The first step to writing a science project study guide for your students is to include an introduction. State the subject and concepts that the guide will cover. Additionally, write a sentence or two briefly outlining the project and its purpose. Although this information might appear obvious, some students may need to refer back to the guide over time. In these cases, a well written introduction can be an easy way to quickly scan for relevant information. For example, if your project is a chemistry activity focusing on ice changing to water, the student who is looking for information on states of matter can simply read the introduction to figure out if the guide is a valuable study reference.
The scientific method is at the heart of every science project and experiment. Explaining the scientific method, especially in reference to the specific activity, can help students to better understand the project and how it will be carried out. The basic steps to the scientific method include asking a question, doing background research, formulating a hypothesis, the experiment and data collection, analyzing the data and writing up the results. Provide a brief description of each step as well as how it connects to the project at hand.
Write a section on the key points of your project. Include a bulleted list that highlights essential information. This may include some scientific background, goals of the project, expected learning outcomes or connections to classroom lessons. Make learning more enjoyable by including fun facts for the students to remember. These may range from basic information such as how many species of fish are in a certain region to how much an average child might weigh on the moon.
Include the science project procedure and steps to completion. Begin with any applicable policies such as safety procedures in the science lab or working jointly with a lab partner. List each step in numbered order from the start of the project to the end. This should detail set-up and preparation, experimental steps and cleanup. Add a list of scientific tools and materials necessary to conduct the experiment. Be specific, including quantities of items such as chemicals or number of tools to be used.