Science Fair Projects vs. Engineering Fair Projects

Notes from Janice’s Desk

It won’t be long before teachers will be assigning projects for science and engineering fairs. While most fair are are called “science and engineering fairs” there are always few to no engineering projects. I think this is because most engineering project don’t  follow the scientific method and without a project question and a hypothesis kids lost points. But, the chart below provides a comparison of the method for developing a science project and an engineering project.

Scientific Method

Engineering Method

Background Research

Background Research

Ask a Question

Identify a need

Express a Hypothesis

Determine how you will solve the problem.

Design an Experiment

Prepare a Preliminary Design

Test Hypothesis by Experimenting

Build and Test a Prototype

Collect and Analyze Data

Retest and Redesign as Necessary

Draw a Conclusion

Draw a Conclusion

Present Results (Display)

Present Results (Display)

More Later,

Janice VanCleave

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