Technology Science fair projects are very competitive and require thorough preparation and commitment. Nonetheless, the joy of doing well in these projects is impossible. Go through these details as they debunk what goes into a good project.
1. Abstract
The first step in the preparation process involves creating the abstract, a shortened version of the science project’s final report. It contains a summary of the critical details of the project.
The abstract is the first page of the final project and is the first page anyone sees. Its length is limited from 200 to 250 words, depending on your tutor’s instructions. It is also the report’s first page. Therefore, it is essential to learn how to write the abstract as the first step in learning how to compile the technology science fair project.
The abstract comprises five crucial parts:
2. Introduction
The introduction is the most critical part of the project. It contains information about the purpose of the project. Typically, the introduction answers the why question in your topic.
It also explains why anyone should care about the topic and why you opted to research it. It should provide insights into how the research affects them and why they should adjust their thinking.
If the research concerns innovation or a new concept, explain how and why you think it is a better way of thinking. Elaborate it while comparing it to pre-existing notions.
When tackling this section, package your information clearly and encourage the reader to review the rest of the document. Since the abstract has a limited length, tackle it without including jargon. Remember, the introduction is a face of how competent you are. It also determines how the reader will perceive the rest of the document.
3. Problem Statement
Like any research paper, the project should include a problem statement. The problem statement clearly states the problem the research or project highlights. It clearly tells the reader what to expect from the hypothesis you were investigating.
There is not much that goes into the problem statement beyond a clear description of the scope of the research and what it entails. Ensure to provide details about the specific problem the research will handle.
4. Procedures
As the name suggests, this section provides details of the approach used during the investigation. It includes information about the investigated variables, the methods used in the investigations compared to other pre-existing findings, and a report of the results.
When tackling this section, be careful not to get too much into detail about the materials used unless they played a crucial role in the research. Instead, focus more on the most critical variable of the study.
5. Results
As suggested by the name, this section contains the findings from the research procedures. It includes data obtained from the experiments and research findings. When tackling this section, provide specific numbers and units to measure the results and conclusions.
This is a critical step that justifies your project. Since it quantifies your findings to prove whether your suggestion or idea is viable, it is essential to be specific when providing your figures. Refrain from using vague terms like many, most, or some.
6. Conclusion
This has to be the most crucial part of your project. The details in your conclusion determine whether your idea will sell the reader. It also expresses how good you were with the whole project.
Steps for Writing a Technology Science Fair Project
Follow these steps when writing your science fair project:
1. A Topic
If your tutor has asked you to choose a topic and base your project on it, consider contacting service providers who allow learners to pay for essay writing. Working with a professional saves you the time you would have spent brainstorming an ideal topic.
If you insist on developing a topic independently, use this criterion to come up with one:
Clarity
Ensure that your project is specific and answers specific questions. Working on a particular topic gives you the mandate to determine the processes and procedures you will use in determining the validity of your suggestion or standpoint.
Some of the phrases you ought to avoid when choosing a specific topic include:
- The best
- Negative effects of
Quantifiable
Another vital tip you should consider when choosing a title is ensuring it is quantifiable. Ensure to pick one whose answers can be answered through the findings from an experiment.
Your experiment should also be specific and entail changed variables. The variables should also be measurable and controllable.
Interesting
The topic of your technology science fair project should be interesting. Remember, the judges will spend hours reviewing multiple projects comprising scientific terms and concepts. Create a soft spot by having an exciting topic that captures their attention.
The only way of knowing your topic is interesting is your attitude when working on it. When preparing for your presentation, ask yourself whether you enjoy listening to the same project.
There are several topics you could explore. Depending on your forte and strengths, consider these fields:
- Life Science
- Earth Science
- Physical science
- Astronomy
- Chemistry
- Environmental science
- Biotechnology
- Geology
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Artificial intelligence
- Ocean Science
Depending on your preference, you can coin a topic through three different methods:
(a). Brainstorming
Consider your interests and strengths and use them to devise a topic. You could discover something new, introduce a new idea or build on a pre-existing notion or idea.
Books and magazines are also resourceful in information regarding potential topics. However, remember to focus on a topic that sparks your interest.
(b). Research
After identifying a potential topic, take time to research. Furnish yourself with information about the subject. Luckily, you can access as much information about a topic as possible with the internet. However, be careful to ensure it is academically credible.
(c) . Restrictions
Before getting into details of what will make up your project, it is essential to review the restrictions of the technology science fair project. The limits will determine the viability and scope of your project. They will also determine whether or not you should proceed with the project.
2. Experiment
Developing the experiment is the second step that follows after developing the hypothesis. You need to factor in these elements of the experiments:
Variables
Identify all the variables you will rely on when quantifying your findings. There are three types of variables:
(a) Independent
An independent variable can change depending on the factors within your control. For instance, you can control how much time a plant is exposed to sunlight in an experiment.
(b) Dependent
A dependent variable is measured depending on the change of the independent variable. For instance, calculating the resulting growth level depends on the hours a plant was exposed to the sun.
(c) Controlled
Controlled variables can be kept constant and not affect the result of the experiment. For instance, the plants in the investigation are in the same soil type and are watered simultaneously.
3. Protocols
Establish procedures you will follow when conducting the experiments. Outline the steps followed during the procedure and the additional guidelines.
There are two types of protocols:
· One with rules for procedures carried out under normal conditions
· One with rules for procedures carried out in unusual circumstances
4. Tests
Perform multiple tests to confirm your hypotheses. This increases the accuracy of your results.
5. Records
Record every observation and measurement. If need be, take pictures to back up your results.
6. Data Analysis
Form your analysis and conclusion based on the results and findings of the experiments and procedures. The data analysis stage also helps form the conclusion by establishing whether the results support your hypothesis. If so, how?
If the results do not support your hypothesis, explain why. In such instances, it does not mean you are wrong. Instead, share insightful details on why you think your experiments failed. It opens room for a conversation about error analysis.
It also invites you to explore the limitations of your experiment. When addressing the limitations, you could also include details about the possible recommendations.
Preparing for Your Technology Science Fair Project
The last part of this wholesome conversation entails unpacking how to prepare for the presentation. If you wish additional hands to help with the process, consider involving service providers who write my essay online. They could help bear this burden.
Meanwhile, these are the key pointers to consider when preparing to present your project:
- Prepare the abstract
- Prepare the Science report
- Prepare your Science notebook
- Prepare your display board
- Collect the display items
- Prepare for your oral presentation by going over the PowerPoint slides
Judging Criteria
If you were wondering what the judges look out for, these are the key areas you ought to polish;
- Creativity
- Scientific thought process
- Clarity
- Skill
- Flow of ideas
Remember to be confident, audible, and specific when presenting your project. Your dress code also matters. Exude a clear state of mind by organizing your ideas during the presentation.
