Finding the right topic for a science fair project is the first step that students need to take when first assigned a science project. The topic needs to be about something that the student is interested in and it needs to be something that others will also find interesting. In this sample science fair project students will be examining what influences the development of a plant’s flower.

Hypothesis

The development of a hypothesis comes after a topic has been selected. In this case the original topic that was selected was botany. This broad category was narrowed to flowering plants and then to the development of the flower. The resulting hypothesis that will be used for this science fair project is, “the development of a flower is impacted by the pH level in the soil.”

This hypothesis avoids common correlations between water and flower development and between light exposure and flower development. It focuses the project on finding a correlation, if one exists, between soil pH and flower development.

Experiment

When developing an experiment it is a good idea to define terms that you will be using when describing your experiment. For example, in this science fair project it is important to define what flower development means. In this case it will mean the maturation of the flower. Maturation will be determined by the presence of a full bloom and the full development of the flower’s sexual organs.

The control experiment for this project is going to first examine the normal conditions that the plant needs to be grown in. This information can be found on the seed packet for bean plants. Students will need to test the pH level of the soil before planting their beans to ensure they comply with the needs of the plant.

The test experiment for this project will involve multiple test plants. Each plant will be exposed to a soil pH level that varies from the control soil. Some soils will be more acidic than the control and others will be more alkaline than the control. All other factors of the plant’s care will replicate those in the control experiment.

Data Collection

The collection of data for this botany science fair project will first involve the description of each test experiment. Students will need to identify what experiment they are examining, they will need to identify the pH level of the soil and they will need document the soil depth the seed was planted at, the amount of water the plant was given and the amount of sun exposure the plant was given.

Next the student will need to document observations made about the development of the plant’s flower. They will need to note how long it takes for a bud to first appear and how many days it takes for the flower to develop fully. They will also need to record observations about the health and condition of the flowers that are produced. It is important to note any abnormalities in the flower’s development such as color variations, deformities and the lack of flowers.