Having written columns dealing with science fairs before, Bill Robertson notes that it's been a long time since he has tackled the subject of what passes for a "science fair" in schools these days. Because science fairs have changed over the years, Robertson revisits the topic and explains the scientific method. The main focus of the article is mainly on the first step of the scientific method, which is asking a question. Robertson explains that while many scientists and educators do engage in the various stages of the scientific method, they seldom do it in a linear fashion. He therefore proposes a preliminary step before asking a question, which he calls "messing around" in order to find and develop a focused answerable research question that can evolve into a project. Suggestions for "messing around" in order to find a question include allowing students to take things apart as a science project. Safety precautions, an example of a scientific method, and elements of a good science project are provided.