Science Fair Planning Tips
5 Simple Steps to Get Started
When my daughter started kindergarten about four years ago, I didn’t have a clue about science fair. Nothing. Never participated in one and only knew it had something to do with volcano models. That year, we visited the science fair to see what it was all about. The next year, she signed up. I researched how to do a project (my job helped a little) and we stepped ourselves through the process. The next year, I was in charge of organizing and putting on the science fair. If I can do it, so can you.
1. Ask a Question
The question doesn’t have to be something to make Newton scratch his chin. It can be anything. Some of my favorites are the simple questions:
“Which gum has the longest lasting flavor?”
“How many folds in a paper airplane will make it fly the highest?”
“Where does the most bacteria live? On a door knob? Computer keyboard?”
2. Take A Guess
Write an “I think” statement. “What do you think will happen?” “Where will the largest quantities of bacteria live?” “Are three folds best on a paper airplane?” This is your hypothesis.
3. Locate Your Materials
What will you need to find the answer to your question? Determining your variables will tell you what materials you will need. A variable is what changes from one experiment to another. Variables can be different brands and flavors of bubble gum, different paper thickness for folding paper airplanes or bacteria farm locations. You will draw conclusions from experimenting with different variables. If you don’t have at least one variable, you don’t have a true science experiment.
4. Conduct Your Experiment
After you run your tests, draw conclusions.
What did you learn?
Did your experiment prove your hypothesis?
Did it work the way you thought it would?
5. Time To Get Creative
It’s time to log and display information on a science fair board. Most craft stores sell them or Google “science fair project board” to find one online. Organize your project board by the steps you followed – Big Question, Hypothesis, Materials, Procedures, Data, Conclusion.
You are almost done. The final step before the fair is to practice and prepare to answer questions. Fair visitors will stop by your child’s board and ask questions about why they picked the topic, what they did and what they learned. Make sure they understand the topic and the project and are able to discuss it.
Science fair projects are a lot of work but come with a lot of reward. Don’t let your fears as a parent get in the way of one of the best learning opportunities for your child.
🔬 Science Fair Project FAQs
What is the best way to choose a science fair topic?
Pick something your child is curious about! Everyday questions — like “Why does ice melt faster in salt water?” or “Which paper towel absorbs the most?” — make great starting points.
How early should we start a science fair project?
Start at least 3–4 weeks before the fair. This allows time to research, test, and organize results without last-minute stress.
What materials do we need for a science fair project?
It depends on your topic, but most projects require basic supplies such as poster boards, markers, and materials for your experiment. Check your project plan before shopping.
What should go on a science fair board?
Include the project title, question, hypothesis, materials, procedure, results (data or charts), and conclusion. Arrange them neatly and use color or visuals to grab attention.
How can parents help without doing the project for their child?
Offer guidance and encouragement, help gather materials, and review presentation notes — but let your child do the thinking and experimenting.
You May Also Like:
5 Easy Steps for Building a Science Fair Board
About the Author
Susan Wells
Susan Wells is a mom of two girls, ages 6 and 10. She organizes the Science Fair at her daughters’ elementary school and loves to bring science into their lives in and outside of the classroom. Susan does social media, blogging, blogger outreach and web marketing for Steve Spangler Science.
