HOW TO PREPARE A SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT

Selecting the right topic is the most important step in the process. Make sure you choose something that you are interested in and would like to learn more about. Below are three teacher-selected Web sites that will help you think about and choose a good topic.

Remember, you must answer a question and not simply tell what you know about a subject!

	THE TOPIC

Selecting the right topic is the most important step in the process. Make sure you choose something that you are interested in and would like to learn more about. Below are three teacher-selected Web sites that will help you think about and choose a good topic. Remember, you must answer a question and not simply tell what you know about a subject!

If you are not sure what you are interested in, browse through the Science articles in the Homework Helpdesk to gain background knowledge of many different scientific areas.

	THE BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Gather information about different subjects from Encyclopædia Britannica articles and the Web sites listed at the end of this document. You can consult books, people, magazines, or anything that will help you answer your question.

Make use of Encyclopædia Britannica's Virtual Notecards to help you with your research.

	THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

The scientific method begins with a problem.

After learning about the problem, scientists make a hypothesis, or an educated guess, to explain it. They test whether the hypothesis is correct by designing an experiment. The experiment gives the scientist measurements and observations, which are then analyzed. The analysis tells the scientist if the hypothesis was correct. If the hypothesis was incorrect, the scientist can revise it and test it again.

If the hypothesis was correct, scientists in other laboratories repeat the experiment to make sure that they get the same results.

	THE EXPERIMENT

Do the experiment as described above. Ask your science teacher for guidance or follow the steps outlined in the scientific method.

	THE VISUALS

Put your findings into graphs and charts. Use your computer to help you. Try using word processing or spreadsheet software. Then print your graphs and charts in color. Use them in both your report and your science fair display.

	THE DISPLAY

One of the most important components of a science fair is the display. Often students get very carried away with this step of the process, and the results can be very messy and unorganized. Use these presentation guidelines to help you plan your display.

• Buy a science board from an office supply store.
• Use no more than 3 to 5 colors and make the font black.
• Make sure the font is large enough to read from more than 6 feet away. It is recommended that you do not use anything smaller than 24-point font. Your title, which should be centered, should be readable from down the aisle.
• Use basic fonts (like Times New Roman). Do not choose fonts that are artistic or hard to read.
• Make sure your display includes graphics and visuals. Include a very brief explanation. Use the science report itself to elaborate on the picture.
• Think of the display as a summary of your science project. Do not include all points, but rather make use of your science report to explain in more detail.
• Make sure everything is neat, straight, and readable. It may seem boring, but presentation skills are an important aspect of your project.
• Proofread everything twice before you place it on the board!
• DO NOT try to put too much information on the board.

Purpose:  Hypothesis:  Materials:  Procedure:

Title Use a large font or buy letters at an office supply store. Graphics, Pictures and Charts Data Tables This should all be done on the computer!

Results: Conclusion:

Good examples can be found at this site:
Science Buddies
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_display_board_advanced_design.shtml

Tips:

• All parts of this project should be typed. Visit your school library or use the public library if you do not have access to a computer.
• Do not use glitter or highlighters.
• Balance your display.
• Don’t glue on anything until you have arranged your layout. Make sure to consult with another person to get their opinion on the design. Remember to have someone edit your display the same way they would edit your research paper.
• Never write directly on the board.
• If you are using pictures, go to your local photo store and have the pictures increased in size.

	THE REPORT

Like any report, you should make sure to include vivid details and use correct grammar. Your teacher should give you a handout of their expectations for the report. You can consult the Web sites listed at the end of this document if you need additional information.

	THE PRESENTATION TO JUDGES

Practice explaining your project to someone (parent, friend, grandparent, etc.). This will help you stay calm on Science Fair Day.

	THE PLAN

One of the important lessons in this project assignment, along with learning more about science, is to learn how to manage your time. Consult with a parent or teacher on how to best plan your time. Avoid throwing everything together on the day of the project.

This article is extracted from Encyclopedia Britannica 2009 (Student and Home Edition)