Science Fair Unit Study

Science Fair Unit Study

This unit study helps students plan, organize, and complete a science fair project from start to finish. It includes vocabulary, book recommendations, project idea banks, planning tools, display board tips, and evaluation ideas. Unlike a general science unit, this resource focuses on hands-on experimentation and clear communication—skills needed for real science fairs. If you’re preparing for a homeschool showcase or a 4-H competition this summer, now’s the time to dive in. This unit will guide you from early brainstorming to final presentation.

The unit is suitable for grades K–12, with flexibility to adapt based on your learners’ ages and abilities. Please preview links and activities to ensure they are appropriate for your family. New resources will be added as time allows.

Many of the links below lead to printable resources that can be added to a notebook or lapbook for this study.

Table of Contents show

How to Use This Unit

This isn’t a full curriculum, but it can help you guide your student through the science fair process. Here’s one way to use the materials below:

  1. Start with the vocabulary section to review important terms.
  2. Pick a book or two from the list that matches your child’s interests or project type.
  3. Use the project idea banks to brainstorm topics. Have your student write down 2–3 possible questions.
  4. Help them choose one and begin planning. Use worksheets to organize thoughts, research, and steps.
  5. Refer to the display board section once the project is complete to prepare for presentation.
  6. Use the evaluation tools to review what worked, what didn’t, and what they learned.

 

Learning Objectives

  • Develop a testable science question based on personal interests or everyday observations.
  • Apply the scientific method by designing and carrying out a simple experiment at home.
  • Track and analyze results using age-appropriate data recording and observation tools.
  • Create a science fair display that clearly communicates the project’s process and outcome.
  • Practice explaining the project verbally to others, including the reasoning behind the experiment and what was learned.
  • Use provided resources to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve for future projects or presentations.

 

Vocabulary

Abstract A summary of the entire experiment.
Conclusion A summary of the results and what they mean.
Constant The part of the experiment that stays the same.
Control Group The group in an experiment that does not receive the change, used as a baseline for comparison.
Data Facts, figures, or observations collected during an experiment.
Dependent Variable The part of the experiment that changes as a result; what you measure.
Experiment A step-by-step process used to test the hypothesis.
Hypothesis An “if…then” prediction about the experiment you are testing.
Independent Variable The part of the experiment that “I” the scientist change.
Inference An explanation of why you think you got the results you did, based on your observations.
Problem A research question you want to explore.
Procedure The detailed steps followed to carry out the experiment.
Research Information gathered about the topic you are studying.
Variable Something that can change in an experiment.

 

Book Resources

 

Educator Tools

 

Project Ideas, Pickers & Planning Help

 

Display Board & Poster Help

 

Worksheets

Make your own worksheets with these worksheet creation tools:

  • SchoolHouseTech https://www.schoolhousetech.com/ This company gives away two free software worksheet factories one for Basic math and one for wordsearch utility that will make wonderful complements to this unit when you include the clipart listed in the clipart section.
  • Start Write – This program makes nice reports and handwriting worksheets for the unit. https://www.startwrite.com/
  • TeachNology has several online worksheet makers and a ton of Rubric makers. Rubrics work great with Homeschool Tracker because they give you total points and you count up exactly how many points your child gets. https://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/
  • Online Crossword Puzzle Maker to use with your vocabulary words or locations or even dates from the timeline. https://www.happychild.org.uk/wks/english/ssm/crosswords01.htm

 

Evaluation Ideas

Assemble a three ring binder and please include:

Unit Safari originally compiled July 2009. Fully updated and restructured in 2025.

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.