Science Project Handbook Guidelines for using the Scientific Method for your Science Fair projects By: Marisa LeVeque

The Scientific Method

Step 1: Question All science experiments begin with a problem or a question to solve! This determines the purpose of your project. Create a list of possible questions you have that can be answered with an experiment and have measurable results. This project is not answering questions you know the answer to, or can answer using “yes” or “no.”

Step 2: Hypothesis A hypothesis is an educated guess about your question. This means that you should have already read some published works or resources about your topic so that your guess is grounded in meaningful research. A hypothesis usually follows an “If… then…” format.

Step 3: Test with an Experiment To conduct an experiment, you need to establish a step-by-step procedure. Next, you need to make a list of your materials needed for your experiment. Your experiment needs to include three variables- controlled variables that you will keep the same, an independent/manipulated/changed variable, and a dependent/responding/measured variable. Variables are any factors, traits, or conditions that can exist in differing amounts or types.

Step 4: Observe and Record Data Throughout your experiment, you should keep a journal to record observations and results. Some experiments may require you record a daily data log. Create accurate drawings or take pictures to enhance your evidence and experiment’s credibility. This will also add visual interest to your project.

Step 5: Analysis Take some time to carefully review your collected data and notice any patterns. What have you discovered? You can use graphs or tables to represent your data, and explain what your data shows. Visit here for a great Data Analysis checklist: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair- projects/project_data_analysis.shtml#checklists

Step 6: Conclusion Your conclusion summarizes how your results support or contradict your initial hypothesis. Include key facts from your research to help explain your results. Summarize and evaluate your experimental procedure, making comments about its effectiveness. Suggest changes in the experimental procedure or possibilities for further experiments and study.

Display Board

Display Board (continued) For your project, you will need a display board to communicate the wonderful work and discoveries you have made! It should be tri-paneled and unfold to be 36” tall by 48” wide. Your board should include each step of your project: question/purpose, research, hypothesis, procedure, materials, results/analysis, and conclusion. You will also need an eye-catching title that describes your work and grabs peoples’ attention.

Almost done! Your final project will be due in class on March 29, 2016. Check out links on my website under “Links- Science- Science Inquiry” for helpful and awesome web resources! Practice your presentation beforehand so that you feel prepared and confident to explain your thinking and learning, and don’t rely on reading straight from your project board. Congratulations; you are a real scientist!