Science Fair Project Timeline    <<< plan accordingly

RES Campus Science Fair 2023 Photo Gallery 

Credit & Special thanks to a generous parent volunteer, Mrs. Kelly Gerszewski 

After reading the handbook and information letter above, if you would like to participate in this year's science fair, please fill out the Intent to Participate Google form found below. If you have not 100% decided about your project idea yet, but you know you are committed to doing a project, that is OK! Still fill out the intent form.  

The Journal or Logbook:

This is not optional! Judges do look through it and expect to see it. A good journal should have your thoughts  from every step of your project. 

• Date each entry. 

• Can be written, typed or digital.

Research Plans for the 4 Types of Projects: 

Comparative - comparing or contrasting 

Descriptive - models & demonstrations

Experimental - conduct an experiment or investigation

Engineering - an invention or a solution to a problem

Categories of Projects: 

Descriptive 

Model – Non-experimental project that is a representation of what something is  realistically like, student created, not a purchased kit, must relate to science.  (ie. an ear, a rocket) 

Demonstration – Non-experimental project that demonstrates a scientific principle or  how something works, must relate to science, student created, not a purchased kit (ie. working heart model, movement of tectonic plates) 

Comparative 

Comparison – involves looking for patterns or trends by comparing similarities and  differences over time and under various circumstances. ( ie. Which soil pH will produce the tallest plant over time?) 

Experimental

Experiment – Follows scientific methods while answering a question using a hypothesis  as the basis for your experiment including a control and experimental groups. (ie. How  does high or low pH affect the germination rate of a seed?) 

Engineering Design - Invention 

Follows engineering design processes in developing your invention or process. This  process is a series of steps that engineers follow to come up with a solution to a  problem, design of a product that meets certain criteria and/or accomplishes a certain  task. (involves designing, building and testing something)

Need Ideas? 

Check out the following links from Science Buddies:  

A science fair is an opportunity for students to do an independent science project following either the scientific method or the engineering design process. 

Science Fair Display Board Guide 

Science Fair Project Guide

Science Fair Topic Question and Topics to Avoid

Preparing for Science Fair Judging

Doing a science fair project involves these four steps:

1. Pick a science fair project idea. (Tip: Take the Topic Selection Wizard for a personalized list of projects just right for you!)

2. Follow either the scientific method, if your project asks a scientific question, or the engineering design process, if your project identifies a problem to solve, to complete the hands-on part of your science fair project. (Tip: Watch the Which should you choose? Scientific Method versus Engineering Design Process video to help decide which process matches your science project best.)

3. Create a science fair display board and/or presentation that explains what you did, shows your data, and presents your conclusions.

4. Practice answering questions and talking about your science fair project so that you are ready to discuss it with the science fair judges. (Tip: Check out our Tips to Prepare for Your Science Fair Judging.)