They say education begins at home. Well… So do home assignments! Projects and assignments are great tools devised to engage students and keep them connected to their studies after school or even during summer break. Home assignments and projects not only encourage children to develop an interest in respective subject but also yield better learning by boosting cognitive learning.
The most exciting and at times challenging home assignments are science projects. Although Science projects can be extremely fun, sometimes, accomplishing one can become an ordeal. Here is your guide on how to deal on tough science projects-
- Get your concept right
Science is basically a bunch of laws governed by nature. For instance, if you drop a ball from the terrace, it will fall downwards. There are no two ways about it. So before you begin with your project, it is important to make sure you have your ducks in a row as far as the science behind the project is concerned.
Read the text book, seek guidance from teachers and tutors and gain in depth knowledge about the scientific concept your project is based upon. Remember, more you know about the scientific principles involved, easier it is for you to visualize a working model of your project.
On the other hand, ambiguous or shallow understanding of various concept involved may hinder the achievement of desired goals. For instance, in the example of dropping a ball from terrace, if you replace the ball with a feather, the rate at which the feather falls down will change drastically.
The gravitational force exerted on the ball and the feather remains unchanged, however, air resistance offered to the two objects varies greatly. This results in different rates of descent. The descent times, however, will be identical in a perfect vacuum. This example elucidates the importance of getting the concepts right.
- Watch how it’s done before spending your day in the sun
In my day and age, tough science projects were a dreaded undertaking. I loathed the constant fear of failure and uncertainty. Thanks to technological advancements, kids of this generation do not have to experience this ordeal. Irrespective of how tough your project may seem to be, chances are, you will not be the first one to have a crack at it.
With the marvelous gift of modern technology, called ‘Internet’, you can surf and browse various key points you need to bear in mind for the project at hand. Various blogs and websites will provide you with exact steps you need to follow. You may even find videos on various social networking sites that will guide you with step by step instructions to accomplish your project.
- Avoid the pitfalls
While working on a science project, more important than what you are supposed to do, is what you are not supposed to do. Mixing explosive chemicals, spilling corrosive substances, etc are hazards you must keep at bay. Such mishaps may prove out to be potential health hazards in addition to being a financial burden by ruining your equipments. Various articles in science magazines and videos on popular social media websites will help you realize and consequently avoid any and all accidents you might otherwise experience.
- A prototype might save the day
Before you embark on the journey of creating a full-fledged working model of a solar system or an erupting Mt. Vesuvius, it is always advisable to test out the algorithm on a small scale prototype. Not only it is easier to work out bugs and eliminate design defects, but it also saves precious time and resources. So next time you plan on making a remote controlled robot, start by testing the transmitter and receiver connection. While making a working model of the solar system, it would be better to start with just one planet and the sun.
- Be creative
Let your imagination wander and do not get bogged down by specifics. Novelty is a sight for sore eyes. You do not need to replicate things merely because they exist or copy designs because things in real life are designed in such a way.
- Self-belief
Last and probably the most vital point is to believe in yourself. We all have the ability to surprise others and even ourselves, if we put our minds to any task. The more you read and discover about the project, the easier is becomes. Tough and easy are merely relative terms defined with respect to our knowledge of the subject. An added incentive is that a tough project will certainly fetch you extra credit.
The ultimate goal of all projects is to awaken creativity within students and instill in them a love for education. Purpose served by ‘Science projects’ is no different. As long as projects you undertake kindle in you a penchant for science, they are worth their weight in gold.
