| Winning the science fair isn't supposed to be the | | | | your findings on a chart and graph. Don't leave |
| reason our kids do science projects, but most | | | | anything out! |
| kids really would like to win. Here are four steps | | | | 3. Make an Attractive Science Board. Your |
| to a winning project. | | | | display should be colorful, well organized, and |
| 1. Choose a Science Project That Really Interests | | | | easy to read. Use bold fonts, bullet points, and |
| You. Whether it be electricity or pets, eggs | | | | borders around papers and pictures. Be neat! Use |
| or weather, pick a project that will let your | | | | glue instead of tape, and make sure your cutting |
| enthusiasm shine through. Judges can tell if you | | | | is even. |
| have put your heart into your work, so choose a | | | | 4. Stand Out From the Rest. A cool title will |
| project you really like. You learn more from | | | | attract the attention of judges. One of our boys |
| something that interests you, too! | | | | tested the biodegradability of toilet paper and |
| 2. Know the Science Fair Rules. There are five | | | | called it "A Straight Flush". One girl tested which |
| different kinds of science projects, and you | | | | fruit had the most vitamin C, backed her board |
| must make sure your project is the correct type | | | | with great big pictures of fruit, then used |
| for your school science fair. Most fairs want you | | | | coordinating paper for her information. A boy we |
| to do an experiment, which means your project | | | | know used toy cars in his experiment, and his |
| must follow the scientific method. Don't make the | | | | display included the race track and cars. Include |
| mistake of turning in a demonstration or a | | | | something that makes your project stand out |
| model if these are not allowed. | | | | from all the others in the science fair. |
| You must also make sure that you include each | | | | Want to find more winning hints? Get your a |
| required part of the science project. Almost all | | | | free parent's guide to science projects - at Really, |
| judges want to see a materials list and the steps | | | | getting a ribbon should not be the focus of your |
| you took for your project. You may need a log | | | | project. If you've learned something and had fun, |
| or a journal. Most of the time you'll need | | | | you already have a winning science project. |