Science Fair Success - How Science Fair Judges Think

When it comes to having a successful (or even aaids, they will also ask you questions. How well do you
winning) science fair project, it may help to think aboutreally know your science project? Have a friend or
your science project from the judges' point of view.parent quiz you about your project, asking questions
After all, judges will be reviewing your project for thethat a judge might ask. If you get stumped by a
first time and will see the project in a different light thanquestion, then look the answer up before the science
you do since you have been working so hard on yourfair begins.
project.Remember: judges like to ask questions that make
Remember: your judges are not only going to beyou think off the top of your head. The better you
looking at your project, but they may also read yourknow the details of your experiment, the better you
science fair report or be looking to see how well youmay do when it comes time to answer those
understand your own project. To help you see yourquestions.
project from the judges' point of view, follow thesePrepare yourself. After you have taken the time to
simple tips:complete your visual aids and know your experiment
Spend time on your visual aids. Good visual aids willinside and out, the last thing you need to think about is
grab attention from about 3 feet away or more. Yourpreparing yourself to stand represent your science fair
visual aids should be neatly organized, colorful, andproject at the actual fair. Even though you may be
loaded with information. It's usually a good idea tonervous, get plenty of sleep, eat a full breakfast (you
include pictures of the experiment(s) that youdon't want to faint!), and dress nicely. Look and feel
performed as well as data that you collected in a tidyyour best during the fair.
way on your display board and table. You can useJudges are drawn to tidy displays that neatly display a
these visuals to explain your project to the judges. Pluswide variety of information about a science project.
- your visuals will help to show your creativity.Represent your project by dressing professionally and
Review your science report. (TBD - Science Reportbeing prepared to answer any questions that the
article) Your science report should include informationjudges may ask. Being prepared for the fair may take
about the scientific method as well as a discussion ofalmost as long as your experiment, but it's worth the
your results in your own words. Judges may looktime if you perform well during the fair!
through your report and chances are good that yourIf you're ready to get going with your own project,
teacher will base your science project grade on youryour next step is to download a free copy of "Easy
report as well.Steps to Award-Winning Science Fair Projects" from
Know your experiment inside and out. The judges willthe link below right now.
not only review your science project boards and visual