Mock Science Fair Project Step by Step to a Good Project NOT good!

Starts with an IDEA Usually starts with an observation. You notice that if an M&M is dropped in water that the color starts to dissolve. This makes you think … “I wonder what would happen if I put an M&M in other clear liquids?”

SO you Identify some liquids you would like to try. Vinegar Hydrogen Peroxide Alcohol (and Water to compare)

Now Identify the Variables Independent Variable- Dependent Variable – Controlled variable -

Scientific Method

Testable Question (Problem) Write your testable question. USE SPECIFIC SCIENCE LANGUAGE Use “DOES ____(independent variable)_____ affect ______dependent variable ________? “

Write your Hypothesis Make an educated guess what you think will happen. It will probably mean that you have research a little about the various liquids. Use the format, “If ____ (independent variable) ____ then __________(dependent variable) ___________ because _______________ (your reason for your answer).

Design Your Experiment Make a list of what you will need. Be sure to include tools that you will use to measure dependent variable. Write a procedure. Remember to number it and avoid words like , “then”, “next”. Never use personal pronouns in Science writing. Instead of saying “You should take the temperature of the liquid every five minutes and then record the results” “The temperature was taken at five minute intervals and recorded.”

Remember Someone should be able to perform the experiment EXACTLY like you did by following your directions.

Perform the Experiment Perform the experiment that you have written. Taking pictures of you performing the steps is a nice touch for your poster board. Record the Results

Analyze the Data Include a table of your results. Graphing the results allows people to “see” the results quickly. Try to explain what happened Make sure to explain any results that might not be what you expected (outliers)

Conclusion Explain in detail what your research has taught you about the testable questions. Always refer back to specific results. Make sure that you refer back to the hypothesis, was it correct? If it was not correct, you still must state that. Was there something that you would change if you were to do the experiment again?

Communicate the Results Log Book (keeping track of your experiment) Research Paper (your written report or Lab report) Display Board (tri fold) Oral Presentation

Examples