Information from the Eastern Newfoundland Science Fairs Council

PHYSICS 

1. Fire and Burning- what factors affect burning? 

2. Fuels and their efficiency in producing energy. 

3. Musical instruments- the scientific principles behind them 

4. Music vs Noise- difference 

5. Pendulums- how can a period of a pendulum be increased? 

6. Air Pressure- Water Pressure 

7. Gears- compare efficiencies, effect of different lubricants 

8. Solar Furnace 

9.Lenses- effects of curvature, materials on light beams 

10.Can eggs withstand a greater force from one direction than from others? 

11.How strong are nylon fishing lines? 

12.How strong are plastic wraps? 

13.Which homemade airplane design flies best? 

14.What factors affect the bounce of a dropped ball? 

15.How do compression and tension make things strong? 

16.How strong is a toothpick? 

17.Which type of lawn sprinkler works best? 

18.Which type\size of light bulb produces the most light? 

19.How can the strength of light be measured?- the effect on degradable materials 

20.Which materials can be charged with static electricity? 

21.Which battery lasts the longest?- How can power be increased? 

22.What affects light reflection?- refraction and diffraction of light? 

23.Spectrum and colour production- prisms 

24.How is sound produced? What affects the pitch of sound?- What affects the volume of sound? - How would you measure the velocity of sound? 

25.Electric Motors- principles and factors effecting their efficiency 

26.Electric Circuits- factors affecting voltage,amperage, resistance 

27.Magnets and electromagnets- What affects the strength of and electromagnet? 

28.Buzzers and bells and alarms. 

29.Radios 

30.Internal Combustion engines 

31.Heat convection- Radiation of heat 

32.Insulation-best materials, thickness 

33.How is paint affected by temperature changes?- Elasticity of rubber; effect of glue. 

ENGINEERING\PHYSICS 

1. Use of solar energy- design and construct solar cookers, solar panels, etc. 

2. Designing a strong bridge, an energy efficient home 

3. Efficient use of renewable energy resources- E.G. Wood, Wind 

4. Determine the accuracy of various thermometers 

5. How much heat is required to raise the temperature of various substances by an equal amount? 

6. Principle of energy conservation 

7. Comparing active & passive solar energy systems in cost and efficiency. 

METEOROLOGY 

1.Snow- what happens when it melts; what does it contain; structure of snow flakes; life in a snowbank 

2.Sky Colour- account for differences in colour at different times 

3.Wind and Clouds- what are the common wind patterns in your area and why? Is cloud formation related to height, weather systems and temperature? Study and record how clouds relate to weather patterns. 

4.Water levels- study and record varying levels over the year in a body of water; account for differences and the results on the surrounding environment. 

5.Dew formation- how much is formed on a square meter for a period of time; account for variations 

6.Wind-does wind travel at same speeds and in same directions at different heights? 

7.Frost formation- what must the temperature be to form first; what are the effects of humidity? What is the make-up of frost and dew? 

8.Evaporation- which effects the rate of evaporation most- temperature, humidity, wind speed or other factors? 

9.Rain- can you measure the speed and force of raindrops?-What is the effect on soil, with and without ground cover? Could you simulate the effect of rain? 

10. Heat Retention- does fresh water hold heat longer than salt water? How does water compare to land and what effect does this have on the weather? What factors affect the cooling of land? 

11.Sunlight- how do different surfaces affect the amount of sunlight reflected and absorbed? Design a method of measuring how much sunshine is available each day. 

12. Humidity- can you collect the amounts of water in the air at different temperatures? 

13.Temperature- what is the difference between direct sun and in the shade? Is the difference constant? 

14.Weather records- Design and build an automatic recording weather device. Test it over a period of time. 

15.Effects of Humidity- what happens to hair during periods of changing humidity? How does human hair compare to that of other animals? How do other materials compare in expansion and contraction. 

CHEMISTRY 

1. Effects of temperature on viscosity of oil, chemical reactions, Brownian movement, burning of different materials. 

2. Everyday activities that illustrate chemical principles 

3. Chemical reactions that produce energy or that require energy 

4. Testing of consumer products- glues, stain removers, antiseptics, mouthwash, detergents, paper towels, making salt water potable, removal of pollutants 

5. Effects of sunlight on rubber, ink, paper 

6. Effects of increased concentrations on the rate of chemical reactions 

7. Compare the pH levels in mouths of various animals and humans at different times in the day 

8. Compare the surface tension of various liquids 

9. Dealing with chemical spills from industry 

10.Analyzing snow and rain for pollutants; samples from different locations 

11.Effects of temperature on density of gases 

12.Effects of salt and other contaminants on rate of rusting 

13.Growing crystals- factors that affect the rate and the size 

14.Can you obtain water from ink, vinegar, milk? 

15.What effects do different amounts of exercise have on the production of carbon dioxide in humans? 

16.Analyze soil samples for their components, ability to hold moisture, fertility and pH 

17.Does the amount of particle pollution vary with distance from a road, with location, with height. Determine types of particles found in pollution fallout 

18.Catalysts- how they work and why; commercial applicants and problems 

19.Fire extinguishers-principles of operation and factors affecting their efficient use 

20.How do acids react with different metals under varying conditions 

21.Identify different metals by the colour of flame when they burn 

22.Can you devise and experiment that will list metals in order of their activity, from the most potassium to the least active ore gold 

23.Electroplating- the principles, how different metals can be used and the practical applications 

BOTANY 

1.Germination - how monocots and dicots differ - the effects of heat, light, carbon dioxide, pH level, etc. on germination rate 

2.Photosynthesis - factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis temperature, light intensity, water, carbondioxide - part of light spectrum used in photosynthesis 

3.Leaf - do the numbers and sizes of stomata vary with different plants - what happens if stomata are covered and why 

4.Roots - how much water is used by different plants - what is the effect of temperature, sunlight, etc., on the use of water (transpiration) - how do different types of soils affect the ability of roots to anchor plants - what factors encourage root growth and what is the effect of water, oxygen, soil type, minerals on root growth 

5.Plant growth - determine the effects of various nutrients, amounts of water, hours of sunlight, strength of weed killer, temperature, pollutants, pH levels on plant growth and crop yields - can plants live without oxygen, carbon dioxide - what percentages of various plants is water 

6.Genetic Studies - connections between hair and eye colour, sex and left handedness, hair colour and strength - family studies on inheritance 

7.What conditions are favourable for: -fungus growth- E.G. yeast, mold, mildew diseases -mushroom production -growing brine shrimp -algae growth -bacteria growth or control- mutations -rooting cuttings -the survival of Planaria -the growth of nitrogen fixing bacteria -lichen growth 

8.Field Studies -effects of herbicide spraying, acid rain in a lake, auto exhausts on a roadside, SO2 emissions on plants, under hydro lines -types of bacteria found around the home, on the body, in soil of different types 

9.Reactions of protozoa to changes in the environment 

10.The preferred pH level in the soil for various plants