Research.

Eager to start your experiment? I always found the experiments the most fun but don’t be in to much of a hurry. Seek out as much relevant information as you can find.

So where can you find information for your science fair project?

Information generally falls in to two categories.

1. How to - the materials and methods
2. Background knowledge - this helps you decide what you might expect to happen and explain your results once the experiment has been completed.

Before looking at sources of information lets use my house fly experiment as an example. My knowledge research will provide me with information on the house fly lifecycle, are there different species of house fly, how to identify different species and are there any health or safety risks. With my how to research I’ll be looking at how to handle my flies and how to captive breed flies.

So where can I find information -

1. Libraries - local and school libraries should be readily accessible. Talk to the Librarian they can be incredibly helpful. Their training is to search for information and if you approach them politely with well organised question you’ll find them incredibly helpful. Often getting information from other libraries.
2. Colleges and University Libraries - with luck you’ll be allowed access to their libraries but unlikely to be allowed to borrow materials. Does your teacher, family or family friends have contacts within these educational establishments? This can help. If not don’t dispair there’s always the internet (see later).
3. Colleges and Libraries (part 2) - does the university or college have faculty or departments that do research relate to your project. To have any luck with this you’ll probably need a personal introduction. Check out who your mom or dad play golf with and what about parents on your hockey or soccer team?
4. Colleges and Libraries (part 3) - most colleges and univeristies have a webiste. If they are involved in research most faculty have a website or web presence with details of their research.
5. Internet searches through search engines and directories can produce a wealth of information. Just be careful when searching the internet. Mixed in with the useful is a great deal of @@&*@!!. Read this brief internet research guide for a few tips and tricks and a list of internet search sites.
6. Family, friends and teachers - ask you might be surprised at what they know or who they can find to help.

Finally remember the project has to be completed. Don’t spend all your time on your research.

References.

Research will help you solidify your observations and questions in to a great science fair idea. Or, and this is important, it might just tell you your idea is a no go. May be another visit to the science fair project ideas will help.

Recording where you find information, ideas and methods is a very important part of science. You must acknowledge other peoples work, it is their reward. In future someone may use your work and I'm sure you would like the credit.

Preparing references can be a little tricky. It seems that everyone has a different method. Check your science fair rules as they may have specific requirements. If not try the following websites for more information. APA style guide. MLA style guide

Plagiarism

This is always a hot topic. If you are going to college or university it will become even more important.

What is plagiarism?

Simply it is using someone elses material and pretending that is your own work. 

This is stealing and cheating - do not do it.

It does not mean that you can not use someone else’s work. You are free to quote them or paraphrase their work. Either way make sure you acknowledge that it is someone else’s work or opinion (use references).

Try to keep direct quotes short so it leaves room for your own opinions and ideas.

The OWL online writing lab from Purdue University is an excellent guide to this issue.