Queensland Science Contest Project Ideas
If you need some ideas to get you started, here’s a list of interesting topics, inquiry questions and other sources. Be sure to choose a project that is suitable for your age, interests and skills!
- Some washing powders dissolve faster in hot water than in cold? Does this mean they wash clothes any better?
- Which flowers make the best acid/base indicators?
- What is the best way to plant native species along the creek banks?
- Design a solar device that takes the place of a mains-driven electrical device and test its effectiveness.
- Testing of consumer products – glues, stain removers, antiseptics, mouthwash, detergents, paper towels, making salt water potable, removal of pollutants…
- Design and make a device for someone who is physically impaired.
- How do the numbers, arrangements and sizes of stomata vary with different plants?
- What conditions are the most favourable for the growth of a particular organism eg yeast, mold, mildew diseases, mushroom production, brine shrimp, algae, rooting cuttings?
- What is the effect of sound on the growth plants?
- How do sugar levels vary in plant sap change at different times and dates?
- What are the effects of electric fields or magnetic fields on the growth of plants?
- Study the population fluctuations of a particular insect.
- Conduct a study of the different stimuli that attract mosquitoes.
- What are the best propeller designs for wind generators?
- Compare the insulative properties of various natural and commercial insulators.
- What is the effect of temperature on resistance in electrical conductors?
- Experimentally explore the photoelectric effect.
- Study the radiation patterns from different antenna types.
- Observe and investigate your local urban wildlife.
- Conduct an ecological study of the animal and plant populations occupying the same tree.
- Investigate the effects of crowding (with the same or other species) on a certain plant.
- Study the relationship between soil type and dominant vegetation.
- Study the relationship between vegetation and insects.
- Which type of artificial light makes a particular plant grow best?
- Are “safe” homemade cleansers as effective as commercial cleansers?
- What shape ice cubes freeze fastest?
- Does aerating a lawn really make it grow better?
- Is there a pattern of inheritance in fingerprints? (Hint: you need at least 3 generations.)
- Investigate the science behind some “old wives tales”.
- Which naturally occurring substances disrupt an trails?
- Do all people have the same ability to taste?
- Imagine you are an endangered animal. Develop an advertising campaign that states the facts about your plight.
- Make a three minute video about your catchment investigating a particular issue, solution or good news story.
- Devise an innovative solution to an environmental issue or invent something that improves it.
- Investigate ways of improving water quality or water resources management.
- What are the environmental impacts of “dog off leash” areas and how can they be better managed?
- What are the native plants along the creek that provide food for butterflies?
- Are there any water bugs that could be used as environmental indicators of the health of the creek?
- Identify the factors that affect the growth and spread of sees in our area.
- Devise an effective method to reuse water from the washer and dishwasher (grey water) around the home.
- How does grey water affect garden plants?
- Which brand of washing powder produces the best grey water for producing healthy plants?
- What are the effects of phosphates on aquatic plants?
- Investigate and address an environmental issue around the school, i.e. week species planted in the gardens, soil erosion, etc.
- Devise efficient methods for breaking down crude oil in seawater.
- Design a water conserving garden.
- What type of foods to composting worms prefer?
- Compare methods of controlling rainwater run-off on steep land.
More ideas are available at the CSIRO CREST website or at Science Buddies.
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