Week 6 - Science Fair Ideas: What Interests You?

Now that it's time to begin conducting research in order to develop a creative science fair project, I thought it would be appropriate to share an article about the Broadcom MASTERS competition. (MASTERS stands for Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars.)  If this sounds like something you would dream of being apart of, then it is important for you to understand how essential this science fair truly is. 

This year's Broadcom competition was won by an eighth-grader who researched “dancing” endangered tortoises. "River’s entry project described an unusual swaying behavior in an endangered species of tortoise.  The animals lived at a captive breeding facility where he volunteers.  In a project he called “The Rain Dance of the Radiata,” the teen observed how the tortoises rise up on their legs and sway back and forth whenever it rains.  At first, he thought the strange behavior might help the tortoises better avoid drowning during flash floods, which sometimes occur in their native Madagascar.  (It’s an island nation off Africa’s southeastern coast).  River conducted tests that disproved that notion." (Science News)

For this science fair, you will not only be creating an experiment, but you will also be conducting research, just like River Grace did, as well.  Therefore, during this week's blog, you are to begin researching ideas that you may want to focus on for your project.  Share your ideas, support it with a reason why, etc.  Also, if you come across any helpful tips, sites, or videos, feel free to post these as well.  By the end of the week, you will submit your final decision.

To read more about River Grace's project, as well as the Broadcom MASTERS competition, click the link below.

https://student.societyforscience.org/article/tortoise-studying-teen-takes-top-broadcom-prize