Discussion/Conclusion?

[mm12024]

Could you explain a little about the discussion and conclusion sections? I wrote a discussion that explains my data, what I think happened to cause that data, and ideas for the future. My conclusion is pretty much just summarizing that and explaining how I disproved my hypothesis. Also my discussion is REALLY long - over 2,000 words and my conclusion is pretty short seeing as I just really summarized the discussion. It seems really repetitive. So what do I put on my board? My entire discussion and conclusion doesn't really fit unless I use like size 12 font.... Suggestions?? Thanks!

[amyc]

Hi -- It sounds like you've taken the right approach to these sections of your project. Your conclusion should, yes, be a summary of your project and the results you observed -- and how you proved or disproved your hypothesis.

Have you looked at this page from the Project Guide: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_conclusions.shtml?from=AAE

It may help as it contains a list of the key elements of the conclusion, some samples, and a checklist.

For your display board, you'll want your conclusion listed. If you have elements from your longer discussion that you want to highlight for the viewer, you might add some of those in a list. But you don't want to put the entire text on the board. You could make that available in a log book, possibly.

There is a useful diagram on this page which shows a sample layout for a Project Display Board:
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_display_board.shtml?from=AAE.

Also, we posted a blog piece on Project Display Boards last week that you may find useful:
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/blog/2012/03/perfecting-the-project-display-board.php?from=AAE

As for fonts... keep the font in mind! It makes a difference. http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_display_board_fonts.shtml?from=AAE

Good luck with your project!

Amy
Science Buddies