Science Fair Experiments
You'll find the right science fair project for you with these many resources on the subject available from the Poughkeepsie Public Library District!
Print Sources
Try these resources to find science fair experiments on many different topics. Some books may be designated as reference materials, which means you would have to visit the Library that owns the book to use it there.
200 Gooey, Slippery, Slimy, Weird and Fun Experiments by Janice VanCleave
The Complete Handbook of Science Fair Projects by Julianne Blair Bochinski
The Complete Science Fair Handbook (Grades 4-8) by Anthony D. Fredericks
First Place Science Fair Projects for Inquisitive Kids by Elizabeth Snoke Harris
Junior Science Experiments on File - Vol. 1, 2 & 3 edited by Aviva Ebner
Kidsource: Science Fair Handbook by Danna Voth
More Ideas for Science Projects by Richard Adams (YA)
Science Fairs: Ideas and Activities (YA)
Science Fair Projects: Planning, Presenting, Succeeding by Robert Gardner (YA)
Science Fair Projects for Elementary Schools Step by Step by Patricia Hachten Wee
See for Yourself: More than 100 Experiments for Science Fairs and Projects by Vicki Cobb
Sure-to-Win Science Fair Projects by Joe Rhatigan
The Way Science Works: Discover the Secrets of Science with Exciting, Accessible Experiments by Robin Kerrod
Here are some recommended research materials on more specific science fair experiment topics.
Astronomy / Stars
Constellations for Every Kid: Easy Activities that Make Learning Science Fun by Janice VanCleave
Describes twenty of the most prominent constellations, including the Big Dipper, Orion, and Cancer; explains how to locate them, and provides instructions for related activities.
Electricity
Electric Gadgets and Gizmos: Battery-Powered Buildable Gadgets that Go! by Alan Bartholomew
Great for building your own electric gadgets.
Elements
Fizz, Bubble & Flash! : Element Explorations and Atom Adventures for Hands-on Science Fun! by Anita Brandolini
Gives instructions for a variety of experiments that examine the characteristics of some of the common elements around us.
Environment
Science Projects About the Environment and Ecology by Robert Gardner (YA)
Great science experiments involving the environment and ecology.
Foods
Kitchen Science by Peter Pentland
Surveys some of the scientific principles related to foods and their preparation
Kitchen Science by Shar Levine
Shows how to turn your kitchen into a laboratory and perform all sorts of experiments with food, such as making sun tea, creating an acid/base tester, and gathering spores from mushrooms.
Light
Dazzling Science Projects with Light and Color by Robert Gardner
Experiment with the elements of light and color
Magnetism
Science Experiments with Magnets by Sally Nankivell-Aston and Dorothy Jackson
Using experiments, discover the properties of magnets with materials from home or school.
Nature
101 Nature Experiments by David Burnie
Great experiments using materials found in nature!
Backyard Science with over 50 Fantastic Experiments by Chris Maynard
Over 50 experiments show you that science is growing like crazy all around us.
Hands-on Nature edited by Jenepher Lingelbach and Lisa Purcell
Find out about the world around you. These interesting experiments use natural materials and support each experiment with important background information.
Water
Bathtub Science by Shar Levine
Shows how to turn your bathtub into a laboratory and perform all sorts of experiments with water, such as showing how a submarine works, finding out when water moves upward by itself, and learning how to time your bath without a watch.
Environmental Experiments About Water by Thomas R. Rybolt and Robert C. Mebane
Investigate the properties of water and learn about its importance through these experiments!
Science Experiments with Water by Sally Nankivell-Aston and Dorothy Jackson
Simple materials make these experiments with water easy to execute.
Background Information
Need information to support your science experiments, and answer the questions of how and why they work? It's a good idea to use search engines like these on the Internet for background information on your project or experiment:
Take a look at some of these reference titles in the Library to find background information as well. If you need assistance, be sure to ask a Youth Services Librarian for help.
Exploring Earth and Space Science: Volumes 1-11
The New Book of Popular Science: Volumes 1-6
The New Way Things Work: explains scientific principles of machines and digital technology.
Recommended Authors
These authors offer great resources about science activities, experiments and projects. Click on a name below in order to view books and/or videos by the author.
Bill Nye
Web Sites
Experiments - from KidsClick!
PBS Kids Zoom Science Activities
Science Fair Center - from Homework Spot
Science Fair Central - from Discovery Education
Science Fair Project Resource Guide - from Internet Public Library
Energy Quest Science Projects - from California Energy Commission
Browse the Collection
General resources about science fair projects may be found in the online catalog by clicking on the links below. For more specific science topics, try using a Keyword search. Feel free to ask a Youth Services Librarian for assistance with your search if you'd like some assistance.
Search the Catalog
Try searching the online catalog with the following subject headings to find science fair project ideas and information at the Library.
Experiments -- Juvenile literature
Science -- Experiments -- Juvenile literature
Science Projects -- Juvenile literature
Prepared by Youth Services Staff, updated 6/09
Call (845) 485-3445 x3320 with questions.