Science Fair: Successful Project Elements

Student Prescription for Successful Science Research Projects

1. Project Data/Log Book
   A project data/log book is your most treasured piece of work. Accurate and detailed notes make a logical and winning project. Entries should be dated. Good notes show consistency and thorougness to the judges and will help you when writing your research paper. Charts, tables, and graphs should be used to show results.
   
   Getting Started
   Sample Timeline for your project.
   
   
2. Abstract
   After finishing research and experimentation, you need to write a (maximum) 250-word, one page abstract. An abstract should include:
   
   1. the purpose of the experiment,
   2. procedures used,
   3. data, and
   4. conclusions. (These are your results and what those results mean.)
      
      Abstract Instructions
      Abstract Form (Required for Each Student)
      
      
3. Research Paper
   A research paper or report is required along with the project data/log book and any necessary forms or relevant written material. A research paper or report helps organize data as well as thoughts. A good paper includes the following sections:
   
   1. Title Page (Student's Name and Title of Project)
   2. Introduction
   3. Materials & Methods
   4. Results
   5. Discussion
   6. Conclusion
   7. Acknowledgements
   8. References/Bibliography
      (APA or MLA formatting is acceptable for your research paper)
      
      
4. Visual Display
   You want to attract and inform. Make it easy for interested spectators and judges to assess your study and the results you have obtained. Make the most of your space with clear and concise displays. (See rules for displays)
   
   1. Current Year's Work Only
   2. A Good Title
   3. Take Photographs of elements or work that are not allowed for display at the fair and of steps and results of experimentation.
   4. Use graphs, charts or tables to show your results.
   5. Be Organized
   6. Eye-Catching & Clear Labeling
   7. Correctly Presented & Well-Constructed
      
      
5. Interview
   When your project is judged, you will be asked a series of questions about your topic, your experimentation, and your conclusions.
   1. Dress neatly
   2. Talk clearly and slowly
   3. Be confident - look at your judges
   4. Use your display board and log book to answer questions

What do the judges look for?

Judges evaluate and focus on:

1. what the students did in the current year;
2. how well a student followed scientific methodologies;
3. the detail and accuracy of research as documented in the log book;
4. whether experimental procedures were used in the best possible way.

Overall, judges look for well thought out research. They look for the significance of your project in its field, as well as how thorough you were. Did you leave something out? Did you start with four experiments but finish only three due to lack of committment?

The judges applaud those students who can speak freely and confidently about their research. They are not interested in memorized speeches - they simply want to TALK with you about your research to see if you have a good grasp of your project from start to finish.

Besides asking the obvious questions, judges often ask questions outside the normal scope to test your insight into your research such as "What didn't you do?" and "What would be your next step?"