Writing the Hypothesis, and Creating An Experimental Design Next Steps: Writing the Hypothesis, and Creating An Experimental Design For Science Fair

What is a Hypothesis? A hypothesis is a prediction about the outcome of an experiment based on the experimenter’s prior experience and research. It attempts to give a scientific reason why a particular observable outcome will occur.

A Hypothesis Has 3 parts: The independent variable Part of the experiment that is purposefully changed Begins with the word “If.” If children get at least 8 hours of sleep… The dependent variable Part of the experiment that is the predicted effect Begins with the word “then” then they will perform better on tests… The researched reason Thoughtful explanation as to why a predicted effect will occur Begins with “because” because rest lets the body heal and refresh. July 22, 2012 Footer text here

To write a good hypothesis Keep it simple and concise, be as specific as possible. Write the hypothesis in 1 sentence. Don’t use words like I, think, believe, all, never, sometimes – they make the hypothesis too broad and personalize it. Make sure it can be tested by getting numerical data. http://iqa.evergreenps.org/science/resources/hypotheses/3-step-hypothesis-writing.html July 22, 2012 Footer text here

What Are Some Examples? If candy bars in a store are displayed at eye level, then they will sell better than those at the bottom of a display because people will be more likely to notice them. If a cold tablet is placed into water that is stirred, then the tablet will dissolve faster because stirring increases solution rate. If students using backpacks are in high school, then the backpacks will be heavier than those of middle schoolers because they have heavier textbooks. http://www.allstoredisplays.com/assets/images/5-shelf-wood-candy-display-maple.jpg July 22, 2012 Footer text here

Don’t forget! A hypothesis can’t be proven true. An experiment can only show if a hypothesis is supported or not. Hypotheses are only accepted on a trial basis until a more supported hypothesis is written. Unsupported hypotheses are still valuable since they help eliminate false ideas and explanation. July 22, 2012 Footer text here

How Do You Make An Experimental Design? For Science Fair

Fill Out the Experiment Sheet Step 1 Select a category-See Proposal Form. Step 2 Write a working title as a question. Step 3 Write down all the variables. Step 4 State 4 or more constants Step 5: control? compared to? Write the hypothesis. July 22, 2012 Footer text here

Fill Out the Experiment Sheet Human Behavior Step 1 Select a category- Step 2 Write a working title : What Could Be Sweeter?. DV: # candy sold IV: shelf placement Step 3:Variables same candy, price, store, size of bag Step 4: Constants: Step 5: Control compare to different shelf If m&m’s candies are put on eye level and a bottom shelf, then the eye level ones will sell better because they will be noticed more. July 22, 2012 Footer text here

Remember to Add How Data Is Measured Name the tools with which the final outcome will be measured Inventory receipts Triple beam balance Ruler Thermometer voltmeter State the unit of measurement of the outcome. Dollars Grams Centimeters Degrees Celsius volts July 22, 2012 Footer text here