What Is A Science Project

A science project is a student's own investigation, study, or experiment. There are many purposes for projects. Some are: (1) to increase the student's knowledge of science, (2) to provide an opportunity for the student to actually use the scientific method of investigation, (3) to develop the student's ability to work independently, and (4) to provide an opportunity for the student to produce a finished piece of research.

Although not all projects are experimental projects, the student will find that most instructors and teachers definitely prefer this type. It helps the student develop the experimental method that is so very important in science. Experimental projects begin with a question and end with either an answer to this question or, in some cases, a suggestion for further study rather than an immediate answer. Furthermore, an experimental project holds the student's interest to a much greater degree.

Some experimental projects involve animals, but no cruelty or permanent damage may be inflicted upon the animals. An example would be "Is the Hamster More Intelligent Than the White Rat?" Obviously, this project would involve some experimenting by the student. There are many ways in which the you scientist can test the ability of these animals to solve problems; each animal could be put

through maze tests to determine which animal solves this type of problem quicker. There are any other methods of testing the abilities of these animals, and this is where the originality of the student comes into play.

Some experimental projects involve the growth, germination, flower, and seed development of plants, and still other projects might involve the behavior of humans. There are numerous experimental projects that don't involve the handling of living things at all, such as "Do Synthetic Fabrics Outlast Animal and Plant Fabrics?" Others might pertain to light, sound, heat, machines, or electricity. Many students enjoy making a project in which they test a certain product or device, or possible compare one product to another to see if advertising claims are true, while others might work on inventing a new way of doing something or making something. Some students have increased their appreciation of the work of former scientists by repeating the experiments of Newton, Foucault, Galileo, etc.

Some projects are not experimental, yet they definitely provide the student with an opportunity to increase his knowledge of science. Some examples of this type of project are: "Different Theories on the Origin of the Solar System," "The Method of Identifying Rocks and Minerals," "A study of the Migratory Birds of San Diego Bay."