What do Science Fairs need?

Question

Well, I have been thinking of entering good science fair competitions as a senior. Now i am just a freshman. However, when i become a senior, I want to participate in the Intel Science Fair and the Westinghouse science competition. But when i look at the winners of the competitions' projects, I am just stunned by the depth of their projects. I couldn't understand almost half of what they are talking about in their projects. Is this normal? Do i have to get extra help from people if i want to participate in these science fairs? Are these special programs that will prepare for these science fairs? Please reply. Thank you.

Answer 1

One would hope that, by the time you become a senior, you will have learned more science than you know now.

Nearly any science fair project is specialized. I did my physics project on thermoelectric cooling (Peltier Effect). By the time I submitted my project, I knew more about the Peltier Effect than anyone else in my school, and probably more than any other high school student in my city or state. That's not surprising, that's expected. That's specialization.

It's very good that you're already thinking about this. Learn how science works. As you study for class and outside of class, see what interests you. It's not hard to make a project sound deep just by quoting references you don't understand. If the competitions are properly judged, you should notice one thing in common among the winners. They are all good science. If you study how high a ball bounces, but do it thoroughly and scientifically, you could be a winner.

If you're as serious as it sounds like you are, it won't be hard to find people to help you. Schools and companies will likely let you use laboratories and equipment and may donate supplies. Scientists are happy to talk about science, especially within their fields, and especially if they find a student who cares. You're already way ahead of children who post here saying nothing more than "Gimme an idea for a science project. Better yet, do it for me."

Answer 2

i was a semi-finalist in high school. what i learned from the competition is that you cannot do the research on your own. you need training and equipment that is much more advanced than any high school can provide. most of the projects selected are run with lots of guidance from university professors. usually the high schooler will look into the published research of a local prof and find some twist on their existing research that could possibly shed further light on the hypothesis that is tested and they contact the prof. this will not always work given how busy some can be, but it is a way to start. you are going to have to have a working knowledge of the area you are interested in working in which requires hours of background knowledge and reading. good luck.