, will produce the most carbon dioxide? Which materials grow molds? What prevents the growth of molds? What bacteria are in pond water? What bacteria are on the doors of restrooms?


 * __ Botany __**

What is the effect of crowding on plants? In what kind of material (sand, clay etc.) do seeds grow the best? How does the direction in which you plant a seed affect the direction it grows? How do vitamins affect the growth of a plant? What fertilizer is the best for plant growth? Compare the growth of planting frozen seeds and non-frozen seeds. Can plants grow without soil? Does the type of apple affect the number of seeds inside? Does the size of the seeds affect the size of the plant? Experiment with different way to germinate plants (seeds, leaves, roots). How can you prevent fruit from turning brown? How fast does grass grow? What soil grows the best plants? How does sugar affect the life of cut flowers? Compare the effect of distilled water and filtered water on plants. Compare the effect of rainwater and tap water on the growth of plants. What are the effects of varying amounts of water on seed germination? How does colored light affect radish growth? What is the duration needed to chill tulips to get the tallest growth? In what type of soil do cacti grow better: topsoil or sand? What is the physical effect of ultraviolet rays on the germination and growth of phaseolus vulgari (or other plants) in different magnetic fields? What is the effect of increased CO2 levels on pinus elliotti (or other plants)? How do plants survive in extreme temperatures? What is the affect of radiation (put seeds in microwave) on plant germination? What is the effect of common window cleaners on plants? What sunlight is better for plants- through a window, directly outside, through a shade? What is the affect of colored cellophane on the growth rate of a plant? What is the effect of blue food coloring on white carnations? What is the effect of temperature on the growth of plants?


 * __ Health/Medicine __**

What removes plaque better from teeth: a dry brush or a moist toothbrush? What is the relationship between muscle strength and body fat? How does washing your hands get rid of germs? How do sanitation wipes at the grocery store clean the grocery cart?

** Physical Science **
 * __ Physics __**

Investigate whether or not a photograph can be made without a camera. How are different sunglasses different? Can light bend? How are various light bulbs different? Does every object make a shadow?
 * //Energy (light)//**

Which colors fade the most? What can prevent fading? What is the difference between translucent materials and transparent materials? What makes the colors in the rainbow? What shows up the best in a black light? What is the difference between regular light bulbs and fluorescent bulbs?

Why do various drums sound differently? What makes the loudest drum beat? What is the difference between the sound of an acoustic guitar and an electric guitar? What is the difference in sound between a piano and an organ? Investigate whether or not you can hear under water. Can you tell where sound comes from when you are blindfolded?
 * //Energy (sound)//**

How does preparation of food affect taste the when cooked in the oven vs. microwave? Does the color of an object affect how hot it will get? Does heat affect the size of things? How does temperature affect the height that a dropped ball bounces? Does temperature affect the height that a dropped ball bounces? What is the effect of temperature on the distance a soccer ball can be kicked? Does temperature affect the distance a golf ball can travel? Does temperature affect tire pressure? Does temperature affect a baseball’s bounce? What would make an M & M melt in your hand? Do various materials all melt at the same rate? Does temperature affect make-up? Does the type of chocolate affect the melting rate? Does the color of an object affect how warm it absorbs heat? Why do you feel cooler when a fan is blowing? What is the effect of color on the rate of evaporation of a liquid?
 * //Energy (Heat)//**

Which battery lasts the longest? What objects conduct electricity the best? How is static electricity produced? How do you get the cling out of clothes? What cell phone keeps its charge the longest? What foods conduct electricity? What circuits last longer? How is the strength of a magnet affected by glass, cardboard and plastic?
 * //Energy (Electricity)//**

How can you measure the average speed of an object between two points? Which rubber bands stretch the farthest? Which skateboards go faster? How does the weight in a container affect its ability to slide? What is the effect of the amount of cargo on the travel of a toy truck? What is the effect of the length of a cylinder on the width of a field of vision? How does the size of a coin affect the number of water drops that can be placed on it? How does the amount of salt in a container of water affect the height an egg floats? How can the design of a roller roaster track affect the speed of travel? What type of wheel reduces friction the best? What reduces friction? How do the Olympic athletes increase their speed (on the snowboards, skis, bobsleds, skates)? How do skaters do those spins? How do ski jumpers stay in the air so long? How are skateboarders able to do those turns in the air? What kinds of forces do you see at amusement parks? How does switching gears on your bike change the force needed to pedal? What is the easiest way to lift a rock? What is the easiest way to move your belongings into an apartment on the 14th floor? What is the effect of different street materials on the speed of cars? Why are there different shoes for different sports? On what kind of surface do balls roll faster? How does the weight of a pendulum affect the swing? Compare how watches keep time? How does changing the position of a fulcrum affect the level of movement? Engineering __**
 * //Force and Motion//**
 * __

How does the shape of a boat affect its speed? What shape is the strongest? What is the strongest design for a bridge? What holds two boards together better: a screw or a nail? What is the best way to hang pictures on the wall? What packing materials protect fragile products the best? What conditions affect the strength of adhesives?

Why are the shapes of cars different? Will the shape of an airplane affect its speed or distance? What is stronger against hurricane force winds: tile, gravel roof or shingles? What kinds of shutters protect glass windows the best during hurricanes? How can you make the strongest dam? What structures will prevent flooding?


 * __ Chemistry __**

Does alcohol or water evaporate faster? Which kinds of kitchen wraps are best for keeping odors contained? What is the fastest way to cool down hot chocolate? In which liquid will ice cubes float? What conditions cause metal to rust quicker? What materials prevent rust? What materials remove rust? What brand of eraser is most effective in removing pencil marks? What kind of juice cleans pennies? Which dish soap makes the most bubbles? What brand of soap lasts longer in water? How long will it take a drop of food dye to color a glass of still water – will temperature affect this? Compare the weight of liquids. Which detergent removes carpet (clothes) stains the best? Study the how object float in liquids with different densities. What materials dissolve in water? Which materials absorb the most water? Which brand of tape holds the most weight? What brand or type of paper can best resist penetration by a pencil or pen point? What holds things together better; tape, liquid glue or glue stick? What type of tape works best? Which bar of soap lasts longer? How long does chlorine stay in water? How do household bleaches compare? How is print quality affected by the kind of paper used?


 * __ Biochemistry __**

Why do foods turn colors when you cook them? What makes a gummy bear sticky? What spoils faster: egg whites or whipping cream? Which ice cream or yogurt melts faster (flavor or brand)? Which bacon has the most fat? Which ketchup is the thickest? Compare the mass of chewed gum. Compare the amount of vitamin C in fruit and vegetable juices. How do hydrating shampoos strengthen hair compared to regular shampoos?

Earth and Space Science

 * __ Earth and Space Science __**

How does the level of the land affect wind speed? How does the level of the land affect rainfall? Which type of thermometer is the most accurate? How can you make rain? How do you protect yourself in a tornado? How can today’s clouds predict tomorrow’s weather? Which minerals can you find in sand? How does light affect the pH of soil? What prevents erosion? How is the type of soil a factor in landslides? What kind of land absorbs the most heat?
 * //Weather//**
 * //Land//**


 * __ Environmental Science __**

What is the effect of mint leaves on ants? What product keeps away mosquitoes the best? What is the effect of detergent on bean seeds? What are the effects of coffee or tea on germination? Where does the grass grow greener? What is better for the environment: paper or plastic? How does plastic wrap affect a water heating solar panel? How will reflected light change the efficiency of a solar cell? Which mulch conserves moisture the longest? What is the difference between tap and bottled water? Which cars produce more pollution: American or foreign? Compare the burning time of firewood and manufactured logs. How do Earth- friendly cleaning products measure up? What is the biodegradability of packing materials? Who litters the most: children or adults, girls or boys? Investigate whether pollution (oil) reaches the aquifer when spilled on different types of land (sand, soil, grassy soil, rocks). What produces the most air pollution: cars, trucks, or motorcycles? What is the effect of octane on gasoline mileage? How does taking a bath or shower affect the amount of water used?

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