Science fairs are a fantastic opportunity for students to explore their curiosity and apply scientific methods to real-world challenges. Energy and conservation are timely, impactful themes that can inspire projects with long-lasting benefits. Below is a list of science fair project ideas for both middle and high school students, focusing on energy efficiency and conservation topics such as weatherization products, thermostatic shut-off valves, faucet aerators, and more.
Sealing the Savings: Weatherstripping Face-Off
Objective: Determine which weatherstripping material best reduces air leakage in a model window or door. Feel free to use materials from your kits!
Method: Build a “leaky box” with a cutout “window.” Measure the baseline leakage using a fan and smoke or incense. Install foam tape, V‑seal, and a door sweep one at a time, measuring the leakage from each material. Compare the percentage reduction in air leakage and rank the materials.
Objective: Quantify water and hot water energy savings from faucet aerators of different flow ratings.
Method: Measure the flow rate (cups per 10 seconds) for a faucet with no aerator. Then measure the flow rate of various faucet aerators. Note handwashing time and satisfaction. Estimate the weekly gallons saved and hot‑water energy saved using temperature rise multiplied by water mass.
Cozy Cabins: DIY Insulation Showdown
Objective: Identify which low‑cost material best slows heat loss.
Method: Build identical mini “houses.” Line each with cotton, bubble wrap, foam, or recycled paper. Heat briefly with the same source, then log temperatures while cooling.
Phantom Power Patrol
Objective: Measure the standby electricity use of common devices and estimate their annual impact.
Method: Plug devices (TVs, consoles, chargers) into a watt meter in standby and active modes. Extrapolate to hours per year. Calculate the annual kWh, cost, and CO2. Propose three actions to reduce standby electricity waste.
Compost Heat: Energy from Rot
Method: Build small bins that contain compost with different green/brown ratios and moisture. Insert a compost thermometer and log daily temperatures. Weigh weekly to track mass loss. Identify the compost mix that produces the highest sustained heat.
Objective: Calculate energy, cost, and emissions savings from weatherstripping in a real setting. You can use weatherstripping materials from your kit.
Method: Measure the air leakage from a door or window using a fan and smoke or incense. Install weatherstripping of various types then measure the leakage. Convert the reduced leakage to heating/cooling energy saved using simple building assumptions, then compute the payback and CO2 avoided.
Aerators + Hot Water Energy Modeling
Objective: Model hot‑water energy savings from low‑flow aerators across daily uses.
Method: Measure the baseline flow and hot‑water temperature rise of a faucet without an aerator. After installing various faucet aerators, repeat these measurements. Calculate the energy and cost savings that each aerator provides.
Smart Thermostats: Comfort vs. Kilowatts
Objective: Evaluate setback schedules for energy savings without sacrificing comfort.
Method: Use a simple RC thermal model or test‑room data. Run several schedules of scenarios and compare how each one performs. Report on both the estimated energy savings and comfort indicators.
Objective: Diagnose building envelope issues and rank retrofit actions by impact.
Method: Survey a building with an infrared camera during stable conditions. Identify thermal bridges, air leaks, and missing insulation. Estimate energy loss and propose fixes with costs and expected savings.
EV Charging at School: Load, Policy, Equity
Objective: Design a charging strategy that manages peak loads fairly and efficiently.
Method: Survey anticipated EV demand (example: people who drive to school and would use an EV charger). Document electrical limits of the site (example: in student and faculty parking lots). Using the demand and capacity data, simulate how charging would look at different times. Propose an equitable access policy and estimate peak reduction and costs.
These projects not only encourage students to think critically about energy and conservation but also empower them to propose tangible solutions to real-world problems. Encouraging students to engage in such projects can spark a lifelong interest in science and environmental stewardship.