The Scientific Method

Science Project Template Each of the following slides are designed to present a step in your science investigation using the Scientific Method. Write all your project information in the corresponding slides. You can use all, some, or replace the clip art. You can add pictures from the internet relating to your topic. Delete this slide after you complete your presentation Must have at least 13 slides for an ME.

Question You need to start with a question that can be answered by doing an experiment. Often finding a topic is the hardest part. There are a lot of good books and websites with ideas for science fair projects. Find something that interests you and keep it simple. Ask yourself “I wonder what would happen if I ………? questions. If you like to fly paper airplanes – ask yourself “I wonder what kind of paper makes a paper airplane fly the farthest?” Make sure that you can answer yes to all the following: I can repeat this experiment at least 3 times. I have enough time to complete the experiment at least two weeks before the science fair. I have permission (from home) to do this experiment and it follows all rules of the science fair. I can get all the equipment and materials I will need to do the experiment. My question cannot be answered with only “yes” or “no”. I am interested enough in the topic to see the project through to the end.

Background Information This is where you would include information you learn from books, magazines, internet, and interviews with people. You could also include here what you already know about the subject and why you chose the project you did.

Hypothesis: Use all of the information you already have and your experiences to make an educated guess that answers your question. A hypothesis can be stated as an “if – then” statement. If I do this, then I think this will happen. (example: if I make a paper airplane out of construction paper, then I think it will fly farther than an airplane made from regular paper) A good hypothesis will identify the subject of the experiment, state what is being measured, and the results expected.

Materials list of materials needed to carry out your experiment. Remember measuring tools and safety equipment. Try to list out exact amounts and brand names if you know them. Make sure you have enough material to do at least 3 repetitions.

Procedures . step-by-step directions to carry out the experiment. List out exactly what you are going to do. You want your procedure to be so detailed that another student could follow your procedure and do the experiment exactly the same way you did. Make sure you include at least 3 repetitions. .

Variables Control/Constant Variables: Test (manipulated/independent) These are things that change during an experiment. To make your experiment a fair test, you only want to change one thing at a time. Independent variable – what you change in your experiment (in our airplane example, the independent variable would be the type of paper used.) Dependent variable – what responds to the changes you make (In our airplane example, it would be the distance the paper airplane traveled.) Controlled variables – things you don’t change in the experiment (In our airplane example, they would include where the airplane was thrown, how the airplane was thrown, how the airplane was made, etc.) Test (manipulated/independent) Variable: Outcome (responding/dependent) Variable:

Observations

Data Number of ________ Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average SAMPLE

Data collecting data by making observations and measurements. Use charts and tables to keep your data organized. It is best to draw out a table to record data before you start your experiment so you don’t forget anything. If something unexpected happens as you are collecting your data, write it down.

Data Analysis results may be described in words and shown in graphs or photographs. Compare the data you got for each repetition. Calculate averages. Use a graph to help explain your data. Choose a graph (Bar, circle or line graph) that will best show any patterns, changes (or lack of changes in your data). Use photographs to illustrate changes.

Conclusion evaluate the results you obtained in your experiment. This is where you put what you learned from your experiment. State whether your data supports or does not support your hypothesis. Discuss any problems you had and suggestions for how to improve the experiment. If your experiment did not answer your question, don’t throw the whole thing out. Use your conclusions to explain that the question is still unanswered, explain what your results are, and suggest how the experiment could be modified.

Abstract & Bibliography List any resources you used (books, internet, interviews, etc…). Thank any person who helped you with your project.