When choosing science projects for kids, you'll likely be presented with many options. One way to select a project is to consider the children's age, interests, schoolwork and personal abilities. Taking all of these factors into account can make your decision much easier.
Make sure that any science projects for kids correlates with the children's abilities. Generally, it would be inappropriate to choose a science fair project intended to be completed by someone in high school for a student who is still in elementary school. If a child is interested in or capable of advanced studies, it might be appropriate to choose a science project that is a little above his or her grade level.
When choosing science projects for kids, learn the types of science in which the children have the most interest. Science projects can be intended to be conducted over weeks or months. You should make sure that the science project's topic or theme will hold the children's interest for that long. Choosing a science project that appeals to a child can result in him or her assimilating the lesson learned from the project easier.
You'll have to be specific about your science fair project's topic or question. Even science projects for kids address specific scientific questions or problems related to science. When you've identified the branch of science to which a child respond, ask him or her what particular problem or topic has always captured his or her attention. You can base the science fair project off the child's answer. Try to choose a topic that relates to his or her schoolwork, if you can.
Museums can be great sources of inspiration when looking for science projects for kids. Consider visiting one to start brainstorming for science fair projects. Children's museums can even have literature available about science projects that correspond to exhibits. If you see exhibits that you'd like to use as a springboard for a project, ask a museum guide for further information. He or she might be able to help you.
Similarly, you'll want to choose a science project that is able to be easily researched. Libraries, museums and scientific websites should help students find the information necessary to formulate a hypothesis and complete the experiment. Archives of scientific magazines might be especially helpful when researching a project.
Safety is always an consideration that you should take into account when choosing science fair projects for kids. You'll want to make sure that the projects do not pose threats to the children's well-being. Make sure that you have the appropriate safety gear available and that you train the children, if necessary, to perform the science experiment without hurting themselves. Even if you provided training and safety gear, you should supervise the children's activities relating to the project at all times.