How to do a Science Fair Project
So, you’ve decided to do a science project and you don’t know where to begin. A
science experiment is nothing more than a way to solve a problem. These pages
have been created to give you some ideas and resources, show you how to start,
and take you step by step through the scientific process.
Where to Begin?
1) Choose a Specific Topic of Real Interest to You
Topics might include electricity, weather, plants, animals, light, bridges, etc.
2) Read, and Research Your Topic
Read about your topic. A visit to the library is a wonderful place to start. Other helpful resources
might include a magazine, book, encyclopedia, brochure, letter, interview, TV show, and/or
newspaper article.
The Internet is also a wonderful way to find ideas. Simply type “Science Fair Projects” into your
search engine for a wealth of sites.
3) Question
Find a problem or question that you don’t already know the answer to. For example, the
question, “Do plants need water to grow?” would not be acceptable, because you already know the
answer to this question.
It is important to choose a problem that you can actually solve. For example, the effect of weather
conditions on earthquakes or the effect of a particular medicine on stomach cancer cells will not be
a project you can do at home. It is also important not to ask a question that can be answered by a
simple "yes" or "no" answer. For example, it would be better to ask, "How do different types of
fertilizer affect plant growth?" rather than "Will fertilizer help a plant grow?"
Make sure your question or problem includes a manipulated (or changed) variable and a
responding (or dependent) variable. For example, in the question “How does listening to different
types of music affect students’ math performance?” the manipulated variable is different types of
music and the responding variable is math performance.
The following format is excellent for science fair questions. In this way, both manipulated
and responding variables will be present.
How does _______ affect _______?
Title
Your title should be appropriate, creative and attention grabbing.
5) Prediction
This is the part of the experiment where you make a guess as to what you think will happen. It
shouldn’t be a wild guess, but an educated guess. This means you should use your own
observations and research to find out what others have observed before you decide what you think
will happen.
Begin your prediction with the words, "I believe…” or “I think…” Use a complete sentence and
include both the manipulated and responding variable. State very specifically what you think will
happen in your experiment and then explain WHY.
For example “How does the chewing time affect the mass lost by chewing gum?”
Good prediction: “I predict that the longer you chew the gum the more sugar is dissolved (lost)
therefore affecting the overall mass of the gum.”
Incomplete prediction: “I think the longer the gum is chewed the less mass it will have.” (Student
did not state why)
In summary, a good prediction will include:
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Answer the question
Begin with “I believe” or “I think”
Use a complete sentence
Include the manipulated (changed) variable
Include the responding (dependent) variable
State why
Remember, it is O.K. if your hypothesis ends out being wrong! This is how many of our most
important scientific discoveries have been made. The only wrong prediction is one that isn't
made.
6) Materials
This is just a list of what you need to complete your experiment. Be sure to write it in list form (like
your mom’s grocery list) and include quantities.
7) Procedure
This is like a recipe with step by step instructions for what you will do to test your prediction. It
should be so thorough that even a person, who knows nothing about science, could duplicate the
experiment. It is best to put your steps in numbered order.
Good procedures will include the following:
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Logical steps – anyone could duplicate the experiment
Repeated trials – More than one trial is planned
Record Measurements – Tells how data will be recorded
8) Data
This is the part where you tell what happened in your experiment. The most effective method of
presenting the data is in a clear, accurate and visually appealing way.
Your Data will include one or more of the following:
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Charts
Tables
Photographs
Graphs
Be sure to title and or label each chart, table, graph or photograph.
Also include:
 One paragraph describing the chart, table, graph or photo. It is important to just “give the
facts.” Don’t evaluate.
9) Conclusion
This is the part of the project where you analyze your results. You should have two short
paragraphs including the following:
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Did you prove or disprove your hypothesis?
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Last, you will critique your own project techniques, including the experimental
design itself and suggest future improvements and/or questions for further work.
For example, you might begin with, “For my next project, I will…”
10) Variables
Include a list of all three variables used in your experiment:
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One Manipulating Variable (what did you change?)
One Responding Variable (dependent)
All Controlled Variables (those that stayed the same)
11) Display Boards
Purchase or make a display board and neatly display your project. Display boards will be available
from the PTA for $1.00
These nine steps must be visually displayed on your board:
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Your Name, Grade, Teacher, School, Date
Title (creative, and catchy)
Question (or problem to be solved)
Prediction (what you think the answer will be; an educated
guess)
Materials (like the ingredient list for a recipe)
Procedure (how to do your experiment)
Variables (list the manipulating, control, and responding
variables)
Data (your observations, what happened during the experiment)
Conclusions (the answer to your original question)
*****Get The Approval of Your Teacher Before You Begin!!!*****
12) Presentation to Judges
You will answer questions and explain your project to a judge during the morning of the Science
Fair. Be ready to explain your experiment. HAVE FUN!!!