Successful Science Fair Projects (continued)

Check to see if your science fair has any special rules to guide your display. For example, are there rules about the size of your display? Ideally, choose a display board that is cardboard and a "tri-fold," meaning that it folds into a middle and two side sections. This shape is the most stable and will stand up in the science fair display. These boards can be ordered from supply companies and are also usually available at stores like Office Depot. Check and see if your school has some from last year that can be re-used. This is good for the environment and for your pocketbook! I strongly advise against the flimsier posterboard, which tends to fall down easily and irritates teachers and judges. Also avoid wood backboards, which are VERY difficult to transport!

Once you have written or typed up all of the above sections, be sure you have TITLES for each section that are large and legible (I'd suggest 24 point or so on the computer). That way if people have questions about some part of your project, they can go right to the section they need to answer their question. Arrange the sections of the report on the board in a way that is attractive and also logical. The purpose and hypothesis should be easy to see right away. An art teacher can give you some good suggestions about how to use paper of different colors to draw attention to parts of the report and make it look terrific!

Other Science Fair Web Sites

• Fun Science Fair Projects That Capture Kids Attention
• Biology Science Fair Project Ideas
• Crystal Clear Science Fair Projects
• Science Fairs - American Psychological Association
• Conducting Psychological Research for Science Fairs - Excellent guide!
• Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
• Future Scientists and Engineers of America
• Science Buddies
• Science Fairs
• Do Science
• Science Fair Preparation
• Science Fair Project Guide - IPL
• Science Fair Project Ideas
• Super Science Fair Projects
• Ultimate Science Fair Resource
• Steps to Prepare a Science Fair Project