The Science and Mathematics Education Center

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington

(910) 962-3168 http://www.uncw.edu/smec/

Science Fair Category Descriptions

1. Biological ScienceStudy human & animal behavior, chemistry of life processes,study of plants, animals, microorganisms, diseases, biotic environment

2. Physical ScienceStudy of nature & composition of matter, theories, principles and lawsgoverning energy and effect of energy on matter

3. Earth ScienceStudy of geology, mineralogy, physiography, oceanography,

meteorology, climatology and astronomy

4. TechnologyProjects that directly apply scientific principles to manufacturingand practical uses

Steps to Prepare a Science Fair Project

1. Select Topic

2. Gather Background Information

3. Follow Scientific Method

4. Run Controlled Experiments and Record Data

5. Use Graphs and Charts

Steps to Prepare a Science Fair Project

6. Construct an Exhibit or Display

7. Write a Short Report

8. Practice Presentation for Judges

Practical Hints for Science Fair Projects

1. Pick topic of personal interested.

2. Get assistance performing & understanding project, but DO the work yourself.

3. Don’t wait to start your project.

4.Complication good project.

Practical Hints for Science Fair Projects

5. Don’t get upset if your experiment(s) demonstrate that your hypothesis is invalid.

6. Sometimes the most interesting science fair project is the one suggested by your first project.

Ways to find a Science Fair Project

1. Look at lists of Science Categories

2. Use your experiences ( I wonder how/what…)

3. Check the school library (books/magazines)

4. Think about current events (newspapers)

5.Watch the commercials on TV (test/dispute their claims)

1. What impression do you want to make (judges/viewers)?

2. Display is your projects advertising. USE SHOWMANSHIP.

3.Colored Items and Pictures Attract Attention

How to Set Up a Science Fair Project

4. Display Board should be professional and follow Fair rules

Top Panel: Header, Scientific Title

Left Panel: Problem, Hypothesis, Abstract

Center Panel: Procedures/Materials, Variables, Control/Constants, Table, Graphs,

Pictures

Right Panel: Results, Conclusion, Application

How to Set Up a Science Fair Project

How to Set Up a Science Fair Project

Left Panel Center Panel Right Panel

PROBLEMSTATEMENT

HYPOTHESIS

ABSTRACT(space holder)

PROCEDURES MATERIALS

VARIABLES CONTROLINDEPENDENT

DEPENDENT CONSTANTS

TABLE GRAPHS

PICTURES

RESULTS

CONCLUSIONS

APPLICATION

HEADERSCIENTIFIC TITLE

Top Panel

1. Displays size 122 cm x 76 cm x 198/274 cm

2. Experimental procedures with animals must obtain approval

3. No animals (live or preserved) allowed at fair

4. No Dangerous items: syringes, bacterial cultures, toxic/flammable chemicals, high voltage

5. Any exhibit that does not follow rules will be Disqualified

Science Fair Rules and Regulations

Science Fair Judging CriteriaJunior/Senior Division

1. Creative Ability (30 points)

Originality of thinking & investigation of an original idea?

 2. Scientific Thought (30 points)

Evidence of well-organized work, use of scientific methods, concepts and

investigations clearly demonstrated?

Science Fair Judging CriteriaJunior/Senior Division

3. Skill & Thoroughness (15 points)

Evidence of careful workmanship, clearly organized. Presentation of the steps taken in conducting the investigation &

presenting results and conclusions?Complete explanation of the principle or process involved?

Science Fair Judging CriteriaJunior/Senior Division

4. Clarity & Dramatic Presentation (10 points)

Presented in an easily understood manner, attractive layout commands the attention of viewers clearly defined and well-labeled display?

 5. Interview (15 points)

Is the student knowledgeable in areas covered by the research?

Forms

Junior Division

NC State Elementary/Junior

Division Form

Forms

Junior Division

All Students Must Write a Research Plan as Listed Below and Have the Plan Approved PRIOR to

BEGINNING the Experiment! This Form and the Research Plan should be submitted to all Fairs!

Forms

Junior Division

If you are working with ANY of the following items, you MUST have a “Qualified Scientist/Adult Sponsor” to

supervise your work and first be approved by a local SRC Committee: Non-Human vertebrate animals, Bacteria,

Human/Animal Tissue, Recombinant DNA, Pathogens, Human Subjects, Controlled Substances, Hazardous

Substances or Hazardous Devices. You must also use the ISEF Rules Wizard at

http://www.sciserv.org/isef/students/wizard/index.asp to determine other forms that may be required for your research

and if approval is needed before beginning the experiment!

Forms

Junior Division

Exempt studies – do not require IRB review nor human subjects forms

Product testing of a student invention, program, concept, etc.

No health hazards No personal data collected Feedback directly related to product

Studies using pre-existing, publicly available human data

Forms

Junior Division

Additional exempt studies Behavioral observations in unrestricted public settings

No interaction No manipulation of environment No recording of any personal identifiers

Studies using certified de-identified/ anonymous data

Forms

Junior DivisionInformed Consent

• As required by IRB

• Participants under 18 years of age

• Parents of participants under 18 years

of age

• Subjects 18 years or older

Other Possible Forms

• Vertebrate Animal Form (5B) – ALL research involving animals

• Potentially Hazardous Biological Agent Risk (6A)

• Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form (6B)

• Continuation Projects Form (7)