How to Plan a Science Fair Project

A step-by-step guide to choosing a question, running an experiment, and presenting your results for a school science fair.

1. Pick a question you care about. Think about things you are curious about. Instead of asking 'how does a plant grow,' try asking 'does the color of light change how fast a bean plant grows?' Write your question down in your notebook.
2. Make a prediction. Before you start, guess what you think will happen. This is your hypothesis. It doesn't matter if you end up being wrong; the point is to test your idea.
3. Design your test. List the steps you will take to test your question. Make sure you only change one thing at a time, called the variable, to keep your results fair. Ask a grown-up to check your plan before you begin.
4. Gather data. Run your experiment and write down everything you see. Use a chart or a table to keep your numbers organized. Take photos of your setup so you can show what you did.
5. Create your display. Use your poster board to show your question, your prediction, your steps, and your final result. Use clear headings and include your photos to make it easy to read.