science fair display tips

Science Fair Display Tips

http://sciencefair.math.iit.edu/

Text Layout and Flow

• The layout and flow of text is vital in getting the information across in a meaningful way.

• English is read from left to right, top to bottom. So should the layout of the text.

Good flow!!!

Poor flow!

DO NOT DO THIS!!!

Project Titles

• People have to know what the project is about.

• Get people's attention! Use letters large enough to be seen from 30-40 feet away.

• Make the title look professional

• The title should be centered at the top of the board.

Not in the middle!

Not at the bottom!

Not vertical!

JUUUUUST RIGHT!

Balance Text, Pictures, Space

• Avoid textwall!!!

• Posters should be summaries, not a novel!

• Use bulleted lists

• Big font (at least size 18 font)

• Don’t have too much or too little whitespace

• Avoid having one area with all picture or all text

• Pictures & graphs are vital!

• Pictures and graphs shouldn’t cover more than 50% of the board

Good balance

Poor balance

Colors• Limit color choice to two main colors

• Warm colors tend to be distracting

• Cool colors tend to be soothing

• Avoid bells and whistles

Color choices should be muted

BAD COLORS!

Text and background colors are distinct

The Hall of Fame

Try To Look Like This!

Fame 1

Fame 2

The Hall of Shame

DON’T EVER LOOK LIKE THIS!

Shame 1

Shame 2