Science Fair Timeline

Here is a rough idea of the stages and processes that most students will go through. You may need to spend more or less time on each section than is suggested here. This is intended as a guide only, and should not be followed rigidly; adapt it for your own needs.

  1. Pick your topic (1 - 2 weeks)

Pick an idea of what you want to study. Ideas may come from hobbies or problems you see that need solutions. Your teachers and/or adult sponsor may also have ideas for your topic. Fill out the Expression of Interest form.

2. Research your topic (1 - 2 weeks)

Go to the library or internet and learn everything you can on the topic. If necessary, write or email companies for information. Fill out the Subject area form.

3. Organise (1 - 2 weeks)

Organise everything you have learned about the topic. At this point you should narrow your hypothesis by focusing on a particular idea. Fill out the Sub-Topic Focus form.

4. Make a Timetable (1 week)

Choose a topic that not only interests you but can be done in the amount of time you have. Use a calendar to identify important dates. Allow plenty of time to experiment and collect data, even simple experiments may not go as you expect the first time or even the second time. Also, leave time to put together an exhibit.

5. Plan your Experiments (3 - 4 weeks)

Give careful thought to experimental design. Once you have a feasible idea, write a research plan. The plan should explain how you will do the experiments and exactly what will be involved.

6. Consult and get Approvals (2 - 3 weeks)

You may wish to discuss your research plan with your science teacher. You must discuss it with your adult sponsor and you must obtain approval to perform the experiment. Review the section on rules on the Science Fair website and make sure that your experiment complies with the rules. Complete the 'Student Checklist' at this stage, attaching your research plan or project summary.

7. Conduct your Experiment (3 - 4 weeks)

Once you have approval (if required) you may start experimentation. During experimentation, keep detailed notes, preferably written in ink, of the procedure, measurements, and observations. Make sure to include control experiments in which none of the variables are changed. Good notes allow you to produce work that will show consistency and thoroughness to the judges.

8. Examine your Results (3 - 4 weeks)

When you complete your experiment, examine and organise your findings. Did your experiment give you the expected results? Why and why not? Was your experiment performed with the exact same steps each time? Are there other explanations that you had not considered or observed? Were there errors in your observations? Remember that understanding errors and reporting that a suspected variable did not change the results can be valuable information. If possible, statistically analyse your data.

9. Draw Conclusions (2 - 3 weeks)

Which variables are important? Did you collect enough data? Were the results reproducible? Do you need to conduct more experimentation? Keep an open mind. Never alter results to fit a theory.


If your results do not support your hypothesis, you still have accomplished successful scientific research.

10. Put together your exhibit (2 - 3 weeks)

Use the 'What happens at the Science Fair' page to complete all the aspects of your project that will be on display. This will include an abstract, a presentation, and a quad chart.