Science vs Technology

Both science and technology are important at the fair. Understanding the difference helps you plan a project that meets judging expectations.

Scientific investigations

• Question-driven: Pose a testable question and hypothesis.
• Method: Collect data through experiments and observations.
• Analysis: Use statistics or clear comparisons to draw conclusions.

Technology & design projects

• Problem-driven: Identify a real-world problem and design a solution.
• Build & test: Prototype, iterate, and evaluate performance.
• Evidence: Provide tests or demonstrations that show your solution works.

Hybrid projects

Many excellent projects combine science and technology — for example, using experiments to improve a prototype or measuring environmental impact of a device.