How to present your science fair project

#1. Prepare well in advance what you will say

A clear message does not just happen: you have to prepare it. Plan well in advance all the content of your explanations. What do you want to say? In what order?

#2. Pay attention to the receptivity of your listener

Does you listener seem ready to hear your presentation? Do you know approximately his/her age and his/her level of schooling? Is he/she in a hurry?

#3. Now is time to transmit your message.

It is your turn.

#4. Control the message.

Has the message been understood? Please do not speak for more than 5 minutes before you make sure that you are being understood. Are your visitors silent because they are very impressed or because they do not have a clue about what you are saying? Are they looking at their watch? Are they yawning? Do they want to know more?

#5. Try to get some feedback.

Do they seem to be available to listen to your presentation? Are you meeting their expectations or are you giving a show? Make sure you are listening to your visitors when answering their questions. You may need to adjust the level of complexity of your explanations.

Questions to make sure your project is ready for the Science Fair…

RESEARCH AND REPORT

I have stated my purpose simply and clearly.

I have given enough background information.

I have identified all my sources of information.

I have listed all the materials I used, and I have described them clearly.

I have outlined all the details of my procedure so that another person

could repeat my project with the same results.

I have used various ways of displaying my results: neat log, charts,

tables, graphs, pictures, diagrams.

I checked the accuracy of any calculations in my results.

My conclusion answers the question in my purpose.

My conclusion is supported by my results.

I have given possible applications of my results to everyday situations.

I have identified possible experiments or projects that arise from my results.

I have acknowledged all the people who helped me with my project.

I have chosen a good title for my project.

BACKBOARD

Items are laid out in an orderly fashion.

The size of the board suits the amount of material.

The board is within the given size restrictions.

The board is strong enough to stand alone.

Written material is typed.

I have used lots of colour.

Everything can be read while standing 1 or 2m away.

The titles are large and legible.

I can set up easily on my own at the exhibit hall.

I kept it simple.

ORAL

I am completely familiar with the research work.

I am familiar with my results.

I am familiar with ways that the information I’ve gathered can be put

to practical use.

I know what specific information is found in every part of my project.

I have practiced my presentation.

I have practiced my smiling power lately.

If you answered YES to all these questions, you are ready for the science fair.