Why should I complete a fair?
Working on a project gives you an unusual opportunity to take a close look at the natural world, and perhaps make a discovery. Plus, you will have an opportunity to meet and learn from other young scientists, as well as professional scientists from many fields.
Who should conduct a fair project?
If you are a high school student that have an interest in nature and the laws that govern it, and like to make discoveries and share them with others, you are qualified to conduct a science fair project.
What if my project doesn't work?
Most don't! So, do not worry about it! Scientists reach many closed doors before finding those open to them. Failure is not a word often used in scientific circles. If you have put forth effort and found something that "doesn't work," you will have a successful project if you report collected data showing why it didn't work. Most judges will score you on the methods you use in your work, not the success rate you achieve.
How much help can I have completing the project?
As much as you need! Notice... we said need, not want! Scientists usually do not make their own test tubes. They buy or borrow them. However, scientists usually fill and wash their own. In addition to equipment, scientists always rely on others to share information and expertise.
How much time will it take?
Some students work on a project for several years, refining it each time they present it at a fair. However, your initial project will probably require 4-6 weeks.
Where can I get a good idea for my science fair project?
Talk to other people, like a classmate, or a teacher. Your librarian can point you toward books that are full of project suggestions. Lots of web sites are there to help kids come up with ideas for research, just check out our links page for a start. Look around you - what are you curious about?
What should I study for the project?
You must find a topic in which you are interested, and in which you would delight in learning. If you have an interest in something, it will not be a chore to study it. Also, you need to be familiar with all the information you used or researched to complete your project.
Are teachers or parents allowed to be with their students during the judging process?
No, teachers or parents are allowed to be in the judging area during the judging process.
What else should I know about Judging Day?
- Dress for Success! Wear formal. Avoid clothes with holes and tears.
- Cloths should fit properly.
- Stand up and introduce yourself when judges approach you.
- Listen, answer questions, be polite.
- Be respectful with other student participants being judged near you.
What do you mean by Display Board able to stand up by itself?
Your Display Board should be able to stand up by itself - you may not have a wall behind your exhibit space to hang your poster up, so it will have to stand on your table space. Also, your Display Board should "Stand Alone" in that it should explain your project. Remember your display board presents your project and sits on your table at the Science Fair.
What is science research?
You start with a science question, an idea you find interesting. Research involves finding information by observing and asking questions. You can find answers in books, magazines, on the Internet (from reliable websites), or interviewing people who know about your subject. Be sure to write down where your answers come from.