For Students
THE DISPLAY
Your project display should be designed in order to should attract people to your work and to inform them in an easily digestible manner. This means providing a clear illustration of the study and results while making the most use of space with clear and concise displays.
The Canada wide Science Fair maximum size restrictions:
1.2 metres wide
0.8 metres deep
3.5 metres high from the floor
The display should include headings that stand out, posters containing written material and charts, clearly drawn and correctly labeled graphs and diagrams, and some of the apparatus used so that key aspects of the project can be demonstrated.
Backboards are an essential element. The following guidelines apply to science fair projects displayed at the national level. Check locally for requirements of your regional fair. Materials must not be flammable.
Len Reimer (Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair) has developed a PVC pipe backboard with consultation from the Youth Science Foundation and the National Science Fair Committee. Laminated display boards can be mounted into this backboard, which is easy to assemble and collapses to fit into a carry-on sized peice of luggage.
Download instructions for this backboard design here.
Wood and wood products 1/4-inch thick or thicker and synthetic materials designed for displays are recommended.
Corrugated cardboard, Bristol board, and other paper products are not acceptable for backboards.
Air pockets should not be left behind any paper used to decorate the backboard.
Overlapping sheets of paper are not acceptable.
Panels may be painted with any common paint.
Peg board allows flexibility for arranging three-dimensional exhibits.
White pine should be used for bracing, framing and other woodwork.
Removable pin hinges and wing-nut bolts save assembly time and assist maintenance.
Cam Shields (Greater Vancouver) has designed a backboard that meets the CWSF and YSF safety regulations, and which can be brought to the Canada Wide Fair as a standard piece of luggage on any airline. Follow these links to access detailed instructions (in PDF format) on: