Properly employed, color is functional as well as aesthetically
pleasing. You may find the following suggestions helpful in deciding
which colors to employ in your exhibit, and where.
In a space as small as your science fair exhibit, one or two basic
colors, plus black and white, should suffice. Use your color in a few
large blocks, not in many small patches. Different basic colors can be
used to define different main areas of emphasis; then different shades
of the basic colors can be used to define subareas.
Life-science project exhibits can rely most safely on pastel shades
running heavily to greens and yellows, while physical-science projects
are portrayed frequently against more intense colors. In either case,
avoid violent contrasts and “paintpot” variety. Your exhibit should
convey an air of handsome restraint, not flippant prettiness or carnival
gaudiness. Your colors should attract and enhance, not shock or confuse!
[Illustration: Figure 8
_Far too frequently science fair judges are asked to evaluate very
poor exhibits of what may have been very worthwhile science
projects. Some of the more common mistakes they encounter have been
included by our artist in the sketch above. Now that you have read
our advice on designing science fair exhibits, how many shortcomings
can you identify? (Answers below.)_
_Answers: Structure extends too high and too low for easy viewing,
and width exceeds dimensions usually allowed. The main title is too
long. Two words are misspelled. The best display space is wasted on
ordinary objects which contribute little new understanding to topic
exhibited. There are too many photographs which are too small and
poorly positioned for viewing. Specimen boxes positioned on the
floor as an afterthought where few viewers will attempt to inspect
them. Endless text provides details of little or no interest to the
average viewer. More text on introductory topic (“Catching Bugs”)
than on the exhibit topic. No logical progression from the original
problem and hypothesis through experimentation and observation to
conclusions. There is no project notebook, report, or handout
brochure. No thought has been given to lighting. No points of
emphasis in either text or illustrations. White space has not been
exploited._]
A STEP-BY-STEP ACOUNT OF HOW I MOUNT MY BUGS
CATCHING BUGS
MOUNTING BUGS
SCIZZORS
TWEEZERS
PIN
COTTON
NET
CHLOROFORM
SOME OF MY BUGS
Where desired, visibility and impact of illustrations and specimens can
be increased by mounting them against contrasting background colors.
Avoid the amateurish impulse to always tape or paint a border around
illustrations, specimens, and blocks of type. Placed properly against a
contrasting background, these provide their own best border.
The final test of color is how it looks in actual use, so experiment
with your color schemes before making a final choice. And if you have
any doubts, invite the reactions of your family and friends and also the
advice of your art teacher.