Guidelines for Writing a Project Report

The Kenya Science and Engineering Fair (KSEF) continues to emphasize a structured approach to documenting research. Below are the updated 2025 guidelines for preparing your project report.

Page 1: Cover Page

The cover page must include the following:

1. Edition and Forum: E.g., The 59th Kenya National Secondary Students’ Science and Engineering Fair.
2. Category: E.g., Physics.
3. Title: E.g., Solar-Powered Water Pump.
4. Presenters: Include the names of all presenters.
5. School: E.g., Amani Academy.
6. County or District: E.g., Nyanza/Kisumu.
7. Venue: E.g., Pamoja Boys’ High School.
8. Year: E.g., 2025.

Page (ii): Declaration

This page affirms the originality of the project and requires signatures from the student, patron, and principal.

1. Students’ Declaration:
   • Statement: “This project is our original work and has not been presented in previous science and engineering fairs.”
   • Signatures of students, along with names and admission numbers.
2. Science Patron’s Declaration:
   • Statement confirming the project’s readiness for presentation, signed by the patron and principal, with the date.

Page (iii): Plagiarism Declaration

This section ensures adherence to ethical research practices and highlights the KSEF anti-plagiarism policy. Key points to include:

• Avoidance of direct copying or paraphrasing without proper citation.
• Declaration of understanding and compliance with KSEF’s anti-plagiarism policy.

Page (iv): Abstract

The abstract is a concise summary (approximately 250 words) that highlights:

1. The purpose of the project.
2. Methods of data collection.
3. Key observations, data, or results.
4. Conclusion.

Page (v): Acknowledgment

This section recognizes the contributions of individuals, institutions, or organizations that supported the project. Be specific about the assistance provided.

Page (vi): Table of Contents

Outline all headings and subheadings with corresponding page numbers.

Page (vii): List of Tables

List and describe all tables used in the report.

Chapters Overview

Chapter 1: Background Information

This chapter introduces the project and its context, addressing:

1. Introduction to the research problem.
2. Statement of the problem (originality).
3. Objectives or hypotheses.
4. Justification and significance of the project.
5. Limitations and precautions taken during the research.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

This section reviews previous research relevant to your project, summarizing scientific concepts and principles. Ensure the review is no longer than two pages.

Chapter 3: Methodology

Provide a detailed description of your research methodology:

1. Apparatus: List all materials used, quantitatively and qualitatively.
2. Procedure: Outline the step-by-step process of your experiment or study.
3. Variables: Identify controlled, independent, and dependent variables.
4. Observations and Data: Record and present findings systematically.

Chapter 4: Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Data Presentation: Use visual aids like bar graphs, pie charts, or tables.
• Data Analysis: Relate findings to the objectives of the project.
• Interpretation: Analyze trends and patterns in the data.

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation

1. Summarize the findings and their relevance to the research questions.
2. Recommend areas for future research based on the results.
3. Acknowledge any limitations and propose improvements for future studies.

References

List all sources cited in the report using the APA referencing style:

• Books.
• Journals and newspapers.
• Online resources.

Appendix

Attach supplementary materials, such as:

• Raw data tables.
• Diagrams, sketches, or photographs.
• Questionnaires and models.

Project Data File/Research File

Maintain a project data file, which should include:

• Research plans with dates and supervisor signatures.
• Rough work, original data sheets, and diagrams.
• Photos, questionnaires, and other relevant materials documenting the research process.

By following these updated guidelines for 2025, students can ensure that their KSEF project reports meet the standards for professional presentation and scientific rigor.