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Information

Student Resources

RESOURCES FOR A SUCCESSFUL

SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, COMPUTER SCIENCE, OR MATHEMATICS PROJECT

The following resources will also provide you with valuable information to help you decide which type of project you would like to do and how to have a successful project. 

 

Section A: Deciding on what Type of Project: Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or Computer Science

Section B: Getting Project Ideas/Designing a Unique Project

Section C: Deciding Which Forms are Needed Before Starting a Project

Section D: Resources on How to Design and Conduct a Science or Engineering Project

Section E: Resources for Background Research/Articles

Section F: Publishing Your Project in Scientific Journals

Section A: Deciding on what type of Project: Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or Computer Science

Look at the Student Guides to differentiate between Science Research and Non-Inquiry based Research. Some areas of research are based on the scientific method, but since engineers, inventors, and computer programmers have different objectives than those of other scientists, they follow a different process. 


 

VIDEO LINK: Comparing Science and Engineering Projects  - GSDSEF video series

Section B: Getting Project Ideas

If you aren’t sure what kind of project you would like to work on, there are several sites that can help with ideas…HOWEVER…YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE THE PROJECT UNIQUE AND YOUR OWN! Whatever you come up with, “Google” it to make sure it is not a “been there-done that” project. Remember, even one change you make to an existing procedure/protocol makes it your own!  

 

Links to other successful project ideas...Again, these projects are NOT to be repeated or copied!!! They are to give you some ideas...

 

Consider these questions as you come up with a project idea:

  • Is my project unique in at least one aspect, or has it been done before exactly? 

  • Is my project an experiment/investigation or is it a demonstration of principle?

  • Is the answer to my question already known? 

  • Will my investigation add something new to what is known about the topic? 

  • How much time will it take to conduct my research? Will I be able to meet all of the deadlines? Will it look like I did it in one day?

  • Are my results measurable (using the metric system) or is it only based on observation?

VIDEO LINK: Projects to Avoid - GSDSEF video series

 

Strategies for an Original Science Fair Project from Scientific American

 

Section C: Deciding on What Forms Are Required

You’ve decided on a project but you’re not sure if Additional ISEF Forms need to be completed before beginning. All projects requiring Additional ISEF Forms  must be reviewed and approved by the GSDSEF Scientific Review Committee (SRC) BEFORE STARTING with experimentation. 


Please find all the necessary ISEF forms on your student account.


Your teacher/advisor can help you with the SRC pre-approval and make sure you have any necessary forms completed.

If you have questions or are unsure concerning a project's acceptability, please have your teacher/advisor contact the Scientific Review Committee Rose Armour at rose.armour@gsdsef.org.

  • Note: due to geographic regions and state/local rules, GSDSEF reserves the right to prohibit projects that use dangerous items that may be considered acceptable in ISEF. 

 

Section D: Resources on Conducting a Successful Science or Engineering Project

 

Do you need help with the scientific method or following the Engineering principles to design and work on your project? The following resources will help you with the information on working through your project.

 

UPDATED 2020: Use the GSDSEF Sample Student Notebook as a template to produce a quality science fair notebook. The sample notebook contains a description, directions, and example for each section.  It also includes a checklist and timeline to ensure each section is completed in a timely manner.

 

Graphing Tutorial website

 

How to Write an Abstract:

How to Write an Intel ISEF Abstract


Backboard Display Info and Examples:

 

What are Judges Looking for in the Projects:

See also Guidelines for Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics Projects in Section A for specific criteria.

How to Answer the 5 Most Common Questions Science Fair Judges Ask (Scientific American blog)

Section E: Resources for Background Research/Articles

 

Do you need information on specific topics for your project. The sites below has a library of articles that can be used for background research or just to learn more about science, math, and/or technology:

(Don't forget to cite your sources in your project!)

 

Section F: Publishing Your Project in Scientific Journals

 

PUBLISH YOUR RESEARCH:


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