Creating An Abstract For Your Science Fair Project



What is an Abstract?

An abstract is an overview of your science fair project. It is a summary of the purpose of your investigation, procedures, results, conclusions and possible applications. The abstract follows a specific format: about 250 words in length, one page, single-spaced, no paragraphs and no citations. The purpose of the abstract is to assist the judges at the science fair in an attempt to better understand and properly judge you’re submitted science fair project. Science Fair Judges appreciate as well as look for an abstract submitted along with your science fair project.

Remember: Your abstract must have the title of your project under the word Abstract, but neither the student’s name nor the name of the school should be identified. Below is an example of a well-written abstract with all of the key points that you want the judges to know about.

Abstract

Don’t Burn UP – Block Out!


This experiment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of different strengths of sunblocks. Sunblocks are used to block out the UVA and the UVB rays that are associated with sunburns and skin cancer. Skin cancer is the least deadly of all cancers, but it is also the easiest to develop. Preliminary tests were completed and used to refine the procedures prior to the actual test. The amount of sunblock was changed from 0.5 cm3 to 0.25 cm3 and the time of the test began at 11:20 am for all tests and the 2-hour test lasted until 1:20 pm. Four tests were conducted using four different SPF strengths of sunblocks: 4, 8, 15 and 30. Samples of each sunblock were exposed to the sun for 15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes. For the actual tests, the sunblock was applied to sun-sensitive paper and then quickly spread as evenly as possible in a circle with an area of 14.5 centimeters. A smear test was done to show how different strength sunblocks compare to others using an application method similar to the way sunblock is applied by the average person. The level of blue and gray determines the effectiveness of the sunblock found within the area of the circles after being exposed to the sunlight. The whitest areas indicate the best protection. All of the measured tests complied with the predictions of the hypothesis but the smear tests showed some different results. The SPF 4 was the least protective of all in every test. Likewise, the SPF 30 was the most protective in every test. In the measured tests, the SPF 8 was less protective than the SPF 15 but more protective than the SPF 15 in the smear tests. All of these test indicated that where the sunblock was the thickest the best protection was found.