Coordinators

Create. Make. Repeat.

One of your first decisions will be which types of projects to have at the fair. You may wish to have only an investigation science fair or a STEAM event. You can also mix the two kinds of projects, which gives students a choice. In many ways this is the optimal model, as the more interest the student has in the topic as well as the type of hands-on process, the more motivation he or she will have to keep up the momentum throughout the six weeks.

Overview

An investigation is a science fair project that uses scientific methodology (which includes experimenting) to carry out an investigation.

During an investigation, the student starts out with a question based on a scientific problem; develops a hypothesis (or educated guess) as to the answer; designs and conducts an experiment to test the hypothesis; measures and collects data; documents and analyzes the results; and draws a conclusion.

Guide for Elementary Students

Our planning sheet for younger students provides ideas and capture sheets appropriate for Kindergarten, grades 1-2, and grades 3-5.

Guide for Secondary Students

Use our planning sheet to organize and conduct your investigation.

Scientific Presentation Shopping List

Our shopping list provides the essentials to conduct your science experiment, make an invention, or create a display board.

Parent Participation

Parents play an important role in supporting their children throughout the duration of the science fair process. They can also be a huge help by volunteering to help before and during the fair itself. Start off on the right foot. Establish good communication with parents early on so they understand expectations and anticipate deadlines.

Parent Letter

A sample letter that can be customized and sent home in backpacks.

Hands-on Activities

The Maker spirit is all about “learning-through-doing.” Infuse this spirit into your science fair or STEAM event with fun, hands-on activities designed to encourage exploration and spark curiosity in your students!

STEM Escape Room

Add a STEM-themed escape room to your next event to get visitors problem-solving, too! From computer programming to DNA sequencing, teams will need to work together to solve six STEM puzzles to successfully open a final special box.

Kazoo Design an Instrument?

What construction techniques affect the sound of a kazoo?

Marshmallow Launch

How far can a catapult launch different types of “payload”?

Camouflaged Critters

How can animals hide from predators?

Build a Boat

Can you build a boat that will hold 20 pennies?

Don’t Crack

What is the best material to protect an egg when dropped from 10 feet?

Judging

Judging worksheets and scoring systems vary from fair to fair, but most follow similar criteria. Students are judged on their understanding of how well they used scientific methods or the engineering design process to develop and conduct their project. Both inventions and investigations involve planning, careful investigation, collection of data, and making sense of the data at the end.

Here’s a sample worksheet scoring sheet to give a sense of the categories, criteria and level of detail involved in judging science fairs. You may wish to have a separate area for the oral presentation. But in most cases, the presentation is meant to clarify the project display and provide anecdotal information that would not fit or be appropriate.

Judge's Scoring Sheet

A sample worksheet scoring sheet description here.

Kids Workshops

Find fun projects and activities for kids at HomeDepot.com/kids

Kids Workshops provide a mix of skill-building, creativity, and safety for future DIYers every month in Home Depot stores across the country. After registering for the next Workshop, download these exclusive extension activities from Discovery Education. Each extension provides opportunities to reimagine or use their Workshop creation in an unexpected new way.