Getting Started
STEP 1: Pick a topic
Encourage students to choose something that is interesting to them. Individual and group projects are allowed, so also decide if you will be working alone or with another student. (Please refer to judging information below if you are interested in eligibility for the Regional Science Fair.)
Tips for choosing a topic
- Look in books or on the internet
- Do an experiment to answer a question (Do seeds grow faster in the light or dark?)
- Use observations to answer a question (Why do flowers bloom on one side of the house, but not the other?)
- Invent something new or improve upon something (If you can't build it, just draw it and explain how it would work.)
- Demonstrate or model a scientific principle (Make a model of the solar system or water cycle.)
- Test product claims (Does this soap really get clothes cleaner?)
- Investigate activities, hobbies, or sports (How does temperature affect the way a ball bounces?)
* You are not permitted to grow mold or other things that can be cultured. There can also be no use of flames/fire or dangerous chemicals. If animals or human participants are being used, prior approval is needed. Please refer to the Forms tab to find these.
Tips for choosing a topic
- Look in books or on the internet
- Do an experiment to answer a question (Do seeds grow faster in the light or dark?)
- Use observations to answer a question (Why do flowers bloom on one side of the house, but not the other?)
- Invent something new or improve upon something (If you can't build it, just draw it and explain how it would work.)
- Demonstrate or model a scientific principle (Make a model of the solar system or water cycle.)
- Test product claims (Does this soap really get clothes cleaner?)
- Investigate activities, hobbies, or sports (How does temperature affect the way a ball bounces?)
* You are not permitted to grow mold or other things that can be cultured. There can also be no use of flames/fire or dangerous chemicals. If animals or human participants are being used, prior approval is needed. Please refer to the Forms tab to find these.
STEP 2: Sign Up
Sign up here to sign up to participate in the Laurel Park Science Fair.
STEP 3: Complete Project
Use the scientific method to complete your project (Problem, Hypothesis, Experiment, Conclusion). Use photographs and notes to document the process. (Please refer to the forms tab if you are interested in eligibility for the Regional Science Fair.)
STEP 4: Complete a Display
Use a cardboard, self-standing, tri-fold display board (no more than 3' tall by 4' wide when completely unfolded) to create a visual display of your project. Electricity and running water will not be available for your display at the science fair. Display boards are available from Target, Walmart, Michaels, AC Moore, Staples, Stone's, office supply stores, and some drug stores for less than $5.
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STEP 5: Bring Project to School
Students should bring their projects to school on the designated day for their track. Track 1, 2, and 4 students should bring their projects to their classrooms on November 2. Track 3 students should bring their projects to their classrooms on October 21 or drop them off at school by November 1. They will have an opportunity to present their project to their class prior to it being displayed in the cafeteria for the school wide fair.
STEP 6: Attend Family Night
Invite friends and family to come to Science Fair family night on November 3 to see all of the students' projects including those that will be representing Laurel Park at the Regional Science Fair. There will be a brief meeting for the parents of the students whose projects will be representing Laurel Park at the Regional Fair to discuss and answer questions about the Regional Fair.
Judging Information
Eligibility Criteria
Only projects eligible to move on to the regional science fair will be judged. The eligibility requirements for the regional fair include:
- The project has been completed by three of fewer students within grades 3, 4, and 5.
- The project followed the scientific method and involved experimentation. Demonstration projects are not eligible.
- The project has been completed by three of fewer students within grades 3, 4, and 5.
- The project followed the scientific method and involved experimentation. Demonstration projects are not eligible.
The Judging Process
Science Fair projects will be judged by individuals in the community with a background in science. If you have a science background and would like to volunteer to judge, please go to the Volunteers tab to sign up.