When thinking about taking on a science fair project, there may be budget constraints that you have not considered. There are plenty of projects that require the purchase of expensive equipment and sophisticated tools, but the truth of the matter is that a winning science fair project is not necessarily an expensive one. When performed with a close attention to detail and with a full understanding of the concepts behind the experiment, there are many economical science fair projects that can still be quite impressive.

In the first place, take a look at running a science fair project based on botony. Botony involves the study of plants and how well they grow, and the supplies are easily purchased from a home and garden store. You can even grow sprouts in plastic yogurt cups if you have smallish plants. Consider what might make plants grow, and what factors you can experiment with. For instance, adjusting the alkaline or acidic quality of the soil only requires soil additives and pH strips, while adjusting the quality of light can involve taking the plants in and out of the sun or covering them with colored cellophane.

Another area you might want to investigate is behavioral science. If you have pets, this can be a good way to test hypotheses on animals. Running rats or mice through a maze or calculating the speed with which dogs or cats take to solve simple problems or learn tricks can be a great way to get the judges’ attention. Include plenty of pictures of your test subjects and remember to consider what the consequences of the experiments might be to the animals’ health or emotional well-being.

When you want to put together a great science fair project, don’t forget that you can also use your classmates as test subjects. Understanding things like digestion and nutrition and the effect they might have on the human body is a great simple experiment for students to engage in. For instance, you can feed your classmates different snacks and time how long it takes for them to run or how fast they run. Experiments like this require a good sample size of students, but after that, you simply need different snacks and a stop watch!

If you are thinking about something more elaborate, think about growing mold. Mold and fungi require heat and a substrate to grow, and one way to figure out exactly what molds look like and how they develop is to try growing them on different substrates. Try growing molds on bread, on cheese and on a slice of lunchmeat, and seeing what develops. Keep an observation log of the mold and how it spreads.

When you are looking for a great science fair experiment, remember there are plenty of projects that do not require a lot of cash. Keep things simple, keep good records, and you can be sure to get a good grade.

In 1961, John F. Kennedy famously beckoned the American people to journey into space and reach the moon by decade’s end. Both challenged and encouraged by our young president’s infectious and visionary attitude – the country heeded his call.It was a monumental accomplishment that galvanized the nation’s fascination with science and technology and inspired the creation of an educational video series known as the Science Screen Report.
Developed to enhance curriculums throughout our nation’s schools by stimulating students curiosity in science, it’s no coincidence that as it approaches its 40th anniversary, the Science Screen Report is more relevant than ever.”Students are far more immersed in their studies when they can experience the world beyond the written pages of their textbooks and see it live, in full color and in three dimensions,” says Cleveland Middle School Librarian, Grace M. Dyrek.Apparently many educators across the nation agree. When the Science Screen Report made its debut in 1970, less than 100 schools nationally were utilizing its services. Today nearly four decades later, more than 10,000 school districts use the series as an essential tool to help promote science as an invaluable subject.”We cannot do enough to engage students in science. The sciences have never been more important to society than they are now,” says Scott Forman, President of Allegro Productions whose company produces the series from Palm Beach County, Florida. That advocacy is also shared by President Obama who stated, “Today more than ever before, science holds the key to our survival as a planet and our prosperity as a nation.” These are high stakes that will require a much deeper commitment to science than previously shown by U.S. schools, students and parents.According to the Washington Post, science scores from the 2006 Program for International Student Assessment – a test given every three years – showed that U.S. 15 year-olds trailed their peers from many industrialized countries. It’s a trend that’s mirrored in American middle schools as well.To help close and overcome that gap, Science Screen Report and its companion series, Science Screen Report For Kids, is designed to get students engrossed in science as early as possible – science is not a subject to simply just pass. “We’re trying to get kids interested in careers in science; show them it can be challenging, rewarding and full of opportunity,” adds Forman whose company produces eight programs per school year for each series.Roughly 15 minutes in length and produced to directly address National Science Standards and Science Literacy Benchmarks, both series cover a variety of topics ranging from chemistry to the environment to physics, biology, medicine, ecology, engineering, space science, energy and oceanography.Visually captivating to capture the attention and imagination of today’s technologically advanced kids, each Science Screen Report is accompanied by a thoroughly researched teacher guide. Prepared by a committee of educators, the guides provide background information, suggestions for critical thought, a glossary, career possibilities, resource and reference material, and tend to provoke lively classrooms discussions regarding the featured subjects.Having worked for decades with the National Science Foundation’s Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the Science Screen Report continues to receive accolades. Series materials have also been used in the Smithsonian Institute’s Teacher Resource Center, and are listed in the resource guides of the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Education, and many other state and local agencies.Although delivered to schools using the latest technology such as video streaming, supporters of the Science Screen Report face an age-old problem – funding. The series which augments an existing school’s curriculum is often subject to budget cuts. Currently it’s sponsored by hundreds of companies that enable thousands of school districts around the country to receive the program for free. Program sponsors receive a PBS type opening and closing message that appears at the beginning and end of every program that is viewed in the classroom.Yet in this turbulent economy where cutbacks are the norm, Forman is optimistic that corporations will continue to see the value that Science Screen Report brings to the classroom. It’s an ideal situation; schools receive the award winning content at no cost, and corporations have an appropriate method for reaching their future employees and customers. It’s a logical way for these companies to invest in their own communities.A small investment that Forman hopes will continue to provide American students and teachers with the tools they need to regain their place at the forefront of science and technology, and remain there for generations to come.

The use of computers has been almost completely incorporated into individual lifestyle, education, business, government, and more. Education in computers can be gained and applied in multiple areas allowing students to choose their desired degree program. Computer education degree schools offer training to advance student’s knowledge for a career. There are a number of things to know before enrolling in an accredited computer education career training program.1. With computer education being so broad students can learn how to work with computer software, operate a computer system, and program a computer. These areas can be applied to work done on the Internet, with programming, and technology. The ability to earn an education in computers allows students to enter training from certificate programs to doctoral studies. Every education path is different and provides a unique career depending on the schooling gained. Computer information science, computer technology, and computer science are some education options available to students.2. Students interested in an associate’s degree can find a program in computer information systems. This type of degree teaches students how to work with computer programming and applications inside a business setting. The purpose of education at this level is to incorporate industry standards on design and computer language. Students walk away able to design desktop applications that are used by businesses on a daily basis. Schooling centers on teaching students programming, structured system design, advanced algorithm structure, and computer systems language. Continuing education is an option at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. Further education develops management and advanced skills training to enter top-level careers.3. If working to manage systems, networks, and databases sounds like an exciting career then earning a bachelor’s degree in computer information science is available. Students that enter a degree learn how to work with the technological communications of computers. Learning about software engineering, programming, science of computing, and designing computers teaches students about the industry. The knowledge acquired is used when working with various computer languages like C++. Students can enter careers where they can work to manage databases, control networks, and program systems. The knowledge to work with and fix technological issues is needed in a variety of businesses.4. Computer networks store and send information, which in many cases is private and needs to remain secure. A master’s degree program in computer science examines how to work with computer operations, scientific algorithms, artificial intelligence programs, and information systems. The objective is to create a usable computer network that is secure from outside attack and infiltration. Computer networking, computer operating, programming language, and structuring data are some key course topics that students work through. This major prepares students for administrative work.These accredited degree options and much more are opportunities for students to enter education. Full accreditation is provided by agencies like the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training ( www.accet.org ) to qualifying schools and colleges that can offer a quality education. The use of computers is not going to slow down allowing students to continue learning even after earning a degree. With the field being incredibly diverse and its continual increase in growth students can choose their degree and specialty. A satisfying career is available to dedicated students that complete computer education. Don’t let the chance to enter an exciting career pass by, enter a computer education degree program now.DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.Copyright 2010 – All rights reserved by PETAP.org.