Choosing a topic is the first step to a successful science fair project. It is especially important for younger children, such as sixth graders, as their excitement and willingness to participate in the project is dependent upon how interesting they find the topic. Students must choose a topic that not only truly interests them but is also suitable to be used in an age and skill-appropriate experiment. It is important to choose a topic that is new to the student and different from the projects being undertaken by their classmates. Avoid overly common, unoriginal topic choices.
A well-planned presentation is key for science fair projects. Most are presented on three-panel display boards, which are popular because they are broad and sturdy. Sixth grade students should organize the information they have generated for their science project so that judges and the audience can read first from top to bottom and then from right to left. Attach separate papers for each area of your project, such as background information, hypothesis and conclusions. The font size should be easily read from several feet away away. Diagrams and photographs can be used to display data that is non-numerical. Be sure to choose a project title that is informative and attention-grabbing.
Investigate the rules established by the science fair you are entering, as well as any requirements that are specific to the sixth grade age range. Requirements differ between science fairs and can include items such as your name being present on the display board, references for any photographs used, pictures of yourself, acknowledgment anyone who has helped with the project, such as parents or teachers, and laboratory equipment and notebooks. Pay close attention to these rules to avoid any oversights that could result in disqualification.
Set a schedule for your science fair project to provide yourself with adequate time to complete all of the necessary elements of the experiment. A scheduled time frame will ensure that you do not run out of time and also allows for re-dos if any mistakes are made or the experiment needs to be done over again or in a different manner. Do not let yourself get discouraged or frustrated; it is important to remember that, even if your hypothesis is proved to be incorrect, you still completed a successful science project. Analyze your results and think about the aspects of the experiment that went well, and those that didn't, as well as what you can change for next time.