Elementary school
Guidelines
WHAT IS SCIENCE FAIR?
Ignite your curiosity by exploring your immediate world with your science fair research. Look for research questions in your own backyard and have fun exploring new scientific horizons!
Elementary School Students can expect:
• To learn about the Scientific Method!
• Fun & Messy Projects!
• Hands-On Exploration of new Scientific Horizons!
Individual projects are allowed. However, we encourage students at this level to participate with their friends or classmates.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
There should be 3 main pieces of your project:
• A Tri-Fold Display Board
• A Scientific Journal
• A Binder with the Required Forms
(Interviews are optional, but highly encouraged, for elementary students.)
DISPLAY BOARD GUIDELINES
Below is an interactive example of a display board layout.
Click on each section to find out more!
• What You Did
• HOW YOU DID IT
• WHAT Happened
The display of your project is crucial
because it lets judges know:
Physical Projects – presented on a trifold cardboard or printed foam-board no larger than 30” wide, 48” deep and 108” tall.
Your presentation should be clear, easy to read, and pleasing to look at. Font size should be 20pt minimum. Use bullet points so that it is straightforward to read; include photos and illustrations of methods.
JOURNAL GUIDELINES
The journal is like your project diary. It is a window into all of your hard work!
Journal pages should show your process from start to finish. Possible journal entries may include:
An ideas brainstorm page to show other research questions you considered.
Variations of your research question and hypothesis (draft ideas).
Background Research – bullet points of facts you gather.
Drafts of materials and methods you plan to use.
Raw data from your tests.
Sketches & Diagrams of experiment setup.
Explanations of how you adapted and overcame unexpected issues in your design and testing process.
Journals must be handwritten in pencil. For this age level, students may be assisted with writing by an adult.
INTERVIEW GUIDELINES
AN INTERVIEW IS YOUR CHANCE TO Explain your project to a judge!
There are several key factors that contribute to a successful interview:
Dress the part! - Wear a nice blouse or collared shirt, slacks, skirt, or dress
Know Your Project - Be prepared to explain your board in detail. Remember, the judges have never seen your research!
Be Passionate – This is your time to show how passionate you are about your research and explain why it matters!
Be Confident – It’s okay if you don’t know the answer, but speak confidently, maintain good eye contact, and use gestures to explain your board.
These are some general guidelines but be sure to consult the checklist for more detailed instructions!
Science Fair
Project Checklist
SPECIFICALLY FOR SCIENCE PROJECTS. NOT ENGINEERING PROJECTS.