Science+Fair

Suggested schedule:

January - Week One (Jan): Choosing a Project
Choose a type of project, formulate a question and begin gathering information. Consult with teachers, parents, experts in the community, older siblings and friends about projects that will meet Science Fair criteria and required materials and methods to complete project.

Week Two (Feb): Begin Research/Experimentation or Creating Invention, Demonstration or Model
Selecting your project topic was one of the most difficult parts of the entire science fair project. Now it is time to start on your project. Here are ideas to help you get started. • Complete initial research. • Interview experts for more information • Decide how to set up your investigation or experiment • Decide what materials you will use in the display and make a list • Think about your set up design for your experiment • Decide whether you need additional material from other sources • Begin collecting or buying materials for your display • Begin setting up your experiment or demonstration • Add information to project notebook as you get it • Start your experiment or begin constructing your model or invention

Week Three (Feb): Continue Recording Observations
• Your science project should be underway at this point. • Learn how to use any apparatus you need. • Continue recording observations in your notebook. • Take photos of progress • Begin drafting the question, hypothesis, research, and experimental methods for the report. • If required (see section on written reports below), set up an outline for written report. It’s also not too early to work on the first draft of your written report!

Week Four (Feb): Record, Report, Display
• Students should be thinking about the display. • Continue recording notes in notebook. • Record observations. • Verify experimental information with experts. • Conduct experiment again to make sure it is repeatable. • Take photos. • Make sure someone else could repeat your experiment using notes in notebook. • Begin preparing graphs, charts and other visual aids (photos, drawings, etc.) for display. • Start assembling display unit.

Week Five (Feb): Write Report, Complete Visual Aids
• If applicable, begin writing second draft of your report. • Write text for background of display and plan its layout. • Complete graphs, charts, and visual aids. • Finish constructing your display. • Have photographs developed and enlarged. • Each project should consist of the following elements: The display, the exhibit materials, and (if needed) the written report. Together, these elements present a complete and thorough examination of an area of interest, a collection of new knowledge, or the results of an experiment.

Week Six (Mar): Complete Project
• Complete your experiment or collection or invention or demonstration. • Complete second draft of written materials • Do lettering of explanations and mount them on your display. • Mount graphs, charts, drawings, photographs

Week Seven (Mar) Spring Break: Keep on Working
• Write and Prepare final copy of written report • Enjoy time with your family and friends

Week Eight (Mar): Proofread, Set Up Display, Check Safety, Practice Oral Presentation
• Proofread your written materials • Set up display at home and test it, checking for flaws. • Practice oral presentation. • Transport display to school; bring to your classroom until your teacher takes your class to set it up, and then check and double check everything. • Congratulate yourself!