Tips for a Winning
Science Fair Project
Choosing a Topic

Investigate
The best projects are the ones that interest
you!
 If you assume you know the answer…you
don’t really have a question.
 Be sure a variable is tested.
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Choosing the Experiment

Consider the
following…
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Materials
Variables (must be a
controlled experiment)
Timeframe
Repeat a minimum of
FIVE times.
Make sure results are
measurable.
Resources

http://www.all-science-fairprojects.com/category0.html

Search the internet for science
experiments related to hobbies/interests.
PURPOSE

Purpose: The reason why the student is
conducting this research and doing this
experiment.

What lead the student to this experiment?
 Noticed
a problem to be solved.
 Great interest in topic.
PROBLEM (Question)

Problem: The question telling what the
student is trying to find out.

EXAMPLE: How does increasing the
incline of a ramp affect the distance a
marble travels?
RESEARCH
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Focus on topic/subtopics
Have similar tests been done before?
Resources
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Encyclopedias
Newspaper/Magazine articles
Books
Internet
***Remember to cite all sources used
Take notes!!
Writing the Research Paper
Take notes during research.
 Organize your notes by similar information
(subtopics) to form paragraphs.
 Make sure you use your own words!
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HYPOTHESIS

Hypothesis: An educated guess about the
outcome of the experiment (before doing the
experiment).

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MUST be written AFTER research and BEFORE the
experiment.
Use information from your research to support your
hypothesis.
Example Hypothesis
If
the incline of a ramp is
greater, then the marble
will roll further. I base
this on…
SUBJECT(S)

Explain what organism, item or parameter
the student is testing. Any matter, living or
nonliving is the subject.

Example: Marble
VARIABLE

Variable: The item that the student
changes purposely.
This is the specific thing being
manipulated/tested.
 Only test 1 variable.
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Example: Incline of ramp
CONTROLS
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Control(s):
The parameters you keep the
same so that the experiment is valid.
The items that do not change during the
experiment that test the hypothesis.
Example:

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Ramp size
Ramp material
Marble
Release point of marble
MATERIALS

Materials:
 A bulleted list of any supplies needed for the
experiment.
 Be sure to include the quantity of any items listed.

Example:
 1 Hot Wheels ramp
 1 marble
 3 Encyclopedias
 Measuring tape
 Tape
PROCEDURES

Procedures: Step by step instructions of how to
perform the experiment.
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detailed so that someone would be able to repeat the
experiment.
Use numbers to list steps beginning with a verb (like
in a recipe).
Do not use pronouns in listing the steps.
It is highly recommended to use the metric
system.
Each experimental trial must be done at least three
times to increase the validity of the results.
Example Procedures:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Place the one end of the ramp at the edge of an
Encyclopedia.
Tape in the ramp in place.
Hold the marble at the top of the ramp and release.
Observe the marble roll down the ramp and record the
distance it travels in cm.
Repeat steps 1-4 2 more times. Calculate the average.
Repeat steps 1-5 with 2 stacked Encyclopedias.
Repeat steps 1-5 with 3 stacked Encyclopedias.
DATA NOTEBOOK

Record your observations of each trial

seeing, hearing, smelling
Include the date and time on each page.
 Use a separate page for each trial.
 Include pictures (illustrations or
photographs)
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Recording Data
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Use the metric
system.
Find the most
appropriate format

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Data table (best to
start with)
Line graph
Bar graph
Make 2 charts/graphs for
the board.
Example Data Table:
# of
Trial 1
Encyclopedias
1
2
3
Trial 2
Trial 3 Average
Conclusion

What was the outcome?
Was the hypothesis supported or rejected?
 Write a complete sentence, restating the
question.
 Explain your answer.
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Application

How does it apply to our lives?
Recommendations
What would you change?
 Ideas for future experimentation.
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The Board
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Follow order in
packet…exactly
Neatness Counts!
Watch Spelling
Make it eye
catching…but don’t
over decorate.
The Written Report
Follow guidelines in packet.
 Different page for each item.
 Include every item in the right order.
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Presentation
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Practice
Be enthusiastic!
Know your
project…every step!
Body language

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Stand straight
Smile
Eye Contact
Be confident
Questions????
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miranda.carpenter@imagineschools.com