Science Fair Resources
Illinois Junior Academy of Science
Be sure to review the 2010-2012 Policy & Procedure Manual to make sure that you have followed all of the guidelines set forth by the Illinois Junior Academy of Science. Be ready for the District 300 Science Fair on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at Hampshire High School and the Regional Science Fair at Northern Illinois University!
Getting Started
Science Buddies - Steps of the Scientific Method
Science Stuff - The Scientific Method and Steps of a Science Fair Project
Science Fair Central - Sample Timeline
Choosing a Topic and Project
Science Buddies - Topic Selection Wizard
Take a quick survey to determine your interests.
Science Buddies - Science Fair Project Ideas
Browse through an extensive list of project ideas.
Try Science - Experiment Index
Search through suggested experiments by topic such as Physical Science or Chemistry.
San Francisco's Exploratorium Museum - Science "Snacks"
Step-by-step instuctions for a variety of projects from the Museum of Science, Art, and Human Perception.
IPL2: Internet Public Library and Librarians' Internet Index - Choosing a Topic
Scroll down to Ideas & Projects.
Cool-Science-Projects.com - Ideas: How to Get Started
Science Fair Central - Choose a Project Idea
Look at easy or more complex questions in Life Science, Earth Science, or Physical Science.
To The Top
Where to Find Information
 - Indicates an Algonquin Area Public Library card is needed to access this source from home.
Don't have an Algonquin Area Public Library card? Click here.
Algonquin Area Public Library Online Catalog
Find books and other materials available at the Algonquin Main Library and Eastgate Branch. Search "All CCS Libraries" to see what other libraries own. See something at another library that you want? Place a hold and you will be notified when the material arrives at the Algonquin Library for you.
Electric Library
Try this source first for newspaper and magazine/periodical sources. Limit your search by material type or reading level. Print or e-mail full-text articles.
Gale Virtual Reference Library
Try this source first for encyclopedias, almanacs, and reference books. Print, e-mail, or download full-text articles and graphics.
General Reference Center Gold
Use this source for reference books, encyclopedias, newspapers, and magazines/periodicals if you need more information. Print, e-mail, or download full-text articles and graphics.
How Products Are Made
Search by keyword or browse through an alphabetic list to see articles and pictures of how hundreds of everyday items are made as well as their history and uses. Print full-text articles and graphics. Skip the "Where to Learn More" section.
How Stuff Works
Learn how everything from airbags to hiccups to dreams work on this extensive - and interesting - site. Browse tabbed categories or search for a keyword. Click on an author's name for credentials. Print or e-mail full-text articles and graphics.
World Book Online Reference Center
This is the same World Book Encyclopedia you'll find on the library's shelves, but with so much more online! Choose the Student version to get started. View encyclopedia articles, maps, pictures, or videos and link to selected websites. Print, e-mail, or download full-text articles. A Spanish language version is also available.
Consumer Reports Online
If you're looking for particular product information for projects, comparison, or shopping, check out Consumer Reports. Call or stop at the Reference Desk for the login and password information.
Popular Science Magazine
Find useful information on gadgets, cars, science, and technology in Popular Science Magazine's 137-year, full-color archive.
Ask the Experts at Scientific American
This site from Scientific American Magazine allows you to browse through subjects of many topics, see what experts have to say on the subjects, and send in your own questions.
To The Top
How to Write Citations in APA Style
Style Wizard
Fill in the blanks and a click to have a citation created for you. Helpful hints are given to make sure you enter the information correctly.
Citation Machine
Fill in a simple form and click to generate a citation. Citation Machine has been updated and now creates more accurate citations, even if you are missing some information (ie, author's name not available).
Noodle Bib Express
Select the type of resource from a list, then fill in the boxes and click to generate the citation. Be sure to read the helpful tips to the right of the text boxes as you may not need to fill in all the boxes!
Always check your citations to make sure they are correct. Online citation generators are helpful but are only as accurate as the information you provide.
To The Top
How to Present Your Project
Science Fair Central - How to Deliver a Good Oral Presentation
Be prepared when the time comes to present your project to your classmates and judges!
Science Fair Central - How to Create a Winning Science Fair Display Board
Read some basic tips for how to create a clean, organized display.
About.com Chemistry - How to Write a Science Project Report
Follow these suggestions for what to include in your report.
About.com Chemistry - Make a Science Fair Poster or Display
Be sure to include all the required parts on your display board. See a sample board here.
NCES Kids' Zone - Create a Graph
Use this easy program to create professional looking graphs for your paper and display board.
Elmer's Science Fair - Display Like a Pro
Stick to these quick tips for making a neat display.
To The Top
Information for Parents
Science Fair Central - Parent Resources
Parents - find your role in your child's science fair project. Learn how to help your child choose and complete a project without doing the project yourself!
Chicago Parent Magazine - Science Fairs: Taking Learning to a Whole New Level
Super Science Fair Projects - Parent's Guide to Science Fairs
Try Science - The Parent Page
Don't have an Algonquin Area Public Library Card?
If you live in the Algonquin Area Public Library District, apply for a card online or at the Library.
If you don't live in the Algonquin Area Public Library District and have a library card from another library, check your home library's website for access to their databases. Most libraries have many of the same databases.
Dundee Township Public Library's Databases
Huntley Area Public Library's Databases
Crystal Lake Public Library's Databases - click Power Search
More Fun in Youth Services!
|
Toolbar