Time. It’s something we all experience. But, when you have a science fair rapidly approaching and you still haven’t got any idea what to do for a project, time seems to go faster than ever!
Coming up with a science fair project is no easy task. If you’re stressing about it, then many others in your class will be too. The only difference is that you’re reading this article to get a head start on potential ideas.
Thinking of a science fair project can be more challenging than the project itself. Once you have an idea in mind, you can focus primarily on that and give yourself the best chance of winning the fair.

If you’re suffering from “writer’s block” and your usual creative flair is lacking inspiration, we have you covered. In today’s blog, we will be taking a look at previous science fair-winning projects to help get those creative cogwheels turning.
While we do not recommend copying any projects, some of the following winners from the past may inspire you into creating something similar but obviously better!
So, sit back, relax, and get inspired as we summarize hundreds of previous winning science fair projects for 6th graders through to 12th graders.
Why Partake In A Science Fair Project?
We understand that participating in a science fair project isn’t always your choice alone. Although many students decide to enter these fairs of their own volition, many must enter as part of a class.
Sometimes, pressure from parents makes students participate while others just like to challenge their scientific capabilities and simply have some fun.
Whatever motivates people to enter science fairs, the joy they can bring is what matters most. Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons to do a science fair project below.
The main reasons students participate in science fairs are:
- To challenge themselves
- To learn more about science
- To design and make something that could possibly help the world
- To explore new and exciting technology
- To participate and do something that they can be very proud of
- To win prizes. Sometimes, money is included!
The majority of students at science fairs are there as part of their class. While these science fairs are usually on a smaller scale, there are national competitions with over 1,000 participants.
If you take your science seriously and/or have a project in mind that you think could make a real difference to the world, then entering these national competitions could be the kickstart to a life of science!
There are also numerous maker events, engineering fairs, and hackathons out there, waiting for people like you to join. There has never been a better time to be a scientist with modern-day technologies and understandings growing every day.
Below are some of the national events that happen every year in the U.S:
- Google Science Fair
- JSHS Program
- Regeneron Science Talent Search
- Conrad Challenge
- Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair
- Exploravision
Do a little research into each competition to see if any would suit your potential science projects.
Previous Science Fair Winning Projects

Okay, you are entering a science fair, either as part of a class or because you want to. But, you’re struggling to come up with ideas for your science project. Here’s a list of previous winners to help you get an idea of what it takes to win a science fair.
- Microbial fuel cells: Food waste as a sugar source
- A natural anti-bacterial solution using rainwater and persimmon calyx
- How to harvest tree vibrations energy
- How can you win at rock, paper, scissors?
- Are fingerprints hereditary?
- Does chewing gum improve concentration?
- Effect of clothing on perceived intelligence
- Improving speaking ability after hearing loss with bone conduction and diaphragm voice-training techniques
- How much fat is in your food?
- Which accent is most appealing?
- Which fruit generates the most electricity?
- Do introverts have better memories than extroverts?
- Water Recycling: The Effects of Soapnut Grey Water on the Environment
- Detecting and removing of pesticides from produce
- Effect of baseball bat material on the distance of a hit ball
- How does iPad use before bed affect sleep?
- How does acid rain affect plants?
- Do air temperatures affect candle burning rates?
- How does temperature affect magnetic strength?
- Oral Health Advisor with a sensor, mobile cloud application, and machine learning
- Can a low-carb diet change cardiovascular markers?
- Which travel mug keeps liquids hot the longest?
- Do all crayons have the same melting temperature?
- Does exercise change body temperature?
- Will educating about organ donation have an impact on intent for organ donation?
- Do video games raise your heart rate?
- How effective are UV lights at killing bacteria?
- Which nail polish lasts the longest?
- Which brand of bath bomb dissolves the fastest?
- Measuring sugar content with a laser pointer
- Which stain remover removes stains the best?
- What type of dog is most likely to be adopted?
- Effects of sugar on children with ADHD
- Adapting window blinds for solar panels
- How does dog saliva affect bacterial growth?
- Do more expensive batteries last longer (and are they worth it)?
- How effective are UV lights at killing bacteria?
- Using a Raspberry Pi-based solar tracker to improve solar panel output
- How does color affect memory recall?
- Effects of sugar/sugar substitutes on yeast energy output
- AI-powered tornado detection system
- Effects of pH on plant growth rates
- EEG-powered remote control car
- Can air quality be measured with an Arduino device?
- Improving conduction in a solar-powered oven
- Do deflated footballs go further than fully inflated balls?
- How does vitamin C concentration change in cut fruits over time?
- Can plants survive without sunlight?
- Can forest fires be predicted using artificial intelligence?
- Hydro-focused battery charging station
- An affordable Braille embosser
- How does color affect eyesight?
- Which sunscreen/SPF level provides the best protection?
- Making the road safer with Computer Vision Algorithms
- Smartphone-powered disease diagnostic device
- Examining effects of food on the glycemic index after eating
- Effect of wi-fi signals on the growth of peapods
- Does text font/color affect user readability?
- What blood pressure monitor gives the most consistent readings?
- Can ocean acidification be lowered with aquatic plants?
- How does the weather change mood?
- Removing impurities from groundwater
- How strong are bioplastic bags?
- Which mouthwash is most effective at killing bacteria?
- The effects of listening to music while studying
- How do soil types change plant growth rates?
- How do different fabrics reduce the concentration of polluted air?
- Can water be extracted from humid air?
- How can microplastics be removed from ocean water?
- Pill case reminder system
- What works better for memory retention: handwriting notes or typing?
- Computerized signal for students with ADHD
- Which grows faster: sideways plants vs. upright plants?
- Effect of wi-fi signals on the growth of peapods
- How long can a mechanical pencil lead be before it breaks?
- Effects of ammonium nitrate concentrations on cold pack temperatures
- How do air pollution and weather affect solar cell output?
- What is the effect of more turns in the coil on the amount of electricity created?
- Can eggshells make plants grow faster?
- How does paper airplane design affect speed and distance?
- Which liquids evaporate faster?
- Effects of lead in water on yeast
- Are all forms of phone distraction equal while driving?
- Effects of ammonium nitrate concentrations on cold pack temperatures
- Which sunglasses offer the best UV protection?
- Dog or human: who has the cleaner mouth?
- Can bacterial strains be used to degrade plastics?
- Who’s more addicted to a smartphone: parents or kids?
- How salty does water need to be to make an egg float?
- Bacterial strains to create fuel cells
- Facial recognition alert system for Alzheimer’s patients
- How does sleep duration affect the body?
- Engineering algal bio-scrubbers to prevent global warming
- Apple Watch vs. Fitbit vs. Garmin – which wearable offers the best heart rate accuracy?
- How does music type affect customer purchases in a store?
- Effect of fabric softener on the flammability of fabric
- Effects of heat on enzyme activity
- Which propeller is best at harnessing the wind?
- Testing antimicrobial effects of spices
- How do shellfish adapt to new environments?
- Are kids that eat school lunches more likely to be obese than students that eat food from home?
Google Science Fair Idea Generator
If you’re still struggling to think of a science fair project, Google has a tool to help you. This idea engine takes advantage of a few search terms. This comes up with patents, websites, news stories, and more to help inspire you in creating a new project.
This tool allows you to combine certain things that you love with others that you are good at doing. You can create a project aimed at solving climate change issues or fuel-saving techniques. The possibilities are endless!
While this tool sounds amazing, it may not be the answer to your science fair prayers. When you type in various texts, the number of results can be overwhelming. Hundreds can come back instantaneously which can be hard to comprehend and understand.
Before you use the Google Science Fair Idea Generator, we suggest writing down “why does…” and “I wonder if…” questions for a week or so. This may help you come up with something more original than Google could muster.
Keep track of various questions you may have about the world around you. Keep a notepad on you or record your ideas on your phone. Other people may ask interesting questions too, which could spark some creativity in you. The more ideas you have, the better!
Review your list of ideas at the end of the first week and try brainstorming some potential experiments to answer your questions. If you’re still struggling, try turning to Google.
In Summary
The best science fair projects and, science experiments for that matter, attempt to answer a specific question.
As you can see with our list of previous winners above, many of them are simple questions such as “Dog or human: Who has the cleaner mouth?” or “How does sleep duration affect the body?”
Try and come up with a testable question. From here, you can create an idea and help it grow into your science fair project.
Try not to pick something too difficult unless you want a real challenge. Choose a fun topic. Something that interests you and excites you. If you have fun doing the project, it will usually show and give you a better chance of winning!
- 25 Best Robot Toys for Kids (2023) - December 1, 2022
- Top 20 Musical Toys for Babies Under 6 Months - November 18, 2022
- Best Guide On How To Encourage Motor Development In Babies - October 28, 2022
Pingback: Guide To Buying The Best STEM Robotics Kits - Spiral Toys