Science fair projects - Complete guide to a winning science project Step 7 – Your Presentation

So you’ve done all the topic research, the project research and the display board for your science fair project. Now you have to prepare the oral presentation for your class. This is often the hardest part of science fair projects. Presenting in front of your classmates can be a little scary. The best way to overcome that fear is to prepare and practice a lot.

  The more you practice your oral presentation; the better off you’ll be when you are at the science fair itself. Science fair judges give you points for how clearly you explain your project. When you are able to discuss your project thoroughly and answer any questions, it shows the judges that you did the work and understand what you have done.

  Practice in front of your family and friends. Have them ask you questions about your speech. If you do not know the answer to a question, simply say that you did not discover that answer during your research. Never make up a false answer. Science fair projects require authenticity to be successful.  

Information About Judging

Most science fair projects are judged from the starting point that each student’s project is average. Then, the judge adds or subtracts points from there. If you want to earn more points there are some things you can do.

Before we move on, you will probably want to download a free copy of the step-by-step science project guide to help you with your own project.

If you accomplish the following, you will receive more points from the science fair judges: 

 1.    Project Objectives. In this section you will be judged on presenting original ideas, stating the problem clearly, defining the variables and using controls, and relating background reading to the problem.

 2.    Project Skills. The judges will look to see if you were being knowledgeable about the equipment used, if you performed the experiments with little or no assistance, and if you demonstrated the skills required to do all the work necessary to obtain the data.

 3.    Data Collection. In this area you will be judged on how you used a journal to collect data and research, having measurable results, and how much time you spent on the entire project.

 4.    Data Interpretation. In this section, the judges will look to see how you used graphs, tables, and illustrations in the interpretation of the data. You will also be judges on how you used research to interpret the data collected and if you collected enough data to come to a valid conclusion.

 5.    Project Presentation. You will want to have a complete and comprehensive report if you want to earn points from the judges. The judges will look to see if you are answering questions correctly and using the display during the presentation. They will also judge how well your display is put together and its creativity and originality.   

Presenting science fair projects can be an overwhelming thought, but if you take the time to be properly prepared you will be less intimidated. Above all else, keep a positive attitude and remember that you did your best, so present your project with pride!