1. Creating a Science Fair
Project

2. Science Projects
• What’s the difference between a
demonstration and a science project?
• A demonstration is conducted just to
show information. Nothing is measured or
tested.
• A science project has a hypothesis and
variables that are tested multiple times to
prove or disprove the hypothesis.

3. Steps to Creating Your Project:
1. Choose your question or problem
2. Do research
3. Make a hypothesis
4. Do the experiment to test your hypothesis
5. Keep a log book during your experiment
6. Observe and record data from
experiment
7. State your conclusions
8. Create your notebook and your board

4. 1. Title (5 pts)
• 8 words or less
• Choose something unique or it can be
your experiment’s question.
• Example:
Which type of garbage becomes plant
food first?

5. 2. Problem (5 pts)
• A Problem is a question that can be
answered through experimentation.
• Start with what YOU are interested in!
Example of a problem:
Which garbage
materials break down
the fastest?

6. 3. Research (10 pts)
• Before beginning the investigation, look for
more information to support what you want
to learn about.
• Use at least 3 sources. If using online
sources, look for .org, .gov or .edu,
NOT .com.
• Write what you learned into a report 3-5
paragraphs in length.
• You must have a bibliography of your
sources!!!

7. 4. Hypothesis (5 pts)
• A Hypothesis is a statement that answers the
question from the problem.
• I think that ________________ because
________.
Example of a hypothesis:
I think that the grass clippings will
compost the fastest because they are
smaller in size than the other items.

8. 5. Procedure (5 pts)
• The Procedure is EXACTLY what you will
do step by step. Include photos of the
process
List in order step by step what you will do: Example:
1. Collect banana peels, apple peels, table scraps, and
grass clippings.
2. Place 2 cups of each into a dark container of the same
size.
3. Turn items in all containers every four days using a
spoon.
4. Take pictures each time. Take written notes each time.
5. Collect data every four days for a period of four weeks.
6. Create a Observation Notes chart and a Display chart
of the pictures taken.

9. 6. Data
7. Results (5 pts)
• The Data is where you keep the records of your
results.
• Keep it in a log book.
• You need at least 10 entries in your log book.
• The Results are what the data showed
happened.
• Use charts and graphs to show your data on
your board:
– http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/graphing/classic/

10. 8. Conclusion (5 pts)
• Your conclusion will restate your
hypothesis.
• You will also state whether your
hypothesis turned out to be correct or
incorrect.
• Example: My hypothesis stated that the
grass clippings would decompose the
fastest. I was wrong. The banana peels
decomposed faster than the grass
clippings.

11. 9. Abstract (10 pts)
• A Short summary that explains your
experiment.
• Judges will read your abstract first to get
an idea what your project is about.

12. 10. Notebook (20 pts)
11. Log book (10 pts)
• Your notebook will be a written copy
of everything you have on your board.
– The Title, abstract, problem, research,
hypothesis, procedures, results,
conclusion and bibliography
– This is different from the log book, which
only has your data entries.
• You must have both.

13. 12. Display (20 pts)
• On Three Fold Science Board
• Easy to read, well organized, no grammar
or spelling errors
• Include visual aids (pictures, charts,
diagrams, etc)
• Neatness is important!

14. What Needs to Be on My Board?
Title
Purpose/Problem Procedure Results
1.
2.
3.
Research Conclusion
4.
Data:
Charts & Graphs
Abstract
Hypothesis

15. Example boards:

16. Tips:
• Work with a partner (no more than 2 per
project)
• Do your writing on a computer and print
out two copies: one copy for the board,
one copy for your notebook
• Write in your log book often during your
experiment- don’t try to remember it all at
the end!!!

17. Unit Count for Science Projects
• 1 unit for a completed project scored at least a C
• 1 additional unit for a project with ALL parts (A)
• Projects that earn an A will have a chance to go
to the district science fair on February 23.
• Units for doing a project 1-2!!!!
• These units can be applied to any of
your science requirements. Wow!
• Projects Due Friday, February 15!

18. Websites for Ideas:
• http://www.sciencebuddies.org/
• http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/
• http://www.terimore.com/
• http://www.factmonster.com/
• www.sciencebob.com