Elementary Science Fair
Projects
The Steps for a Successful
Science Fair Project
The Scientific Method
You should always follow the 9 steps
of the scientific method when doing a
science project to be successful.
Step 1 – Select a Topic
A. Student
What is my interest?
Selected Topic
B. Parent
Will I be able to help?
C. Teacher
Is the project on level?
Step 1A: Select a Topic - Student
 What are my interests?
 What would I like to learn about?
 Do I have a question about something?
 Where to look for topics?
Science Fair books
Internet
Teacher
 Does my project meet the rule requirements?
Step 1B: Select Topic - Parent
 Should I help with the selected topic?
 Does the selected project meet the rule requirements?
 Do we have the needed materials for the project or know
where to purchase or borrow?
 Do we have a timeline for the experiment to be done on
time?
 Is my child meeting the deadlines of the teacher?
 How should I help to put the research paper and display
board together?
Step 1 C: Select Topic - Teacher
Is the project at the student’s ability level?
Does the project meet the rule
requirements?
Is there parent approval?
What is the timeline for each step?
Locate needed resources for students.
Are the students meeting the timelines?
Data/Project Log - REQUIRED
The log starts on the date you select and it
is approved by the teacher
Each new entry must be dated
This log is HANDWRITTEN – not typed
ALL observations and measurements are to
be recorded
Remember all measurements are metric
Step 2 Identify the Problem
This is a sentence or question about the
problem.
Example: What type of container will
keep my soda cooler longer?
Or I would like to compare the
temperature of a glass bottle of soda to a
can of soda.
Step 3 Collect Background
Information
BOOKS:
Encyclopedias
Topic Books
Magazines/Newspapers
RESEARCH about Project
Media Center
Minimum of 5 references
INTERNET:
Websites
Search by Topic
CD ROM:
Grolier
Compton
Research Notebook - REQUIRED
 Must be written in your own words. Do not just
print the pages from the computer.
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Research your topic in books and online
Make notes as you do the research
Paraphrase what you read in your OWN words
Research paper may be typed or handwritten
You are to have a minimum of five sources
Must list your sources in the bibliography in the
correct format
Step 4 Form a Hypothesis
 A hypothesis is a statement of what you believe
will happen in the experiment. This statement is
based on the research you have done.
 Do not start with “I think.”
Examples: “The can will keep the soda cooler
longer than the plastic or glass bottle.” OR
“If soda is placed in can, then the soda will stay
cooler longer than in plastic or glass.”
Step 5 Design an Experiment
 Materials List:
All materials needed
to conduct the
experiment:
Paper
Pencil
Ruler
Measuring cup
Etc.
 Procedure:
The procedure is a step
by step set of directions
on how to do the
experiment. Remember
to use are metrics.
Step 1 – gather all materials
Step 2 – explain how to set up
experiment
Etc.
Step 6 During Experiment
Observe:
Watch
Look
During the
Experiment
Record:
Notes
Journal/Log
Results
Analyze Data:
What have I
learned from
the results?
Step 7 Repeat the Experiment
The experiment is to be repeated
at least 3 times.
This is done in order to prove the
results as true.
Step 8 Drawing A Conclusion
This is a sentence or sentences that state
what did happen during the experiment.
What did you learn from the experiment?
Example: The can kept the soda cooler
longer than the glass bottle.
Step 9 Application
What could the results be used for?
How could I use the knowledge I have
gained from the experiment?
How will I use what I have learned?
How could others use the information I
have gained from the experiment?
The Display Board
Title/
Question
Hypothesis
Graphs
Data/
Results
Charts
Conclusion
Pictures
Application
Procedure
*Abstract
Optional
Notebook and Log
Required
2006 - 2007 Websites
1) Science Fair Center www.sciencefaircenter.com/science_fair_planning.tpl?cart=11249928173913392#1
2) Science Fair Center for nonscientist parents –
www.sciencefaircenter.com/science_fair_basics.tpl?cart=11249928173913392
3) What Makes a Good Science Fair Project? www.usc.edu/CSSF/Resources/Good_Project.html
4) Discovery School .com – http://.school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/
5) Elementary Projects (Grades 4 - 6) - http://www.cdli.ca/sciencefairs/elem.html
6) Science Projects 13.01 http://members.ozemail.com.au/%7Emacinnis/scifun/projects.htm#N42
7)
IPL – Science Fair Resource Guide - www.ipl.org/youth/projectguide/
8) Successful Science Fair Projects - http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html
9) Science Fair Prep - www.cyberbee.com/science/prep.html
10) Steps To Prepare A Science Fair Project(Cyber Fair) www.isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/cf/steps.html
11) Science Fair Ideas – USGS – www.earthquake.usgs.gov/4kids/sciencefair.html
12) Yahoo – Ask Earl - http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/content/ask_earl/20020123.html
13) Agricultural Ideas for Science Fair Projects http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/fair/ideasframe.htm
14) Lycos Search http://search.lycos.com/?src=sf&loc=sem&query=science+fair+project+ideas&nlubid=1
15) Science Fair Resource Center - http://www.hallbar.com/sciencecenter.html
16) Science Fair Links - http://www.rcs.k12.va.us/csjh/sciencefair.htm
Good Luck
You are able to be successful!