Science Fair Shopping List

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Students should start a shopping list as soon as they have chosen a topic. The same stores may stock items they’ll need for their investigation/invention as well as for their final display, so they should consolidate lists and trips to save time and gas. (This will also make their parents happy, which is important.)

Display boards should be purchased early. That way, students will be able to easily visualize the amount of room they’ll have for text, photos, charts, graphs, etc. While they’re at it, they should shop for other items they’ll need come production time: colored construction paper and heavyweight computer printer paper; various tape, glue stick, and mounting products for various stages of layout and model building (one size does not fit all!); and all the tools they’ll need to measure, cut, paste, and create a professional-looking display.

  • Tri-fold display board (You may also build your own three-sided display board out of scrap cardboard or a cardboard box. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to stand up on its own.)
  • Display board header (optional accessory—buy pre-made or make your own)
  • Bold and medium-point permanent black markers
  • Colored construction paper
  • White computer printer paper (heavier cover stock is best)
  • Notebook
  • White correction fluid

Useful tools:

  • Scotch™ Precision ScissorsScotch™ Precision Scissors Where to Buy
  • Scotch™ Paper CutterScotch™ Paper Cutter Where to Buy
  • Ruler
  • Yardstick
  • T-square
  • Camera
  • Calculator

For paste-up:

For making models:

  • Modeling clay
  • Foam board
  • Recycled cardboard and household items
  • Scotch® Quick Drying Tacky Glue

For the Science Fair:

  • Tablecloth to place under display board. (A simple piece of inexpensive fabric in a bright color that complements the colors on your board; stay away from busy patterns.)
  • Supply kit (Fill a shoe box with any items you might need for emergency repairs: tape, glue, glue sticks, markers, pencils and pens, extra construction paper, scissors, paper cutter, correction fluid, etc.)
  • Science reference book (In case anyone asks you a question you can’t answer, you can look it up after!)

Note: While choosing a topic and testable question, keep required materials, equipment and supplies in mind. Some might be available at school; others may be purchased at online and specialty stores. Based on your family budget, this may factor into your decision making. Here are some sample items for miscellaneous projects:

Safety supplies:

  • Safety goggles
  • Eyewash
  • Latex gloves
  • Apron
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First-aid kit

Science experiment supplies:

  • Petri dishes
  • Litmus paper
  • PH test paper
  • Test tubes and racks
  • Funnel
  • Magnifying glass
  • Balances and scales
  • Thermometers
  • Water and soil test kits (test for pH, nitrogen, etc)
  • Acid rain testing kit