Developing your project
The list below is a guideline to some of the things that you should consider when developing your science fair project. Note that it is only a guideline because your project type (Experiment, Innovation, or Study) may require different considerations. Refer to the judges’ evaluation rubric for a better idea of what judges will be looking for. You will notice that projects are evaluated on a variety of criteria including a combination of originality and the depth of analysis in the project. Error analysis is encouraged for all projects.
Background: How the project came to be.
Background Research: Information you collected in order to learn more about your topic.
Purpose/Problem: Why the project was conducted and what you hoped to be achieved.
Hypothesis: Proposition to be tested and anticipated results, if applicable.
Procedure: A brief outline of the materials, variables, trials and methods used.
Results or Observations: A summary of the results of the Experiment, Innovation, or Study.
Conclusions: What can be concluded from the results and why is it important?
Sources of Error: Systematic or random situations/factors that could have affected the results of your project.
Earlier Work: If an earlier version of the project was submitted in a previous year, the finalist must highlight the changes and additional work done.
Future work: Portions or variations of the project you would consider developing further.
Real world application: How your project affects the real world. Can your project be implemented? Try to consider cost, feasibility, and scalability.
Acknowledgements: Recognition of those individuals, institutions and businesses that provided significant assistance in the form of guidance, materials, financial support and/or facilities for this project. A list of references and the project’s bibliography should also be kept at the project table for consultation.
Log Book
The log book is the rough record of your project. It is a journal containing your thoughts, actions you take, observations you see, rough data you take, and everything relating to your project. Start one at the beginning of your project and write into it any time you’re thinking or working on your project. Learn how to use a log book >
Make sure to bring your log book with you to display at the fair.
Abstract
Each project is required to submit a short abstract upon registration. The abstract should be about 200-500 words and contain background information on the project, purpose and/or hypothesis, general procedures and results, and conclusion. If the final results and analysis are not completed at the moment of writing the abstract, expected results and experiments ongoing should be mentioned.
