Assessing Your Project
Before you get too far, you need to develop your research question. What, exactly, are you hoping to learn with your project? What methods will you use to answer this question? Check out our Developing a Research Question course for help with this. Once you have your research question, use the FIRE framework to assess whether you should go through with the project as is or if you should make any changes.
The FIRE framework provides a guiding principle for science fair projects:
- Feasible – the project is achievable given available resources and time constraints.
- Interesting – the topic captivates curiosity and sparks enthusiasm, not just for you, but for other people in this field of study.
- Relevant – the project aligns with current scientific knowledge and addresses real-world challenges.
- Ethical – you conduct research with integrity, respecting participant rights and maintaining confidentiality.
By applying the FIRE framework, you can embark on a scientifically sound and engaging project that makes a meaningful impact, showcasing your passion for exploration while upholding ethical standards in your scientific pursuits. We’ll spend more time on each of these areas in the following lessons.