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Introduction - Ready for the fair? Chances are you've just started thinking about a science project of your own one that you can exhibit when the big event takes place. IDEAS FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS is designed to help you on your way with tips on research, building, planning and that all important problem choosing a topic.

This book was written by students, like yourself, with an interest in science.

Acknowledgments - The Editors of this book wish to express their appreciation to the individuals and organizations who helped in the preparation of this book. Special thanks ¡s due Joseph H. Kraus, Coordinator of the National Science Fair-International, who helped immeasurably with suggestions, correcting proofs, and collecting illustrative material.

01. History - Back in October, 1828, The American Institute of the City of New York, "incorporated for the purpose of encouraging and promoting domestic industry in this State and the United States in Agriculture, Commerce, Manufactures and the Arts . . . ," held its first industrial fair. The exhibition was held in New York at a time when the 416 "watchmen" that comprised the city's "Finest" were busy keeping the streets clear of stray cows, horses and pigs.

02. About Science Fairs - Here's your opportunity to explore the unknown, to satisfy your curiosity, and to enjoy a fascinating hobby

In 1962, more than 947,000 students entered science fairs connected with the National Science Fair-International.

As any educator will report, however, professional scientists graduated each year from colleges and universities total only a small fraction of the huge number mentioned above. Many of them were, of course, past entrants in science fairs.

03. Choosing A Topic - Stumped for a good idea? Interesting project possibilities can be found almost anywhere you look

During late fall and early winter of every year, at thousands of high schools across the country, hundreds of thousands of prospective science fairers buckle down to the task of selecting a project. Finding a suitable theme or topic is the first and, without question, the most important step in planning a winning project.

04. Types Of Projects - Before you begin, check project possibilities and the requirements of each

Each year the National Science Fair and many of the larger regional fairs boast a selection of project subjects ranging from anthropology to zoology, and including most any "ology," "y," or "ics" you can imagine. Nearly all of these projects, regardless of topic, can be placed in one of four very broad categories.

05. Planning - Define your goals, then proceed with the "nuts and bolts" phases: materials and equipment

The ultimate success of every science fair project depends largely on the care taken in preliminary preparations and planning. A winning project usually means that its builder gave a good deal of thought to the problems and difficulties he might encounter before he started his project, and was able to avoid them later.

06. Documentation - Much of the hard work and effort that go into a project are hidden below the surface; therefore, careful records are essential. The student (above) carefully records his astronomical observations.

Although not directly concerned with planning, documentation is so important that it is a good idea to start on it while you are planning your project.
Documentation means keeping detailed and accurate reports about all phases of your project.

07. Research - A thorough knowledge of your subject is the key to a successful project.

A wealth of fascinating information on your topic area is as close as your local library. Use it!

Believe it or not, many beginning science fairers try to plan a project without really understanding the nature of their subject. As you might expect, the most complicated apparatus or impressive looking display does not mean much unless the builder can demonstrate a good measure of fundamental knowledge.

08. Shopping - How much should your project cost? Whether it's five dollars or forty, careful shopping will save money

There is a big difference between buying and shopping. Buying A is easy; you just put your money on the counter. Shopping requires more effort. You must carefully consider each purchase before you make it. But shopping for an item is usually less expensive than buying it!

09. Your Project - Do you have the right tools for the job? How about materials? Here are a few tips on practical projecteering.

Supervision is required for experiments involving animals (see "Regulations for Experiments With Animals" in back of book). Here, student Stephen Bayne numbers a mouse on its ear in preparation for an experiment on inflammation and wound healing (below).

10. Presentation - Project finished? Here's how to effectively tell your story.

This attractively designed display, built to explain a Wilson cloud chamber, won a Fourth Award for Margaret Cairns of Wilmington, Del. Cardboard was sufficient to display photos. Note the attractive artwork, neat lettering and arrangement of the photographs. Display effectively explains the project.

11. Project Section - Cover Projects
      Electronic Astronomical                                                                     113
      Spectrum Analyzer                                                                            114
      Investigation Of The Osage Orange Fruit                                            120
      Peripheral Jet Ground Effect Machine                                                128
First Award Winners At the 1962 National Science Fair-International
      New method of Modulating Microwaves                                            136
      Psychophysiology of Color vision                                                       138
      Microelectrophoresis                                                                         141

12. Judging - As nearly as possible, judges should adhere to point score value. They may give greater values to any criteria and subtract from others. For example, a 12-inch telescope, perfectly made, might get a low score if (as is likely) construction followed printed plans, because it might be given zero on the major values of Creative Ability and Scientific Thought.

13. Fair Rules - (The following rules were drafted for the 13th National Science Fair held May 2-5, 1962, at Seattle, Wash. Regulations for each annual event are published by SCIENCE CLUBS OF AMERICA, 1719 N Street, N.W., Washington 6, D. C.)

1. Only those boys and girls attending classes in the last three years of a secondary school, whose exhibits have won highest honors in area selections, are eligible to enter the National Science Fair-International.

14. School Science Fairs - 1. Exhibits on any scientific subject made by students may be entered if students are enrolled in any class from grade through grade 12 in any public, private or parochial school in

2. A contestant may enter only one exhibit, either as an individual or in a group. All work on exhibits must be done by the individual or group. Teachers or sponsors may advise, but must not build any part of the exhibit. An exhibit must not be an identical repetition of one shown by the same exhibitor or same group at a science fair of a previous year.

15. Regulations - (This guide for high school students of biology was prepared at the request of Science Clubs of America by a committee of the National Society for Medical Research and later amended by committees of the Animal Care Panel and Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources.)

1. The basic aim of scientific studies that involve animals is to achieve an under standing of life, and to advance our knowledge of life processes. Such studies lead to a respect for life.

16. List Of Suppliers - GENERAL SCIENTIFIC SUPPLIES

Central Scientific Co.
1700 Irving Park Rd., Chicago 13, III.

New York Scientific Supply Co.
30 W. 30th St., New York I, N. Y.

Science Materials Center,
a division of the Library of Science
59 4th Ave., New York 3, N. Y.

W. M. Welsh Mfg. Co.
1515 Sedgwick St., Chicago 10, III.

BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL

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