Implementing independent science projects can be perceived as challenging for students and time-consuming for teachers who are already managing a full workload. However, with strategic planning and effective implementation strategies, integrating these projects into your classroom can be very rewarding for both educators and students.

The following guide aims to help you construct a framework for independent science projects that meets the needs of both you and your students. It will help you:

• Step 1 - Set GOALS & OBJECTIVES for your program
• Step 2 - Determine WHERE students complete their independent project (in class, at home, etc.)
• Step 3 - Determine WHO the audience will be (science fair, class presentation, etc.)
• Step 4 - Determine WHAT students' final product(s) will be (display boards, lab notebooks, etc.)
• Step 5 - Determine HOW students will access learning materials (through your LMS, printed materials, etc.)
• Step 6 - Determine WHEN students will complete each step of their project (break down the project into manageable chunks, each with a deadline)
• Step 7 - ASSESS the success of your program
• Step 8 - Other Considerations (team projects, learning progressions, etc.)

Step 1 - Set GOALS & OBJECTIVES for your program

1. Set broad goals for your program. Some suggestions include:
   • Increasing confidence of students to complete independent or group work.
   • Supporting science standards, especially Science and Engineering Practices.
   • Encouraging and developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
   • Fostering a sense of curiosity and a love for scientific inquiry.
   • Providing engaging opportunities for hands-on learning and experimentation.
   • Enhancing students' ability to communicate scientific ideas effectively.
   • Preparing students for future academic and career pursuits in STEM fields.
2. Set measurable criteria for each goal to evaluate at the end of your program. See an example below:
   
   
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   Goal	Measurable Criteria
   Increasing confidence of students to complete independent or group work.	Percentage of students completing projects independently or in groups. Student self-assessment surveys showing increased confidence.
   Enhancing students' ability to communicate scientific ideas effectively.	Quality of student presentations and written reports. Peer and teacher evaluations of communication skills.

3. Determine learning objectives for your students. Our Science Project Objectives & Mastery Rubrics guide provides suggested learning objectives and corresponding mastery assessment rubrics for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students that are aligned with each step of the scientific method.

Step 2 - Determine WHERE students complete their independent project

Recommended = Science Buddies' recommended framework for providing the best learning experience to the most students.

Existing Science Class (Recommended)

Dedicate 2-3+ class sessions per week to work on projects (related to course content or not) in an existing class (e.g. Earth Science, Chemistry, Engineering, etc.).

Resources:

• Teacher Planning Resources
• Teaching Tools & Strategies

Home

Ask students to complete projects at home with support from their parents or guardians.

Resources:

• Parent Support Resources

Dedicated STEM Research Extracurricular or Class

Support student projects in an existing or new class, after-school club, camp, or other group that is dedicated specifically to completing independent science projects.

Resources:

• Teacher Planning Resources

Step 3 - Determine WHO the audience will be

School, Local or Regional Science Fair (Recommended)

Students present their work to judges at a regional science fair, which typically requires a display poster board and oral presentation.

Resources:

• Science Fair Directory
• Science Fair Planning Guide

Class Presentation

Students present their work to their classmates either in a series of presentations or using a project gallery model.

School Science Expo

Students present their work to other students, community members, and parents at a one-day event without judging.

Resources:

• Plan a Science Expo Coming Soon!

Step 4 - Determine WHAT students' final product(s) will be

Display Poster Board (Recommended)

A visual summary of the project, including charts, graphs, and images. Basic versions can be made by printing and pasting text on the board. Whole digital posters can be printed if a poster printer is available. This is a requirement for most science fairs.

Resources:

• Science Fair Project Display Board Guide
• Student Science Project Workbooks (See 6 - Communicate Your Results)

OR

Slides or Digital Poster

Students present their research methods and findings using digital slides (Google Slides or PowerPoint) in a slide deck, quad, or digital poster format. This is the best option for a class presentation or science expo.

Resources:

• Student Science Project Workbooks (See 6 - Communicate Your Results)

Lab Notebook (Recommended)

A comprehensive notebook detailing all experiments, observations, and changes to the hypothesis and methodology throughout the project. Often accompanies other final products. Completing a lab notebook is best practice for all independent science projects and is strongly recommended for all students, especially those competing at a science fair.

Resources:

• Science and Engineering Project Laboratory Notebooks
• Student Science Project Workbooks (See 1 - Ask a Question)

Research Paper

A research paper is completed after background research but before experimentation and helps students understand experimental outcomes by discussing the history of related experiments, defining key concepts, addressing background research questions, and including relevant mathematical formulas. This is not typically a required component of a science fair project.

Resources:

• Writing a Research Paper for Your Science Fair Project
• Student Science Project Workbooks (See 2 - Background Research)

Final Report

A detailed report explaining the hypothesis, methods, data analysis, and conclusions. Advanced students may prepare a manuscript for submission to a scientific journal. This is not typically a required component of a science fair project but is recommended for advanced (high school) projects.

Resources:

• Science Fair Project Final Report
• Student Science Project Workbooks (See 6 - Communicate Your Results)

Step 5 - Determine HOW students will access learning materials

Science Project Pathways Tool (Recommended)

Use Science Buddies' pre-made student resources by easily scheduling and assigning them in any LMS!

Resources:

• Science Project Pathways Tool

Printed or Digital Materials

Access Science Buddies' pre-made student resources and print them for in-person use or use the digital version in the LMS of your choice.

Resources:

• Student Science Project Workbooks

Step 6 - Determine WHEN students will complete each step of their project

Timing

Most successful independent science projects take at least 3 months to complete. Be sure to plan ahead so you can set your students up for success.

Resources:

• Science Project Planning Timeline
• Science Project Pathways Tool

Step 7 - ASSESS the success of your program

After your program is complete, revisit your program goals to see if you met them and brainstorm ideas for subsequent years. See an example below:

Step 8 - Other Considerations

Team Projects

Will you allow students to complete projects in groups or teams?

Resources:

• Teaching Tools & Strategies

Science Fair Progression

Encouraging students to aim for progressively advanced science fairs can be beneficial. Beginning with classroom presentations or school science fairs or expos, students can then advance to regional competitions and beyond, offering opportunities for growth and recognition.

Resources:

• Advanced Project Guide

Student Learning Progression

Consider collaborating with other teachers in your school or district to establish a structured program that enhances students' scientific inquiry skills as they progress through different grade levels.

Resources:

• Science Project Objectives & Mastery Rubrics