The Display
 
 The Display Your science fair display represents all the work that you have done, so make it shine! It should consist of a backboard, the project log, and anything that represents your project, such as models made, items studied, photographs, surveys, and the like. Tell the story of your project! Be sure it attracts and holds the interest of the viewers. It has to be thorough, but not too crowded, so, once again, keep it simple. A three-sided backboard is usually the best way to display your work. Sturdy cardboard or other heavy material is easier to work with and is less likely to be damaged during transportation to the fair. Wooden panels can be cut and hinged together. Many stores sell inexpensive pre-made backboards. The school has some for sale in the school store at $4.00 each. Purchased backboards generally come in two colors, black and white. You can use a different color by covering the backboard with self-stick, colored shelving paper or cloth. For items placed on the backboard, select colors that stand out but don't distract the viewer. For example, if everything is in fluorescent colors, the bright colors, instead of your work, will be what people notice. The title and other headings should be neat and large enough to be read at a distance of about 3 feet. A short title is usually more eye-catching. You can buy, at many stores, self-sticking letters of various sizes and colors for the title and headings and stick them to the backboard. You can cut your own letters out of construction paper or stencil the letters for the headings directly onto the backboard. You can also use a computer to print the title and other headings. The project title should go at the top of the center panel, and the remaining material needs to be placed neatly in a sensible order. The diagram (above) shows one way of placing the material. Make your display one that the judges will remember positively. So before you glue everything down, lay the board on a flat surface and arrange the materials a few different ways. This will help you decide on the most suitable and beautiful presentation. SPECIAL NOTE: A common mistake on Science Fair displays and logs is the misuse of the words “effect” and “affect”. “Effect” is almost always a noun: “The Effect of Caffeine on Goldfish”, “Affect” is almost always a verb: “How Caffeine Affects Goldfish”. Here are some good displays from the 2008 fair:            
Friday, January 4, 2008