Constructing the Display Board

The format of a science fair display board parallels the components of a simple science report:

• title,
• statement of problem,
• procedure (methods-materials),
• results, and
• conclusion.
  

The diagram below shows the typical position of these components on a science fair display board.

The Metro Richmond Science Fair does not guarantee the amount of space provided by the Intel ISEF for project display.   Most projects are displayed back to back on a school lunch table, which means that students should not expect to have more than 18 inches deep and approximately 36 inches wide of space in which to put their display board and any visuals.  The Project boards may not be any taller than 96 inches high (8 ft.) including the height of the table. A commercial display board may be used, and easily fits these requirements, or the student may build his/her own display. Any equipment accompanying the exhibit must fit in this allotted space or under the table. Pictures or diagrams of larger equipment are an excellent alternative. If the student advances to VSSEF or ISEF they may use the larger display area dimensions as described in the ISEF regulations.

There are many methods for constructing display boards. Appropriate materials include plywood, Plexiglas, reinforced poster board, corrugated cardboard and foam core board. The three-panel board may be hinged or reinforced with tape. Inexpensive project display boards are available in many large office supply stores or craft stores.

All lettering should be neat and legible and spelling should be carefully checked. The display board will be more eye-catching if complementary colors that enhance photographs and display materials are used. White commercial display boards can work just as well as the brightly colored ones for neat, visually exciting exhibits.

Pictures of your experimental set-up and procedure are a great way to add “eye-appeal” to your display. Pictures of items which are not allowed at the Fair (plants, animals, soil, etc.) are a good way to include them in the display. All pictures on your display must have a photo credit as to the source. If all pictures are taken by the same person, a single photo credit stating this is acceptable. Students must have written permission to use pictures of ANY person, other than the researcher him/herself. A simple note with the person's signature may be used for this and MUST be available during the safety inspection.

Finally, plan the display carefully. Remember, it is the advertisement for the project. A sloppy display will influence the judges and the public. This may not be fair, since the research displayed may be exemplary, but it is realistic.

Additional information on the project display can be found on page 4 of the Intel ISEF “Student Handbook” at http://www.sciserv.org/isef/document/hbk2006.pdf.   Another good source of display help can be found at the Illinois Institute of Technology  science project website at http://sciencefair.math.iit.edu/.