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

2. 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.

3. 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
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4. 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.
July 22, 2012
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5. 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.
July 22, 2012
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6. 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
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7. How Do You Make An Experimental Design?
For Science Fair

8. 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
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9. 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
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10. 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
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