Science Fair Project Ideas [sciencetechnology-center.blogspot.com]
Science is the study of the natural world. With subjects including Astronomy and Astrophysics, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, History of Geology, Mathematics, History of Physics, and Technology, it is a way to find out how nature works.
Science education consists of making observations, asking questions, and collecting information. This scientific method is practiced in order to make discoveries about the world.
In school where students are exposed to the contributions of natural philosophers and scientists to the history of science from many cultures spanning the ancient and modern times, they learn about the world we all live in and about themselves. They are encouraged to understand that adding new information and making discoveries, as well as correcting errors and misunderstandings are all part of the process of living on this planet. That's how science works.
To determine whether students are influenced to become scientists (it's human nature to as k questions and be aware of what surrounds you; science exercises are good starting vehicles for teachers to find out if their students are learning), it is important to let them understand the methods or processes of science through hands-on activities or laboratory work. That's where science fair projects come in. These projects allow interactions between science and technology and society.
Please note that your science fair project must be about a topic that interests you. What have you always wondered or liked about that topic? Here are some subjects you can choose from.
1. Animals and Insects. What are the common classifications of the animal kingdom? What do they do and eat to survive and communicate? Common and different traits and characteristics of animals and insects. What happens when you enclose an animal or insect in a surrounding different from where it got used to?
2. Solar System: Earth, Sun, Stars and Other Heavenly Bodies. Wh at are the planets and other bodies that orbit it? Characteristics and distances of the planets and other bodies. How does the color of a background affect its absorption of solar insolation? How do you prove life exists in the universe? How does solar energy work?
3. Food and Our Bodies. How humans look like? What do they eat? How do their bodies work? How people get food? What are the food in different places and customs? What are the food names? What is a food chain? What are eating disorders? On which food does fungus grow best? How do acids affect teeth? Can humans survive without water
4. Oceans, Rivers, and Streams. What are the different water bodies that cover the earth surface? What are the other living things and creatures that live under the sea? What are the minerals that can be found in the ocean? How important are these water bodies to our survival? How does the ocean influence the weather? Does the amount of water affect the size of the wave and other water movements? Where is the current of a stream the fastest? How polluted is our water? Will there ever come a time where water on Earth decrease in volume?
5. The Water Cycle. What is it? What are the causes of water cycle? How important is water cycle? What are the sources of water vapor? What are the factors that affect water cycle?
6. Plants, Photosynthesis and Gardening. What is photosynthesis? How does it work? How is it essential to life on earth? What kind of soil is best for water retention? What is the percentage of water in various fruits and vegetables? Does the type of water affect the growth of plants? Which plants and vegetables make the best dye? Can plants deprived of sunlight grow? Is soil necessary for plant growth?
7. Weather. What are the causes of weather? What are moisture, air pressure and air masses? How do changes in air pressure affect the weather? What is a weather forecast? Is there a r elationship between phases of the moon and our weather? How does topography affect weather conditions? Are there alternative ways to prevent rain?
Though science may be broadly defined as the development of knowledge about the physical universe, it has so many entries and studies every individual can relate to, or at least there has to be some topic one will find interesting. And through science fair projects, each student is a given a renewed awareness on the importance of nature and its existence.
Suggest Science Fair Project Ideas TopicsQuestion by kris: What can be done to encourage science-types to become teachers? I teach at a state college that has a strong education department, mostly elementary ed. In my state, you cannot *major* in education, you have to pick an ordinary major or an interdisciplinary one. The vast majority of education students major in something other than science (or math, for that matter). For example, for incoming freshmen, there are 41 who are doing an interdisciplinary major, and *none* of those are in the sciences (there is an interdisciplinary science major). Why is there such a disparity? Why don't kids who like science go into teaching? Or, why do kids who go into teaching not like science? And what can be done to get more science-types to go into teaching, besides obvious things like increase teachers saleries. Best answer for What can be done to encourage science-types to become teachers?:
Answer by digital genius
ban guns in school would be a great start.
Answer by Heather
I'm not sure how. If I was ever to become a teacher it would definitely be in the sciences. I love science! I think it really depends on what the person likes and enjoys?
Answer by cbatb
Money and there isn't much 'appeal' in teaching science when you could do something more exciting with the knowledge and skills learned like join Nasa etc. You already stated that salaries are the obvious lure, but maybe if the whole idea of science teachers was jazzed up a little, potentially you could get more people interested, right now it sounds pretty boring so many are turned off to the idea.
Answer by Chris
Well, I kicked around the idea of teaching Biology- I'm a genetics major- but I think what made me decide not to become a teacher is the fact that the pay sucks and that you are only guaranteed work 9, maybe 10, months out of the year. What really did it for me, though, is that little Johnny numb-nuts can get a bad grade and, rather than it being his fault for not applying himself, in the eyes of the parents, and increasingly society as a whole, it is the teacher's fault for not making their little imbecile learn. God bless the folks that have the stomach for it, but I'm not keen on getting paid squat for a thankless job. If everyone is going to complain about the job I'm doing, never mind the fact that it is one of, if not the, most important jobs in society, I might as well be able to make a decent living off of it. That's why I don't want to teach. Another reason was hit on in another answer, although in a stupid way. Most science majors want to work in the field, or in the lab before relegating themselves back to the classroom. Considering that most science majors get a higher degree than most education majors, I know many of us just want to spend some time applying what we learned in the two decades that we have been in school. You can make a name for yourself, and a fortune, in research. That can't be said of teaching. It's an awful predicament, but one that isn't likely to change, now or ever.
Answer by girl
give them incentives to carry their research and their projects should b more recognised
Answer by elk312
Pay them more.
Answer by mthtchr05
Give teachers more of a salary might give the science student's an incentive to teach. Also, offer to pay off loans. But other than that, I don't know. It's quite sad, really.
Answer by stroopguy
There's a n expression in teaching circles (primarily at the post-secondary level) that goes something like, those who can't teach do research, and those who don't like research, teach. If you're referring to teaching at the post-secondary level (especially as it concerns professors), conflicts might arise in regards to various institutions that might emphasize excellence in research over teaching (i.e., the publish or perish mentality); excellence in teaching over research; and very rarely, excellence in both. In addition to these external pressures, there may be general differences in the personality traits (and academic skills) from the outset, of people who become scientists and those who become teachers/educators. If you are referring to the natural sciences, persons entering those fields might largely prefer working in isolation (i.e., are not people-oriented) and have had very early experiences (e.g., in high school) concerning the sciences. Educators/teachers on the other hand are more likely (and should ideally), be people-oriented and probably come from an early education background that was not science focused. So I would suggest the phenomenon you are observing at your institution might be related either to your institution's process of selecting students, and/or the types of students that select your institution's programs.
Answer by BeC
Well I can say that I am majoring in Chemistry, plan on getting my PhD, and I would like to teach! However I can see why people would not. You can easily get a higher paying job with a PhD in a science field. Also personally, if I spend all of my time getting my PhD I do want to apply it in a lab/career before I begin teaching. Maybe most science majors just don't want to teach? I think you have to enjoy teaching to want to become a teacher and not much is going to change it.
Answer by maxma327
Great question Kris. I happen to be a teacher that has a science degree (biology). However, I'm an elementary school teacher. I love science but fell in love with teaching the younger kids. I certainly could have gone to th e private sector and earned a much higher salary so that's obviously, in my opinion, a huge reason scientists don't go into teaching. I'd rather be very happy and proud of what I do for a living and earn less than hate my job and earn more. I believe more scientists would go into the classroom if working conditions were improved in public schools. I've known science and math teachers that have quit out of pure frustration over inadequate supplies, dilapidated classrooms, and unsupportive adminstrators. I'm sure the unruly kids didn't help matters either. However, although you said "other than increasing teachers' salaries" as a solution, you can't ignore the obvious.
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