From Janice VanCleave’s Guide to the Best Science Fair Projects, Janice VanCleave (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1997)

I can’t begin to count the number of times I have heard this question.  If you are like me, let me introduce you to Science Buddies

http://www.sciencebuddies.org 

This website has over 700 science fair projects, but it is more than just a list.  Steer your students to the Topic Selection Wizard.  After filling out some basic information, the wizard will ask all sorts of questions to figure out their interests.  I answered the questions as a middle school student interested in the environment and technology.  I was please with my results.

The Point of a Parabola: Focusing Signals for a Better Wireless Network 

Rooftop Gardens:  Are they a Cool Idea?

Image Compression vs Image Quality: Finding the Best Tradeoff

Digital Voice Analysis

Once your student has picked a topic, there is a great how to guide and reference material.  And if you still need help there is an Ask the Expert Section.  This forum is a team of volunteer scientists answering questions from students.  Be sure to do a search before asking a question.

Don’t forget about Discovery Edcation Streaming.  They have a “How to Prepare a Science Fair Project” video for middle school and a Magic School Bus video on science fair projects for elementary school. 

Discovery Education also has a great site called Science Fair Central. 

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/

Lastly, what do you do when your project is due in a few days?  Go to Easy Science Fair Projects. 

http://www.easy-science-fair-projects.net/index.html 

Here you will find detailed instructions on how to complete a science fair project in a short amount of time with limited resources.  Don’t expect to win any ribbons with these projects, but they can be handy in a pinch.