1. Prepare your display space ahead of time. Make a list of everything you will need well in advance of the event. If you will need electricity, be sure it will be available.
2. Choose an appropriate sized backboard.
3. Be sure the project title catches the eye of everyone who sees it. Use large letters neatly mounted to the board. Use a yardstick to measure and mark a straight line across the part of the backboard where you wish to place the title. Put the letters in place without glue to make sure everything lines up properly. Ask other people to check it out before using your glue.
4. Use smaller letters for headings for subtopics. Be sure they are also neatly placed.
5. Help make your reports, statistics, and other typed materials stand out by attaching them to a colored background before placing them on your backboard. The background (construction paper works great) should provide a nice even border all the way around of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Be sure the paper does not wrinkle and no glue shows through.
6. Any other items you display on the backboard should also have a background to make them stand out.
7. The display table should be covered with a cloth, preferably in a coordinated color to your backgrounds and lettering.
8. Place display items on the table so as to not block important aspects of your backboard. Use a stand of some kind, if possible. A simple stained piece of wood can work nicely. If any of these items blend or clash with the tablecloth, use a simple "placemat" of a neutral color, like white.
9. On the day of the show, be prepared with an "emergency kit." It should contain anyting you think you might need for fast repairs, like extra letters, tape, construction paper, glue, scissors, pens, pencils, stapler, markers or anything else you can think of. You may also wish to have extra copies of your typed materials handy.
10. Have fun. If you are enjoying yourself, you will always perform better in your presentation. Remember, although ribbons and awards may be handed out, the real reason for a science fair is to learn.
