Preparing a Science Fair Project.pdf

Preparing a Science Fair
Project
What does
a good
project
look like?

What are the parts of a science
fair project?
 Background
Research
 Deciding on a
question to
investigate
 Finding the
answer to a
question
 Displaying the
information
 Explaining the
project
Backboar
d
Graph
s Notes
Charts
Models
Diagrams
Picture
s
Research
Experiments

What makes a good topic?
 The idea is of personal interest
 The scientific concept is neither too easy
or too difficult
 Materials are readily available
 Experiments and/or other investigations
are possible given resources available

Some projects involve building
and testing models.
 Do background research
 Gather appropriate
materials
 Build and test model
 Draw conclusions

Some projects involve doing
experiments.
 Design a fair test
 Control variables
 Keep records of
experiment results
 Draw conclusions

Some projects involve studying
a machine.
 Research idea
 Learn how it
works
 Build a model
 Explain
applications

Some projects involve
explaining a scientific concept
 Do background
research
 Select activities
and
demonstrations
 Prepare models
and illustrations

The best projects are neatly
and attractively designed.
 Use a few good colours
 Don’t clutter the
backboard
 Cut out letters neatly
 Make use of frames and
subtitles to organize
work.

The best projects are thorough
and complete.
 Investigate all parts
of your topic.
 Make sure you
clearly answer the
question you were
investigating
 Draw a conclusion
from your
investigations

The best projects often include
photographs.
 Photos of different stages
of an experiment show
clearly what you did.
 Photos of plants as they
grow are effective.
 Use photographs to
display items that are too
large for the table.

The best projects use the
scientific method.
 You are
conducting a
scientific inquiry
when you prepare
a science fair
project
 Try to use
standard methods
of reporting
experiment data.

The best projects include
research notebooks and
experiment records.
 Keep detailed records of
all experiment results
 Include dates and
observations
 Organize background
research into a notebook
with a title page, table of
contents and
bibliography.

The best projects have
interesting models and
displays.
 Interactive models and
demonstrations make
your project more
interesting.
 Displaying your actual
experiment makes it easy
to explain what you did.

The best projects display data
using charts and graphs.
 Charts and graphs
can be hand drawn
or produced on a
computer.
 Select backboard
charts and graphs
carefully to
showcase your
most important
findings.

The best projects are visually
attractive.
 State your question or
title clearly.
 Use colours that go well
together.
 Place papers and display
materials neatly.

The best projects are original
and creative.
 Start with a
research idea and
see how you can
make it better.
 Try more than one
approach to your
investigation
 Don’t copy. Use
your own ideas.

At a science fair, judges will ask
exhibitors to explain their work.
 Listen carefully to
the questions.
 Don’t give a speech.
 Use your models and
charts to help you
explain.
 Point out what you
think is most
interesting and
original.

Exhibitors must be able to
answer questions clearly and
confidently.  Relax.
 Practice beforehand
so you won’t be
nervous.
 Remember that the
judges are genuinely
interested in your
work.
 Be enthusiastic about
your findings.

Exhibitors must understand the
ideas in their project and be
able to explain them.
 Use only
vocabulary that
you understand
 Organize
backboard in a
logical way

Exhibitors must take the trouble
to read and understand the
science fair rules.
 Use only safe materials and experiments
 Make your project the right size.
 Know what you are allowed to exhibit
 Never plan a demonstration which uses
an open flame or dangerous materials
like acids.
 Use CSA approved electrical cords only.
 Follow all ethics guidelines

Take a look at the projects on
the following slides.
Use these examples to start
planning your own project.
Have fun with science!

Which is the best project?
Why?

Which topic would be easier to
design an experiment for?

Which project is most visually
attractive?

Would
you
change
anything
about
this
project?

What precautions would you
have to take with this project?

How would you start
investigating this question?

What practical application might
this project have?

What materials do you think
were used to build this
demonstration?

What other
projects
could be
developed
from the
idea of
recycling?

If this were
your project,
would you
change
anything
about the
display?

When your
project is ready,
exhibit it in a
science fair. You
will meet other
students who
share your
interests.

The pictures in this presentation
were taken by members of the
Toronto Science Fair
Committee during science fairs
in Toronto and during the
Canada Wide Science Fairs in
2010 and 2011.

This presentation was prepared by Barbara
Worth for teachers attending a workshop at
the Ontario Science Centre in October 2011.
The workshop was organized by the Toronto
Science Fair Committee in cooperation with
the Ontario Science Centre.
We hope it will help many teachers and
students get involved in science fairs.

Check our website for further
information about this year’s
science fair in Toronto.
www.torontosciencefair.ca

Preparing a Science Fair Project.pdf

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