The Scientific Method
Research
Question: The research question is the
single most important part of the scientific method.
Every part of your project is done to answer
this question.
Hypothesis:
The hypothesis is an educated guess, formed
as a statement, that you propose to be the answer to the research
question.
Experimental Design: Plan
an experiment in which you
can test your hypothesis.
Variables:
The experiment will contain elements that do not change (called
controlled variables) and elements that will change (called manipulated
variables).
Control:
The control is a particular sample that is treated the same as
all the
rest of the samples except that it is not exposed to manipulated
variables.
Observation:
When you interact with your experiment, you are using your
senses to
observe.
Journal:
All scientists keep a record of their data in some form of a
journal. The journal will begin with the
date and time the experimenter collects the data. Then
the data entry is made. Entries must be
written clearly and with
detail of description so that another scientist can read the journal,
simulate
the conditions of the experiment, and repeat the experiment.
Collect Data:
As you observe your experiment, you will need to record the
progress of
your experiment. Data can be whatever you observe that you expect to
change. It can be pH, temperature, a
measurement of growth, color, amount, etc.
Charts & Graphs:
When at all possible, illustrations of data are advisable. They
create a
professional appearance and convey a great deal of information.
Materials: List
all supplies and equipment.
Procedure: The
procedure is a somewhat detailed, step -
by - step description of how you conducted your experiment.
Results: The
results is a statement, or
interpretation, of the data.
Conclusion: The
conclusion is a summary of the research
and the results of the experiment. You
state here if your data supported your hypothesis or not.
You may have data that supported part of your
hypothesis and not another part. You may
also have data that did not support your hypothesis. In this case, you
may
explain why the results were different.
Application: The
application is how the information gained
in the experiment can be used. It is not
often included in science fair projects.
Resources: One
of the most important things for a
student to do is recognize the people and resources used in developing
and
conducting the project. Name the
people
who offered knowledge or helped and list the web sites, retail stores,
magazines, books, computer programs, etc.
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Science Fair 
The Scientific Method
