Oh No! Ornery old Mr. Hill is making me do a science fair project! A science fair project
is not that hard! You’re going to learn how
to do one!
There are three things a science fair project can’t
be.•A report•A demonstration
•An experiment
That’s nice, but I need to know what is a science
fair project!
A science fair project has the following parts:
•A hypothesis•An experiment
•A question
Now I know what it is, how do I do one?
Step #1 - Question
You must start with a question!
Examples of questions:• Which material is the best
insulator? • How do different
foundations stand up to earthquakes? • How does acid rain affect buildings?
Step #2 – ResearchResearch to see what
information you can find about your question. Step #3 –
HypothesisThe hypothesis is what you believe is the answer to your question.
Step #4 – ExperimentDesign an experiment to
test your hypothesis.
While you are doing your experiments, you will be
recording your observations and results.
Step #5 – Analyzing Results You look at the results from your experiments and come
to a conclusion. Step #6 – Conclusion My hypothesis is correct
because …My hypothesis is not correct
because …
When selecting your topic, consider:
•Is it interesting to you?
•Do you have enough time?
•Can you do this by yourself ?
•Can you really do it?
•Is it safe?
Keep a Logbook!
As you do your research, consider:•Where do you look for
information?•The Internet
•Ask an expert.
•Be very careful of your sources!
What are the best sources of
information?•Up-to-date.•Different sources.•The information is easy to understand.
Examine your experiment.•Have a clear, written procedure.•Make sure your control experiment does what you want it to.•Identify problems early.
• Is it safe?
• What materials do you need?• Be sure to identify all variables.
Examine your experiments.
Record your observations.
Keep a Logbook!
How do you present your data?•Tables
•Charts•Graphs•Photographs
Put it all together.•Title/hypothesis/purpose•Background•How to do the experiment (procedures)•Results
•Conclusion(s) Always check your
work!
Preparing your display
•Well-organized•Colorful and attractive•Easy to read
•Enough space for pictures and papers
•Title/hypothesis/purpose•Free of spelling and grammatical errors.
•Foam or cardboard display board•May be plain or have color
Tips for preparing your display:•Have an extra display
board!•Lay things out first before gluing on the board
•Always work in pencil first!
Finishing touches•Tablecloth
•Photographs•Drawings•Logbook•Computer •Models
Now you know how to do a science
fair experiment!
That’s all,
Folks!
