Being well prepared for your science project can spell the difference between success and frustration. If you're following a science project assignment from your teacher, check the instrument list, and make sure you have everything needed before proceeding as well as enough space to adequately perform the experiment. Read through the entire experiment to make sure you understand it fully before starting the first step, and complete any required background research or reading.
Science projects require a certain amount of time management and planning to run smoothly. For a long experiment that requires a week or more to complete, create a schedule that details what needs to be done on each day. For a shorter project, check the suggested time allotment, and make sure you have enough time without distractions to complete it. Budget more time than you think you'll need in case you need to repeat a step or something takes longer than expected.
Documentation is an essential part of any science project, particularly when working with complex variables and more than one subject. Even simple science projects benefit from copious note-taking, as it is good practice for more complicated projects. Note all potential variables, and include the time and date you are completing the project. Write a detailed description of your conclusions when the project is completed, and indicate if it proved or disproved your hypothesis.
Although many people think the hard work is completing the project itself, keep in mind you'll also need to present your results to your teacher and peers. For science fair projects, this often takes the form of a display board and oral presentation. Even if you're simply relaying your results to the class, make sure to speak slowly and clearly and to demonstrate that you fully understood the experiment and can explain why you got the results you did.