School curriculum has gone through many variations since the organization of public education. Many years ago schools were often isolated and attended by students who had parents that valued the opportunities afforded by education. Not all students got to attend, and if they did it was planned around the schedules of the family. If the family had a farm, a student would be expected to meet their obligations on the farm before having the time to go to school. The curriculum in this type of school setting was not standardized. The teachers would determine what subjects would be taught and how learning would be measured. In the modern world, education is regulated and standardized. The trend these days is to offer students a more three dimensional educational experience particularly in the field of science. Students are often encouraged if not required to generate their own science fair ideas and participate in this hands-on learning experience.

Science fair ideas that are chosen by students and approved by their teachers often depend on the specific class in which the student is enrolled. If the class is studying biology, the students are expected to think of science fair ideas relating the systems and processes of living organisms. If the students in a chemistry class are assigned the projects of generating science fair ideas, they will likely choose the type that involves the interaction of chemicals and compounds. For students in a physical sciences class, their science fair ideas will focus on the mechanical properties of matter with an emphasis on the physics aspects of science.

In order to generate the best science fair ideas, students should consider a theory, organism or process in the sciences that interests them. The next step is to research the topic and discuss their ideas with the teacher. The part of the process is the most difficult step. A student must take their intended science fair ideas and transform them into a project that illustrates the information they wish to demonstrate. This is where the broadening of curriculum happens. By giving the time and effort to creatively transform their science fair ideas into a project, students are given the opportunity to explore a field of study beyond the standardized curriculum.