K-12 Final Check
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K-5 Final Check
Before You Actually Begin
During the Process of Research and Discovery
Once Completed and Developing Your Display
1. Development:
  • Researchable idea
  • Research background info.
  • Develop a “PROBLEM”
  • Develop an “HYPOTHESIS”
  • Develop “PROCEDURES”
  • Check your idea, problem, hypothesis & procedures for SAFETY CONCERNS
  • If needed, Request a SAFETY APPROVAL & SAFETY NUMBER
  • Review your ideas with a mentor
1. Discovery:
  • Begin Trials/Collection/ Observations/Model
  • Collect and record raw data and observations in logbook by date
  • Review data/observation and make adjustments in Independent Variable (IV) as needed.
1. Organize Data & Observations:
  • Using the raw data and observations recorded in your logbook create tables, graphs and charts that will display this information in a way that is understandable to the reader
2. Pre-Discovery Check:
  • Make materials list
  • Review procedures and update as needed
  • Review Safety measures, if required
2. Repeat Discovery:
  • Based on results of previous discoveries, make change in the IV and repeat the discovery process enough times to be certain of data and observations made
  • Continue to collect and record raw data and observations in logbook by date
2. Create your Display:
  • Helpful sections of the display include – background information, problem, hypothesis, procedures, results & conclusion
  • Use photographs in place of actual objects or equipment
  • Color-code various sections
  • Reference your logbook or report for critical information
  • Acknowledge those who advised and assisted you
Things to remember during the entire process:
  1. SAFETY is a number one concern – be sure you have reviewed the Safety Guidelines to make sure your project and procedures are within these guidelines.
  2. A MENTOR is always appropriate – this could be an adult brother/sister, parent, teacher, or professional.
  3. A good science fair project and the related research will help you develop your organizational skills, your study and research skills, develop a positive attitude toward science and, in general, learn to search out answers to questions that are of interest to you, improve your self-esteem by providing an opportunity to display your work before a varied audience, and acquire and develop work-place skills of data collection, organization and computation, note taking and report writing, higher level thinking skills such as summarizing, inference and drawing conclusions based on facts, as well as written and oral presentation skills.
Finally, please remember:
  1. It is important the identity (name(s) or persons recognizable in photographs) of anyone involved in the project NOT be on the display or in the logbook, nor should your school or district name or identity be present.
  2. Display Safety: Food, sharp items, breakables, liquids, powders, animals, body fluids, plants, microbes, inflammables, soils, batteries, electrical hazards or other materials considered hazardous CANNOT be displayed.
  3. Valuables: Items that are valuable or valued by the exhibitor are not to be displayed.