Question: I need science fair information.
Resources for Ideas
A good place to start when you’re looking for an idea for your project
is science fair project indexes; they list projects by subject that you can
then look for in the science project books. Some of the indexes you should
try are Science Experiments
Index for Young People, Science
Experiments & Projects Index and Science
Fair Project Index.
Another helpful starting place is the library's Science Fair pathfinder. This resource lists appropriate books, websites, online databases, and videos that can help you with almost any science need!
Research: Background Information for Your Project
The project is one thing, but for your presentation and report you’ll
need to do some research on your topic.
Library Catalog
One of the best places to start is the library
catalog. Search by your project's topic using the Keywords option first
- this may help you narrow your search and provide more relevant terms by which
you might explore collection materials. If you're having problems narrowing
your search or finding relevant materials, always ask a librarian for suggestions!
You might even just browse the shelves at your neighborhood library in these call number areas for some ideas and materials.
500 General Sciences |
570 Biology |
eBooks
The library subscribes to a number of eBooks, including a set of science
experiment materials featuring books for students on biology, chemistry,
earth sciences, astronomy, oceanography and more! The set includes such titles
as Detective Science: 40 Crime-Solving, Case-Breaking, Crook-Catching Activities
for Kids, Janice VanCleave's Ecology for Every Kid: Easy Activities That Make
Learning Science Fun, and Snailology.
Encyclopedias
General encyclopedias and science encyclopedias can provide a summary of your
subject; they're a good place to start when doing research for your project
and the library has both print and online resources you might find useful.
Gale Encyclopedia
of Science - Written with students in mind, this set provides information
on concepts in all areas of science.
Internet-Linked
Science Encyclopedia - This science encyclopedia incorporates astounding
photographs and high quality illustrations for kids.
Kingfisher Science
Encyclopedia - This illustrated encyclopedia is another good resource
for younger researchers.
McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia
Of Science & Technology - This is a wonderful comprehensive encyclopedia
for almost any science project.
Online Encyclopedia
Electric
Library, one of the library's online subscription databases,
provides access to several good reference resources including The
Hutchinson Dictionary of Science and The New York Public Library
Science Desk Reference. This is another resource that to use, you'll
have to visit your neighborhood library.
Librarians
If you're still uncertain where to start or how to look for the right materials
ask a librarian! You can call your neighborhood
library, or send your question via email to Ask
a Librarian!
Materials & Guides for Competition
So just what does it take to compete in a science fair? The library has lots
of books that can help you with that question! The following books can help
you with scientific method, how to deal with good and bad data, setting up
your display and more. How
to Do a Science Fair Project, Janice
VanCleave's Guide To More Of The Best Science Fair Projects, Science
Fair Success Secrets: How To Win Prizes, Have Fun, And Think Like A Scientist are
some of the books you might check out and No
Scare Science Fair is a great video to help guide you through the process.