Project requirements:
1.Each project should have a completed entry form.
2.Safety: All projects must be durable and safe.Moveable parts should be firmly attached. Live animals, dangerous chemicals, open flames, projectiles, explosives, and anything potentially dangerousmaynot be displayed. This is district policy. You can bring in videos or pictures of these if they were in your project.
3. Any project that is deemed unsafe or inhumane will not be displayed; this will be determined by the Science Fair committee.
4. Free-standing, tri-fold display boards will be provided by the Ben Franklin PTA at no cost to students. Participants are required to use these boards unless otherwise approved by their teacher. One board per student please.
5.Aside from the display boards, participants must provide their own materials. Running water, drainage, gas, or compressed air will notbe provided.
6. Electrical outlets cannot be guaranteed. Access will be on a first come first served basis. You must provide your own extension cord.
7.Clean up: Students are responsible for taking their displays home with them when they leave the fair, and for leavingtheir space neat and clean. Participants with liquid in their experiments must bring paper towels to clean up after themselves.
8.Projects must be the work of the individual students. Adult support is encouraged; however, the project should clearly reflect the student’s own efforts. Students will be permitted to work with a partner also attending Ben Franklin Elementary.
9.Each project should be displayed with a summary of the research and project. Each participant should provide a bibliography with a list of references used.
10.Students must include their name and teacher’s name on the back of their display board.
All displays must be set up on the day of the event. Early set up will be between the hours of 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with teacher permission. All other displays may be set up beginning at 5:30 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Prasidha Raja ().
Science Fair Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Q: Can a student work with another student on a project?
A: Yes, team projects are allowed. Each participant will receive a certificate.
Q: Where can we get information for project ideas?
A: See the section titled Science Fair Project Resources forkid-friendly, non-commercial, elementary level online resources. The school library also has an excellent collection of science books; please visit the library during recess.
Q: What should the final project look like?
A: Refer to the section titled “The Display” for details on presenting your project.
Q: Where/how do I set up?
A: All set up will take place on the day of the event. Early set up will be between the hours of 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with teacher permission. Students that do not participate in early set up can begin setting projects up at 5:30 p.m. Students will place their PTA-provided tri-fold display boards back to back on the tables to use space most efficiently. Other project items can be placed on the table in front of the board. If you requested electricity, look for a reserved spot with an outlet. If you do not need electricity, please do not set up at these spots. Displays may be marked “hands on” or “hands off.”
Q: Do I have to stay with my science fair project all the time?
A: Students aren’t expected to stay at their projects the whole time, but they will want to spend some extended periods there to answer questions and demonstrate. We encourage all young scientists to check out other projects.
Q: Are projects judged?
A: No. Every student who participates is considered a “winner” because he/she has learned about a science topic and shared it with the Franklin community. Participants will receive a certificate in their classroom following the fair.
Science Fair Project Resources
Websites
Science Buddies – free science fair project ideas and resources (including topic selection wizard):
The Internet Public Library2 for Kids – a science fair project resource guide:
Science Fair Central – a comprehensive guide to science fair projects:
Science Fair Information – lots of good step-by-step advice and links to other good sites:
PBS Zoom – fun science activities:
Science Online – science-oriented diagrams, experiments and more:
A King County library card is required to access this site.
The LWSD Elementary School Databases – great resources for student science research at home or in the school library: These sites will requireusernames and passwords as follows:
Site / User Name / PasswordPebblego / lwsd414 / lwsd414
Britannica / lakewashington / eb
Sirs Discoverer / lakewashsd / bigchalk
Ben Franklin Elementary LibraryPlease visit the library duringthe recess to do your research.Ms. Clawson can help you find books or online resources you may need.
King County Public LibraryLots of science fair books and helpful librarians.
Science Fair Display
Material adapted from Science Fair Central website ( andJanice VanCleave's Guide to the Best Science Fair Projects, Janice VanCleave (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,1997).
The display shows all of your work on the project. It typically includes a display board with a description of your project, your science journal, and any models, samples, photographs or other related items.
A free-standing,tri-fold display board will be provided for student use by the Franklin PTA at no cost to students. Rather than writing directly on the board it is better to use letters cut out from construction paper or to print out information and attach it to the board with a glue stick. Use large print for your title and headings so they can be read easily.
The typical headings for a display board are: Problem/Question, Hypothesis, Experiment (Materials and Procedures), Data, Results, Conclusion, and Next Time. Include each step of the scientific process:
Purpose: State the problem.
Research: Find out about the topic.
Hypothesis: Predict the outcome of the problem.
Experiment: Develop a procedure to test your hypothesis.
Analysis: Record the results of your experiment.
Conclusion: Compare your hypothesis to the experiment’s results.
A picture is worth a thousand words! Show your creativity by using photos or drawingpictures to present non-numerical data, explain your results, or show the set –up of yourexperiment.
Position your projecttitle at the top and center. Experiment with arrangements of your text before you attach them. Put your name somewhere on the front of your display—you deserve credit for all of your hard work!Also put your name and your teacher’s name on the back. Below is an example of a good display from Janice VanCleave.