Hobbies And Interests
Child Development Projects
Observing the development of children as they age is perhaps one of the longest observation-based science projects you can do. Some projects last years in order to get accurate results. Choose a group of children at a specific age and interview them. Check back with the children in your study group occasionally to check on their development (based on what you want to learn from your project). For example, researchers at Harvard University asked how a child's kindergarten teacher affected their success. They chose two groups of children, one with a nurturing kindergarten environment and one with an overcrowded environment. The researchers revisited the children in their adult years to determine if their class affected their success.
Human Interference in Plant Growth
People often prune their plants and use a wide range of fertilizers only to find their plant withered and dead. Sometimes it seems like leaving the plant to its own devices is the proper way to raise it. Choose two sturdy plants that develop at a slow and steady rate (such as a tree or a rose bush). Research the proper care of the plant so you can give it the best chance at life. Care for one plant using the prescribed method and leave the other plant to its own devices. Document both plants' progress every three months until they fully mature. Determine which plant is healthier to decide if natural gardening is more effective than human interference.
Indirect Erosion Measurement
Erosion is a natural occurrence where water washes soil away, revealing a new and fresh layer of soil. You can measure the rate of erosion in your community using "erosion pins." The pins are metal stakes you drive into ground so they sit level with the surface of the soil. Choose a location with very little human traffic. The pins will start to stick above the surface of the soil as rain strips away the soil. Measure the newly exposed section of pin once a month to determine the rate of erosion by month. The experiment ends when the pins can't stand straight because the soil level is so low. This project works best near a large body of water.
Living as a Vegetarian
You are the best test subject available because you can accurately determine your reaction to a project. This makes you an ideal candidate for testing the benefits and drawbacks of a vegetarian diet. Consult a physician and phase meat out of your diet for a predetermined amount of time. At the end of the experiment, record your overall physical health and outlook. During the process, record your struggles with the lifestyle change and any side effects you experience. Stop the experiment early if the diet is negatively affecting your health.