Steps to a Science Fair Project

1ST STEP – COMING UP WITH IDEAS

One of the easiest ways of thinking up ideas is to find a general topic that you enjoy or have an interest in and start brain storming for ideas. Come up with lots of ideas first. This can be done by jotting down everything you can think of that relates to your broad topic, any questions you would like answered and highlighting anything that interests you about it.
If you are still stuck on ideas there are many resources available that can assist you in finding a science fair idea. Use your teachers, library books, relevant news or the internet but remember – your science fair work must be your own!

KEEP A LOG BOOK - this is very important!
This is like a diary where you can record everything you do from the day you choose your project to the day you present your exhibit for marking. Include all of your ideas and attempts (even failed ones), methods, raw data, calculations, problems you encountered, help you received, tentative conclusions, etc. A simple school exercise book does the job fine. Remember to date every entry as well.

2ND STEP – CHOOSING A TOPIC
Before choosing an idea from your brainstorm, you need to be aware of three different categories that your idea should fall into:
1. Experimental Research: a project that involves a controlled experiment E.g. the battery of which brand lasts the longest
2. Technology Development: this is where your idea involves creating or designing something to help people or make life easier:
E.g. inventing a new, more user-friendly mailbox
3. Researchtoincreaseknowledgeforenvironmentalorsocialsystems:thisis where your idea is tested by gathering and analysing data instead of using controlled experiments, such as doing a survey.
When looking at your ideas ask yourself:

1. Does my idea fall into one of the three categories?
   
2. CanIdesignamethodthatisfeasible?
   
3. Can I finish the project within a few months, in order to meet the deadline?
   
4. If I have to buy equipment to do the project, will it be cheap?
   
5. Is the project appropriate for my year level?
   
6. Do I really enjoy finding out the answer or the solution?
   

When you can answer ‘yes’ to all six questions and are satisfied with the idea, then use that as the topic of your project .

The topic of my project is:

3RD STEP – THE DESIGN PROCESS

SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION

7 (Guide book last updated 14 April 2011)

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

(Guide book last updated14 April 2011) 8

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

4TH STEP – PRESENTATION

This is a very important step as your entry can only be judged on the information you communicate – so communication is very important.
To give you an idea of how to start, have a look at the board below and see how different sections are typically arranged:
Maximum width is 1.2m

Title

Results/ Testing

Research

Pictures

Aim

Method/ Concepts

Conclusion

Graphs/Diagrams

Bibliography/ Acknowledgments

You are limited to a table space of 1.2m wide X 0.75m deep X 1.5m high.
MAKE SURE:

•   Your display is free standing and robust
  
•   Your display is eye catching
  
•   Your display is free standing and robust
  
•   There are no spelling mistakes or errors
  
•   Nobody will be offended by any of the content.
  
•   Any graphics are relevant
  
•   The information is clear and easy to read.
  
•   All extra material/models/support information must fit inside your display area. Oversized entries will not be accepted unless you have written permission from the science fair organisers.
  
•   Please check safety rules for any that may apply to your exhibit. (refer to pg 15 )
  

Display boards (of approved size) are best brought in bulk by your school

Maximum height is 1.5m

JUDGING CRITERIA

It’s a good idea to look at your project carefully along side the judging criteria and look to improve any areas you feel you might not have covered strongly.
Judges will generally use the following criteria in assessing your project:

Scientific Thought & Understanding   clear scientific thought, the application of appropriate scientific methods, an appreciation of the need for accuracy in observation, measurement, data collection and reporting   an understanding of the underlying or related scientific principles embraced within the project

Technical & Graphic Skill   assembled with skill and dexterity, equipment, models and the frame of the project have been well constructed   graphic materials have been carefully prepared and presented   living plants and animals have been well cared for   working parts are reliable   the whole is well planned and neatly finished

Originality   uniqueness of approach   resourcefulness in obtaining and interpreting data   ingenious use of illustrative objects, inventive apparatus   insight conclusions   inspired applications of the principles, process or product

Thoroughness & Effort This is reflected in:   the scope of the topic   the scale of the investigation   the detail obtained   the extent of the results   the repetition of the experiments   the construction of the project and its illustrative items   written material and other displays

Presentation   well designed and developed to be attractive, visually interesting, informative on all aspects of the investigation   well illustrated with photographs, models, specimens or samples   has wide public appeal

NOTE: In Year 7-8 Planet Earth and Beyond Projects the criteria are widened to include non- experimental investigations. I.e. A question is still posed, but information may be gathered from sources other than experimentation.