Why Do Schools Want Kids To Do Science Projects?

Well, the hope is that the pupil will learn more about the particular -ology (science topic) that the project is in. AND it's only by doing hands on work (multi-stage experiments) that a person can really understand the scientific method. The process of formulating a hypothesis, testing it rigorously, and being open-minded about the outcome.

Plus, once you really understand the scientific method then you have a much better chance of understanding the limitations of science. The importance of error margins, sensitivity analysis and uncertainty.

A project for a science fair also lets a student work on several other important life skills.

Reading, discussion and research.
Planning.
Organisation.
Practical skills (like using a screw driver).
Understanding of Health and safety issues.
Budgeting.
Gathering information.
Analyzing results.
Conclusions (comparison with hypotheses, or answers to obvious questions).
Communication, and presentation.

In the end, although it seems like a headache when you start, most people enjoy science projects. It is cool to understand the way biology / chemistry / physics and/or electronics work.

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Maybe because they want students to learn something new..because some of the projects in science are interesting..

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