Experimental Design Cheat Sheet

Experimental Design Cheat Sheet

Question

    • What is the effect of the ________________(Independent Variable) on the ___________________ (Dependent Variable).

Variables

    • Independent Variable

    • Dependent Variable

    • Controls (At least 3)

Hypothesis

    • If the __________(Independent Variable) increases/decrease then the __________(Dependent Variable) will increase/decrease because _____________________.

    • Be sure to have details in your because

    • Change the increase/ decrease to fit your project

Materials

    • Detailed list of what you need for the project

Procedure

    • Step by step description of how to do the project

    • Should be numbered list

    • Anyone should be able to recreate the project exactly based on these instructions

Results

    • Data Table

      • Should be organized and neat

      • Include a title and units

    • Graph

      • Should be organized and neat

      • Use a ruler or a computer

      • Color

      • Detailed title

      • Make sure the type of graph you select fits with the data you collected (Ex: don’t pick a pie graph if you are charting growth)

Conclusion (see back for more help)

    • Detailed description of project

    • Restate hypothesis

    • Was it correct

    • What were the results of the project?

    • Relationship statement (Answer your research question)

    • What would you do differently if you did the experiment again?

    • How does this project relate to real life?

.How to Write a Good Conclusion

A conclusion should be a description of your whole science fair project, start to finish. The easiest way to write one is to start by listing the answers to the key parts of the conclusion.

And don’t forget…details, details, details!

Description of the experiment:

State Hypothesis:

Was it correct? Yes/No

Results (in words):

Relationship statement: (answers research question) ex: the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable is when the independent variable increases/decreases the dependent variable…

How does this experiment relate to real life?

What could you do to improve this experiment next time?

After you answer these questions, then put all of the answers together in a couple paragraphs. Your conclusion should be detailed and be the culmination of your project. You put a lot of work into your science fair project and the conclusion is your opportunity to share what you did and learned. It is your time to shine, so do it.