Lithia Springs High School has a tradition of excellence at the State Science & Engineer Fair. This, in part, occurs because of our focus on the scientific and engineering processes within our classes, the knowledge base and passion of our teachers and faculty, and the time we give students to work on their projects within our science and STEM classes. Students who progress to the Region and State Science Fairs will be awarded a second Academic Competition credit.

LSHS STEM Fair Timeline & Due Dates

CRITICAL DATE
ITEM/EVENT DESCRIPTION​​
August 22
  • SIGNED Parent Permission Letter Due (The full size copy is yours to keep. Please return the small copy to your teacher).
  • Deadline to purchase STEM Fair Logbook (get one for $0.50 from WalMart or Kroger).
  • Begin to set up your logbook - click here for step-by-step instructions on completing your STEM fair project and logbook.
  • When conducting research, use this form to help you keep track of the information you will need for your APA style references.
  • Need help coming up with a STEM fair topic? Scroll to the bottom of this page for a variety of resources!
September 5
September 12
NOTE: If your plans involve human subjects (even if it's just to ask them questions for a survey), animals or animal tissue, micro-organisms, DNA, radiation, controlled or hazardous substances, explosives, or chemicals not generally found in a household, your project has to be approved by the DCSS SRC/IRB BEFORE ​you start your project. Click here to determine whether or not your project will require approval.
September 19
  • Last day to begin background research
  • Deadline for Hypothesis approval
  • Workshop #2, 3:50-5:00, Room S204
September 26
NOTE: If your proposal cannot be approved by your teacher, you CANNOT begin your experiment until you get approval from county office! This may take anywhere from 5-7 days.
October 3
  • Checkpoint #2 Due
  • Deadline for Anticipated Research Plan Approval
  • Logbook Check #2
October 10
  • ​Workshop #3, 3:50-5:00, Room S204
October 15
  • Deadline to begin experimentation/trials
October 17
  • Logbook Check #3
October 24
  • Rough Draft of Formal Report Due (including cover-page, partial abstract (excluding results), table of contents, introduction, background information, hypothesis, procedures, and materials. Students do not need to include results, as they may still be experimenting).
October 31
  • Workshop #4, 3:50-5:00, Room S204
November 7
  • Logbook Check #4
November 15
  • Deadline for the conclusion of all experimentation
November 16 - December 6
  • Complete Formal Research Report and Display Board (see below for guidelines)
December 9
  • LSHS STEM Fair Project Due! ALL Projects must be turned in
December 10 - December 17
December 19-20
  • Selected projects are returned to students for revision over winter break in preparation for the LSHS Science Fair
January 7
  • Projects are resubmitted to 1st semester science teacher for final review and preparation for the LSHS Science Fair
January 10
  • LSHS STEM Fair
January 28
  • Douglas County School System STEM Fair. Judging begins at 1:00. Student interviews begin at 4:00pm
February 7
  • ​University of West Georgia Regional STEM Fair
March 26-28
  • Georgia Science and Engineering Fair Athens, GA

Display Boards

Successful Display Board Presentations . . .
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the topic, the experimental/design plan, and the results.
2. Clearly demonstrate that the project is the result of your own work.
3. Show careful planning even if the research or design did not take long to complete.
4. Are neatly hand written or typed, attractive, and well organized, with a simple and well stated title.
5. Include pictures, charts, and graphs that are necessary to explain your work.
6. Tell a complete story including a–problem and solution with accurate and valid observations
7. Showcase a project/product that is original in approach and presentation and not just research report summarizing or pre-manufactured  kit (e.g. plastic model from a hobby kit).
8. Are self-explanatory.
9. Give credit to those that helped.
Display and Safety Rules
  1. The following ARE NOT allowed as part of your display at the STEM Fair (please DO share pictures!):
    1. ​Living organisms such as plants, soil, mold, bacteria
    2. Food
    3. Taxidermy specimens, preserved animals, human/animal parts or body fluids
    4. Hazardous or flammable chemicals
    5. Glass or sharp objects
  2. ​If you are doing a multi-year project, NO previous year materials can be displayed on the backboard. Graphs can include data from previous years for comparison purposes.
  3. Make sure all procedures are complete in your research plan. They should be clear enough so that anyone can read the procedure and be able to duplicate the experiment.
  4. Avoid tall table model backboards made of foam. Any backboard above 36" should have 3 hinges, with pins in place, if the board is made of anything other than cardboard or foam. No Velcro can be used to hold the backboard together.
  5. Models that do not work or explain the projects should not be displayed. Take good pictures to display on the backboard or put them in the notebook.
  6. Backboards must be no more than 30" deep, 48" wide and 108" high, including the table.
  7. On the back of your display write: Name, School, and Grade.
  8. No electrical outlets are available at display stations.
Need Additional Support or Inspiration?​
Last updated on 10/2/2019