An Eight-Week Project Timeline

The following timeline provides a basic outline for your science project from start to finish. Please note that the exact amount of time needed to complete a science fair project varies widely. This plan is based on the very least amount of time recommended for project completion.

Week 1

Think about possible project ideas. Talk with your teachers, friends, and family about your project. Choose a specific project topic. Write a description of what you want your project to involve. Obtain from your teacher Forms 1A and 1B to get parent and teacher approval. Your project may need additional approval forms called protocols (click on the Protocols button for more information). Begin now if plants are involved. Otherwise, results may not be obtained in time.

Week 2

Develop your topic. Collect information regarding your topic. Conduct detailed research regarding your topic, making sure to take sufficient notes. Record all sources of information that you obtain research from. Formulate specific procedures for your project and begin experimentation.

Week 3

Continue your experiments. Conduct many tests in order to ensure that your results are accurate. Carefully record your experiments. Make appointments to talk with resource people (those who may be able to help you with your ideas).

Weeks 4 & 5

Continue your experiments. Prepare an outline for your report. Write a rough draft of what you have done and learned in the course of your experiment.

Week 6

Write your final report. Begin work on your project exhibit.

Weeks 7 & 8

Finish your project exhibit. Practice presenting to your family, friends, and class.