Research Guides
Other Research Guides: College Information @ the SPL


Science Fair Projects @ the SPL
Science fairs: thirty kids with model volcanoes and one young genius with a homemade electron accelerator. Now you can be that genius. Whether you are in grammar school or senior high, all it takes is the right resources. From Avogadro's number to Zeroth's law of thermodynamics, we have all the info and how-to you'll need to put together a project that will land you a scholarship to MIT.


How To Do a Science Fair Project
There are several steps to creating a great science fair project: selecting a topic, learning about the scientific process, conducting an experiment, and presenting your project. Science fair veterans will have these steps down pat, but rookies will need to bone up on the process. The Library owns several books that contain comprehensive information on all aspects of science fair projects. These books are found primarily in the 507s. Some titles include:

How To Do a Science Fair Project by Salvatore Tocci
Shelf Location: J Non-Fiction 507 Toc

How To Excel in Science Competitions by Melanie Jacobs Krieger
Shelf Location: J Non-Fiction 507.8 Kri

Web Sites:

The Internet Public Library Science Fair Project Resource Guide
This guide from the Internet Public Library (IPL) is the online starting point for all aspects of science fair projects. It "will guide you to a variety of web site resources, leading you through the necessary steps to successfully complete a science experiment."

Science Fair Central

Cyber Fair: The Virtual Science Fair

Science Fair Center



Choosing an Experiment
If you are already a science fair pro and just need some ideas for experiments, search the online catalog for the following subjects:
  • Science Projects
  • Science -- Experiments
  • Science -- Exhibitions
  • Experiments

If you want to do an experiment in a specific scientific field, search for the field as a subject followed by the word experiments. For example:
  • Biology -- Experiments
  • Chemistry -- Experiments
  • Physics -- Experiments

Reference Materials:
Science Projects for All Students
Shelf Location: J Reference 507.8 Sci

Experiment Central
Shelf Location: J Reference 507.8 Lor v. 1-4

Science Experiments on File
Shelf Location: Reference 507.8 Sci

More Science Experiments on File
Shelf Location: Reference 507.8 Mor

Web Sites:

Ideas and Sample Projects from the IPL Science Fair Project Resource Guide

Science Experiments compiled by the Multnomah County Library System

ScienzFair Project Ideas

Science Projects compiled by the Oxnard Public Library

Science Fair Projects: A Resource for Students and Teachers

Science Fairs Homepage

Neuroscience for Kids - Experiments and Activities

Energy Science Projects and Activities

Science Projects in Agriculture






Last updated 27 November 2002

Contact Us