In the summary paragraph, reflect on the process and possibly state some applications and extensions of the investigation. An abstract does not include a bibliography unless specifically required by your local fair. More Tips When Writing Science Fair Project Abstracts The abstract is printed on one page and is usually between 150 to 250 words long for grades 4 through 12. Judges and the public must have an accurate idea of the project after reading the abstract. The abstract must focus on the current year's research and give only minimal reference to previous work. Do not include details and discussions in the abstract, but they may be put in the longer, written research paper (if required), or given on the display board. Things to Avoid Avoid jargon or any technical terms that most readers won't understand. Avoid abbreviations or acronyms that are not commonly understood unless you describe what they mean. Abstracts do not have a bibliography or citations. Abstracts do not contain tables or graphs. For most science fairs, the abstract must focus on the previous 12 months' research (or less), and give only minimal reference to any earlier work. If you are working with a scientist or mentor, your abstract should only include procedures done by you, and you should not put acknowledgements to anyone in your abstract. Why Is an Abstract Important? Your science fair project abstract lets people quickly determine if they want to read the entire report. Consequently, at least ten times as many people will read your abstract as any other part of your work. It's like an advertisement for what you've done. If you want judges and the public to be excited about your science fair project, then write an exciting, engaging abstract! Since an abstract is so short, each section is usually only one or two sentences long. Consequently, every word is important to conveying your message. If a word is boring or vague, refer to a thesaurus and find a better one! If a word is not adding something important, cut it! But, even with the abstract's brief length; don't be afraid to reinforce a key point by stating it in more than one way or referring to it in more than one section.
In the summary paragraph, reflect on the process and possibly state some applications and extensions of the investigation. An abstract does not include a bibliography unless specifically required by your local fair. More Tips When Writing Science Fair Project Abstracts The abstract is printed on one page and is usually between 150 to 250 words long for grades 4 through 12. Judges and the public must have an accurate idea of the project after reading the abstract. The abstract must focus on the current year's research and give only minimal reference to previous work. Do not include details and discussions in the abstract, but they may be put in the longer, written research paper (if required), or given on the display board. Things to Avoid Avoid jargon or any technical terms that most readers won't understand. Avoid abbreviations or acronyms that are not commonly understood unless you describe what they mean. Abstracts do not have a bibliography or citations. Abstracts do not contain tables or graphs. For most science fairs, the abstract must focus on the previous 12 months' research (or less), and give only minimal reference to any earlier work. If you are working with a scientist or mentor, your abstract should only include procedures done by you, and you should not put acknowledgements to anyone in your abstract. Why Is an Abstract Important? Your science fair project abstract lets people quickly determine if they want to read the entire report. Consequently, at least ten times as many people will read your abstract as any other part of your work. It's like an advertisement for what you've done. If you want judges and the public to be excited about your science fair project, then write an exciting, engaging abstract! Since an abstract is so short, each section is usually only one or two sentences long. Consequently, every word is important to conveying your message. If a word is boring or vague, refer to a thesaurus and find a better one! If a word is not adding something important, cut it! But, even with the abstract's brief length; don't be afraid to reinforce a key point by stating it in more than one way or referring to it in more than one section.