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    TOPIC SELECTION


    check YOUR TOPIC SHOULD...

    • sustain your interest for weeks/months
    • be fun, something you enjoy doing
    • make progress at answering a question, solving a problem, or creating something new
      (NOTE: This does not mean that your topic idea needs to be completely new or original.  In fact, most projects address questions/problems that came from the previous work of others.  This is how science works!)
    check REMEMBER:

    • You cannot collect data until your project has been formally approved. All projects require approval by a sponsor at school. Some projects require additional approval from fair administrators.
    • You need to talk about your project ideas as much as possible, as soon as possible. This is one of the main reasons we meet. Please take advantage of these opportunities.
    • You will be evaluated primarily on process, not necessarily on results. Some of the best projects have unexpected or inconclusive results.
    • Avoid biting off more than you can chew by selecting a topic / research question that is naturally segmented. Develop a plan A, B, and C. If time allows, complete all of it. If not, you will still have something to show for your work at the end. Continuation projects are an option for the future.
    • It is always helpful to have a mentor in your content area. In the case of project ideas in the following areas, you must have a mentor:
      1. Human subjects
      2. Vertebrate animals
      3. Potentially hazardous chemicals / equipment / biological materials

    check BRAINSTORMING IDEAS: