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Science Fair Projects The Steps for a Successful Science Fair Project
Science Fair Projects
The Steps for a Successful
Science Fair Project
The Scientific Method
You should always follow the steps of the
scientific method when doing a science
project to be successful.
Step 1 – Select a Topic
Selected Topic
Now to Nov. 7, 2014
A. Student
What is my interest?
B. Parent
Will I be able to help?
C. Teacher
Is the project on level?
Step 1A: Select a Topic - Student
What are my interests?
What would I like to learn about?
Do I have a question about something?
Where to look for topics?
Science Fair book
Internet
Teacher
Does my project meet the rule requirements?
Step 1B: Select Topic - Parent
Could I help with the selected topic?
Has the teacher approved the project?
Does the selected project meet the rule
requirements?
Do we have the needed materials for the project
or know where to purchase or borrow?
Help set a timeline for my child.
Is my child meeting the deadlines of the teacher?
Step 1 C: Select Topic - Teacher
Is the project at the student’s ability level?
Does the project meet the rule requirements?
Is there parent approval?
What is the timeline for each step?
Locate needed resources for students.
Are the students meeting the timelines?
Data/Project Log - REQUIRED
The log starts on the date you select and it is
approved by the teacher
Each new entry must be dated
This log is HANDWRITTEN – not typed
ALL observations and measurements are to be
recorded
Remember all measurements are metric
Step 2 Identify the Problem
This is a sentence or question about the
problem.
Example: “What type of container will keep
my soda cooler longer?”
Or “I would like to compare the temperature
of a glass bottle of soda to a can of soda.”
Step 3 Collect Background
Information
RESEARCH about Project
Media Center
Minimum of 10 references
BOOKS:
Encyclopedias
Topic Books
Magazines/Newspapers
INTERNET:
Websites
Search by Topic
CD ROM:
Grolier
Compton
Research Paper/Notebook -
REQUIRED
Must be written in your own words. Do not just print the pages from the computer.
Research your topic in books and online
Make notes as you gather background information for the research paper
Paraphrase what you read in your OWN words
Research paper may be typed or handwritten
You are to have a minimum of five sources
Must list your sources in the bibliography in the correct format
Step 4 Form a Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a statement of what you believe will happen in the experiment. This statement is based on the research you have done.
Do not start with “I think.”
Examples: “The can will keep the soda cooler longer than the plastic or glass bottle.” OR
“If soda is placed in can, then the soda will stay cooler longer than in plastic or glass.”
Step 5 Design an Experiment
Materials List:
All materials needed
to conduct the
experiment:
Paper
Pencil
Ruler
Measuring cup
Etc.
Procedure:
The procedure is a step by
step set of directions on
how to do the
experiment. Use metric
measurements.
Step 1 – gather all materials
Step 2 – set up experiment
Etc.
Step 6 During Experiment
During the
Experiment
Observe:
Watch
Look
Record:
Notes
Journal/Log
Results
Analyze Data:
What have I
learned from
the results?
Step 7 Repeat the Experiment
The experiment should be repeated at least 5
times.
This is done in order to prove the results as
true.
Step 8 Drawing A Conclusion
This is a sentence that states what did happen
during the experiment. What did you learn from
the experiment?
Example: “The can kept the soda cooler longer
than the glass bottle.”
Explain here why this happened.
Step 9 Application
What can the results be used for?
How can I use the knowledge I have
gained from the experiment?
How will I use what I have learned?
How can others use the information I
have gained from the experiment?
The Display Board
Title/
Question
Graphs
Charts
Pictures
Hypothesis
Procedure
*Abstract
(Required)
Data/
Results
Conclusion
Application
Notebook and Log
Required
How It Looks
The Winning Look
Good Luck
You can be successful!
