How to Write a 4th Grade Science Fair Report

The purpose of a science fair project report is to explain the research behind the project, as well as the processes used to complete the project itself. The project report clarifies important points that may not be clear from an oral or visual presentation of the processes involved. Be sure to read over any guidelines provided by the science teacher before beginning. Start by writing the body of the paper; and then add the abstract, table of contents, and title page. It is easier to complete these elements after completing the rest of the report. (See Reference 1)

Open a blank document in MS Word. Set the desired font.

Press “Enter” five times. Click on “Insert” in the Word toolbar. Click “Page Break” to create a new page. This will leave space for the title page, abstract, and table of contents.

Type the heading “Hypothesis” or “Research Question.” Press “Enter” twice.

Type the original hypothesis or what you thought was going to happen in the experiment.

Type the heading “Background Information.” Press “Enter” twice.

Type three to five paragraphs explaining the research related to your project.

Type the heading “Materials.” Press “Enter” twice. List the materials used in your experiment.

Type the heading “Procedures.” Press “Enter” twice. List the procedures you followed to complete your experiment. Note the constants and variables involved in the experiment.

Type the heading “Results.” Press “Enter” twice. List all the results of your experiment. Include data, graphs, pictures, and observations.

Type the heading “Conclusions.” Press “Enter” twice. Explain whether or not the experiment confirmed or refuted your hypothesis. Be specific about which elements of the data reflect the conclusions.

Type the heading “Ideas for Future Research.” Press “Enter” twice. Describe why your research was important, and how it impacts society. Explain how your research could be expanded in the future.

Click on “Insert” in the toolbar. Click “Page Break” to create a new page.

Type the heading “Acknowledgments.” Press “Enter” twice.

List the names of anyone who assisted you with your project: your parents, siblings, teacher, classmates, or others.

Type the heading “Bibliography.” Press “Enter” twice.

List all the references used in your research. Be sure to follow the citation format if one is provided by the teacher, otherwise use the examples in the Resources section of this article.

Move the mouse cursor to the top of the first page of the report. Press “CTRL” and “E” to center the text. Press “Enter” several times to move to the middle of the page.

Type your project title, your name, grade, teacher’s name, and date. Press “Enter” twice between each item to leave a blank space. Click on “Insert” in the toolbar. Click “Page Break” to create a new page.

Type the heading “Abstract.” Press “Enter” twice. Write a short summary of your project. The abstract should be no more than one or two paragraphs.

Click on “Insert” in the Word toolbar. Click “Page Break” to create a new page. Click “Page Number” and choose the position you desire for your page numbers.

Type the heading “Table of Contents” and create a Table of Contents for your project.