PROJECTS TO AVOID!

 

(Even frequently done projects, assuming they have an original twist with exceptional thoroughness and solid scientific method, can have the depth needed for acceptance.)

FIRST AND FOREMOST -- ANY PROJECT IN VIOLATION OF Sacramento Regional Science and Engineering Fair, ISEF OR CALIFORNIA EDUCATION RULES AND REGULATIONS.

OTHERS:

  • Effect of colored light on plants (or anything else)

  • Effect of music on plants (ditto)

  • Effect of talking on plants (ditto)

  • Effect of cigarette smoke on plants (ditto) -- NOW FORBIDDEN

  • Mold growth

  • Crystal growth

  • Effect of cola, coffee, etc. on teeth

  • Effect of running, etc. on blood pressure

  • Effect of music on blood pressure

  • Effect of video games on blood pressure

  • Effect of almost anything on blood pressure

  • Do we eat balanced diets? (data usually unreliable)

  • Strength/absorbency of paper towels (and other products)

  • Most consumer product testing of the "Which is best?" type -- approach generally without scientific merit

  • Graphology

  • Astrology

  • ESP, especially standard card test

  • Basic maze running

  • Any project which boils down to simple preference.

  • Effect of color on memory, emotion, mood, etc.

  • Effect of color on taste

  • Effect of color on strength.

  • Optical Illusions

  • Reaction Times

  • Many male/female comparisons, especially if bias shows

  • Basic planaria regrowth

  • Detergents vs. stains

  • Basic solar collectors

  • Acid rain projects (Important: to be considered, thorough research into the composition of acid rain and a scientifically accurate simulation of it would be necessary.)

  • Basic flight tests, e.g., planes, rockets

  • Battery life (plug in and run down type)

  • Basic popcorn volume tests

  • Stills of any kind (PROHIBITED)

  • Pyramid power

  • Basic flower preservation techniques

  • Taste comparisons, e.g., Coke vs. Pepsi

  • Smelling vanilla, etc., to improve test scores

  • Sleep learning

  • Taste or paw-preferences of cats, dogs, etc.

  • Color choices of goldfish, etc.

  • Basic chromatography

  • Wing, fin shape comparison with mass not considered

  • Ball bounce tests with poor measurement techniques