The following information is criteria for the Waikato Science Fair. Other centers may vary in their requirements.
Types of Projects
There are 2 main sections: Science and Technology.
The Science section is divided into Living World, Material World, Physical World, Planet Earth and Beyond (check with your teacher the correct category for your project)
In LW, MW and PW the entry must have gathered data through experimentation and observation, then analyse the results and drawn conclusions.
In PE&B the entry can have a non-experimental investigative research focus. it is very difficult to carry out original experiments in this strand.
The technology exhibitions usually starts by identifying a need or opportunity. they should show the steps taken in designing and constructing possible solutions to the problem and an evaluation of the final product. The process is important, as is the human element (strand C).
How long will my project take?
A project usually takes longer than you expect.
Allow plenty of time to repeat experiments and draw conclusions.
Start now!
Who can I get to help me?
Mum, Dad, grandma, grandad, aunty, 'experts'
Anyone can help you as long as you do most of the work and reach your own conclusions.
Record how they helped you in your log book.
List outside assistance in your acknowledgements.
Do I need a Log Book?
Yes. Right from the start keep a journal, or log book.
it is a journal for your experiments.
write down everything of importance from the date of your first visit to the library, to the finished report.
Use it to record the raw data in.
Keep a record of all the sources of information - books, magazines, internet sites, interviews.
It is more important for the journal to be complete and accurate than to look good - it is a workbook
