| Middle school science fair projects. Most students in | | | | involves something you like. You already have a |
| middle school are required to submit a science project | | | | background knowledge of the subject. Plus, if you like |
| to the science fair. For kids like you who have been | | | | what you're doing, you'll learn more. And if you're |
| used to the more lenient standards of elementary | | | | learning, your project will show that you are interested. |
| school, the more complicated guidelines can be a | | | | Judges love that! |
| shock. Here's a guide to helping middle schoolers to | | | | 4. Make sure you include all required elements. |
| have success as you head to the fair. | | | | Experiment logs, charts, graphs, supply lists and even |
| 1. Do the project and do it yourself. This should go | | | | photographs are often part of the judging at the fair. |
| without saying, but I get emails all the time asking for | | | | Do you need an abstract - a research paper? Make |
| something that is already completed. Teachers can tell | | | | sure that you follow the directions exactly. |
| if you copy and paste information directly from the | | | | 5. Have an attractive display. You're competing against |
| internet or from a book, or if your dad did the work. | | | | lots of other scientists - just like scientists who are |
| I've had teachers contact me and ask if kids have | | | | grown up. Part of science is being able to share and |
| plagiarized. I'm happy when I can say 'no'! | | | | display your work effectively. When you create your |
| 2. Choose the right kind of project. Most of the time, an | | | | science board, use bright colors, attractive fonts, |
| investigatory project is required. That's a fancy way of | | | | interesting props, and clear pictures. Be neat. See if |
| saying that you have to do an experiment that follows | | | | there is something you can do that it interactive. Come |
| the scientific method. Demonstrations, collections, and | | | | up with a catchy title so you'll stand out from the |
| models are usually not accepted. If they are, you have | | | | crowd. |
| a lot more options. (Hint - judges do like experiments.) | | | | Sixth grade, seventh grade, and eight grade - three |
| 3. Be interested in your work. Think about what you | | | | great chances for you to learn more about science |
| enjoy doing, watching on television, surfing on the | | | | and more about making a presentation with your |
| internet. See if you can come up with a project that | | | | middle school science fair project. |