| the components of a science fair project is to develop | | | | Regardless of what type of diagram that you need to |
| a display board. The display board not only needs to | | | | create it is a good idea to work from large details to |
| contain written information about the project that the | | | | small details. For example, if you are creating a |
| student completed, but it also needs to contain visual | | | | diagram of a floor plan you would start by drawing the |
| components that illustrate what was done and what | | | | shape of the exterior of the building or floor. You |
| was learned. In many types of projects a photograph | | | | would then create the main divisions in the building and |
| is all that is required, however, in physics science fair | | | | finally add specific details to each space like wall |
| projects diagrams are often needed. | | | | partitions, windows and utilities. This process helps you |
| Decide What Type of Diagram You Need | | | | to keep your drawing in balance and it helps to make |
| There are many different types of diagrams that a | | | | the recreation of the object easier to do. |
| student can create for their physics science fair | | | | Identify Before Labeling |
| project. The most basic type is a labeled drawing. This | | | | One of the tasks associated with creating a diagram |
| drawing does not need to be to scale as it is only | | | | for physics science fair project is labeling the elements |
| intended to label the various parts of what is being | | | | in the diagram. Before you start labeling your diagram |
| studied. These drawings are usually used to explain an | | | | you need to make sure you know what everything is. |
| experiment’s set-up or the materials used in an | | | | By identifying things before you label you will reduce |
| experiment. | | | | the chances that you will make a mistake. Create a list |
| The second type of diagram is a scale drawing. A | | | | of labels that starts at the top of the page at the 12 |
| scale drawing needs to include a legend which defines | | | | o’clock position and that rotates around the |
| the scale and precise measurements of the various | | | | diagram clock wise. |
| elements in the diagram. A scale will need to be | | | | Create Your Labels |
| selected that makes sense for the object being | | | | Labeling your diagram is one of the last things that you |
| scaled. | | | | will need to do. Labels have several parts. The first |
| The third type of diagram is a schematic. These are | | | | part is the line to the element. This connects the label |
| highly technical drawings that often require the use of | | | | with what the label identifies. The second part is the |
| special software. Students will seldom need to | | | | label. The label needs to be written clearly and it needs |
| produce a schematic. Simpler versions of schematics | | | | to be sized to fit the space. The final element is a label |
| can be produced using graphic software programs | | | | legend. The legend provides extra information about |
| and CAD programs. | | | | the labels and the diagram. |
| Work from Large to Small | | | | |