Resources

Topic Ideas

New websites are created all the time. These two have been consistent sources of ideas for many years:

1. Science Buddies Science Fair Project Ideas

Allows users to search by topic, as well as for projects with kits. In addition, an online idea wizard is provided.

2. Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Projects Database

Search abstracts of ISEF participants and winners. This resource is most appropriate for high school participants.


Laboratory Notebooks

Laboratory notebooks are like journals. This is the place where a researcher documents each stage of his or her project. Laboratory notebooks are not a requirement for entry. However, a thorough notebook is one element that helps judges identify top-tier projects.

What should be included in the laboratory notebook?

+ Include an entry for each day that you work on your project.

+ Any project work counts- before, during, and after experimentation (i.e. initial topic brainstorming, background research, notes from meetings with mentors, project design, data collection, analysis, etc.)

+ Observations made during your research

+ Data

+ Analysis / calculations

+ Notes regarding conclusions and reflection

How should the laboratory notebook be formatted?

+ Typically, laboratory notebooks are spiral-bound composition notebooks that are reserved for research-related entries.

+ Entries should be dated and signed.

+ Entries should be completed in pen.

+ Strike through a mistake with a single pen stroke. Do not attempt to conceal or remove content.

BCSRC recommends Science Buddies for more in-depth information on laboratory notebooks:

1. Overview

2. Using a Laboratory Notebook

3. Where to Buy

4. Learn More


Research Paper

More information coming soon.


Abstract

The abstract serves as a short summary of everything that you did. One should be able to read this quickly and get a general idea of your project / results. No special format is required for BCSRC. However, if you move on, other competitions may require that you use . It is often presented in paragraph form.

Create your abstract last, after you complete your experimentation. You need to know what you are summarizing before you can summarize it.

Your abstract should:

  • Be written after your project is completed (or ready to present in the fair)

  • Be attached to the board (as part of the board layout, with no name or title)

  • Be found in the form of loose copies (3-4) at the base of your board.

  • Briefly summarize:

    • Exigency (i.e. One or two sentences on background and/or why this research matters now)

    • Hypothesis / Goal

    • OVERVIEW of procedure / methods

    • Results

    • Conclusions

Your abstract should not:

  • Be submitted with your original paperwork packet. This is collected on check-in day at the competition.

  • Take up more than one page. Be concise, and include only the most important summary information.

  • Include your name.

  • Include any information about your school, research institution, teachers, or mentors.

  • Take the place of any other section of the board. For instance, if the entire “Discussion” is present in the abstract, you need to do a better job of cutting it down to only the most important points.

You can use the following website to search for and view abstracts for projects entered into previous Intel International Science and Engineering Fairs (ISEF). However, please note that these abstracts include student names and schools and yours cannot.

Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Projects Database


Project Display Boards

Before creating a project display board, students should examine the most up-to-date Fair Directions document, which can be found on the Competition page of our site. The "Display Policies" section of that document is particularly useful.

Board Styles

The two most common styles for display boards are as follows:

  1. Traditional Trifold Board

  2. Poster

In either case, students are responsible for ensuring that all display materials fit within the allowed dimensions as cited in the Fair Directions document.

1. Traditional Trifold Board

2. Poster

Display Content and Layout

Regardless of the board style, the same general content is typically presented. Here is one possible way of presenting your information. Others are possible. Also, please make note of the specific materials required for certain projects. If a poster is used, the same general information is typically found in the same general locations.

*Projects completed at a regulated research institution need a photocopy of form 1C to attach to the board. Please:

  • Retain the original copy for your records. Bring a photocopy to the fair.

  • This form is completed by your mentor. You will need to send it to your mentor ASAP to ensure you have it before the fair.

**Continuation projects- compile the following information in a binder. Leave this binder in front of your board.

  • Form 7 (first page or on outside cover of binder)

  • Previous abstract

  • Previous research plan

  • Previous artifacts (i.e. data, research paper, etc.)