Will Your Display Ruin your Science Fair Project?

July 22, 2009 - PRLog -- Science fair judges will rate the experiment according to four different categories and the total possible score is 60 points.  The four categories that will be judged are:  The scientific method used, the scientific knowledge demonstrated, the project’s presentation and the creativity of the project.  Mr. Watson explained the overall scoring will be a 4 for a superior experiment, a 3 for an above average project, 2 for an average attempt, 1 for below average and 0 for a project that results in no evidence.

“The science fair project guidelines can be different for each project,” warns Mr. Watson.  

“Make sure you read the rules thoroughly before starting the project as you wouldn’t want to be unnecessarily disqualified due to a small technical error.”  The various guidelines can provide instructions as to the topic, the experimental techniques allowed and the final presentation of the project.

The final arrangement of the results could make or break the project!  Mr. Watson mentions that it is a good idea to prominently display the title of your work.  It should be clearly visible from at least three feet away so that interested viewers can immediately see what your display is about.

According to Mr. Watson, there are certain things that could ruin the display and result in lower points for the project:

•   Spread out the information evenly without leaving any big empty spaces
•   Electrical wires should not be hanging in front of the display
•   Use stencils or computer printed letters – do not hand-print the titles or headings
•   No spelling mistakes or errors in written formulas should be present
•   Your table in front of the board display should not be empty.  Use it for any additional reports or models you may have.

Students who have been involved in science fairs offered some advice.  Kyle, in grade 7, said:  “Use images and graphs to illustrate your work and results.”  Sravya from Gainesville suggested:  “Present your data in a concise manner giving only important information.  Make sure the project board is legible and simple.”  Alison, in grade 8 advises:  “Make sure your display board is not too tall, making the information on the top difficult to read.”

Robert Watson also made the point that students should be able to confidently talk about their science fair projects to viewers and judges.  “The project details should not be memorized, the student should have a broad understanding of the facts relating to the project,” said Mr. Watson.  Alexis from New York hits the mark when she says:  “Practice your speech a lot so you won’t get tongue-tied in front of the judges!”

Participants in science fairs should concentrate on learning more and having fun, rather than just winning.  There is so much more to enjoy from the wonders of science.

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