Nature of Science Unit Science Fair Project Scientific Method

Purposes: To design and carry out an experiment following the scientific method To prepare a poster or display board to be on display at the Merrill Science Fair Materials: will vary depending on the experiment Procedures: 1. Write investigative question. You may use one of the examples developed during class or you may use one of your choosing. 2. State hypothesis. This must be written as a complete sentence. The hypothesis must propose an answer to the investigative question. It must be testable. 3. Materials list Write list of all materials that will be needed to conduct the experiment. Be specific. 4. Procedures Write step-by-step directions for your experiment. Start each step on a new line. Number the steps. Be sure directions are complete, in the correct order, and very clear. Anyone else should be able to follow what you have written. Identify the independent variable, the dependent variable, and the variables that are controlled (kept the same). 5. Collect and organize data Determine the best way to organize your data table. Record data at regular intervals. Be sure to write the date of each data collection. Include both quantitative and qualitative observations. 6. Graph the data Select type of graph appropriate for your data. Be sure to have appropriate titles and labels.

7. Conclusion The conclusion must be written in paragraph form. This should be at least five sentences. The conclusion should include a. the investigative question and its answer. b. a statement indicating whether the hypothesis is true, false, or not determined. Include reasons to justify the conclusion. Refer to the data. 8. Abstract An abstract is a brief summary that is restricted to one page in length, about 120 words or less. It explains the projects purpose and procedural plan and presents a short discussion of your conclusions. It should be part of your display either on the project display board or on the table in front of your experiment. 9. Reflection on separate sheet of paper. Reflection paragraph should include, but is not limited to: a. What did you learn about i. yourself ii. designing and completing an experiment iii. meeting deadlines b. What are you most proud of related to this activity? c. What would you do differently if you had to do this again? 10. Things to be handed in Your poster or display board The reflection