One of the components of a science fair project is to develop a display board. The display board not only needs to contain written information about the project that the student completed, but it also needs to contain visual components that illustrate what was done and what was learned. In many types of projects a photograph is all that is required, however, in physics science fair projects diagrams are often needed.
Decide What Type of Diagram You Need
There are many different types of diagrams that a student can create for their physics science fair project. The most basic type is a labeled drawing. This drawing does not need to be to scale as it is only intended to label the various parts of what is being studied. These drawings are usually used to explain an experiments set-up or the materials used in an experiment.
The second type of diagram is a scale drawing. A scale drawing needs to include a legend which defines the scale and precise measurements of the various elements in the diagram. A scale will need to be selected that makes sense for the object being scaled.
The third type of diagram is a schematic. These are highly technical drawings that often require the use of special software. Students will seldom need to produce a schematic. Simpler versions of schematics can be produced using graphic software programs and CAD programs.
Work from Large to Small
Regardless of what type of diagram that you need to create it is a good idea to work from large details to small details. For example, if you are creating a diagram of a floor plan you would start by drawing the shape of the exterior of the building or floor. You would then create the main divisions in the building and finally add specific details to each space like wall partitions, windows and utilities. This process helps you to keep your drawing in balance and it helps to make the recreation of the object easier to do.
Identify Before Labeling
One of the tasks associated with creating a diagram for physics science fair project is labeling the elements in the diagram. Before you start labeling your diagram you need to make sure you know what everything is. By identifying things before you label you will reduce the chances that you will make a mistake. Create a list of labels that starts at the top of the page at the 12 oclock position and that rotates around the diagram clock wise.
Create Your Labels
Labeling your diagram is one of the last things that you will need to do. Labels have several parts. The first part is the line to the element. This connects the label with what the label identifies. The second part is the label. The label needs to be written clearly and it needs to be sized to fit the space. The final element is a label legend. The legend provides extra information about the labels and the diagram. Usually the legend will give the scale of the diagram, it will define codes and it will expand abbreviated labels.