(use Ctrl-F to search for a specific word - submit your ideas ot Jim Egenrieder)

Long List of Science Fair Project Ideas:

• Maximum Aquarium Biomass – How many pounds of tilapia (a food fish) can be raised per gallon
• Minimizing energy loss from circulating food-production aquaponic (hydroponic/aquaculture) systems
• Fish protein human food production from non-animal protein feed
• Hydroponic Filtration efficacy
• Hyroponic Plant Production in high Nitrogen environments
• Daily fluctuations in dissolved O2 and CO2 due to algae photosynthesis and respiration
• Water Quality parameters in tilapia production- pH, Dissolved O2 and CO2, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate
• Alkalinity vs. Hardness (both expressed as CaCO3, but bicarbonate(HCO3-), carbonate (CO3=) and Hydroxide (OH-) are also measured)
• Comparison of North American and European Nomenclature of Birds
• Birds of Arlington and Seasonal Occurrence
• Suitability of Arlington Sites for Peregrine Falcon Reintroduction
• Algae protein synthesis impact on NH3 (ammonia) levels
• Nitrite can oxide iron in our blood
• Culturing pearls in Potomac River Asiatic Clams
• Retrieving mollusc larvae from fish hosts (gill flushing techniques).
• Life cycle of the Potomac River (non-indigenous) Asiatic Clam
• Species-specific Potomac River indigenous fish hosts for non-indigenous Asiatic Clam larvae (glochidea??)
• Chlorination trends in public water supply treatment
• Crab processing produces high levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
• Bacteria counts on _________ (using new 3M agar plates)
• Comparison of protein structures in processed meats using protein electrophoresus
• Feeding Techniques – Hand feeding, demand feeding vs. automatic feeding
• Vermicomposting (composting with worms) advantages over conventional composting
• Composting design structure effect on worm reproduction rates
• Worm preferences in composted soil stratification.
• Efficacy Comparison of Commercial and Home-Built Microbiological aerobic filtration systems
• Muscle-powered engineering applications in life sciences: aeration and electricity and battery storage
• The effect of sound on plants
• Plants in different environments (light intensity, colour)
• The effect of nicotine, air, or yeast on mold growth
• Factors affecting the strength of hair, the growth of bacteria, molds or yeast
• Experiment with Hydroponics
• Use seedlings started from seed with three types of soil and >different rates of fertilizer
• The effectiveness of Antiseptics and soaps on household bacteria
• The effect of air pollution on algae, protozoa, fish, insects or mosses and lichens
• Comparing types of artificial light on plant growth
• Conditions necessary for the life of a brine shrimp
• The commercial uses of algae methods of production
• Producing mutations in bacteria, yeast, protozoa or molds
• Best conditions for mushroom production, growth of ferns
• The effects of ultrasonic antibiotics temperature changes on bacteria count
• Microbial antagonism
• Reaction of paramecia, planaria to pH, light and temperature conditions
• Plant tropisms and growth hormones
• Transpiration rates for different plants and conditions
• Sugar level in plant sap at different times and dates
• Using radioisotopes to study uptake of plant nutrients
• A study of territoriality in mice
• A study of the cleaning habits of mice
• Observation of conditioned responses in different animals
• A study of animal phosphorescience and other biolumincescences
• Learning and perception in animals and humans
• Studies of memory span and memory retention
• Age versus learning ability
• A study of the relation between physical exercise and learning ability
• Is audio or visual information better remembered
• The effect of bleaching and dyeing on hair
• A study of the percentage of DNA (by weight) in different species
• Factors affecting the enzyme's reaction rates
• Genetic variations across a Sansevieria leaf
• Factors affecting seed germination (e.g. soil temperature, pH)
• Root formation in cuttings versus lighting conditions
• Factors affecting flowering
• Study of sterility in plant hybridgs (F1 and F2)
• Comparison of different plant's ability to add humus to the soil
• Factors affecting Nodule Formation in Legumes
• Can household compounds (e.g. tea) be used to promote good health in plants
• Effects of cigarette smoke on the growth of plants
• The effects of water impurities on plant growth
• The effects of phosphates on aquatic plants
• Effect of mineral deficiencies on protein content in soybeans
• The effect of excess salinity on plants
• A study of the tumours produced in plants by agrobacterium tumifacieus
• The effect of polarized light on plant growth directica
• The effects of solar activity on plant growth
• Tracing solar activity cycles in tree growth rings
• The effects of electric fields on plants
• The effects of magnetic fields on plant growth
• Effects of magnetism on the size and frequency of blooms and fruits
• Does magnetizing seeds before planting affect growth
• The effects of XRay and other radiation on plants
• The effect of music of varying types and duration on plants
• Organic fertilizer versus chemical Fertilizer
• Study of population fluctuations in insects
• A study of toxicity of insecticides versus temperature
• Is polarizes light the guidance system for Foraging ants
• A study of stimuli that attract mosquitos
• The factors affecting the rate at which a cricket chirps
• Study of insect of animal behaviour versus population density
• A study of diffusion through cell membranes
• Growth of plant and animal cells by cloning
• Regeneration in sponges, Paramecia, Planaria, etc.
• Manipulation of Vegetative reproduction in plants
• Search for nearvacuum environment tolerant plants
• What kinds of obstacles will roots grow through or around?
• What kinds of additives are best for cut flowers in vases?
• How do florists make blue and other colored carnations?
• What are the benefits of fruits having furry skins?
• How do plant hormones affect plant growth?
• How are seeds and seedlings affected by gravity? (Geotropism)
• Why are plant hybrids useful in agriculture?
• How do seed companies produce their "perfect" seeds?
• How can a seedless watermelon be grown from a seed?
• How does a seedless naval orange reproduce?
• What are some plants that have thigmotropism? (Touch sensitivity)
• Why is algae added to some foods?
• What types of algae are used?
• How do people determine how deep to plant seeds?
• What are some different ways that plants are pollinated?
• Will a seed of a hybrid plant produce fruit like its parents?
• How and why do plants grow toward light?
• How do you determine the age of a tree?
• Can past significant geological events be determined by examining the annual rings of a tree?
• How is seed shape associated with seed dispersal?
• How does the color or material of a container affect root growth?
• What affects do different colors of light have on plant growth?
• How do plants climb?
• How do monocots differ from dicots?
• How and why do some plants mimic other organisms?
• Do all legumes have similar seed anatomy?
• Do different colors of flowers attract different kinds of pollinators?
• Is there a connection between leaf shape, margin, and veination and the type of food produced?
• How powerful is a seed as it germinates?
• What is the purpose of the root nodules on some plants such as peanuts, beans, and soybeans?
• How are all parts of a particular plant used in agriculture?
• How does thinning fruit or pruning fruit trees affect the size and quality of fruit grown?
• What is grafting and why is it used on many trees and vines? Examples: Grapes, citrus etc.
• How are new foods developed by major food companies?
• Why are certain trace minerals needed for the health of certain animals or plants?
• What are the effects of different vitamin deficiencies on certain animals or plants?
• What are the effects of different vitamin toxicities (overdoses) on animals or plants?
• Analyze your school lunch or a meal at a fast food restaurant for protein, facts, minerals, etc.
• How influenced are humans by the appearance of food rather than its taste or nutritional value?
• How is the nutritional value of foods determined?
• How is the number of calories in a certain food product determined?
• What are the best ways to store fresh fruits, vegetables or grain products?
• Are fresh, home-cooked foods more nutritious than processed or fast foods?
• Trace the path of a meal back to its primary source of energy.
• How does freezing food affect its texture and/or taste?
• Why and how is meat aged by large meat companies or butchers?
• Do freeze-dried foods have the same nutritional value as fresh foods?
• How do sulfur and/or ascorbic acid assist in preserving food?
• How are raisins produced? Do raisins have different nutritional values than fresh grapes?
• How are some molds and bacteria used to enhance the flavor of certain foods? Example: Cheese
• What is co-generation? How can this be used on dairy and cattle ranches?
• How are the diets for cattle, sheep, goats or zoo animals determined?
• Where do certain cuts of meat come from on a specific animal?
• What would be the affect of removing a certain animal from a food chain?
• How does the amount of water affect the types of wildlife found in a certain area?
• How many insects will a common insect predator, such as a toad or praying mantis, eat in one day?
• How do nematodes cause plant disease?
• What do farmers do to reduce the amount of damage caused by nematodes?
• Describe the life cycle of an insect pest. What state in the insect's life is it most damaging to farmers?
• How are insects being used to reduce the number of damaging pests in a field?
• Example: Lady bugs and lacewings are used to eat aphids.
• How is genetics assisting in the improving quality of beef, poultry, lamb and pork?
• How can agricultural pests be reduced without using pesticides?
• Why are hormones used in meat production? Do these hormones have an affect on the consumer of the meat?
• What special plants are deadly to a particular animal?
• How are embryo transplants done? Why?
• Why are certain shellfish only harvested during certain times of the year? When are these special times?
• What products do dairy cattle provide?
• How can animal pests be genetically controlled?
• Why are there fisheries throughout the United States?
• Why are fisheries often associated with dams?
• What types of food are sometimes raised on farms. How and why is this done?
• How can hormones assist with wool production and shearing?
• Abalone and oysters are sometimes raised on farms. How and why is this done?
• What effects do certain chemicals such as phosphates have on marine animals?
• What are the optimum conditions for hatching poultry or fish eggs?
• What are some problems and solutions in raising poultry?
• What organisms are major causes of deadly diseases in herds or flocks of animals?
• What is hoof rot? What can be done to prevent it?
• Why employ veterinarians at every meat packing and processing plant?
• Examine the internal organs of an animal that has been slaughtered for food consumption.
• What useful products, besides food, are made from pigs, sheep, cattle and poultry?
• What are the effects of gravity on seed sprouting?
• Does electric or magnetic fields affect seed sprouting or plant growth?
• What are the effects of low frequency EMF on plants?
• Does light affect seed germination? How does this relate to planting depth
• for a given type of seed?
• What are the effects of ultraviolet radiation on seed germination?
• Would microwaves have an effect on seed germination?
• Do X-rays have any effect on seed germination?
• Does temperature affect how well seeds sprout?
• Do high temperatures affect the germination of pine seeds?
• Will soaking in water before planting help seeds sprout?
• Does the type of water source used affect seed germination?
• Does the amount of available moisture affect seed germination?
• (Test normal, too little and too much)
• What are the effects of soaking seeds in various chemical substances? (sugar or salt water, acids, bases, etc.)
• Does salt or sugar affect seed germination?
• How fast do roots grow?
• Does seed size affect germination rates?
• What effect would freezing have on how well seeds sprout?
• Does tobacco or alcohol affect germination rates?
• Does moisture pH affect sprouting of grass seeds?
• Does soil acidity affect how well seeds sprout?
• What is the effect of acid rain on seed germination?
• What is the effect of smoke on black pine seed germination?
• Does gold dust have any affect on the germination of radish seeds?
• Does the depth a seed is planted affect its ability to sprout?
• Which antioxident substance is best for radish seed germination?
• Does adding nitrogen-fixing bacteria to the soil contribute to the germination and growth of lima beans?
• What are the effects of potassium, calcium ,and vitamin C on the growth of radish seeds?
• Does soil quality vary from one county to another?
• What kind of soil is best for plant growth?
• Is plant growth affected by how closely together the seeds where planted?
• Is there a correct amount of water to use for good plant growth?
• Does the respiration rate indicate the rate of plant growth?
• How well will plants grow under reduced gravity?
• Examine phototropism, the study of why plants grow towards light.
• What is the effect of different colors of light on plant growth?
• Is plant growth affected by exposure to ultraviolet light?
• How much light do plants need to survive? Does the amount vary by plant?
• How do plants use photosynthesis to make food?
• Does photosynthesis take place in the absence of light?
• Does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis?
• What is the effect of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis?
• Does CO2 concentration affect the rate of photosynthesis?
• Is the amount and rate of plant photosynthesis variable?
• Which type of vegetable has the highest concentration of chlorophyll?
• Is there a relationship between a leaf's starch and chlorophyll?
• Can you paint images on plant leaves using light?
• What effect does electricity have on plants?
• What effect does temperature have on the growth of plants?
• Does proximity to high voltage lines affect the growth of plants?
• What is the effect of common beverages on plant growth?
• What is the effect of MSG, sodium and glutamate on plant growth?
• Is leaf size related to the amount of light received by a plant?
• Do hydroponic plants grow taller than plants raised in soil?
• What is the effect of hydroponics on root development?
• What changes in plant shape and growth occur when plants are overcrowded?
• Can plants grow from leaves that are cut off and planted?
• What is the effect of artificial plant hormones on the growth of plant cuttings?
• What is the effect of gibberellic acid on plant growth/flowering/fruiting?
• Cytokin or Gibberellin: Which increases potato plant growth more?
• What effect does different types of music have on plant growth?
• How would leaf harvesting affect a plant's health at different growth stages?
• Do earthworms affect plant growth?
• Do spices have any effect on the growth of non-spice plants?
• What are the best conditions under which to grow garlic?
• What factors affect root growth?
• Does soil pH affect the growth of strawberries?
• What are the effects of temperature and pH on elodea plants?
• Does a given type of plant prefer a soil that has a certain pH?
• Compare the pH of soil samples from various locations in your area.
• How can the soil pH be changed so it is better for plants?
• Determine if the growth of certain types of vegetables changes the acidity or other types of soil chemistry.
• What is the effect of different nitrogen concentrations on plant growth?
• Which brand of chemical fertilizer produces the greatest growth?
• Which is best... organic or inorganic fertilizers?
• Which is the best medium for new cuttings - plain water, water with synthetic auxin, or water with fertilizer?
• Is food waste (tea bags, coffee grounds, orange rinds, banana peels, etc.) a good fertilizer for plants or does it harm their growth?
• Would it help plant growth to add vitamins (A, E, C) to the soil?
• What effect does salt water have on plant growth?
• How effective is lettuce as a bioassay medium for determining the toxicity of saline solutions?
• What are the effects of different salts on a cauliflower plant?
• Would soapy water harm or help seed sprouting and/or plant growth?
• What effect does bleach have on the growth of plants?
• What effect does cigarette smoke have on plant transpiration?
• Does nicotine affect plant growth?
• How does cigarette smoke affect plant growth?
• Does caffeine affect plant growth?
• Does the use of insecticides affect the growth of vegetables?
• What is the effect of Tobacco Mosaic Virus on common vegetables?
• What effect does ozone have on plant growth?
• What happens to vegetables that are subjected to acid rain?
• What effect does acid rain have on flowers?
• Will antacids reverse the ill effects that acid rain has on plants?
• See our Environmental Science category for further "contaminants" projects.
• Will fruit extract help bean cuttings re-grow root cells?
• Compare different types of soil in their ability to absorb and retain water.
• Where are there more stomata, the top or bottom of a leaf?
• How does moisture move through plants and how quickly does it move?
• Which types of plants have the greatest transpiration rates?
• Which type of tree has the greatest transpiration rates? (compare 2 or more)
• What factors affect how plants reproduce?
• Can plants survive without soil? If so, how?
• Why do carnivorous fly trap plants close to trap insects but do not close when rain drops or debris falls in?
• What is the best environment in which to grow mushrooms?
• What are the steps in the lifecycle of a mushroom?
• What environment is needed for moss to grow and flourish?
• Why do leaves change color in the fall?
• Examination of tree growth rings and their relation to past weather patterns.
• What are the different methods of plant pollination?
• Examine Genetic Engineering and its effect on the agricultural arena.
• Are some plants allopathic; able to kill or retard the growth of nearby plants?
• Which herbicide is the best weed killer?
• Is there a relationship between seed shape and the method of seed dispersal?
• Which additive is the best for preserving cut flowers (salt, aspirin, etc.)?
• Examine whether or not the shape/angle of the stalk cut has any effect on the life of cut flowers.
• Which type of grass is the most drought resistant?
• Examine grafting methods and determine which plants it can be used with.
• How do some plants manage to climb walls or fences?
• Which vegetables have the highest percentages of water content?
• Is it possible to clone carrots or other vegetables?
• Which vegetables contain the most simple sugars?
• Why is ethylene gas important in the fresh fruit and vegetable industries?
• Which avocado rots fastest, one cut from the tree or one with a broken stem?