1. Start early. Good projects take time.
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| 2. Pick a topic that matters and that really interests you. Talk to friends, teachers, and parents about a topic. Visit
the websites on our Links page for ideas, or visit a good bookstore and buy a book of science fair project ideas. |
| 3. Begin with a question about your topic—something you don’t know and want to find out. |
| 4. Discuss your idea with your teacher to be sure it’s a good choice before you begin. Then plan your work carefully.
Decide what materials and equipment you’re likely to need and what procedures you will follow. Develop a hypothesis—an educated guess—to answer the question you’ve posed. |
| 5. Follow the scientific method to investigate your topic and answer your question. Follow it wherever it leads; there are
no “wrong” answers. Prove or disprove your hypothesis. Consult with your teacher whenever you can. |
| 6. Keep a careful record of your work in a notebook. Collect data, write down what you do, describe your methods, draw
diagrams. Make your notebook as complete and as readable as possible. |
| 7. Choose a title for your exhibit that clearly describes your work. Resist the temptation to be clever and “punny.” |
| 8. Prepare an effective exhibit to present your work. Your backboard display must be neat, well organized, well
written, and interesting. Use photos, drawings, data charts, and other visual aids as appropriate. On the table in front of your backboard, place your notebook and other items
used in your project. If judges must operate something, provide clear instructions. |
| 9. Follow all size and safety rules when designing your exhibit. Make certain that neither your photo nor your name appears
anywhere on your exhibit. Pre-register your exhibit before the announced deadline (the earlier the better). |
| 10. Have fun! A good project is one you enjoy doing as well as you can and sharing with others. Not everyone will
win the trophy; but everyone can do a good job, learn a lot, and have fun doing it. |
