A science fair abstract is an abbreviated report or a summary in brief of the entire project. It is one of the last job of the science project but is of immense importance. It states the essential and most important things about the project. The science fair abstract in a clear and easy language gives the important outlines of the entire project. The abstract is generally around 250 words in length. It should appear at the beginning while preparing the project report and it should also be placed at the display board of the fair. The science fair abstract, when placed at the display board, gives the spectators the condensed version comprising the main elements of the project.

Science fair abstract helps people determine if they want to read the full report. Much more people will read the abstract as any other part of the work. It’s like an advertisement speaking for the work done. If one wants the jury and audience to be excited about one’s science fair project, then writing an exciting, engaging abstract is always suggested.

Since a science fair abstract is so short, each section is usually only one or two sentences long. Consequently, every word is important to conveying message. If a word is boring or vague, it will provide distraction. If a word is not adding something important it should be omitted But, even with the abstract’s brief length, don’t be afraid to reinforce a key point by stating it in more than one way or referring to it in more than one section.

The science fair abstract should always include the following parts -

* Introduction–This is your project’s purpose statement i.e. why was the project undertaken

* Problem Statement–It lays down the hypothesis of the project

* Procedure–give the description of your variables, your approach towards the investigation

* Results–give specific data and the synopsis of the results obtained

* Conclusion–state clearly the conclusion derived

While writing the abstract for the science project one should follow certain specific guidelines and avoid the following -

* Uncommon scientific terms which most people aren’t aware of

* Abbreviations and short forms

* Charts and tables

* Acknowledgements

Given below is an outline to write a science project abstract:

* Title

* Introduction (genera idea about the project)

* Problem statement and the hypothesis (what is that is to be established) Methodology (process employed, materials used etc.)

* Analysis of data (what indication does the data gives)

* Conclusion (what results were found)

* Application (how is the finding of help)

By: Jordan Matthews