1. Abstract
A copy of the one-page abstract must accompany the exhibit. It should be
placed on the table in front of the board and should be easily visible to
anyone looking at the exhibit. This gives judges and visitors a quick overview
of the project. Do NOT put the abstract on the display board itself.
2. Title
A display board title may state the specific independent and dependent
variables being investigated or may be worded creatively to capture the
readers' interest.
3. Statement of the Problem
Because of limited space, students will not be able to provide detailed
background information. It is sufficient to indicate the rationale, purpose
and hypothesis for the study.
4. Procedure
The procedure (methods-materials) may be displayed as a list or written
in paragraph form. Because of limited space, be brief. Photographs and
diagrams of the experimental set up can also be used to help effectively
communicate your methods.
5. Results
Sufficient data tables and graphs should be displayed so that the findings
and the extent to which the data supports the research hypotheses will
be made clear. There is not enough room to permit the inclusion of numerous
tables and graphs or a lengthy discussion of the results. Photographs
or diagrams of experimental results are very effective. Brief caption
sentences summarizing the data could accompany the diagrams and graphs.
Supplementary data tables and graphs may be placed
in the written report. The report should be placed in a notebook or folder
that accompanies the exhibit. The student may then refer to these tables
and graphs when making his/her oral presentation to the judges.
6. Conclusion
In the conclusion section of a science fair display, the student summarizes
major findings and the extent to which the results support the research
hypotheses. Findings must be written concisely in paragraph form or as
a list. A brief explanation of findings is also appropriate as part of
the conclusion. Display space will not permit a lengthy discussion of
results as in a written report, nor are people likely to read it. Major
recommendations for additional research and improvements may be cited
if space permits.
7. Project Book
The full written report of the project, including raw data, data tables
and other appendixes, should be included in a folder or notebook and placed
on the table in front of the display. This should be done on the day of
set-up so that the judges can see it when they preview the projects.
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