What Makes a Good Science Fair Project?
A good Science Fair project involves the student in a journey of discovery, driven by curiosity. It typically starts with a student proposing a question or hypothesis, and doing some background research. The student then develops an experimental apparatus or procedure that will produce data, from which the student can draw conclusions to prove (or disprove) the hypothesis, or answer the question.
A good hypothesis typically takes the form of "If I do this, then that should happen." A question typically takes the form of "Can I improve results by doing this?", or "If I try different ways of accomplishing something, which produces the best results?" An example of a poor question is "If I do that, what happens?” A good Science Fair Project directs the student's efforts toward a particular result or expectation; undirected experimentation just to find out what happens is play, not science (although notable discoveries have been made in this manner, they are notable because they were "accidents").
After selection of a hypothesis, the most important parts of the scientific process are to:
- conduct background research
- develop an experimental apparatus or procedure to investigate the hypothesis or question
- operate the apparatus or conduct the procedure to collect experimental data
- perform iterations of data collection
- reduce or analyze the experimental data
- arrive at conclusions
The final step before coming to the Science Fair is to prepare a display and rehearse (but not memorize!) an explanation of how the display shows the means for conducting the experiment, developing the results, and arriving at the conclusions.
Students are advised that getting the right answer is NOT the purpose of a Science Fair project. It is the intent of a Science Fair project that you go through the process of asking questions and performing experiments in an attempt to find answers. Making the attempt without answering the question still satisfies the intent of your discovering knowledge on your own. At the Science Fair, the judges appreciate a display that clearly shows the intent and results of experimentation, and a presentation that concisely describes what was done and what was concluded. The judges want to feel that you are familiar enough with your project to discuss it comfortably and answer questions about it. Memorized speeches or rambling descriptions of minutiae (trivial details) are frustrating to judges, who need to be able to pose appropriate questions in order to thoroughly understand the project. If you work on a team project, the judges will expect more substantial science in your project, and every team member should be able to represent the project.
SCIENCE PROJECTS
You're handed the dreaded assignment…the Science Project. Maybe you already know what you want to do or maybe you're clueless. Whatever you decide, here are steps you should consider when doing your project. Doing it right will not only get a thumbs up from your teacher but it may give you the boost to go to a regional Science Fair. Who knows? Your next stop could be the State Science Fair!
BE FRESH! You're handed the dreaded assignment…the Science Project. Maybe you already know what you want to do or maybe you're clueless. Whatever you decide, here are steps you should consider when doing your project. Doing it right will not only get a thumbs up from your teacher but it may give you the boost to go to a regional Science Fair. Who knows? Your next stop could be the State Science Fair!
Judges always look for original ideas. Original projects are those that take the textbooks one step further by exploring new ground and innovative techniques. Your project could be original in the scientific concept or maybe you've come up with a new way to solve an old problem or a new and better way to interpret the data. Whatever your project, make sure it is done well. Just having a great and new idea is only half of the solution.
PASSING THE "HUH?" TEST!
It may be a super idea for a project but it won't impress the judges (or teacher) if you don't have a well-defined goal or objective of what you're doing. Just what scientific concept are you trying to prove or disprove with your project? A direct, often simple objective won't leave the judges scratching their heads, trying to figure out what exactly you were trying to prove. You've got to pass the "HUH?" test.
UNDERSTAND IT - IT'S YOUR PROJECT, NOT YOUR FOLKS'!
Your project must show the judges that YOU understand and know how to use scientific theory, terms, techniques and methodologies properly. Judges look for students who know about the scientific principles and practices they used in their project. They want to see if you can interpret what you learned. It's important for judges to know that you have a depth of understanding of the basic science behind the project topic, that you comprehend the finer level of detail and that you're aware of any influence or effects the project has on related subject topics. If you don't know what a term or theory means… find out or don't use it in your presentation.
Keep your project at a level YOU can understand. Judges aren't expecting you to have access to university research laboratories or be a Ph.D. candidate for the topic area you've chosen. What is important is that the technical level of sophistication and complexity of your project reflect YOUR level of understanding - not someone else's. It's OK to receive help outside your school as long as you clearly say what is was and who helped you. IF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND IT, DON'T DO IT because you won't be able to explain it! Chances are if it doesn't make sense to you, it won't make sense to the judge.
One more thing… know how all your equipment works, what it does and why it was used in your project. If you can't explain it to a judge, then you probably don't understand the science of what's going on.
PROVE YOUR POINT!
Judges look for complete projects. That is, projects that are thorough in addressing the original question and thorough in answering other questions that come up during the experimentation process. As a scientist, it is your responsibility to provide all evidence to support whatever claims you are making. It isn't up to the judge or other scientists to prove your claim. Without data or results that support your claims, it's not a completed work.
PUT SOME TIME (and FUN) IN!How much time and energy have you put into your project? Was it a one-hour wonder or did you actually put in some effort and time? Did you fly by the seat of your pants or did you spend time reading and learning the subject? Either way, it will show. Pick a topic you like. Science is found everywhere. There must be something you enjoy that can be used as part of a science project. Think outside the box and have some fun with your project!
A judge considers time and effort as two important factors in a successful project. Judges can usually tell that the amount of effort that goes into your project reflects your motivation. Because if you're not motivated, you won't enjoy the experience and that shows!
CLEAR AS GLASS!
If nobody understands what you were doing with your project, why bother with all that work? Be crystal-clear in both your written and verbal communication skills. Your ideas should be clearly presented and easy to understand. Judges look for well-written abstracts with easy to follow visual aids and clear and concise answers. Remember, the more you understand about the scientific principles, the easier it is for you to explain it in terms everyone understands. KISS (Keep It Simple, Scientist!)
