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)
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