This document provides resources for students to find information and ideas for science fair projects at the Helen Plum Memorial Library. It includes summaries of books on science experiments, DVDs demonstrating scientific principles, and links to online sources for project ideas. The document guides students through searching the library catalog and browsing subject areas for science experiment books, and identifies several librarian support options to help students with their science fair projects.

1. Resources for
Science Fair Projects
BY: Cate Loveday
Compiled by: Cate Loveday

2. Introduction
• This subject guide is intended to help in assisting
Junior High Students (5th-8th Grade) to locate the
resources they need to complete a science fair
project.
• These resources can all be found at the Helen Plum
Memorial Library in Lombard, Illinois.

3. Using the Helen Plum Library
Online Catalog
• The best place to start your search is the
Helen Plum Library Catalog
• Books on science fair projects may be located by
using the following keyword searches:
– Experiments
– Science Experiments
– Science Projects
Remember Juvenile and Youth books have a J or a Y in
the front of the call number.

4. Books
• What’s The Big Idea: Amazing Science Questions for
the Curious Kid
Vicki Cobb(2010)
Call # : Y REF 500 COB
The four main topics-energy,
motion, matter, and life-are
presented as "big ideas" and
explained through a series of twoto four-page chapters that open
with a kid-friendly question
designed to provide insight into
some of the great scientific
breakthroughs or to reveal
background information. – School
Library Journal

5. Books
• Experiment Central: Understanding Scientific
Principles Through Projects Vol 1-6
M. Rae Nelson and Kristine Krapp, Editors (2010)
Call # : Y REF 507.8 EXP
Demonstrates scientific concepts
through experiments, including
step-by-step instructions, lists of
materials, troubleshooter's guide,
and interpretation and
explanation of the results.
Includes bibliographical references
and indexes.

6. Books
• The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia
Clive Gifford, Editor (2011)
Call #: Y REF 503 KIN
An illustrated science
encyclopedia arranged in such
categories as "Planet Earth,"
"Living Things," "Chemistry and
the Elements," "Materials and
Technology," "Space and Time,"
and "Conservation and the
Environment.“
Index in back of the book.

7. Books
Chemistry! Best Science Projects Series
• Chemistry Science Fair Projects
Robert Gardner (2004)
Call # Y507.8 GAR
Students are encouraged to build
upon the 29 experiments presented
and to develop their own inquiries.
Ideas for further experimentation and
a thorough discussion of safety rules
and advice are included. The
experiments become more complex
as the book progresses. Some of them
require materials available only from
a school laboratory or a science
supply company. – School Library Journal

8. Other Books in Series
Click the cover to be taken to the Helen Plum Library Catalog

9. Books
Janice VanCleave’s First Place Science Fair Projects
• Step-by-Step Science Experiments in Astronomy
Janice VanCleave (2013)
Call # Y520.78 VAN
The book includes 22 simple but
interesting experiments. Van Cleave
states the basic goal of the
experiments, followed by a list of
necessary materials, most of which
can be found around the house or
purchases at low cost. Step-by-step
instructions are clearly detailed and
accompanied with diagrams when
needed.

10. Other Books In the Series
Click the cover to be taken to the Helen Plum Library Catalog

11. Books
Edge Books – Kitchen Science
• Science Experiments That Surprise and Delight: Fun
Projects For Curious Kid
Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt (2011)
Call # J 507.8 BEL
Each project can be completed
with simple household items, and
most include six easy steps, or less.
The brief "Why it works" box at the
end of each activity explains the
science. Anyone looking for a
straightforward, fun, and easy
science experiment will want these
titles close by. -School Library Journal

12. Other Books In the Series
Click the cover to be taken to the Helen Plum Library Catalog

13. DVD
Science of Disney – Imagineering Series
• Friction
Disney Educational Productions (2010)
Call # DVD-J 531.4 SCI
Disney Imagineers show how the
different types of friction come into
play in the world around us using
examples and demonstrations from
Disney parks, the Imagineering lab,
and Disney Cruise ships.
There's also a "try it yourself"
experiment and an interactive
activity to reinforce key concepts. –
School Library Journal

14. More DVDs In the Series
Click the cover to be taken to the Helen Plum Library Catalog
Plus many more

15. DVD
Bill Nye The Science Guy
• Motion
Disney Educational Productions (2008)
Call # DVD-J 531.112 BIL
Did you know that nothing can
move or stop by itself? In
Motion, Bill Nye shows how
everything needs a push or
pull, a force, to make it move
or stop.
As always Bill Nye takes a
complex science subject and
makes it student accessible
with lots of humor.

16. Online
Discovery Education – Science Fair Central
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/
?pID=fair
Walks you through the steps of
getting started, completing your
project and putting together a
presentation.
Also includes parent resources.

17. Online
Education.com – Science Fair Project
Ideas (Middle School)
http://www.education.com/science-fair/middleschool/
You can filter science
project ideas by grade
and subject. Can include
a keyword search.
Includes photographs and
diagrams.

18. Browsing the Library Collection
Browsing by call number is also a great way to get
ideas!
When you come to the library try looking under these
call numbers:
• 507 Science Experiments
• 500s, 600s, 700s using the keyword experiments
• 608 Inventions
Don’t know where that is?
Ask a Librarian, we’ll be happy to
help you find what you need!

19. Need Assistance
• Check out our Other Online Resources
• Call Youth Services at (630) 627- 0316
• E-mail us

20. Bibliography
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Bell-Rehwoldt, S. (2011). Science experiments that surprise and delight:
fun projects for curious kids. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.
Cobb, V. (2010). What’s the big idea?: amazing science questions for the
curious kid. New York: Skyhorse Pub.
Discovery Education Science Fair Central offers ideas for science fair
projects and experiments for kids. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2013,
from http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/?pID=fair
Disney Educational Productions. (2008). Motion. Disney Educational
Productions.
Disney Educational Productions. (2010). Friction. Disney Educational
Productions.
Experiment central: understanding scientific principles through projects.
(2010) (2nd ed.). Detroit: U-X-L.
Gardner, R. (2004). Chemistry science fair projects using french fries,
gumdrops, soap, and other organic stuff. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow
Publishers.
Science Fair Project Ideas - Over 2,000 Free Science Projects |
Education.com. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2013, from
http://www.education.com/science-fair/middle-school/
The Kingfisher science encyclopedia. (2006). Boston, MA: Kingfisher.
VanCleave, J. P., & VanCleave, J. P. (2013). Step-by-step science
experiments in astronomy. New York: Rosen Pub.