How to Write a 4th Grade Science Fair Report

Science fair projects require a report for clarification of research and procedures.

The purpose of a science fair project report is to explain the research behind the project, as well as the processes used to complete the project itself. The project report clarifies important points that may not be clear from an oral or visual presentation of the processes involved. Be sure to read over any guidelines provided by the science teacher before beginning. Start by writing the body of the paper; and then add the abstract, table of contents, and title page. It is easier to complete these elements after completing the rest of the report. (See Reference 1)

  • Recorded data, pictures, and graphs from project experiment
  • Microsoft Word
  • Copy paper

1 Writing the Body of the Report

2 Open a blank document in MS Word

Open a blank document in MS Word. Set the desired font.

3 Press Enter ” five times

Press “Enter” five times. Click on “Insert” in the Word toolbar. Click “Page Break” to create a new page. This will leave space for the title page, abstract, and table of contents.

4 Heading Hypothesis

Type the heading “Hypothesis” or “Research Question.” Press “Enter” twice.

5 Thought was going to happen in the experiment

Type the original hypothesis or what you thought was going to happen in the experiment.

6 Heading Background Information

Type the heading “Background Information.” Press “Enter” twice.

7 Type three

Type three to five paragraphs explaining the research related to your project.

8 Heading Materials

Type the heading “Materials.” Press “Enter” twice. List the materials used in your experiment.

9 Heading Procedures

Type the heading “Procedures.” Press “Enter” twice. List the procedures you followed to complete your experiment. Note the constants and variables involved in the experiment.

10 Heading Results

Type the heading “Results.” Press “Enter” twice. List all the results of your experiment. Include data, graphs, pictures, and observations.

11 Heading Conclusions

Type the heading “Conclusions.” Press “Enter” twice. Explain whether or not the experiment confirmed or refuted your hypothesis. Be specific about which elements of the data reflect the conclusions.

12 Heading Ideas

Type the heading “Ideas for Future Research.” Press “Enter” twice. Describe why your research was important, and how it impacts society. Explain how your research could be expanded in the future.

13 End of the Report

14 Click

Click on “Insert” in the toolbar. Click “Page Break” to create a new page.

15 Heading Acknowledgments

Type the heading “Acknowledgments.” Press “Enter” twice.

16 List the names

List the names of anyone who assisted you with your project: your parents, siblings, teacher, classmates, or others.

17 Heading Bibliography

Type the heading “Bibliography.” Press “Enter” twice.

18 Used in your research

List all the references used in your research. Be sure to follow the citation format if one is provided by the teacher, otherwise use the examples in the Resources section of this article.

19 Title Page, Abstract, & Table of Contents

20 Move the mouse cursor

Move the mouse cursor to the top of the first page of the report. Press “CTRL” and “E” to center the text. Press “Enter” several times to move to the middle of the page.

21 Type your project title

Type your project title, your name, grade, teacher’s name, and date. Press “Enter” twice between each item to leave a blank space. Click on “Insert” in the toolbar. Click “Page Break” to create a new page.

22 Heading Abstract

Type the heading “Abstract.” Press “Enter” twice. Write a short summary of your project. The abstract should be no more than one or two paragraphs.

23 Click on Insert in the Word toolbar on Insert in the Word toolbar

Click on “Insert” in the Word toolbar. Click “Page Break” to create a new page. Click “Page Number” and choose the position you desire for your page numbers.

24 Heading Table

Type the heading “Table of Contents” and create a Table of Contents for your project.

  • Save your report periodically while typing to prevent data loss.
  • See article Resources for examples on citation format.

Ashley Seehorn has been writing professionally since 2009. Her work has been featured on a variety of websites including: eHow, Answerbag and Opposing Views Cultures. She has been a teacher for 20 years and has taught all ages from preschool through college. She is currently working as a Special Education Teacher.

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