From Idea to Experiment: Science Fair Help Starts Here

Large school projects always have a way of sneaking up. One minute you’re hearing about it in class… and the next, you’re staring at a blank poster board a week out, wondering, I have no idea what I'm doing.

Maybe you have a topic but aren’t sure how to turn it into an experiment. Or maybe you need trustworthy information to back up your project. Or maybe you’re just looking for a spark of inspiration.

No matter where you are in the process, the library has a tool that can help.

What is Science Reference Source?

Science Reference Source (available through Explora) is designed to help high school students explore science topics with confidence. You’ll find reliable information on biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and more, making it a great place to start for research papers, class projects, or homework.

The database includes:

• Full‑text magazine articles
• Reference books, encyclopedias, and biographies
• Images and high‑quality videos
• Science experiments
• Lesson plans for teachers

How to Use it

Find a Science Fair Idea

Not sure what to do for your project? That’s often the hardest part. Science Reference Source can make that brainstorming part easier. You can:

• Search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page. Try “plant growth,” “gravity,” or “chemical reactions.” Something that you're curious about.
• Browse by popular topic. You can choose a category that interests you, then browse the list of topics alphabetically until something catches your eye.

Using eBooks

Another great place to start is the eBook collection. When you run a search in Explora, you’ll see a mix of results (articles, videos, topic overviews, and eBooks). At the top of the results page, you can narrow your search to just eBooks.

Try searching for a word like “experiment.” You’ll find full books packed with step‑by‑step science fair projects you can try at home or in the classroom. For example, 365 Weird & Wonderful Science Experiments by Elizabeth Snoke Harris is one of many books available.

Understand the Science Behind It

Let’s say you find an experiment in that book about how color affects taste perception. Now you might wonder: Why does that happen?

You can use Science Reference Source to dig deeper. Type keywords into the search box—something like “taste and color perception.” As you type, Explora will suggest popular searches and even help with spelling. Click a suggestion or hit the search button to see your results.

You’ll get a list of articles, videos, and other resources. Click on a title to open the full text. These articles can help you understand the science behind your experiment, strengthen your hypothesis, and add credible research to your project.

For instance, you might find an article about a real study where researchers tested how the sense of sight affects taste. Instead of just doing a project, you’re now thinking like a scientist: asking questions, testing ideas, and connecting your results to real‑world research.

Instead of just experimenting, you’re now thinking like a scientist: asking questions, testing ideas, and connecting your results to real-world research. With reliable research and a solid understanding of the science behind your project, you'll walk into that science fair ready to impress the judges, and maybe...even take home the win.

How to Get Started

You can access Science Reference Source anytime through the library’s website. Just visit our Online Resources page and look for it under Science & Technology or Homework Help. All you need is your library card. If you’re not sure where to begin, library staff are always happy to help!