Science Fair Guidelines

• There are 2 categories of science fair projects:

- experiment (science experiments must follow the steps of the scientific method)
- engineering (engineering projects must attempt to solve a problem)

• Every participant must have their own journal. (a journal is the diary of your project)

• No realia ia allowed. Realia is the objects and materials used to complete your project.

• Use pictures to show your project if necessary.

• No identification should appear on the front of the board. Avoid using pictures with
participants faces.

• All participants names (including their teachers) should be clearly written on the back left
panel. (behind purpose/question)

• All projects must be in the gym and placed on the appropriate table by 3:15 on the day of the
science fair.

• Failure to follow any of these guidelines will result in disqualification.

• More information can be found here https://sjcoesciencefair.weebly.com/

• Project ideas can be found here https://www.sciencebuddies.org/

 PURPOSE
• Why are you doing the experiment?
• What did you observe in the world
Science - Project Title RESULTS
This is a summary of results from
A good title attracts attention, but also gives information about the project.
the experiment. Explain your Data,
that made you ask your question?
ABSTRACT Photos, Charts, Graphs and models
• What m.ide you curious?
Provide a concise paragraph summary of
in paragraph form.
your project including: purpose,
hypothesis, procedures used, data
QUESTION/PROBLEM summary or analysis, and conclusions.
• Wh.it are you trying to figure out?
• Wh.it problem are you trying to solve?
MATERIAU PROCEDURE DATA
Record everything Record the steps you Visually communicate your
you use for your did during your data in the format that H
project. You do experiment. Make matches the type of data you
not include the sure others can collected. You can show both CONCLUSION �
materials for the follow them. raw and interpreted data. For
board. example: spreadsheets, photos, Restale question
HYPOTHESIS diagrams, charts, maps, graphs, Describe your observ;itioJl'S: before,
Wh.it do you think .i likely answer models, etc. during & after the experiment
Summarize your research
or solution to your question/
Describe your experiment
problem could be? Why? Explain and justify your conclusion
with your data c1nd observallons.
These are just examples of what you can put here. Your
project does not have to include all of these examples.
Choose what is appropriate for your project.

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• How will your project further the
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• What changes would you make
rJourna/ I if you re-did your experiment ?
Write down everything you do from start to finlsh for your project.
� Authentic Do not include preparing the board. Journal should be hand
Science written and authentic. Be sure to have your journal on display with
your board .
This is only a guide, there is no one •correctu format for a successru1 proJect. is for the learner to understand what It is like
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to Hdo science and en11ineerin11. c1nd have fun doing It. ©
 PURPOSE
Engineering Project Title TEST & REDSESIGN
,. Go out and test your final design
* Why are you doing this project?
* What did you observe in the worl
A good tltle attracts attention, but also gives information about the
project.
* How did feedback from others
help you redesign?
that made you ask your question? ABSTRACT * What problems occurred and
* What made you curious? Provlde a concise paragraph summary of
your project including: purpose,
how did you fix them?
hypothesis, procedures used, data ,. Which parts were successful and
PROBLEM
summary or analysis, and conclusions. why?
250 words maximum * Repeat process and retest
* What is the problem or need?
multiple times until your solution
,. Who has the problem or need?
is as successful as possible.
* Why is it important to solve? SOLUTIONS MATERIAU PROTOTYPE
Brainstorm possfble •what process did you use to
*Record everything
;ofutlons
you use for your
create your protoype? DISCUSSION
Evaluate possible •Did you encounter any
.olutions building your challenges as you built? * Restate your problem.
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS Show notes, picture prototype. • Did you need to redesign it as
• State characteristics that your solution tc. your were building it?
* Summarize your research
*Do not include the * Describe your process of
must meet to be successful. What criteria did yo
• List should provide a complete se to find the best materials for the designing, testing, redesigning,
description of the key features that will ossible solution? board. testing...
make your design successful.
• List should be feasible. Think of what
* Describe your project
you might need ... time, materials, etc. ,. Explain and justify your
Include Pictures
conclusion with data and
* Sketches
RESEARCH & BACKGROUND observations.
* Labeled diagrams
Learn from the experiences of others - * Detailed drawings
this can help you find out about * Photos of your
existing solutions to similar problems, protoype
and avoid mistakes that were made in
the past Research two areas:
1. Users or customers NEXT STEPS
2. Existing solutions •what new questions do you
have as a result of your
• How does this research influence how Engineering Design?
you will approach your project? •what are some idea� for future
• How will your project further the research or improved designs?
research and design that has already •what additional materials and
been done? Write down everything you do from start to finish for your
resources would you need to
project. Do not Include preparing the board. Journal
make future designs successful?
should be hand written and authentic. Be sure to have your
Journal on display wlth your board.
This is only a guide, there is no .l?'le �rr_ect"format for a success1ufpro1ec •. 1sfor tne"learner lo understand what It ls like.
to •do• science and en1:ineerin11. al}d �ve fun doing it.()