Chapter 31: Poster Preparations “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” 1 Corinthians 9: 24-25

Introduction This is a case in which you CAN judge a book by its cover. If you do a really good job at completing your display, everyone will stop to look at your project.  However, if you do a messy job, no one will take the time to discover all the fascinating research you have done or look at the results of your experiment or invention.

High School Projects must be no more than: Sections! Backboard: Any standard project board sold will be fine. Larger boards for high school projects are fine but must fit within the following guidelines. The display board may be covered with fade-proof bulletin board paper (available at teacher supply stores), gift-wrap, self-stick shelving paper or cloth. Remember, while it is helpful to have an attractive interesting looking board, it is your project that is most important. High School Projects must be no more than: 30 in. deep (front to back) 48 in. wide (side to side) 108 in. high (floor to top) Project Journal/Lab Notebook: This is the hand-written account of your project from idea conception through to conclusion including development and brainstorming for how to extend/expand your work next time. Date and initial all entries. This is proof you did the work! Board Organization: Project Boards are creative masterpieces. All are different, yet all contain some fundamental information including; the Problem Statement or Question and Hypothesis if used, Methods including materials and procedures, Data, analytical procedures, Results, Conclusions, Bibliography, & Abstract. Some project boards discuss what they would do next if the project was done again.

More Sections! Title – choose a cool or creative title that reflects what you did with your project. Present it at the top of your poster in a way that will get attention. Don’t put your name on it!!!!! Write your name lightly on the back of your poster board in an inconspicuous spot. Background – write up a short summary of what you learned before the project started. It should end with a sentence about what led you to this project. Statement of the problem – what is the issue that you are trying to solve? Hypothesis – a hypothesis is an educated guess. This is where you write down your question. Supplies/materials – write up a list of all the items you used in your experiment, include quantities/measurements like in a recipe. Methods / procedures – write up a step by step list of how you did your project. Be sure to include all the ways you intend to measure things in your experiment. Variables - identify your independent, dependent, and extraneous variables and describe how you controlled the extra variables.

And Even More Sections! Results – write up a summary of what happened during your experiment including charts, graphs, calculations, and anything else that will clearly illustrate your results. Discussion – ok kids, this is the hard part. In this section you need to write up a summary of why you got the results you did. You are going to have to think about it and you will probably have to do some reading or if you are little, have your mom, dad, or teacher discuss it with you until you can decide why things worked the way they did. Conclusions – write up 1 or 2 sentences that tell us the answer to your question or hypothesis. Bibliography – this is the spot where you write down the references or books and internet sites you used to learn about your topic. Did you know there is a correct way and a wrong way to write down a reference? Look at the next page to see sarsef’s example of the correct way to do it. You can include this on your board if you have room or lay it on the table in front of the display. Abstract - this is required for the chet nw science fair for grades 6-12. Students in grades K-5 are not required to have one but it is strongly encouraged! (If you are a 5th grader and are going on to SARSEF you must have an abstract.) More information on an abstract is attached on the third page and is on the SARSEF website.

Now the Display Step 1: Make a drawing of where everything will go.  Lay it out before you glue anything down to make sure it looks good and fits. Step 2: Design the "center" of your board.  This is where everyone will look first.  Will it be where you put the title or pictures, or will you showcase your data?   Everything else should be placed around this. Step 3: When you set up your board, put things in an order that makes sense.  Remember, we read from left to right so don't put stuff you did near the end (like the conclusion) on the right side of the board.

COLORS and Text Step 1:  You can use section titles that come with your board or create your own.  Labels created on the computer can be very effective.  Try using a different font and/or color for each of the labels. Step 2:  Use colors that are appealing.  They should contrast with your board color.  If you have a white board, make your text a bright color(s).  Try backing your text with colored paper to bring your words alive. It may be possible to back your text with a watermark or background that fits your subject, such as baseball themed paper for a baseball project. Step 3:  Type your text or print it neatly.    Make your lettering  large enough for everyone to see.  If you print it, use pencil first and draw guidelines to make sure your writing is neat.  Go over your writing with permanent marker and make sure you erase your guidelines.

Display your Data You may display your data in a table or graph.  Make sure your graph reflects the kind of data you have collected. A line graph demonstrates change over time. A bar/picture graph demonstrates a comparison between two or more things. A circle/pie graph compares parts of a whole. Graphs and tables should be neatly done.  Use computer generated graphs and tables or make them yourself. Use a ruler and colored pencils or markers to make  them really eye appealing.

Illustrations!!  Sometimes your results can be shown by photographs or pictures.  Photographs and pictures enhance a display.  You may also use computer generated graphics or photographs off the internet.  Free Stock Photos.com  and  Net Vet are good sites for pictures of animals and other scientific topics.   Check to see if you have permission to use them by emailing the website and explaining what you are doing. If you do get permission, please print the email and glue the written permission in your science journal. You must put photo credits or drawing credits on the pictures you display on your board.

These displays are suggestions as to how you might set up your boards These displays are suggestions as to how you might set up your boards. Use creativity to make them attractive.

These displays are suggestions as to how you might set up your boards These displays are suggestions as to how you might set up your boards. Use creativity to make them attractive.

Tips and Suggestions Proofread all your work at least 3 times. Grammar and spelling errors make it look like you are sloppy and don’t care about your work. Make straight cuts. Use a ruler to line things up. Add 3d things to your boards to make them look attractive when appropriate. Text may be hand written or computer generated. Typing is encouraged because it looks neater and will probably receive better presentation points. Text It should be clear and readable from 1 meter away. Consider using double stick tape, glue or Velcro to attach items to your display board. Make your board up ahead of time and make sure nothing falls off of it. If it does, repair it with something more permanent. Acknowledgements are not to be on the display board, except for credits to images. Consider putting your acknowledgement and mentor appreciation in your journal, but not on the board.

Write in your prayer notebook and scientific notebook!! Remember: Your display draws the viewer to your project. The science in your project is what you want them to remember!