1. Science Fair Project: Basic Outline
Design Project

2. What is the Science Fair?
The science fair is each middle school student’s chance to conduct a full experiment, compile a research summary, construct a display board, and convey a presentation.
The best overall projects will be invited to the school fair where judges will select the 4 top projects for the Network fair.

3. Time frame of the SFP
All projects must be completed by the end of first quarter.
The school fair will be held on November 16th.
The Network fair is held near the end of January.
The City fair is held at the end of March.

4. The Design Process

5. Title
Create a high level of interest in an observer.
Title may not contain more than 45 characters and spaces.

6. Identify a need
 The engineering design process starts when you ask the following questions about problems that you observe:
What is the problem or need?
Who has the problem or need?
Why is it important to solve?
Describe in detail a problem that your design will solve.
Not part of final project
Must link a procedure to the questions
Must be something that can be answered through experimentation

7. Background research Must include May also Include:
1) the definition of your target user.
2) Answers to research question about user needs
3) Information about the science behind your design area. What scientific concepts do you need to understand in order to design a successful prototype? Does the science support your design?
May also Include:
1) Information about products that meet similar needs.
2 f) What existing solutions are out there already and how well do they solve the problem?

8. Reference List All sources listed are cited within Background Research
APA format
Minimum of 3 sources

9. Design plan
1) Establish design plan- Decide what features your design must have (weight, cost, size, material, etc)
2) Prepare a preliminary design-
1) Prepare a materials list
2) Include a diagram or sketch. The design plan must show all of the parts and/or subsystems of the design and how all parts of the design work together.

10. Materials Do NOT # the materials. Pictures may be included.
All materials must be listed.
Do NOT # the materials.
Pictures may be included.
Materials list may be adjusted throughout the experiment

11. Performance Criteria
Develop clear performance criteria to address the features of the product, algorithm, proof, model, etc.
When testing your prototype, what data will you collect?
When analyzing the data how will you know if the product met your goal? What exactly will you be looking for?

12. Procedure for testing the prototype
Write a step by step procedure that explains how you will test Measurements must be metric (cm, mL, g) NO inches, ounces, etc.
Must written clearly and should be repeatable by another scientist.
Safety guidelines carefully followed.
No pronouns (I, you, me)!!! No transition words such as First, next, then, etc.
Must be numbered.

13. Safety Sheet Describe ALL safety precautions necessary.
Outline for safety sheet will be provided
Everyone must have one!
A copy must be on your board (size may be reduced to 50%)
If no safety precautions are necessary, you must write one sentence stating that on the safety sheet.

14. Endorsements
If your project involves other humans or animals, you must have an endorsement- SEE ME
If you aren’t using humans or animals, you don’t need an endorsement.

15. Build & Test Prototype
You should involve targeted users in your testing to get feedback on your design, if possible.
Determine if the design meets each of the design criteria established at the beginning of the project.

16. Results- Explanation
Your should provide all the information necessary for someone who is unfamiliar with your project to understand what you were trying to accomplish, how you did it, and whether you succeeded.
Include your successful design attempts, but also the problems you encountered and how you solved them.
Be sure to explain what new knowledge has been gained and how it leads to further questions.
A clear, concise presentation of all the data accumulated as a result of the procedure, including data inconsistent with the design. All data is valuable.

17. Redesign & Retest
Analyze whether the design meets each of the design criteria established at the beginning of the project.
Make changes to your design so that it will better meet the performance criteria established at the beginning of the project.
Retest the prototype
Write a summary of the changes you made, the reason for the changes, and an explaination of the results of the retest.

18. Abstract
Consists of three paragraphs. (purpose, procedure, conclusion)
A summary in 200 words or less.
Abstract must be typed on the abstract form which can be found at
A copy must be on your board (size may be reduced to 50%)

19. Table of Contents
Starts with Acknowledgements- List the title of the page on the left and the starting page number on the right. Must be in the correct order
Example-
Acknowledgments…………………………1
Purpose & Hypothesis..…………………..2

20. Conclusion Paragraph 2-Redesign
Should include 2 paragraphs that explain your entire project. You can use pronouns.
Paragraph 1-Evaluation
Evaluate the design- Why was this design chosen? Use research to explain.
Did it work? - Use data to support your statement.
The effects of experimental error should be estimated and considered while drawing conclusions.
Paragraph 2-Redesign
How did you change it after your initial testing? Why did you make those changes?.
Did the changes improve the design? Why or why not. Support your answer with data from the retest.
Overall, was your design a success?

21. Acknowledgements
Recognize and thank anyone that assisted you with your project.
Identify who helped you and how they helped.

22. Board: Construct a Display Board
76 cm. deep; 122 cm. wide; 122 cm. high
Use photos you take yourself whenever possible.
Do not have too much empty space.
Think about the artistic quality of your board. (color, shape, size, etc.)

23. Presentation: for the class and/or judges
Clear presentation
Concisely summarize your project
Info is relevant and pertinent
Speak fluently with good eye contact
Polite, dynamic, interested in SFP