Your guide to creating a easy, cheap, yet successful science fair project! Includes examples!

First, and perhaps most time consuming of all, comes the brainstorming. It is vital that you choose a topic that suits your interests and ability, since you will be spending plenty of time experimenting and writing up your results. Some excellent sites that could lead you directly to the science fair topic of your dreams follow:

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/

http://www.sciencefairadventure.com/

These sites have features where you can chose your interests and get ideas, but I don't suggest copying the suggested ideas verbatim! Take the topics introduced and put your own spin on it! Judges like to see originality just as much as skill and knowledge. Once your interest is in mind, develop a hypothesis in the form of

If (independent variable), then (dependent variable)

For example: If sound effects flower growth, then different types of music will noticeably change the growth over time of different flowers.

Then, do some background research on your topic: define terms, understand general science topics involved and write all of this in a small composition book. This is the beginning of your logbook.

Another great tip is to look and see if your science fair created its own guidebook or guidelines. These could provide rubrics and outlines of the scientific method that the judges prefer, since often the process differs slightly. If not, here is the process I use when performing experiments for science fair projects. This should be used in your logbook, and also on your tri-fold, eventually.

Problem: Usually a question stating what you expect to solve in your results

Research: define terms, concepts, how to use necessary equipment

Hypothesis: If (independent variable), then (dependent variable)

Procedure: A step by step breakdown of every action you make in performing your experiment. Begin each step with a number (1. 2. 3. etc). Be specific, but not tedious (ex. Lift your hand in preparation to strike the match).

Materials/Equipment: No piece of matter is too insignificant: even list the table, or even gravity! Perhaps the science-savvy judges would get a chuckle.

Data: If your experiment permits, use as much numerical data as possible. Charts are the best option for data, as the data is contained and looks professional.

Analysis/Evaluation: Summarize your data in words, then graph the numerical data using Excel or Grapher. Print these to go on the tri-fold, and also to go into your log book.

Conclusion: Was your original question answered? Was your hypothesis correct? Was there any error margin? In paragraph form, answer these questions and include any other information that may be relevant to what you learned from your experiment.

Sources: MLA format and list everything!

These titles should be written neatly in your logbook followed by the necessary information for the topic. I suggest beginning a new page for each title and not using the back sides of the notebook sheets. This is simply to give the judges a lasting impression of neatness. Although they do not award upon neatness, it is human nature to take aesthetics into account.

Take many pictures as you complete your experiment. These definitely draw the eye: the judges want to see exactly what you did! You can also use stock photos, especially to illustrate some of your research. Just remember include the sources in your "sources" section of your tri-fold and logbook.

Once your logbook is completed with your experiment and all of your ideas are thoroughly formulated to perfection, type these up and print them. Make sure these write-ups are double-spaced, in a legible and regular font, and in about 14-16 size font. This can vary depending on the amount of writing you want to fit onto your tri-fold.

Another idea (although completely unnecessary to win) is to get a professional poster printed at Kinkos or another office supply store. In this case, you should get a thick paper or thin cardboard so the poster holds its own shape in the stand. I have been to state science fairs where a professional look like this really stands out.

However, I have had success in simply printing and gluing paper to an Elmer's tri-fold. They are available in several colors, which could also add to your project as long as it is not too bright and distracting. Make sure when you cut the text from the printer paper, the lines are straight and even. Also, I would suggest investing in a can of spray glue: liquid glue makes the paper wrinkly, and glue sticks have trouble staying. If you have any other ideas for adhesives, feel free to leave it in the comments!

As for the tri-fold, I would suggest picking one color and accenting your text with that color construction paper, etc. Too many colors may leave a childish impression, and only black and white might not stand out to the judges. A very simple matting underneath your text in an solid blue or red paper attracts the eye to your impressive experiment results. Also, keep this color in mind when creating your graphs, as you may be able to incorporate this color into the lines or keys of your graphical displays.

The title should go across only the center fold of the tri-fold, in much larger, bold, black lettering. Each title of each step of the scientific method above should also be in a larger font above each text section. These labels can also be purchased at hobby stores, which is beneficial in assuring neatness, but it is possible to be just as neat with your printer and scissors. Also, include any and all graphs and charts you have produced on your tri-fold: these look impressive and will call attention from the judges.

Finally, many science fairs require an abstract or report. Reports are simple: just include all the information from your board and logbook in a typed, bound packet of papers. Give this a nice title page, since it too will be displayed for the judges alongside the tri-fold. An abstract should take little time, as well. Simply summarize your project in its entirety: what inspired you to ask your original question? What did you do in your experiment and what were your goals? What did you find in the results?

Following these guidelines, in conjunction with performing an excellent and original experiment that you have a great interest in should bring you great results in Science Fair judging, as they have for me. Good Luck!