Published in Oak Hill Blog

May 13, 2019

5 Essentials to Wow the Crowd at Your Next Science Fair

Many independent schools in NJ offer opportunities for students to display their creativity and knowledge of the world of science.  Here are some tips to come up with a truly impressive project.

  1. A problem people can relate to.  All great experiments start with a problem (this is rule #1 of the scientific method!), but is your problem something experienced by people in their everyday lives? It will be clear if you are not stoked about the topic you have chosen to study for your project and chances are people will be more enthused about your creation or discovery if you are also super excited about it.  Pick something you deal with in your day to day life- think you can find a better way to lug your books from class to class or have you come up with an innovative way to organize school work? We have all seen the classic acid + base volcano and soda + mint geyser tricks. Let’s tackle an actual problem and make our lives easier!
  2. Your hypothesis! Making a prediction of what you believe will work best will allow you to design an experiment specifically geared to solve your problem.  On the flip side, once the experiment is complete you can reflect back to the hypothesis and determine if your prediction was correct or incorrect. If time allows, you can regroup, replan and retest! If not, at least you can comment on the process and explain why your prototype failed.  Even students from the best private schools in NJ have set backs. What sets them aside from others is the ability to advance and grow from them. We often learn more from our errors than our successes!
  3. A tangible model of your idea, creation or discovery.  Engage as many senses as possible! Allow the crowd to experience your scientific breakthrough as opposed to just hearing about it.  Can you bring in a few samples for people to test out for themselves? Can you show a video of your research and testing process? Let your audience be a part of your process and heighten their intrigue.
  4. Know your stuff.  Do the work! Conduct your own research, planning and development.  Do not try to fake this because it will become obvious if you were not the chief investigator of your own project.  If you used internet sources, cite them and be sure they are reputable by using multiple sources. Part of scientific advancement relies on scientists expanding on discoveries and inventions already completed but not stealing them.  Make sure you can answer how your design or idea is different than anything that already exists.
  5. Look the part.  On the big day look professional and make sure all of your visuals are neat and organized.  If you are including a trifold of information or a presentation to play on a laptop as people cycle through, make sure it is eye catching and not cluttered.  Taking the time to ensure you and your presentation materials look good will allow you to avoid them from becoming distractions from your amazing achievement in science!
Share
Article By Oak Hill Academy
Oak Hill Academy is a Monmouth County NJ private school that is co-educational, independent, nonsectarian, and nonprofit for grades per-kindergarten through eight.

Our Latest News

“Why?” Is the Question

“Why?” Is the Question Young children are consistently asking “why?”  They have an instinctive need to know about everything that enters their worlds.  Their senses are hard wired to be on the alert for stimuli which captures their interest.  As we grow older, we continue to be curious about our environment, however, we may not […]

Read More
Five Keys to Enhance Student Intrinsic Motivation

Five Keys to Enhance Student Intrinsic Motivation We often hear that many students today are bored and not motivated in Pre-K – 12 schools.  We have found that extrinsic motivation such as grades and rewards have little effect and are short-lived.  Today, learners of all ages have diversions apart from school, with lives filled with […]

Read More
“The Portfolio Project”

“The Portfolio Project” What is a portfolio? Oak Hill Academy is excited to offer the opportunity for the eighth-grade class to create an online digital portfolio using my.bulbapp.com.  The portfolio is a collection of the student’s academic and personal achievements. It will include projects, essays, personal reflections, descriptions of activities, pictures, and videos. Students can […]

Read More
Collaborating Extends Learning

Collaborating Extends Learning People working together is essential for any successful endeavor. Whether it be for nations, companies, or families, working toward a common goal usually leads to the best possible outcome. In the educational setting, this is even more essential since collaboration is the primary focus of interaction. Students engage and learn from each […]

Read More
Get The Latest News From Oak Hill! Join our newsletter now
News & Events

News & Events

Featured News

More News

Two Oak Hill Academy Students Earn Perfect Scores in National Math Olympiads Competition Read More
Oak Hill Academy Students Participate in a Rutgers University Research Project on Barn Swallows Read More
Oak Hill Academy Students Earn Top Honors in National Latin Exam Read More
Oak Hill Students recognized in “Student Voices” Read More
View More

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events.

View All Events