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Selecting a Science Fair Topic

Think about what you want to study or learn about. Your choice of topic should be something that interests you. There are four steps to picking a topic:

Step 1: Find an area that interests you.
Is there something in your environment that regularly captures your attention? Has there been an interesting phenomenon in the news recently that got you thinking about science? Have you observed something in the world that makes you wonder Why? or What if?
Brainstorm List 5 subjects about which you would like to know more. For example, squirrels, stars, or pollution.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
2. Research two of your subjects and do some preliminary investigation. Read web sites about your subject. List 2–3 areas of your subject about which you would like to know more. For example, the eating habits of squirrels, the emitted light of stars, or the impact of pollution on breathing. Note the web sites where you found this information; you may be able to use them in your later research.

Topic 1:
Sub-Topic 1:
Sub-Topic 2:
Sub-Topic 3:

B. Topic 2:
Sub-Topic 1:
Sub-Topic 2:
Sub-Topic 3:

3. Select the topic you prefer the most. It is not necessary to determine your area of interest (sub-topic) at this time.

*If you are still having trouble selecting a topic try use: Science fair Ideas

List your preferred topic:

Step 2: Categorize your topic.
Does your area of interest fall into any of the categories below? Having trouble categorizing your area? Ask Me. Click on the science fair categories listed below for descriptions and research links.
Aerospace Science
Behavioral Science*
Biochemistry
Botany
Chemistry*
Computer Science
Earth Science
Electronics
Engineering*
Environmental Science
Health Science*
Materials Science
Mathematics
Microbiology*
Physics
Zoology*
Categorizing your topic
Topic:
Category:

Endorsements: If your topic requires the use of living organisms or certain substances, you may be required to complete certain forms. If the category for your topic has an asterisk, “ * ”, this is a sign that you may need an endorsement. The endorsements may be found on BHS Science Fair Website.
Does your topic require endorsements (yes or no):
If yes, list potential contacts.

Step 3. Investigate your topic. Do some research to learn the fundamentals of your subject matter. Be sure to note facts that are of particular interest to you. These facts will help you narrow your topic.
Brainstorm. Think about what you need to know about your topic to design and implement a science fair project. List what you need to know. This may change and expand as you do your research. This list will help you begin.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Resources. Think about where you may find this information. Consider the resources you used to determine your topic. Consider web sites, books, magazines, and journals. List five resources to use to begin your research.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Keywords. Think about the keywords or key terms that you will use when searching the web, databases, or library catalogs for information about your topic and the specific information that you need. List as many keyword as you can think of to begin your search. You may think of more keywords as your research progresses.

Step 4. Narrow your topic. Write a one sentence descriptive statement about your topic area and your subject matter.
For example, “My science fair project is a physics problem that will investigate how temperature affects the volume of air.”

ASKING A QUESTION
Now you have selected a topic, it is time to ask a question that will guide your research for the next couple of months. The question must be both measurable and testable. Think about your specific sub-topic and your topic statement from above. Brainstorm 3 problems that you can research, test, and measure. Do some research and brainstorm how you will test and measure each problem.

Problem 1:
Notes:
Testable? Yes or No:
How? :
Measurable? Yes or No:
How?:

Problem 2:
Notes:
Testable? Yes or No:
How? :
Measurable? Yes or No:
How?:

Problem 3:
Notes:
Testable? Yes or No:
How? :
Measurable? Yes or No:
How?:

1 answer

Step 1: Find an area that interests you.

Brainstorm List 5 subjects about which you would like to know more:

A. Climate Change
B. Wildlife Conservation
C. Renewable Energy Sources
D. Microplastics in Oceans
E. The Behavior of Ants

Research two of your subjects and do some preliminary investigation.

Topic 1: Climate Change

  • Sub-Topic 1: Effects of Climate Change on Biodiversity
  • Sub-Topic 2: The Role of Carbon Footprints in Global Warming
  • Sub-Topic 3: Local Climate Change Mitigation Strategies

Websites:

Topic 2: Wildlife Conservation

  • Sub-Topic 1: Endangered Species and Their Habitats
  • Sub-Topic 2: Impact of Poaching on Animal Populations
  • Sub-Topic 3: Community Efforts in Wildlife Preservation

Websites:

3. Select the topic you prefer the most.

List your preferred topic:
Climate Change

Step 2: Categorize your topic.

Topic: Climate Change
Category: Environmental Science

Does your topic require endorsements (yes or no): Yes
If yes, list potential contacts:

  • School Science Fair Coordinator
  • Environmental Science Teacher

Step 3. Investigate your topic.

Brainstorm. Think about what you need to know about your topic to design and implement a science fair project. List what you need to know.
A. Historical climate data and trends
B. Effects of climate change on specific ecosystems
C. Mitigation strategies and their effectiveness
D. The role of humans in climate change
E. Future projections for climate change

Resources. Think about where you may find this information. Consider the resources you used to determine your topic.
A. Books on climate science
B. Scientific journals on environmental studies
C. Documentaries on climate change
D. Nonprofit organizations focused on climate action
E. Government reports on climate data

Keywords. Think about the keywords or key terms that you will use when searching the web, databases, or library catalogs for information about your topic.

  • Climate Change
  • Global Warming
  • Carbon Footprint
  • Biodiversity
  • Ecosystem Impact
  • Mitigation Strategies

Step 4. Narrow your topic.

Write a one sentence descriptive statement about your topic area and your subject matter.
“My science fair project will investigate the effects of climate change on local biodiversity and the potential strategies for mitigation.”

ASKING A QUESTION

Now you have selected a topic; it's time to ask a question that will guide your research.

Problem 1: What are the direct effects of climate change on local wildlife populations?

  • Notes: Research local species that are vulnerable to changes in their environment.
  • Testable? Yes
  • How?: By observing wildlife populations in varying climate conditions over time.
  • Measurable? Yes
  • How?: By counting the number of individuals in studies across different habitat types and conditions.

Problem 2: How effective are community-led conservation efforts in mitigating the effects of climate change?

  • Notes: Evaluate specific case studies of community initiatives.
  • Testable? Yes
  • How?: By comparing biodiversity indices in areas with and without community conservation efforts.
  • Measurable? Yes
  • How?: Through baseline surveys of biodiversity before and after implementation of conservation efforts.

Problem 3: In what ways do local carbon footprints influence climate change outcomes?

  • Notes: Analyze carbon production in various sectors (transportation, industry, etc.).
  • Testable? Yes
  • How?: By measuring the carbon output from different sectors and relating it to local climate data.
  • Measurable? Yes
  • How?: By quantifying emissions in metric tons and comparing them with climate change indicators in the area.