Choose a topic which interests you. Narrow a general topic to a specific area of interest and study.

2. GATHER INFORMATION:

Select resources. (Learn about your topic by reading books/magazines, viewing audiovisual materials, visiting and interviewing community resources and "experts".)

Read, view, and listen as much as possible. Take notes and/or make sketches.

Decide on the type of project you will make. This will include one of the following types:

In this type of project, students demonstrate a particular science phenomenon, principle or fact. Observers should be able to operate or manipulate any controls or devices needed for the demonstration.

In a research project, students consult resources (print, non-print, human, community). A scientific area of interest is explored in depth and detail. The findings (new information) are reported in a vivid and interesting way and are to be shared with observers.

Collections are an assembly of items (eg: seashells, birds’ nests, telephone parts, etc...) which show variety and disparity within an area of science. These projects often result from a hobby! Many samples need to be included and organized in an interesting manner.

Students may display some kind of scientific apparatus (ie: microscopes or thermometers, etc...) and describe their use and importance in detail.

A report should be written to accompany this type of project. This report should include a cover, table of contents, written text, and a list of resources (bibliography) which were used by the students. This project should be visually interesting as well as informative for observers. Visual aids could be any of the following: photographs, charts, artwork, diagrams, posters, etc...

Prepare a brief oral presentation about your project before the science fair. Tell about your project in an enthusiastic and well organized way. Think about the questions observers and judges may ask you.