Week
1-2: Select a problem or question and begin research. Read publications, textbooks, and reference books. Consult teachers and other scientists who might help you.
3-4: Continue research. Design science experiments and method of investigation, or brainstorm solutions to the engineering problem. Discuss with others.
4-5: Collect material needed. Set up necessary equipment Write your research plan.
5-13: Begin and complete science experiment. Create and test the engineering problem solution. Be sure to set aside time for observing and recording each day. When making observations and recording results, organize data in orderly tables and charts.
13-16: Interpret results and data, draw conclusions, consider applications. Consult with teachers or other scientists. Construct models, illustrations, and/or displays. Finish research paper. Prepare for oral presentation of the project report. Remember, some of the most useful information can come from talking to other people who are interested in your topic.
Do the Work Yourself
This is your project! One purpose of the science fair is to encourage you to do experiments. Do most of the work yourself; develop the idea on your own. Ask a question and then design an experiment to try to answer it.
You are encouraged to get advice from others, and you may need them to help with construction of an apparatus, but the project should be basically your project.
Start Early
It always takes longer than you think to do a good science project. You may have delays getting materials, constructing the apparatus, writing the report or making the display. Your proposed project may not work as you feel it should, and you may wish to start another one.
Work Regularly
Do not put it off until you have time; make time! Set aside a regular time to work even if only for a short time. Keep a written record at every stage of the project.
A report of the research should be presented on a display board. This should include
Title
Abstract – a brief (one page or less) summary of the entire project
Problem statement
Experimental methods
Results – this can include tables, graphs, images, etc.
Conclusions
References – use correct bibliographic form
Display are restricted to a space 122 cm wide (side to side), 76 cm deep (front to back), 198 cm in height (from tabletop), or 274 cm in height (floor to top).
More information about the project display and forms judges will be reviewing for your project
Guidelines for what to include in your project presentation slides. More specific information for projects in the Engineering and Mathematics categories.