6-12 Getting Started!

1. Date of the Science Fair - Find out from your teacher when the date of the
   Science Fair is at your school.
2. Choose a topic
   1. In the Science Fair, there are 5 basic project types:
      • A Collection – a group of objects or results that form some type of pattern
      • The Experiment – a problem that is investigated by performing a series of tests in which one thing is changed each time and all other things remain the same from test to test.
      • The Invention – a new way of making something or performing an action
      • The Model – a scaled down replication of a device or product.
      • The Observation – a series of events that you watch and try to explain and find common connections or occurrences
   2. Gather Information - Begin gathering information about the idea, information that will give you a good understanding so that you become an “expert” about your topic. In other words…you become a detective and your idea becomes your case!
   3. Research Plan
      • Write out a research plan, a “word map” or “outline” that includes:
        • what you are intending to do—your problem and hypothesis,
        • the steps involved—your process and materials list,
        • what you think might happen—your pre-research conclusion, and
        • what safety measures you will employ.