A Science Fair Project Guide

Division of Mathematics, Science and Advanced Academics

Correlated to the Elementary Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Inventions Fair Handbook 2014-2015

Step 1: Choose a Topic. Do research to learn as much as you can

about the experiment topic. Ask questions about your topic that you want

to answer. More research may be needed after you

decide what to investigate in your experiment. Try the library and the internet. Type your Background Information and cite

your sources in the Bibliography. (see packet for examples)

Internet Sources

www.sciencebuddies.org http://science.dadeschools.net http://homeworkspot.com/sciencefair www.scifair.org http://sciencepage.org/scifair.htm www.all-science-fair-

projects.com/category0.html

Step 2 Ask a Question Identify one question

about your chosen topic, that can be answered by performing an experiment.

This question will be the Problem Statement.

Must mention what is being tested and how it will be measured

Ex: Which paper towel, Brawny, Bounty, or Sparkle will absorb more liquid, when measured in milliliters?

Step 3: Make a Hypothesis

Look at the Problem Statement and identify the one factor that can be tested. This is the tested variable. (also known as independent variable)

Form an idea or educated prediction that can be tested by an experiment. (this is your hypothesis)

Write down your Hypothesis: “If (I do this) then (this) will happen.”

Step 4: Plan the Investigation

Identify and record the factors that can affect the results of the experiment under Variables. 1. Tested (independent) variable, or the factor that is changed

on purpose in the experiment to observe what will happen. (See previous Step 3.)

2. Outcome (dependent) variable, or the data to be collected during the experiment. This is the one that reacts, or changes, in response to the test.

3. Controlled/constant variables, or all the factors to be kept the same in the experiment.

Step 4 Planning Continued Write your procedures or the steps you will follow in your experiment. Each procedure step needs to be numbered. Each step needs to begin with a verb. These procedures will ensure that all variables

are kept the same (constant), except the one you are testing (tested variable)

Figure out, and collect, the materials needed for the experiment.

Step 5: Collect, Organize, and Display Data

Start the experiment. Observe and record the quantitative data

(numbers or measurements) collected during the experiment on a data table, using metric units.

Repeat the experiment three, or more, times to confirm results.

Take pictures during the experiment. Graph your data from all trials. Display under Data. Restate your data in a narrative form under

Results.

Step 6: Drawing Conclusions* What was investigated? (Describe the problem

statement.) Restate your hypothesis, and tell if it was supported(true) or not supported (false). What were the major findings? (summarize

your results.) Look at everything that may have affected your

results. What possible explanation can you offer for your findings?

Step 7 Applications

What recommendations do you have for further study and for improving the experiment?

Explain what you learned from your experiment that could be applied in real life.

List any new question(s) that your experiment lead you to ask that could be tested in a new investigation.

Step 8 Abstract

A complete summary of the investigation. Must consist of three to five paragraphs including the following:

Describe your purpose and hypothesis. Briefly describe your procedure. Describe and explain your results. Explain your conclusion. State if your hypothesis was

supported or not by the results. Explain your project’s applications.

Any Questions???

Science boards will be on sale in room 9319 (new building) starting next week

Each board will cost $5.00

THANK YOU FOR COMING!!