Last week’s GLOBE Scientists’ blog, “Peculiar weather – just because it sounds odd doesn’t mean it didn’t happen!” talked about inquiry-based learning. If you have a great question and decide to investigate further, how can you share your results? Sharing results is an essential part of the scientific method. If scientists didn’t share their work, how would we know what has already been done? Or what is already known? One of the best options for young scientists to share results is to participate in a science fair. Science fairs often occur in the spring, so if you haven’t already started, now would be a great time to think about a project.
If you decide to do a science fair project, Jennifer Cutaro of Science News for Students recommends getting the whole family involved. Her article, “Science fair as a family affair”, addresses talking as a family about interests, places to go for inspiration, and ways the whole family can help young scientists complete a research project. As all scientists know, there can be setbacks along the way. Support from your family can help get you through difficult patches and you can all learn something along the way!
Need more inspiration? A recent GLOBE Star, Justas Sidiskis of Lithuania, won second prize in the European Union Contest for Young Scientists. He studied clouds, precipitation, and temperature using GLOBE data for his area and the GLOBE Atmosphere protocols. There are many other GLOBE protocols, which might also give you some ideas!
Now, where to find a science fair? Many schools offer science fairs, but if your school doesn’t have one, you can still share your project. The Google Science Fair is open to students ages 13-18 from all over the world.
GLOBE Students in the past have had amazing science fair projects. Three GLOBE students and their teacher from Ohio were recognized at the White House in 2010 for their outstanding achievements. Just think what you could do!
Tiffine Guindon, Tazhianna Dean, and Alexandra Carey with their teacher, Melody Tsapranis
Are you using any GLOBE protocols or GLOBE data for a science fair experiment? Let us know through comment or email!