Exploratorium Learning Studio: Science Fairs -- Books & Resources at the Learning Studio

Science Fair Books and Resources at the Learning Studio

Blue ribbon science fair projects

Maxine Haren Iritz.

Sixteen examples of actual winning projects (middle-to high school), with a sectionon "topics best avoided" and appendix of Int'l Science and Engineering Fairs (ISEF) categories. Glossary and bibliography.

Botany : 49 more science fair projects

Robert L. Bonnet, G. Daniel Keen.

Overview of the what and why of science fair projects, with 49 elementary /middle-school projects in seven areas of botany detailed. Includes a glossary.

Botany : high-school science fair experiments

H. Steven Dashefsky.

Introduction to botany and to the scientific method; twenty high-school botany experiments, many concerned with environmental problems (acid rain, global warming). Glossary, appendix on using metrics, short list of materials sources.

The complete handbook of science fair projects

Julianne Blair Bochinski

Very detailed section on conducting experiments, organizing and presenting data, and changes in the nature of science fairs since 1955. Fifty award-winning projects at grade levels 7-12, in various fields of science. Appendix: 400 Science Fair Topics.

The complete science fair handbook : for teachers and parents of students in grades 4-8

by Anthony Fredericks (introduction by Isaac Azimov)

Aimed at teachers and parents, with checklists, timelines, and discussion of running a science fair. Suggested topics (by grade level, 4-8) but no actual project examples.

Environmental science: 49 science fair projects

Robert L. Bonnet, G. Daniel Keen.

Overview of the what and why of science fair projects, with 49 elementary /middle-school projects in ecology, recycling, man's effect on the environment, and related topics. Glossary and list of suppliers.

Environmental science : high-school science fair experiments

H. Steven Dashefsky

Introduction to environmental science and to the scientific method; 23 high-school experiments in applied ecology, ecosystems, and bioengineering. Glossary, appendix on using metrics, short list of materials sources.

Getting started in science fairs : from planning to judging

Phyllis J. Perry

Subtitled "Teacher's Survival Guide... good for parents, too." Also includes 77 project sketches in eight topic areas, with bibliography for each.

How to do a science fair project (1986)

Salvatore Tocci.

Emphasis on personal involvement and ingenuity in selecting, planning and carrying out a truly scientific project. Some topics, some "how I solved this problem" stories, but no cut-and-paste projects. Brief glossary and bibliography.

How to do a science fair project (1997)

Salvatore Tocci.

Revised, with updated materials and a new section on Internet and electronic resources.

How to do collections for science fair projects

Melba L. James

For grades 2-6, detailed help in gathering and recording specimens for collection/survey projects and defining the common elements that make an assortment into a collection. Includes sample data recording sheets.

Insect biology : 49 science fair projects

H. Steven Dashefsky.

Introduction to insect biology and to the scientific method; 49 elementary/middle-school projects involving insect ecologies, behaviour, and uneasy relationship with humans. Glossary, list of suppliers.

Janice VanCleave's A+ projects in biology : winning experiments for science fairs and extra credit. .

Janice VanCleave

Thirty topics in biology, with a middle/high-school experiment recipe and a "design your own experiment" section for each. Five appendices on procedures such as preparing slides, preserving plants, calculating falling rate. Glossary.

Janice Vancleave's A+ projects in chemistry : winning experiments for science fairs and extra credit.

Janice VanCleave

Thirty topics in chemistry, with a middle/high-school experiment recipe and a "design your own experiment" section for each. Thirteen appendices on procedures such as viscosity index, calibrating an eyedropper, heat content and temperature scales. Glossary.

Janice VanCleave's animals : mind-boggling experiments you can turn into science fair projects.

Janice VanCleave

Twenty elementary/middle-school experiments using observation of domestic and some wild animals to explore principles of zoology and biology. Short glossary.

Janice VanCleave's earthquakes : mind-boggling experiments you can turn into science fair projects.

Janice VanCleave

Twenty elementary/middle-school experiments in seismology using household items, with line drawings of the geologic structures they mimic. Short glossary.

Janice VanCleave's electricity : mind-boggling experiments you can turn into science fair project.

Janice VanCleave

Twenty elementary/middle-school experiments on electricity, including lemon-powered batteries and made-from-scratch flashlights. Short glossary.

Janice VanCleave's gravity : mind-boggling experiments you can turn into science fair projects.

Janice VanCleave

Twenty elementary/middle-school experiments with gravity, free-fall, air and water resistance, and the trajectories of falling objects. Short glossary.

Janice VanCleave's guide to the best science fair projects

Janice VanCleave

Detailed overview of how to choose and carry out a project at the elementary/middle school level, with 50 example projects.

Janice VanCleave's insects and spiders : mind-boggling experiments you can turn into science fair projects

Janice VanCleave

Twenty elementary/middle-school experiments in insect biology, starting with where to catch them and how to prepare a holding jar. Bibliography of field guides, list of suppliers, short glossary.

Janice VanCleave's magnets : mind-boggling experiments you can turn into science fair projects.

Janice VanCleave

Twenty elementary/middle-school experiments on magnetism and compasses, including demagnetization and temporary magnets. Short glossary.

Janice VanCleave's machines : mind-boggling experiments you can turn into science fair projects

Janice VanCleave

Twenty elementary/middle-school experiments on the principles of machines, from body mechanics to construction equipment. Short glossary.

Janice VanCleave's microscopes and magnifying lenses : mind-boggling chemistry and biology experiments you can turn into science fair projects

Janice VanCleave

Twenty elementary/middle-school experiments on the enlarging efects of lenses, particularly in biology and chemistry. Appendices on compound microscope, preparing slides, and line drawings of common microorganisms. Short glossary.

Janice VanCleave's plants : mind-boggling experiments you can turn into science fair projects.

Janice VanCleave

Twenty elementary/middle-school experiments using plants to demonstrate capillary action, photosynthesis, dynamics of growth, etc. Short glossary.

Janice VanCleave's rocks and minerals : mind-boggling experiments you can turn into science fair projects

Janice VanCleave

Twenty elementary/middle-school experiments about rocks and minerals, including crystalline structure, stalagmite formation, and various kinds of weathering. Short bibliography, glossary, list of suppliers.

Janice VanCleave's volcanoes : mind-boggling experiments you can turn into science fair projects.

Janice VanCleave

Twenty elementary/middle-school experiments on volcanoes, particularly on the kinds of pressure that create eruptions. Short glossary.

Janice VanCleave's weather : mind-boggling experiments you can turn into science fair projects

Janice VanCleave

Twenty elementary/middle-school experiments on weather, its causes, and how it can be measured and predicted. Short glossary.

Microbiology : high-school science fair experiments

H. Steven Dashefsky

Introduction to microbiology and to the scientific method; twenty high-school experiments on microbes, disease control, antimicrobial agents, and soil organisms in electromagnetic fields. Glossary, appendix on using metrics, short list of biological suppliers.

Projects in space science

Robert Gardner.

Questions in astronomy, spaceflight, planetary motion and cosmology, illustrated with hands-on demonstrations but not broken down into project 'recipes.' Middle- to high-school; includes brief bibliography and supplier list.

Science fair : developing a successful and fun project

Maxine Haren Iritz

Primarily for parents of students: overview of the entire science fair process, with emphasis on documenting and analyzing data. Examples of graph types, certification forms; photos and synopses of winning projects.

Science fair projects : flight, space & astronomy

Bob Bonnet & Dan Keen

Overview of the what and why of science fair projects, with 53 elementary /middle-school projects in aeronautics, astronautics and astronomy, using household supplies and small appliances. Short glossary.

Science fair project index, 1973-1980

Akron-Summit County Public Library.

An alphabetical subject index of science fair projects for grades 5 through high school, published in books or journals between 1973-1980. Cross-referenced, with bibliography; 724 pages of ideas.

Science fair projects : the environment

Bob Bonnet & Dan Keen

60 projects, elementary through middle school, using common household supplies and observations of everyday phenomena.

Science fair success

Ruth Bombaugh

written directly to high-school students, with upbeat, multicultural cartoon illustrations. Practical tips on presentation and etiquette, as well as choosing and conducting the experiment. Topic suggestions, supplier list, and tips for teachers.

Science fair workshop

Marcia Daab

Rather simplistic step-by-step guide for research projects; useful handouts to photocopy.

Science fairs and projects, 7-12

National Science Teachers Association

Articles on science fairs and projects for grades 7-12 reprinted from Science and Children, Science Scope, and The Science Teacher. Some articles include bibliographies and additional sources.

Science fairs with style : a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to running a successful science fair program

by Jerry DeBruin

Workbook for a yearlong science mentorship program for teachers of grades 5-12, culminating in a science fair. Schedules, checklists, worksheets, and packets for media and judges as well as the students, parents, and teachers.

Science project! Grade 4
[videorecording]

Insights Visual Productions.

20-min. video (1 pg. Teacher Notes insert) Program developed specifically for students at grade 4. Projects include demonstrations and experiments; each tape follows one student from conception of the idea to the presentation at the fair.

Science project! Grade 5
[videorecording]

Insights Visual Productions.

22-min. video (1 pg. Teacher Notes insert) Program developed specifically for students at grade 5. Projects include demonstrations and experiments; each tape follows one student from conception of the idea to the presentation at the fair.

Science project! Grade 6
[videorecording]

Insights Visual Productions.

23-min. video (1 pg. Teacher Notes insert) Program developed specifically for students at grade 6. Projects include demonstrations and experiments; each tape follows one student from conception of the idea to the presentation at the fair.

Science project ideas about the moon

Robert Gardner

Experiments aimed at using observation and experiment to answer questions about the moon, many suggesting further experiment design. Bibliography and table of Apollo moon missions. Middle- to high-school.

You be the judge
[videorecording]

Insights Visual Productions.

31-min. video with workbook on what makes a good science fair project (grades 5-12) from the judge's viewpoint, with onscreen examples of winners and losers. "In this program, we look closer at scientific methods. We see what makes good projects and we find out what can cause problems with your experiment."

Your Science project
[videorecording]

Insights Visual Productions.

Two videos on one cassette: grades k-3 (17 min.) and 4-6 (22 min.) with 32-page workbook. More general than the grade-specific videos, but with similar examples, topic suggestions, and sample forms to photocopy.

Science projects and fairs : tips for teachers
[videorecording]

Insights Visual Productions.

40-min. video (no workbook) "The success of your fair depends on the efforts of each teacher." Topics include safety, appropriate projects and judging.

Switch on to science
[videorecording]

Insights Visual Productions.

35-min. video with 40 page workbook including recording forms, progress report, judge checklist, and certification form. Shows 39 high school experimental type projects from a variety of scientific disciplines; includes interviews with10 students, many of whom went on to international science fair competition.

Zoology : high school science fair experiments

H. Steven Dashefsky

Introduction to zoology and to the scientific method; twenty high-school experiments on animal biology, environments, and biocides. Glossary, appendix on using metrics, list of specimen suppliers.

Zoology : 49 science fair projects

H. Steven Dashefsky

Introduction to zoology and to the scientific method; 49 elementary/middle-school projects on animal development, form and functions, ecologies, behaviour, etc. Glossary, list of suppliers, short appendix on metrics.