This document provides information and guidelines for students participating in a science fair. It explains that a science fair project must be an experiment that tests a variable, not just a demonstration. An experiment compares two or more materials or variables, while a demonstration does not make comparisons. The scientific method is also described, including forming a question, making a hypothesis, gathering materials, following procedures, collecting data, and drawing a conclusion. The timeline and judging criteria for the science fair are outlined. Students are directed to various sources for project ideas and reminded that their project must be approved by the deadline.

1. Science Fair Information

2. What am I going to do? What is a
good idea for my science project?
This is usually the first thing that you start thinking about when
you hear “Science Fair.”
Before you get too excited about an idea, you have to know the
difference between an experiment and a demonstration.

3. Science Experiment …
Not a
Demonstration
Experiment
Not a
Demonstration
An experiment tests at
A demonstration doesn’t
least 2 different materials.
Example:
In which type of soil will a
bean plant grow more?
test different materials.
Examples of
demonstrations:
Making a “volcano.”
Creating an electrical
circuit.

4. Upper grade students **5th grade
“Variable”
“Constant”
The material that you
Everything else in the
change, or are testing, is
your “variable.”
It is the only thing that
“varies” or changes.
experiment needs to stay
the same or “constant.”
This is important, so that
you can make accurate
conclusions.

5. You can turn a demonstration
idea into an experiment.
A demonstration …
If you wanted to create
an electrical circuit, you
can change it into an
experiment by…
…turned into an
experiment
… testing different types of
materials or metals for the
electricity to flow through.
Or you can test different types
of batteries. But you can only
change one part of the circuit.

6. Other Places for Ideas:
 Science Fair Project Information & Ideas:
 Please go to: Cibolo Green’s website, tab – “Students”, “Science Fair”
 http://tw.neisd.net/webpages/dlashe/science.cfm?subpage=317382
 We have lots of information on the website to help you.

 Also, try these websites to look for project ideas.
 Remember, not all the project ideas will be actual experiments. Some ideas might be
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demonstrations. Make sure that you are testing one variable, taking measurements, and are
able to graph the results.
Science Buddies website – Pick a science topic. Don’t let the science vocabulary scare you.
Several easy projects are listed under very scientific names. This site has lots of great ideas and
details! http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science_project_ideas.php
Science Bob – Nice list of project ideas and other info.
http://www.sciencebob.com/sciencefair/ideas.php
Science Fair Adventure – Choose a science topic and check out the ideas. Be careful that you
choose an experiment and not a demonstration. http://www.sciencefairadventure.com/
Education.com Website. Choose “Elementary School” and then a grade level. This site also has
lots of project ideas. http://www.education.com/science-fair/all/
Internet Public Library – This has some great information about the scientific method, steps,
and ideas. Some of the links are old, but may be very useful to many of you.
http://www.ipl.org/youth/projectguide/

7. Guidelines
 All projects must be approved by your classroom teacher.
Complete a
PROJECT PROPOSAL form with a parent signature, and turn it in to your teacher by Thursday,
February 6th.
 All projects are done by individual students; Group projects will not be approved.
Please do not include your name on your project. Your project will be given a number when it is
presented.
 Projects must be experimental investigations that meet grade-level expectations (see
Science Fair link under “Students” on our school website for examples of project ideas for each grade level)
 Your project display should be able to stand up on a standard student
desktop
(the top of a desk is 17 x 23 ½ “-any height is fine). Your display needs to include a clear
presentation of all of the steps listed in (4) above. Again, remember not to write your name on your
project. Your teacher will assign your project a number. Low-voltage batteries are permitted, but
electrical outlets will not be available for project displays. Do not include liquids as part of your display.
No live animals or animal parts may be displayed.
 Projects must be brought to school on Friday, February 28
 by 7:30 a.m..
Student presentations & preliminary judging will begin on that day.

8. More guidelines –
Scientific Method
Projects will include the steps of the scientific method:
a question or problem (What are you wondering?)
a hypothesis (What do you think you might find if you
investigate this?)
materials list (How many? What kind? How much? What
size?)
an explanation of the procedure (What steps will you follow
in completing the experiment or investigation?)
presentation of data (How can you show what happened after
you investigated this? examples: charts, graphs, photographs,
written work)
a conclusion (What did your data show? What did you
learn?)

9. Scientific Method
Step 1 – Problem
Problem: This is what you want to discover. It must
be a written question. Make sure that you have
chosen an actual experiment.
Example: “Which brand of paper towels
hold the most weight when they are wet?”
If you are not comparing something, then it is a
demonstration and not an experiment. You have to be able
to measure or graph the results.
Due Thursday, February 6th.

10. Scientific Method
Step 2 – Hypothesis
Hypothesis (Prediction): This is what you think the
answer will be to your question.
It is a statement of your educated guess.
Try not to use “I,” “me,” or “my.”
Non-example: “I think Bounty will hold more weight than
Sparkle.”
Example: “Bounty will hold more
weight than Sparkle.”
Due Thursday, February 6 th .

11. Scientific Method
Step 3 – Materials
Materials: List everything needed for the experiment.
Your list should tell how much, how many, what kind,
or what size for every item listed.
 If possible, use metric measurements.
Include any instruments used to measure the results.
Final project due: Friday, February 28th at 7:30 a.m.

12. Scientific Method
Step 4 – Procedure
Procedure: This is a list of numbered steps followed
during the experiment.
Do not use “I,” “me,” or “my.”
Be sure to tell how to set up the materials and what to
do.
Tell how to measure the results.

13. Scientific Method
Step 5 – Data
Data/ Observations: This includes a data table
and/or a graph of recorded results.
The experiment needs at
least 3 trials or
samples and should include all measurements and
observations.
You can also include pictures or photographs, but your
face should not be in any photo.

14. Scientific Method
Step 6 – Conclusion
Conclusion: This is a summary stating your findings.
Was your hypothesis accepted or rejected?
How can this information be useful in the real world?
What did you learn?

15. Timeline
Thursday, Feb. 6th – Last day to turn in your project idea
to your teacher.
Friday, Feb. 7th – Teacher Approval of projects
Friday, Feb. 28th – Students bring completed Science
Projects to school by 7:30 a.m. Students will present their
science fair project to the class.
Tuesday, Mar. 4th – Final Science Project judging will
take place
March 5th & 6th – Winners Announced on Announcements
Friday, Mar. 7th – All Science Fair Projects go home.

16. Judging Criteria
1) Valid question/testable problem presented,
2) Clearly stated hypothesis given,
3) Materials listed (Use metric, if possible.),
4) Steps in the procedure are clear,
5) Data gathered is clearly presented,
6) Conclusion refers to hypothesis, accurately reflects
data with evidence of learning or application,
7) Display is neat and attractive & Evidence of
time/effort
8) Originality
9) Presentation

17. Enjoy guiding your child in learning
through science inquiry!