Your science fair display represents all the work that you have done.It should consist of a backboard, the project report, and anything that represents your project, such as models made, items studied, photographs, surveys, and the like. It must tell the story of the project in such a way that it attracts and holds the interest of the viewer. It has to be thorough, but not too crowded, so keep it simple.
Most exhibits are allowed to be 48 inches (122 cm) wide, 30 inches (76 cm) deep, and 108 inches (274 cm) high (including the tables they stand on). These are maximum measurements, so your display may be smaller than this.
A three-sided backboard is usually the best way to display your work. Sturdy cardboard or other heavy material is easier to work with and is less likely to be damaged during transportation to the fair. Wooden panels can be cut and hinged together. Some office supply stores sell inexpensive premade backboards. Purchased backboards generally come in two colors, black and white. You can use a different color by covering the backboard with self-stick, colored shelving paper or cloth. For items placed on the backboard, select colors that stand out but don't distract the viewer from the material being presented.
The title and other headings should be neat and large enough to be read at a distance of about 3 feet (1 m). A short title is often eye-catching. You can purchase, at office supply stores, self-sticking letters of various sizes and colors for the title and headings and stick them to the backboard. You can cut your own letters out of construction paper or stencil the letters for all the headings directly onto the backboard. You can also use a word processor to print the title and other headings.
The following headings are examples:
Problem
Hypothesis
Experiment (materials and procedure)
Data
Results
Conclusion
The project title should go at the top of the center panel, and the remaining material needs to be placed neatly in some order. Figure shows one way of placing the material.
You want a display that the judges will remember positively. So before you glue everything down, lay the board on a flat surface and arrange the materials a few different ways. This will help you decide on the most suitable and attractive presentation. Figure shows what a good display might look like.