Step One: Gather your materials and set up for the experiment.Step Two: Be sure to record data and take accurate measurement, as well as recording any observations you make while completing the experiment. A disposable or digital camera is great for recording change and getting pictures of you involved in the experiment. (These look great on the science display board!)
Step Three: Most scientists will repeat an experiment to make sure that the results are accurate. When you repeat an experiment to prove accuracy, be sure not to change any of the variables and to conduct the experiment exactly like the first time.
Step Four: Use the data collected during the experiment and do any math necessary to present the data in tables or graphs, and draw a conclusion about your experiment.
Step Five: Summarize what happened. This could be in a table or graphs for numerical data, or a written statement of what occurred during the experiment.
Step Six: Draw conclusions about the experiment. Answer your original question. Was your hypothesis proved or disproved? Remember, disproving a hypothesis is sometimes just as valid as proving one. Not all hypothesis will be proven true.
Step Seven: Reflect on the experiment process. Do you think you need to change the procedure and repeat the experiment? Is there anything you would do differently if you conducted the experiment again? What did you learn while conducting this experiment?
Now you're ready to take all your notes, observations, data, tables, graphs, and conclusions and put together a great presentation. Click on the Assembling the Presentation link below.
Introduction | Scientific Method | Getting Started | Designing the Experiment | Conducting the Experiment | Assembling the Presentation | Deadlines & Dates | Award Winners
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