Overview

Much like a traditional science fair in which students investigate a phenomenon or test a hypothesis, we want to see entries that apply the scientific method to everyday life! Curious people idly wonder about the scientific validity of their food storage techniques, cleaning product effectiveness, whether certain lifehacks actually work, etc. We want to see everyday items and situations put to the test!

Each entry should: Ask a question, posit a hypothesis, test, record results, draw a conclusion.

For example: do towels laundered with fabric softener lose their ability to absorb moisture faster than towels washed without? do different kinds of beef (grass-fed, rBGH-full, etc.) break down at different times when immersed in acid? what is the method of strawberry storage that preserves their freshness for longest? how do DIY facsimiles compare with OTC products (lotion, soap, etc.)?
Need some inspiration? Check out our previous Science Fair-themed contests! SciStarter Citizen Science ContestFood Science ContestThe Mad Science Fair ContestHungry Scientist ContestThe Discover Green Science Fair for a Better PlanetMake to Learn Youth Contest

Please be sure that your entry into the contest contains original photos and text. Entries without original photos and text will be denied.

Multiple entries are accepted, but each entrant can only win one prize. Contest is open to entries from US, Canada [excluding Quebec], UK, China, Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, Colombia, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, India, New Zealand, and Denmark. The Contest begins at 12:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (PT), February 24, 2014. Contest closes for entries at 11:59pm PT, May 19, 2014.

The winner(s) will be solely responsible for complying with any and all applicable statutes, laws (including, without limitation, common law, if applicable), rules and regulations and for bearing any personal income tax, VAT, withholding taxes, customs duties, or other taxes, fees, insurance, surcharges or other costs relating to receiving, claiming or collecting any prize.


Want more contests? Check out Instructables' upcoming contests here!

The Scientific Method Contest is closed.

Grand Prize

18 Prizes

Grand Prize (1)

One Grand Prize winner will receive:

Judges' Prize: Youth Project (1)

One Judges' Prize: Youth (18 and under!) Project winner will receive:

Judges' Prize: Most Original Project (1)

One Judges' Prize: Most Original Project winner will receive:

First Prize (5)

Five First Prize winners will receive:

Second Prize (10)

Ten Second Prize winners will receive:
How It Works

Write an Instructable

Create a new Instructable that fits the guidelines outlined in the contest description above. To be eligible, Instructables must be published between Feb 24, 2014 and May 19, 2014 (11:59pm PT).

Enter

Upon publishing your Instructable you'll see checkboxes for open contests. Select Scientific Method Contest. If you have entries currently eligible for entry, it will also show up by clicking "Enter this Contest" on the right side of this page.

Accepting

Entries are accepted by Instructables staff within one business day Monday - Friday. What matters is the submission time, not acceptance time.

Judging

A panel of judges made up of Instructables staff and respected members of the community rate the finalists. The averages of the ratings determine the winners.

Winners

When the winners are decided they will be notified and announced here on the contest page.