crystal radio

http://www.techlib.com/electronics/crystal.html#Crystal%20Radio

Microwave plasma generator? 

http://margo.student.utwente.nl/el/microwave/

Let us know what he does in the end!

You could always build your own robot out of a WowWee robot.  Hack it in some way or add something to it.  OR... report on some aspect of the robot works and why.

Another idea (stuck on the robotics theme) would be to compare degrees of motion or "intelligence" of several different robotic toys.

Anyway, just a few ideas.  I'll post more if I think of them.

All the best to you on your participation in the fair! 

"I'm just jazzed to be on the show, man."

One idea that I had a lot of fun with when I was younger was "Which Paper Airplane Design Flies the Farthest?"  (Of course, you introduce the difficult-to-control variable of launching skill, but that's all part of the fun.)

There's a wealth of information on the net about various airplane designs.  The value to your son will be this:

-  It teaches a lot about physics, and your son will have to think critically about why each plane performed the way it did.

-  It's quick and easy - all you need is paper, and can be completed in one day

-  It will also teach him how to assemble large sets of data and present them in a readable manner, a valuable skill. 

-  It's really a lot of fun.

Here's a site to start you off.

Let us know what he ends up doing in the end! 

Peter Redmer
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I loved science fair projects, I usually had mine half way done before it was even announced. I had a total of 4 in my science fair career and I believe they are still at my parents house. this was in the 70's. I  made a CDS cell photo alarm. A touch sensor. Jacobs ladder. I can't remember what the fourth one was. But I was never into sports and this was my super bowl. I went to private schools so my projects could not move on to state. but i always won first place, And best in show twice. if i remember correctly. That was good times.