Science fair projects - Complete guide to a winning science project Step 3 – Project Research

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By Aurora Lipper

Getting Started

The first step to winning science fair projects is selecting a topic or idea to investigate. So, what happens after you’ve decided on a topic? You get ready to start your project research. Keep in mind that this research is generally more thorough than topic research.

Project research requires the collection of information from knowledgeable sources, such as books, magazines, software, librarians, teachers, parents, and scientists. Data that you’ve collected from your experimentation is also part of your project research. One of the things I like to do when I’m getting into the project is to read everything I can on the topic I’m investigating. By doing this, you will understand the topic better and know what others have found out.

The most successful science fair projects are the ones where the student really understood his or her topic. The more you take the time to read on your topic or question the people who know something about it, the bigger your understanding will be. This will make it easier for you to explain your project, especially to the science fair judges!

Before you continue, I always suggest downloading a free copy of Easy Steps to Award-Winning Science Fair Projects to help you apply these steps to your own project.

Good science projects start with good research.
See all 2 photos
Good science projects start with good research.

Secondary Research

Secondary research includes all the data and/or information that someone else has collected. This type of information can be found in printed sources like books, magazines, and newspapers. You can also gather information from the Internet. Just be sure to note where you got the information, because you will need to give credit for any quotes or illustrations you use.

  Project research is an important part of science fair projects and it prepares you for the next steps, such as forming your hypothesis and designing your experimentations.

  Also, your project research is very helpful in writing your science project report. The more thorough you are in your research documentation, the more impressed the science fair judges will be.

  If you’re ready to get started on your very own science project, then download a free copy of “Easy Steps to Award-Winning Science Fair Projects” from the link below right now.  

Primary Research

There are two types of project research: primary and secondary.

  Primary research is all the information you collect on your own. All the information you gathered during your exploratory experiments, surveys you’ve taken, and interviews you’ve given are included. You definitely want to interview people who have special knowledge on your topic. These can be teachers, doctors, scientists, or others who have a specialty in what you are investigating.  

Project research is an important part of science fair projects and it prepares you for the next steps, such as forming your hypothesis and designing your experimentations.
Project research is an important part of science fair projects and it prepares you for the next steps, such as forming your hypothesis and designing your experimentations.

Comments

Nawaz Lakho 3 years ago

I agree with you that before starting a project one should be prepared and lot of home work is required for any project even a small project you select. You are sharing very useful information free, which is worthy for us!

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