Explore Possibilities for a Science Fair Mathematical Experiment

There are many ways to design a winning science fair mathematical experiment; such an experiment can not only demonstrate extensive math knowledge but also become the focal point of a science fair, attracting eager and willing observers among your fellow students, teachers, and science fair judges.

An excellent science fair mathematical experiment can focus on probability theory. Design a game where players bet imaginary money and have a predictable probability or winning a pre-determined amount every time they play the game. Calculate the expected value of the game by multiplying the probability of winning by the payoff in the event of winning and adding to that product the probability of losing times the amount of loss in that case. This will make for an excellent high school math science project.

Then test to see if the mathematics is upheld by empirical results. Invite a lot of people at the science fair to play the game and record the outcome of each attempt. Does the long-term average win or loss per game correspond with the expected value? If so, you have empirical confirmation of the probability theory behind your game. If not, see what aspects of your game design might have contributed to the difference between expected and observed results.

Ample experiments can be performed with an endless variety of games based on probability theory. Your science fair mathematical experiment could also focus on statistics. Think of an interesting hypothesis about the student population at your school or in your community that you would like to test. Then collect data about your subject of interest, by distributing questionnaires or simply recording observations. Or how about creating a game that involves math projects and sports. Or how about music / math science fair projects?

A science fair project on statistics will then involve using the tools of statistical analysis to determine whether your initial hypothesis has sufficient evidence behind it and whether it is justified to make certain inferences about the population under consideration based on the sample data you've collected. This is very important when it comes to creating super science fair projects.

A statistical science experiment lends itself quite well to excellent visuals and quality written reports. Making detailed bar and pie charts, histograms, frequency distributions, and other visual aids will go a long way to enhance the appeal of your science fair mathematical experiment.

An interactive, dynamic science project that relates mathematical theory to observations in the real world will not only earn you a high score and perhaps a prize at the science fair. Such a science fair mathematical experiment will expose you and your peers to the fascinating uses and amazing descriptive power of mathematics.

Before you begin, look at the math science fair projects guide so you don't miss a step.