Step 1 - COMING UP WITH IDEAS
One of the easiest ways of thinking up ideas is to find a general topic that you enjoy or have an interest in and start brainstorming for ideas. Come up with lots of ideas first. This can be done by jotting down everything you can think of that relates to your broad topic, any questions that you would like answered and highlighting anything that interests you about it.
If you are still stuck on ideas there are many resources available that can assist you in finding a science fair idea. Use your teachers, library books, relevant news or the internet but remember - your science fair work must be your own!
Some websites that might give you ideas:
http://www.projects.org.nz 
Before choosing an idea from your brainstorm, you need to be aware of three different categories that your ideas should fall into:
1. Experimental Research: a project that involves a controlled experiment, e.g. the battery of which brand lasts the longest.
2. Technology Development: this is where your idea involves creating or designing something to help people or make life easier, e.g. inventing a new, more user-friendly mailbox.
3. Research to increase knowledge for environmental or social systems: this is where your idea is tested by gathering and analysing data instead of using controlled experiments, such as doing a survey.
When looking at your ideas ask yourself:
1. Does my idea fall into one of the three categories?
2. Can I design a method that is feasible?
3. Can I finish the project within a few months, in order to meet the deadline?
4. If I have to buy equipment to do the project, will it be cheap?
5. Is the project appropriate to my year level?
6. Do I really enoy finding out the answer or the solution?
When you can answer 'yes' to all six questions and are satisfied with the idea, then use that as the topic of your project.
What can I enter?:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/32348171
Scientific Wall Chart:
http://www.scribd.com/full/32356969?access_key=key-zfj86p8x4t3exjnyj27
Scientific Photography:
http://www.scribd.com/full/32357353?access_key=key-1dhha1jf78sy05lq92kb
Inventions and Technical Innovations:
http://www.scribd.com/full/32357555?access_key=key-1ua3xc2ztvsx02ufq1wv
KEEP A LOG BOOK - this is very important!A log book will be needed for all full exhibits, including the inventions and technical innovations category. (It is not needed for the wall chart, or photography category). This is like a diary where you can record everything you do from the day you choose your project to the day you present your exhibit for marking. Include all of your ideas and attempts (even failed ones), methods, raw data, calculations, problems you encountered, help you received, tentative conclusions, etc. A simple school exercise does the job fine. Remember to date every entry as well.
In the photo to the left, the log book will be the black-and-white speckled exercise book placed on the table.
Step 3 - THE DESIGN PROCESS
Step 3 - THE DESIGN PROCESS
Scientific Investigation
Technology Development
The Research Process
Step 4 - Presentation
This is a very important step as your entry can only be judged on the information you communicate - so communication is very important.
To give you an idea of how to start, have a look at the board below and see how different sections are typically arranged:
MAKE SURE:
• Your display is free standing and robust
• Your display is eye catching
• Your display is free standing and robust
• There are no spelling mistakes or errors
• Nobody will be offended by any of the content.
• Any graphics are relevant
• The information is clear and easy to read.
• All extra material/models/support information must fit inside your display area. Oversized entries will not be accepted unless you have written permission from the science fair organisers.
• Please check safety rules for any that may apply to your exhibit.
Judging Criteria
It’s a good idea to look at your project carefully along side the judging criteria and look to improve any areas you feel you might not have covered strongly.
Judging Criteria
Marking
See below for the marking schedules your teacher will use to evaluate your Science Fair project.
Full Exhibit Marking Schedule
Inventions and Technical Innovations Marking Schedule
Scientific Wall Chart Marking Schedule
The Research Process
Step 4 - Presentation
This is a very important step as your entry can only be judged on the information you communicate - so communication is very important.
To give you an idea of how to start, have a look at the board below and see how different sections are typically arranged:
• Your display is free standing and robust
• Your display is eye catching
• Your display is free standing and robust
• There are no spelling mistakes or errors
• Nobody will be offended by any of the content.
• Any graphics are relevant
• The information is clear and easy to read.
• All extra material/models/support information must fit inside your display area. Oversized entries will not be accepted unless you have written permission from the science fair organisers.
• Please check safety rules for any that may apply to your exhibit.
Judging Criteria
It’s a good idea to look at your project carefully along side the judging criteria and look to improve any areas you feel you might not have covered strongly.
Judging Criteria
Marking
See below for the marking schedules your teacher will use to evaluate your Science Fair project.
Full Exhibit Marking Schedule
Inventions and Technical Innovations Marking Schedule
Scientific Wall Chart Marking Schedule
