Science Fair

Ready to make your mark in the world of science? Dive in and make something extraordinary happen!
Ever wondered what makes the world tick? Got a burning question you just have to answer? The Thompson School District Science Fair is your chance to turn curiosity into discovery! Whether you're designing experiments, engineering solutions, or exploring the mysteries of the universe, this is where innovation comes to life.
In This Section
2026 Annual District Science Fair
- 14th Annual District Science Fair
- Elementary Divisions
- Secondary Divisions
- Elementary Research Plan Templates Eng/Espanol
- Secondary Research Plan Templates Eng/Espanol
14th Annual District Science Fair
14th Annual District Science Fair
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Walt Clark Middle School
2605 Carlisle Dr, Loveland
Schedule Pending
Questions: Contact Kristi Mutter at kristi.mutter@tsd.org
Elementary Divisions
Elementary Divisions
- Kindergarten/1st Grades
- 2nd/3rd Grades
- 4th/5th Grades
Elementary students may compete in the following categories:
- Life Sciences projects ask questions about living things such as plants and animals.
- Earth Sciences related to rocks, dirt, water and space.
- Physical Sciences study matter, energy, and chemistry.
Students will compete within their divisions and categories.
NOTE: Students can complete projects with a partner.
Rubrics for a successful project
Lower Elementary (K-3) |
|
|---|---|
| Problem |
Is the investigation guided by a question?
|
| Information |
Data connecting the research to the problem is present.
|
| Hypothesis |
The hypothesis is brief and complete, testable and shows a connection to the research.
|
| Experiment |
Is there evidence that an experiment was conducted? Was proper equipment used?
|
| Results |
Are the data described and/or summarized?
|
| Conclusion |
Is there an attempt to relate the results to the problem/question?
|
| Visual Display | Is the project presented in a manner that makes the purpose procedure and results clear? |
Steps for your project
- Review the Thompson School District Science Fair Display and Safety Regulations
- Complete the Elementary Research Plan Template to prepare for your official, online project submission.
- To request research plan template translations, contact Kristi Mutter and indicate the language required.
- View videos to assist you with your board, presentation, and journals (optional).
Questions? Contact Kristi Mutter
Submit Your Elementary Project here
Project submission deadline is October 11, 2026
Upper Elementary (4th-5th) |
|
|---|---|
| Problem | States problem as a question, provides evidence that it comes from the student's personal interests or experiences, and represents a genuine learning opportunity for the student. |
| Information | Cites 2 or more different sources. Student clearly connects the research to their problem in their own words. |
| Hypothesis | Hypothesis is brief and complete, testable and clearly addresses the state problem. |
| Experiment | Experimental design is a well-constructed test of stated hypotheses. Procedures are outlined in a step-by-step fashion that could be followed by anyone without additional explanation. All materials are listed. |
| Results |
Performed experiment several times. Summarizes the data in a way that describes what was discovered using graphs and charts with no errors or omission. Discusses connections between variable or points out patterns. |
| Conclusion | Conclusion completely answers all aspects of the problem, states if the hypothesis was supported or rejected and clearly cites evident to explain why. |
| Visual Display | Project display is appealing, neat, and readable. It is well organized and clear. Use of language and spelling is correct. |
Secondary Divisions
Secondary Divisions
Steps for your project
- Review the Thompson School District Science Fair Display and Safety Regulations
- Complete the Secondary Research Plan Template to prepare for your official, online project submission.
- To request research plan template translations, contact Kristi Mutter and indicate the language required.
- View videos to assist you with your board, presentation, and journals (optional).
Questions? Contact Kristi Mutter
Submit Your secondary project here
Project sumbission deadline is October 11, 2026
Secondary Divisions and Categories
- Middle School
- High School
Secondary students may compete in the following categories:
Animal Science
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Chemistry
Earth and Space Sciences
Energy and Transportation
Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Mathematics and Computer Sciences
Medicine and Health
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
TSD Science Fair Requirements & Forms
Video instructions for some forms are linked below the required form.
- Research Plan Template
- Research Plan Instructions (1A page 2)
- Approval Form (1B)
- Approval Form Video Instructions
- Read the International Rules
(A science fair journal is not required, but is highly recommended.)
If a project includes hazardous materials, animals, or humans, please include the applicable form(s) with your submission.
ISEF Rules WizardThe Rules Wizard has been designed as a first step to help you determine what forms and approvals are necessary before beginning a science fair project. Answer each of the 9 questions and a result page will provide a list of forms and information based on your answers; these forms and the accompanying rules should be reviewed closely with a teacher or mentor BEFORE experimentation begins.
Additional Requirements When Advancing to the Regional Science Fair
Video instructions for some forms are linked below the form. PDFs of all forms can be found on the ISEF Website
- Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1)
- Student Checklist (1A)
- Risk Assessment Form (3)
- Abstract Instructions
- Abstract Form
Video instructions for the forms are linked below each form.
- Human Participants (4)
- Human Informed Consent
- Vertebrate Animal (5A)
- Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (6A)
- Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue (6B)
For assistance with form accessability, contact Kristi Mutter.
Elementary Research Plan Templates Eng/Espanol
Elementary Research Plan TemplateYour research plan must be very detailed so that the review committee could follow your instructions and replicate your experiment exactly without explanation. If your project does not contain enough details, it will be returned for revision. All items below are required information.
Category (choose one)
Earth Science- rocks, weather, space
Life Science– plants and animals
Physical Science- matter, energy, chemistry
Project Title
Objective
The objective of this science fair project is to...
[state the main goal or purpose of your experiment- what question are your trying to answer].
Hypothesis:
I predict that...
[make an educated guess about what you think will happen in your experiment].
Materials:
Complete list of materials needed for the experiment.
Preparation:
Explain any preparation steps, such as setting up equipment or preparing samples.
Experiment Set Up:
Explain how you will set up the experiment, including any variables you will control.
Describe how you will ensure a fair test.
Explain the role of each material or equipment in the experiment.
Data Collection:
Explain how you will collect data, measurements, or observations.
Include details about the measurements you'll take and how often.
Describe any tools you'll use for data collection.
Observations:
Describe what you will hope to observe during the experiment.
Explain how you will record any changes or effects.
Analysis:
Explain how you will record any changes or effects.
State if you will use graphs, charts, or calculation.
Resources: You should try to include at least 3 sources of information. Wikipedia is NOT a proper source.
Ethical Considerations:
If your project involves human subjects, animals, or potentially harmful substances, address how you will ensure ethical conduct and safety. Presentation: Explain how you will present your project, including designing your display board and preparing for your presentation to the judges.
Presentation:
Explain how you will present your project, including designing your display board and preparing for your presentation to the judges.
Modelo de plan de investigación primáriaTu plan de investigación debe ser muy detallado para que el comité de revisión pueda seguir tus instrucciones y replicar tu experimento exactamente sin explicación. Si tu proyecto no contiene suficientes detalles, será devuelto para tu revisión. Todos los elementos a continuación son información requerida.
Categoría (elige uno):
Ciencias de la Tierra- rocas, meteorología, espacio
Ciencias de la Vida– plantas y animales
Ciencias Físicas- materia, energía, química
Project Título del Proyecto
El objetivo:
El objetivo de este proyecto de feria de ciencias es...
[Indica el objetivo o propósito principal de su experimento: ¿Qué pregunta está tratando de responder?]
Hipótesis:
Predigo que...
[Haz una suposición informada sobre lo que crees que sucederá en tu experimento]
Materiales:
Lista completa de materiales necesarios para el experimento
Preparación:
Explica los pasos de preparación, como configurar el equipo o preparar muestras.
Configuración del experimento:
Explica cómo configurar el experimento, incluye las variables que controlarás..
Describe cómo garantizar que sea una prueba justa.
Explica el papel de cada material o equipo en el experimento.
Colección de datos:
Explica cómo recolectaras los datos, mediciones u observaciones.
Incluye detalles sobre las medidas que tomarás y con qué frecuencia.
Describe las herramientas que utilizarás para la colección de datos.
Observaciones:
Describe lo que esperas observar durante el experimento.
Explica cómo registrar cualquier cambio o efecto.
Análisis:
Explica cómo registrar cualquier cambio o efectos.
Indica si utilizarás gráficos, tablas o cálculos.
Recursos:
Deberías intentar incluir al menos 3 fuentes de información. Wikipedia NO es una fuente adecuada.
Consideraciones éticas:
Si su proyecto involucra seres humanos, animales o sustancias potencialmente dañinas, aborda cómo garantizar la conducta ética y la seguridad.
Presentación:
Explica cómo presentarás tu proyecto, incluyendo el diseño de tu tablero de exhibición y la preparación para tu presentación ante los jueces.
Secondary Research Plan Templates Eng/Espanol
Secondary Research Plan TemplateYour research plan must be very detailed so that the review committee could follow your instructions and replicate your experiment exactly without explanation. If your project does not contain enough details, it will be returned for revision. All items below are required information.
Earth Science: Earth & Space / Environmental
Life Science: Animal / Behavior & Social / Medicine & Health / Microbiology / Plant
Physical Science: Chemistry / Energy & Transportation / Engineering / Mathematics & Computer / Physics
Project Title
Rationale:
I chose this project because…
Objective:
The objective of this science fair project is to...
[state the main goal or purpose of your experiment- what question are your trying to answer].
Hypothesis:
If [cause], then [effect], because [rationale] [make an educated guess about what you think will happen in your experiment].
Materials:
Complete list of materials needed for the experiment
Risk Analysis:
The potential risks are....
Preparation:
Explain any preparation steps, such as setting up equipment or preparing samples.
Experimental Set Up:
Explain how you will set up the experiment, including any variables you will control. Describe how you will ensure a fair test.
Explain the role of each material or equipment in the experiment.
Data Collection:
Explain how you will collect data, measurements, or observations.
Include details about the measurements you'll take and how often.
Describe any tools you'll use for data collection.
Observations:
Describe what you will hope to observe during the experiment.
Explain how you will record any changes or effects.
Analysis: Explain how you will record any changes or effects.
State if you will use graphs, charts, or calculation.
Bibliography: Sites such as https://www.easybib.com/ will help you quickly create citations for your resources. You should try to include at least 6 sources of information for your bibliography. Wikipedia is NOT a proper source.
Ethical Considerations:
If your project involves human subjects, animals, or potentially harmful substances, address how you will ensure ethical conduct and safety. Presentation: Explain how you will present your project, including designing your display board and preparing for your presentation to the judges.
Modelo de plan de investigación secundarioTu plan de investigación debe ser muy detallado para que el comité de revisión pueda seguir tus instrucciones y replicar tu experimento exactamente sin explicación. Si tu proyecto no contiene suficientes detalles, será devuelto para tu revisión. Todos los elementos a continuación son información requerida.
Ciencia de la tierra: Tierra y espacio / Ambiental
Ciencias de la vida: El Animal / Comportamiento y Social / Medicina y Salud / Microbiologia / Plantas
Ciencia física: Química / Energía y Transporte / Ingeniería / Matemáticas y Computación / Física
Título del Proyecto
Razonamiento:
Elegí este proyecto porque…
El objetivo:
El objetivo de este proyecto de feria de ciencias es...
[Indica el objetivo o propósito principal de su experimento: ¿Qué pregunta está tratando de responder?]
Hipótesis:
Si [causa], entonces [efecto], porque [razonamiento] [Haz una suposición informada sobre lo que crees que sucederá en tu experimento]
Materiales Lista completa de materiales necesarios para el experimento
Análisis de riesgo (s):
Los riesgos potenciales son....
Preparación:
Explica los pasos de preparación, como configurar el equipo o preparar muestras.
Configuración del experimento:
Explica cómo configurar el experimento, incluye las variables que controlarás..
Describe cómo garantizar que sea una prueba justa.
Explica el papel de cada material o equipo en el experimento.
Colección de datos:
Explica cómo recolectaras los datos, mediciones u observaciones.
Incluye detalles sobre las medidas que tomarás y con qué frecuencia.
Describe las herramientas que utilizarás para la colección de datos.
Observaciones: Describe lo que esperas observar durante el experimento.
Explica cómo registrar cualquier cambio o efecto.
Análisis: Explica cómo registrar cualquier cambio o efectos.
Indica si utilizarás gráficos, tablas o cálculos.
Bibliografía:
Sitios como https://www.easybib.com/ te ayudarán a crear referencias rápidamente para tus recursos. Debes intentar incluir al menos 6 fuentes de información para tu bibliografía. Wikipedia NO es una fuente adecuada.
Consideraciones éticas:
Si su proyecto involucra seres humanos, animales o sustancias potencialmente dañinas, aborda cómo garantizar la conducta ética y la seguridad. Presentación: Explica cómo presentarás tu proyecto, incluyendo el diseño de tu tablero de exhibición y la preparación para tu presentación ante los jueces.
Presentación:
Explica cómo presentarás tu proyecto, incluyendo el diseño de tu tablero de exhibición y la preparación para tu presentación ante los jueces.
