How To Layout A Science Fair Poster

Science fairs are common from elementary through high school but appear most often in the middle school grades. Most science fair posters are organized by the scientific method, even though it is not often used in this exact format by scientists. However, the steps in the scientific method are an effective way to communicate to others how you conducted your experiment, and these steps can be used on science fair posters.

Step 1

Use a ruler to draw a detailed pencil grid on your poster indicating where titles, information and visuals will be located. This should include three sections on the left and right-hand flap, a large title line at the top of the middle section and boxes for your data tables, graphs and visuals throughout the middle section. Each section should also have its own title line measured the same width as the section.

Step 2

Write titles in pencil on all title lines before going over them in marker or paint. Your main title should go on the line at the top of the mid-section. The left-flap should include your question, hypothesis and procedure. The right flap should include your results, conclusion and recommendations for if the experiment were to be conducted again. The mid-section under the title should be data collected, data tables, graphs and other visuals.

Step 3

Take out typed information squares to glue into each section. Construction paper may be glued behind the informational squares. Construction paper should be a a 1/4-inch to a 1/2-inch outside the sides of your papers.

Step 4

Write or paint over your titles.

Step 5

Clean up the poster. Take off any excess rubber cement and erase any stray pencil marks.