Writing the Abstract
After finishing research and experimentation, you will write a (maximum) 250-word abstract. It will summarize your project that lets the reader know what you did, why you did it, the most important results and your interpretation of those results. It helps the reader evaluate your project and decide whether you've done something exciting and interesting.
An abstract should include one or two VERY BRIEF sentences about each of the following:
- Background behind the experiment – from your research, what do people already know about your topic?
- Purpose of experiment – what was it about your research that lead you to ask this particular question?
- Procedures – a very basic explanation of what you actually did.
- Data – what was your most important or interesting result?
- Discussion / Conclusions based on your data.
- Any possible research application – how does your information apply to the real world?
- and must not include:
- Acknowledgements
- names of any mentors or facilities
- Procedures done by a mentor.
Special Notes
Your abstract must be written on the SSEF Abstract Form. This form is required for all projects in the State of Florida that participate in Science Fair. Other than your name, school, and the town in which your school is located, please do not put any other personal information on your abstract.
Continuing Projects
If your project is a continuing project, only minimal reference to previous work may be included. The abstract should focus on work done since the last fair.