The following are tips for presenting your science project at the science fair. If there are any other tips that might be helpful, let us know.
Poster Display
Most students prepare a poster display which highlights the project and demonstrates the use of the Scientific Method. Remember that viewers will be looking at the display from a few feet away, so use appropriate font sizes. Project Title should be on the display, but nothing to identify the student (such as their name or a photo). Photographs of the experiment can be used, with proper credits to the photographer. Student(s) name, grade, and school name should be attached to the back of the display along with appropriate research form(s).
A good resource for what to include on a display is the following website: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_display_board.shtml
PowerPoint (or equivalent) or Word are both good software options for typing up the information for the display. Handwritten displays are fine as long as they are clear and easy to read.
Display
DON’T INCLUDE in your competition display: Any living organisms, including plants or plant material, human or animal food, any chemicals or liquids (water must be sealed), dry ice, sharp objects, pulleys (that will be operated), glass objects, or anything else that is deemed potentially unsafe. These are the main “gotchas”. Details and exceptions can be found at http://www.societyforscience.org/Page.aspx?pid=314#NowAllowed .
Project Data Book and Abstract
The student’s Project Data Book should be available, as should an Abstract of the project. (An abstract is a ½-1 page summary of the problem, experiment, results and conclusions, and CAN be on the poster display.) For this fair you may wish to provide extra copies of your abstract as handouts for the public viewing time.
NO RESEARCH REPORT IS REQUIRED at this level of competition. However, it is recommended for older students as it helps them thoroughly think through their project and results. A research report can be included in the display.
Interview Process
The interview process of the Dayspring/Cary Homeschoolers Science Fair is meant to be a helpful, learning experience for the student. It is helpful to have the student practice explaining their project and its findings in 3 or 4 minutes. Judges will ask questions about the project to try to get a better understanding of the student's understanding of their topic, and the steps they took to test their hypothesis.
Judging Criteria
The following areas are considered by the judges: http://www.societyforscience.org/page.aspx?pid=284.
Creativity and Originality
To what extent does the project show creativity and originality of thinking in terms of: approach to the problem, data collection, data analysis, use of equipment, design and construction? How much of the project design and execution was the student’s own idea?
Project Design and Scientific Method
Was the scientific method adhered to? For example: Did the student consult and cite published sources? Is the problem stated clearly, variables recognized, controls implemented (if applicable)? Do the data support the conclusion? Does the student recognize uncertainly or imperfections in the data? Can the student suggest improvements in the project and/or areas of future research?
Skill and Thoroughness
Does the project show evidence of data collection skills? Did the student build any custom equipment? Was adult assistance appropriately sought but appropriately limited? Were the data recorded and the experiment repeated appropriately? Are the display and written report complete?
Clarity and Presentation
Does the student explain the project clearly? Is the display clear?
Teamwork (if applicable)
Are the tasks and contributions of each team member clearly described? Was each team member fully involved with the project, and familiar with all aspects? Does the final work reflect the coordinated efforts of all members?