How Do You Prepared Your Project?
HOW DO YOU PREPARE YOUR PROJECT?
1. Research your topic. Spend time in a library, with textbooks, on the internet or talking with people who are knowledgeable about your topic. Gather lots of information and learn what other people have found out about the subject.
2. Make a Hypothesis. Based on what you know and have found out about your topic, predict what you think the answer to your question will be. What do you expect to happen? Write down your prediction and your reasons for these expectations.
3. Write down your Procedure. This is a detailed list of the steps and methodology you will follow, the measurements and observations you will make and the controls you will use. Identify each variable to be tested and include all safety precautions you will take. This step is what the judges are really looking for.
What is a control? This is a sample used in your experiment to provide a comparison. For example, if you chose the example of the effect of waxing a snowboard, then your control would be an unwaxed snowboard.
What is a variable? This is a condition you will change in your experiment to observe and measure the effect of changing it. Stick to one or just a few variables. For example, the brand of snowboard wax or how much wax you put on are variables.
4. Assemble your Materials. Make a list of all the equipment and supplies you will need to carry out your experiment. Sketches and diagrams can be extremely helpful at this stage.
Many of the items on your list will be available at EfstonScience. This is the best time to bring your list to our store. Our staff can help you gather the items you require or suggest convenient sources for items we do not usually carry.
Click here to download a printable PDF (1.1mb) of this Science Fair Project Guide.