Science Fair Project

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 Experiments Pictures Research Models Charts Backboard Diagrams Graphs Notes

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

Projects involve doing an Experiment. Design a fair test Control variables Keep records of experiment results Draw conclusions

Use the scientific method. You are conducting a scientific inquiry when you prepare a science fair project Use standard methods of reporting experiment data.

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

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 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 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 what they found out. 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.

Take a look at the projects on the following slides 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 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 during science fairs organized by the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Many thanks go to all the students and staff who worked on these projects and on the fairs.

This presentation was prepared for teachers attending a workshop at the Ontario Science Centre in November 2002. The workshop was organized by the Toronto Sci-Tech Fair Committee. We hope it will help many students get involved in science fair.

Check our website for further information about this year’s science fairs in Toronto. www.scitechfairs.toronto.on.ca

Internet resources http://www.scifair.org/ http://www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/projectguide/ www.ysf-fsj.ca/smarts

Imagination is more important than knowledge... Albert Einstein

Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The trouble-makers. The round heads in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status-quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify, or vilify them. But the only thing you can't do is ignore the, because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.