Well, looks like it’s just about time for another science project hint. What exciting topic are we unveiling today? No less than the mind-boggling, student-stumping science project problem of…. prohibited materials! Yup, this one is a stumper, so avoid wasting time and being disappointed if your project uses a material that fails to make the grade. You can do this by checking with your science fair (or your teacher) for a list of materials that you are not allowed to use in a project, or ones you can use under special conditions only. This list varies from science fair to science fair. But the same things often top the list. These include the use of some live animals, dangerous chemicals, and possibly harmful bacteria and other micro-organisms. Generally anything that could harm others, yourself, or blow up your kitchen is a no go. So if you are thinking of following in Frankenstein’s footsteps, remember, some things just shouldn’t be used in a science experiment… for good reason!

If you choose to do a science fair project that makes use of any of the above materials, be prepared to complete forms and possibly some special research. I’m not trying to scare you away from using these materials. Just be ready for a bit of paperwork if you chose to go ahead with the research. If it is research you are really interested in, a few forms shouldn’t slow you down, and won’t! Still, the rules for using these materials can be tough, so make sure you read them carefully, or go over them with a parent, guardian, or teacher. If you are not sure about a detail, go ask for advice. It is a lot better to ask now rather than to have to redo a project you worked hard on! 

If you are doing a project that involves the study of certain animals (for example, vertebrates, which are more advanced animals with backbones), you may have to do some special research into their feeding, care, reproduction, and lifecycle. And don’t forget, humans are animals too! If the animals that you are studying are humans, create a short permission form for your research animals to fill in. The form should say that the human agrees to be a part of your study and to have the research results published in a science fair. Just follow the above advice and you can’t go wrong!