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SCIENCE FAIR 101



Science Fair—two words that often cause anxiety for educators, students, and parents alike. If your child or school is participating in this year's science fair, there's no need to panic! With the right approach, your child and school could bring home the top prize.


It is important to note students are responsible for designing and executing their entire science fair project. Parents should refrain from doing the project for their child. Instead, encourage students to think outside the box when choosing their science fair project, as this can be one of the most challenging aspects. Students should select a topic that genuinely interests them. If you're struggling to find the perfect science fair topic, here are a few ideas to consider.

  • How do laws/policies on deer affect deer populations?
  • What conditions impact productivity while doing homework?
  • How does photo-editing affect perception?
  • How does weather affect mood?
  • How does temperature affect the brewing of tea?
  • Which detergent is best for removing stains?
  • Which paper towel absorbs the fastest?
  • What is the best way to remove wrinkles from fabric?
  • How does temperature impact the activity of ants?
  • How does smell affect taste?


The science fair project should focus on conducting an experiment rather than simply demonstrating a concept. Students should begin by formulating a question and then apply the scientific method to seek an answer. The scientific method is a step-by-step process used to ask and answer scientific questions. Although the origins of the scientific method date back to ancient Greece, Galileo is recognized as the father of this step-by-step process.

  • STEP 1 | ASK A QUESTION
    Good scientific questions are well defined and measurable.
  • STEP 2 | FORM A HYPOTHESIS
    A hypothesis is an educated guess, which can be tested through experimentation.
  • STEP 3 | DESIGN AND PERFORM AN EXPERIMENT
    Good experiments include variables or quantities that can change or vary, taking on different values, which help prove your hypothesis correct or incorrect.
  • STEP 4 | ANALYZE THE RESULTS
    Gather and analyze all data, or information, while performing your experiment, to prove your hypothesis correct or incorrect.
  • STEP 5 | COMMUNICATE THE RESULTS
    Clearly communicate your results.


Judges will use various criteria to evaluate science fair projects, focusing on aspects like creativity and the memorability of the presentation. They might ask the following question.

  • Did the student think like a scientist?
  • Is the science fair topic creative?
  • Did the student use the scientific method?
  • Was the student’s project presented and displayed professionally?
  • Was the presentation and display memorable?

Planning is key! An award-winning science fair project is not created overnight. Realize ahead of time that these projects take patience and time. Good Luck!


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