Here's some step by step suggestions and a few helpful websites.
http://www.scifair.org/dr.shawnsideabank.html
SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT EXAMPLE: If I wanted to determine which brand of paper towels is the most absorbant, I would. . .(all my examples are about this project). The actual Scientific Method words are in RED, be sure to correctly list them in your final project.
SELECT A TOPIC-PURPOSE: Remember that a Science Fair Project is a test you do to find an answer to a question. What would you like to find out? It’s not just showing what you know about something. EX: Which brand of paper towels is the most absorbant?
RESEARCH: Find out as much as you can about your topic. Use the library. Search the internet (safely, of course), interview people, and be sure to take notes about what you've learned.
FORM A HYPOTHESIS: Hypothesis? What's that? Actually, it's a good thing. . .based on your research, you get to guess the answer to your original question. . .Which paper towel brand is the most absorbent? Hmmmm, after gathering information, I think Gala paper towels are the most absorbent.
MATERIALS NEEDED: It is important to list all the materials you will need in order to carry out the experiments. This will help in organization and planning. EX: 5 (different brands) of paper towels, plastic tub, measuring cup, water.
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES: That types of experiments will you have to do in order to solve your problem? Be sure to take or draw pictures of your experiments or trial runs. EX: I took a picture and wrote a brief description each time I measured the amount of water each brand of paper towel absorbed.
ANALYSIS: Carefully look at all your results. What was your final outcom?. Use graphs and charts that show your data, and be sure to explain them!
CONCLUSION: What was the answer to the question in your problem? Was your hypothesis correct or incorrect? Be sure you explain the results of your experiments.
In addition to the above procedures, you also need to include in your project a list of definitions and references used.
DEFINITIONS: Write down key words and meanings from your problem statement. You should have at least 4 or 5 key words with their definitions. EX: Absorbant-to take in or assimilate a liquid.
REFERENCES: Make sure you tell us which reference books, resource people, articles, and internet sites you used with your project.
Now that you've completed this whole project, you are ready to put it together on a display board. Make it attractive and eye-catching. You want to pull the judges toward your project. Remember: Post all your results neatly on a display board. Nothing else can be entered or brought to school. Even if you used these items in your experiments, please leave batteries, liquids, wires, dishes, etc. at home. You only bring the written results/pictures/graphs to school (displayed on your project board). DO NOT put your name anywhere on the board. I will take care of that when you bring in your project.
Here's an example of a completed Science Fair project involving pumpkins. Notice that all the "required" steps are posted, along with graphs & pictures. Also, notice that it's neat and well layed out on the project board.
Have fun doing this and I'll see you at the fair (January, 2011 ) ! 