Introduction:
The purpose of this page is to provide information on how to complete a science fair project. Ideas are given on how to choose, develop, and display a project, as well as how to prepare for judging. Although a lot of hard work goes into preparing a project, remember the purpose of the project is to reflect you and your interests. It is to provide you with and enjoyable learning experience. So above all enjoy working and doing science because Science IS FUN!
1. Understand the Rules:
Before you start your project, familiarize yourself with the rules within this booklet and the ISEF Rules. Read the lists of some of the important things you need to know, check off each item you read. Ask your teacher to explain anything you do not understand. Refer to this list of rules as you are working on your project. ISEF Rules Booklet 2022-2023: https://sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net/files/Documents/SEP/ISEF/2023/Rules/Book.pdf
2. Pick your Topic:
Get an idea of what you want to explore! Choose a topic for your project that deals with an area of science that interests you. You can find ideas in books, magazines, online, etc. List the categories or ideas you have selected and pick a specific topic. The list of possible categories can be found on the pick your topic page.
3. Research your Topic:
Go to the library or online and learn everything you can about your topic. Look for the unexplained or unexpected. Talk to professionals in the fields that you are interested in or email companies. Take notes on what you learn and keep track of the sources you use with a bibliography.
4. Organize:
Organize everything you have learned about your topic. Then create a question and hypothesis based on the information you have learned. Keep information about the sources you find for your bibliography, see bibliography page.
Teams must have no more than three (3) members. The final work should reflect the coordinated efforts of all team members and will be evaluated using the same judging criteria as individual projects.
5. Plan your Experiment:
Once you have a project idea you must design an experiment. Next, create a plan in which you list all the materials and steps in your experiment. Design an experiment that can be done in the amount of time you have. Discuss this with your teacher to make sure you are on the right track.
6. Complete your Paperwork (required before experimentation):
Use a calendar to identify important dates. Leave time to fill out your forms and review with your teacher. Also, leave time to write a paper and put together a display.
High School Forms can be found at https://www.societyforscience.org/isef/forms/
Required Forms for ALL Projects
· Abstract Form with 21 Categories
· Form 1: Checklist for Adult Sponsor
· Form 1A: Student Checklist
· Research Plan or Project Summary 1A2 (see paperwork page)
· Form 1B: Approval Form (Must be included for EACH student)
Possible Additional Forms
· Form 1C: Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form
· When using Hazardous Chemicals, Activities, or Devices:
o Form 2: Qualified Scientist Form
o Form 3: Risk Assessment Form
· When using human subjects:
o Form 4: Human Participants Form
o Also need Sample Informed Consent Statement
· When using vertebrate animals:
o Form 5A: Vertebrate Animal Form (For research at school, home, or at a field site)
o Form 5B: Vertebrate Animal Form (For research at a Regulated Research Institution)
· When using Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents:
o Form 6A: Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Form
o Form 6B: Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form
· Form 7: Continuation Projects Form
(Note: If Continuation Projects Form 7 is required, the Abstract, Form 1A, and Research Plan from the previous year are required to be attached.)
· Other forms as required by WVSEF or ISEF rules
Additional information about the West Virginia Science and Engineering Fair may be found here: https://wvde.us/wvsef/
Additional information about doing research at home may be found here: https://www.societyforscience.org/research-at-home/
7. Conduct your Experiment & Take Photographs:
During experimentation take detailed notes on what you see and do. Keep a research journal, including dates and times as needed. Take photographs, not including faces, of your experiment and the results. Make sure to change only one variable at a time in your experiment and start with a control experiment where nothing is changed. Make sure you included at least 5 or more test subjects in the control and experimental groups. Note any changes you make in your results.
8. Examine your Results:
When you complete your experiments examine and record your findings. Use a chart, graph, table, etc. to record your results. Did your experiment go as you planned and why or why not? Was your experiment performed with the exact same steps each time? Remember understanding unusual results is not scientific failure, but an important lesson to learn.
9. Draw Conclusions:
Answer the following conclusions: Which variables are important? Did you collect enough data? Did you need to conduct more experimentation? Did you support your hypothesis? If your results did not, what happened? Remember an experiment is done to prove or disprove a hypophysis.
10. Prepare a Report:
Prepare a report on what and how you have learned. First start with a rough draft, going into as much detail as possible so another person could repeat your experiment. Leave plenty of space between lines so corrections can be made if needed.
A good report will include
1) a title,
2) acknowledgements of who helped,
3) an introduction of your topic,
4) discussion of your problem,
5) list of all materials,
6) your step-by-step procedure,
7) observations and results,
8) conclusions and
9) bibliography.
11. Design your Display (required):
Now that your research and scientific report is done, you must create a display to show what you have done. Neatness, clarity, and organization are keys to a successful display. Check spelling, punctuation, grammar, and accuracy of your information.
Your display material does not need to be expensive. You will need a free-standing backboard. It can be poster board, fabric on a frame, cardboard, plywood, Masonite, etc. Make sure that it stays within the measurements specified in the rules. Use color, creativity, and care as you organize a creative board.
Your display may include whatever objects that are not excluded by the rules. Your display should include: title, questions, hypothesis, report, list of materials, procedure, observations, conclusions, and abstract.
Refer to board design and presentation page..
12. Write your abstract (required for all levels):
Use the ISEF Abstract Form with 21 Categories found at https://www.societyforscience.org/isef/forms/
The abstract is a summary of your project and should include the project's purpose, procedure, results (data), conclusions, and reflections or applications of the project. It MAY NOT be more than 250 words in length. Include a clean copy of the abstract with your display. You will also need to submit your abstract when your project passes from the school to county to regional to state fairs.
13. Prepare for Judging:
Your project will be judged using a point system based on six areas.
These areas are:
1. scientific thought,
2. creative ability,
3. understanding,
4. clarity,
5. dramatic value,
6. and technical skill.
The oral presentation is an important part of the judging process.
During your presentation you should discuss:
· why you chose your topic,
· how you gathered your information,
· how you tested your hypothesis,
· what observations you made,
· what conclusions you reached.
You may want to write note cards or refer to parts of your display to plan what you are going to talk about. Rehearse what you are going to say, DO NOT READ your presentations. The presentation should only take about 3-5 minutes. Practice in front of your family and friends. Keep in mind the judges are looking for a student who has learned from their research and experiment.
Although it is natural to be nervous about presenting, the judges are not there to trick or embarrass you. They are interested in you and what your project is all about. So be pleasant, courteous, and enjoy yourself. Above all, show them you are proud of what you have accomplished!
Teams must have no more than three (3) members. The final work should reflect the coordinated efforts of all team members and will be evaluated using the same judging criteria as individual projects