Parts of a Science Fair Project

The information below is based on the PG County Science Fair Guide and the Project Guide from http://www.Science Buddies.org

 

1. Start with a good or "fair" QUESTION that leads to an experiment where you are measuring something, i.e. voltage, distance, temperature, height, weight. This data should be recorded in a notebook. 

 

2. Do your BACKGROUND RESEARCH using credible sources.

• Use this checklist to determine whether or not a source is credible.

• Here are some databases you can use for your research: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Make a PREDICTION, and construct a HYPOTHESIS

 

4. Write the PROCEDURE (steps you followed).

 

5. List the MATERIALS you used in your experiment. 

 

6. What were the RESULTS of your experiment? This part should include charts, graphs, or tables. Use the following tools to help you create charts or graphs that represent the data you have collection.

• Create-a-Graph

• MIStupid.com Excel Tutorial: Create Charts and Graphs using Microsoft Excel
   

7. Write at CONCLUSION
 

8. Write a RESEARCH PAPER that includes Steps 1-7. When the report window opens, be sure to click on the SAMPLE tab at the top. 

Remember to cite sources you used for your background research and/or for your experiment itself in the Works Cited portion of your report.

• To cite sources, you can use this Citation Machine
   

 

 

9. Create a DISPLAY BOARD. 

 

NEED IDEAS, or HELP?

 

SCIENCE FAIR CENTRAL by Discovery Kids http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/Getting-Started.html	a science fair handbook many project ideas some actual experiments divided by age group (high schoolers should projects in the 13+ category) additional links and books that may help you
The Internet Public Library: Experiments and Science Fair Projects	Lots of links to helpful science fair websites and resources.
Science Fair Projects http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/	Search or Browse for science fair topics by scienctific discipline, i.e. biology, health & medicine, etc. Sort by Difficulty: high, middle or elementary school level. Complete instructions.
School Science Fairs Home Page http://www.cdli.ca/sciencefairs/   Science Made Simple http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/	Need a topic? Here is a good place to start.       Include great articles with ideas for science fair projects.

SCIENCE WEBSITES FOR RESEARCH (make sure you use a database first, Step 2 above)

 

How Stuff Works  http://www.howstuffworks.com/

Popular Science Magazine: http://www.popsci.com/

Science Resources (a non-profit): http://www.science-resources.org/resources/sci-links.shtml