The Scientific Method

The following is a review of the Scientific Method with some key questions and directions on how to design and conduct an experiment.

 

 

 

 

Hypothesis

- Explain how you think your project can demonstrate your purpose.

- Make a prediction about the outcome of your experiment. State the results in measurable terms.

Procedure

- Give a detailed explanation of how you will conduct the experiment to test your hypothesis.

- Be clear about the variables (elements of the experiment that change to test your hypothesis) versus your controls (elements of the experiment that do not change).

- Be very specific about how you will measure results to prove or disprove your hypothesis. You should include a regular timetable for measuring results or observing the projects (for example, every hour, every day, every week).

- Your procedure should be like a recipe - Anyone should be able to do your experiment following your procedure. Test this with a friend or parent to be sure you have not forgotten anything.

 

Materials

- List all materials and equipment you used.

 

Observation/Data/Results

- Keep a detailed journal of observations, data, and results. Your journal should contain data measurements and written notes about what you are sensing (hearing, seeing, or touching) about your experiment.

- If appropriate, photograph your project results or phases of the project to help your analysis and possibly to demonstrate your experiment on your exhibit board.

 

Analysis

- Explain your observations, data, and results. This is a summary of what your data has shown you.

- List the main points that you have learned. Why did the results occur? What did your experiment prove? Was your hypothesis correct? Did your experiment prove or disprove your hypothesis? This should be explained thoroughly.

Conclusion

- Answer your problem/purpose statement. What does it all add up to? What is the value of your project? What further study do you recommend given the results of your experiment? What would be the next question to ask? If you repeated this project, what would you change?

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Project Outline

 

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