judges talk with a studentsThis information is provided by Dr. Michael Cuddy.

Dr. Michael Cuddy is an Assistant Professor in Physical Chemistry at Montana State University Billings.

        1.              Go Beyond Copying Online Projects: Science fairs celebrate curiosity and innovation. Use the internet for inspiration, but develop your own unique question or approach. Science is about discovery, not replication.

 

           2.              Focus on Real Science, Not Product Testing: Projects that explore original hypotheses or solve problems in creative ways stand out. Avoid simply comparing products like detergents or hand sanitizers.

 

           3.              Design Meaningful Studies: Think about how your project can contribute to real-world knowledge. A well-designed study with clear goals and methods will impress judges.

 

           4.              Stay Focused and Manageable: Test only a few variables to maintain the quality of your experiments. A narrow, well-executed study is more impactful than a broad, superficial one.

 

           5.              Understand Sampling Methods: Sampling is fundamental in science. Whether you’re testing plants, people, or materials, ensure your sample size and method are appropriate.

 

           6.              Know Your Study Design: Be clear whether your project is experimental (has a control group and tests for cause-effect relationships) or observational. Judges value this understanding.

 

           7.              Include Simple Data Analysis: Use accessible tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, or statistical software) to analyze your data. Systematic sampling is essential—without it, your conclusions may be flawed.

 

           8.              Let Your Data Speak: Base your conclusions strictly on the evidence you’ve gathered. Avoid overstating results or making claims unsupported by your findings.

 

           9.              Use Reliable Sources: Go beyond Wikipedia. Reference scientific journals, books, or credible sources. Resources like Google Scholar or your school’s library can help you find primary research articles.

 

           10.         Design a Clear, Readable Poster: Your poster should be visually appealing and easy to read from a distance. Use clear headings, concise text, and large, legible fonts. Keep the layout logical so viewers can easily follow your study from hypothesis to conclusion.

 

           11.         Use Error Bars and Statistics Wisely: Error bars and statistical data are essential to scientific presentations when used appropriately. Make sure you understand and explain them clearly.

 

           12.         Balance Information on the Poster: Avoid overcrowding your poster with text or leaving it too sparse. Use graphs, charts, and bullet points to communicate key findings effectively, and always include legends.

 

           13.         Check for Grammar and Spelling: Errors can distract judges from your work. Have someone proofread your poster and presentation to ensure they’re polished and professional.

 

           14.         Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse explaining your project to friends, family, or teachers before the competition. Clear, confident communication is crucial for connecting with judges.

 

           15.         Build a Visually Engaging Poster: Use high-quality images or photos from your experiments, but keep visuals relevant. Include well-labeled graphs and tables to present data. Avoid busy backgrounds and stick to a consistent color scheme. Software like Canva, PowerPoint, or even Google Slides can help you design a clean, professional layout.