Instuctions for Student Scientists

#2: Explore and decide on a topic area

Choose one of the three project types: research, experiment, or invent. Explore a variety of resources for cool and meaningful project ideas.  Research in books, periodicals, on the Internet, look in your backyard, and garage. The more interested you are in your subject, the more likely you are to succeed.

#3: Select a specific question to answer

Read, research and search for ideas. Outline the project plan. For teams, decide how you will divide the workload.  Write an investigative question or problem. Write a hypothesis that provides a question and basis for further investigation.

#5: Organize

The key to success is good organization. Use a calendar or create a schedule to organize your time. Work backward from the due date. Log all school projects, extracurricular activities and personal commitments on your project calendar so you know exactly when you need to have your project completed.  The Science Fair is Monday April 22nd 2024

#6: Design Methods and Gather Materials

List Materials and Methods used in your experiment.  Think about the steps you need to test your hypothesis, write them down and walk through all of the steps to make sure that you haven’t missed anything.

#7: Experiment, Test, Prototype, and Document

Record all results and observations in a laboratory notebook. Design charts and graphs that help you analyze and display your data.  Don’t forget to take pictures of your experiment in each stage!

#8: Reach a Conclusion or Finalize Your Invention

Write an explanation of your results. Relate your conclusions to your hypothesis. Write a conclusion statement and discuss whether or not you met your project mert objectives.

#9: Create a Display

Design a 3-panel board. Outline the science fair report and display results. Design a display or model of the experiment.  Make sure to put your NAME, GRADE, TEACHER AND ROOM NUMBER on the back!!!  Include: Title, Names of scientists, Hypothesis / Problem, Materials, Procedure, Data / Results, Conclusion, pictures, charts, tables, graphs or samples.

#10: Share!

The final day is here! Make sure that you can explain your experiment and you know what your hypothesis or problem was and be able to explain your experiment and conclusion. Prepare to present it at the fair itself for the judges.

All Great Projects start with great questions but before you get started on a great question you need to pick a subject or topic that you like. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Earth and Space Science: 

This category is not only awesome but also vital for our planet. You can study Earth's weather, geology (rocks, fossils, volcanoes), or explore space, including stars, the sun, and planets. But here's the cool part: you can focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship! Find ways to protect our Earth and space. 

Life Science: 

This category covers animals, plants, and the human body. Remember, be kind to animals and always get adult help if needed. You can also explore behaviors, like taste tests or training baby brothers or sisters!

Physical Science: 

If you're curious about how things work, this is the category for you! From matter to electricity and more, remember to ask an adult and have them around for experiments. You can even learn about acids and bases. Safety first!

Remember, don't just collect or model; conduct experiments that help our world. If you have chosen to the invention track, you’ll want to look at the engineering design process (which looks a lot like the scientific method, but for creating innovative technologies). First, be sure to define the problem you are trying to solve. Don’t forget that sometimes it takes several rounds of testing before you might be ready to share your new invention!