Most students are required to submit a science project to the science fair in each grade of middle school. For kids who have been used to the more lenient standards of elementary school, the more complicated guidelines of middle school science projects can be a shock. Here’s a guide to helping middle schoolers to have success as they head to the fair.

Preparing a middle school science project.

1. Choose the right kind of project. Most of the time, you’ll have to do an experiment that follows the scientific method – also known as an investigatory project. Collections, models, and even demonstrations are usually not accepted in middle school science fairs.

2. Be interested in your topic. If you like what you’re doing, you’ll learn more. And if you’re learning, your project will show that you are interested. Judges love that!

3. Do the project and do it yourself. This should go without saying, but I get emails all the time asking for a project that is already done. Trust me, teachers can tell if you copy and paste information directly from the internet, take someone’s results from a book. They’ll also know if your mom did all the work.

4. Make sure you include all required elements. Experiment logs, charts, graphs, supply lists and even photographs are often part of the judging at the science fair. Make sure that you follow the directions exactly.

5. Design an attractive science board. Be neat. Use bright colors, attractive fonts, interesting props, and clear pictures. Think of a catchy title so you’re science project will get noticed.

Sixth grade, seventh grade, and eight grade – three great chances for you to learn more about science and more about making a presentation with your middle school science fair project.

Parents, get a free guide to middle school science projects- including how to find experiments with step by step instructions – at 24 Hour Science Projects.

Easy and fast, they’ll help you submit an outstanding – and maybe winning – middle school science fair project.