How to Win A Science Fair

Choose a science fair topic that you are enthusiastic about.

A science fair project is a fun and creative way to practice the scientific method and learn more about a topic that you are interested in. The project begins with brainstorming about your research topic, followed by reading literature on that topic, an experiment and a summary of results and presentation of your project. By considering the following tips, you should have a successful project at the science fair and hopefully you will have some fun in the process.

Instructions

1. Select a topic that is original and scientifically relevant. For example, the following topic, effects of coffee on plants, has no biological relevance because coffee has no part in the cultural care of plants. However, a project looking at the effects of acidity on plants, for example, is biologically relevant. Be sure to select a topic that interests you, since you will be investing a lot of time and effort into your project.

2. Research your topic so that you understand what information is already known and what might be new. In-depth research at this stage will also help you fine tune your research question.

3. Design the experiment with constant variables and repetition. For example, suppose you are looking at the effects of different soil pH levels on the growth of a certain plant. The constant variables are environmental conditions such as light, temperature and humidity. All treatments should have the same environmental conditions. The treatments might consist of three levels of soil pH. Each treatment should be repeated at least three times so that you have confidence in your results.

4. Take detailed notes of your observations and data. Record the date and time, and also include the units of measurement next to your data. Use a pencil so that your notes do not smear.

5. Summarize your data in tables and graphs. Presenting your data in different ways will help you see different trends. There are a number of ways to present data. For example, if you work with plants, a line graph shows the growth of plants over time, a bar chart shows total growth at the end of the treatment and a table combines information from both of these graphs. You can always remove a graph or table from your report if it is repetitive.

6. Read the instructions for the presentation carefully. At some science fairs, the student presents their work with a slide show. In other cases, the student presents their project with a poster. Understand how much time you have to present your project to the judges. Find out how many slides are allowed or the correct dimensions of the poster.

7. Anticipate questions from the judges. They might ask why your research topic is important. If you present your project with slides, prepare a few extra slides to help answer questions that you think the judges might ask.

8. Practice your presentation. Be sure to practice pointing to graphs and pictures during your presentation. If the presentation is timed, practice with a stop watch.

9. Dress professionally for your presentation -- don't wear denim. Be confident when speaking about your project and have fun discussing your findings with peers and experienced scientists. At this point, you have a winning project regardless of the science fair results.

Tips & Warnings

• Take photographs or draw sketches of your project during the experiment. They make a nice addition to your presentation and may remind you of a significant observation that you made.

References

• Science Buddies: Science Fair Judging
• Discovery Education: Science Fair Central
• University of Georgia: Kids Do Science: The Methods of Science