Try some examples to learn about the scientific method here.

Choose a project (here are some Project Ideas).

Purchase a tri-fold poster at any big box or office/craft supply store.

Go through the Six Steps of the Scientific Method:

1. Ask a Question. What do you want to learn about? (Here are some Project Ideas.) 

2. Research your question, also called the Background. Learn as much as you can about your topic from books, experts (visit the Rockville Science Center), and the Internet.

3. Form a Hypothesis. Guess what you think will happen based on what you know.

4. Test your hypothesis. This is the fun part of doing the experiment! Gather Materials and follow your plan or Procedure to test your hypothesis. Materials and Procedures together are called your Methods.

5. Observe or analyze your Results. Write what happened and record what you learned.

6. Make your Conclusions. Share your results and if your hypothesis was correct or incorrect, and decide what you would want to do next with your Question. 

Prepare your poster board with important information from your Scientific Method Steps: Question, Background, Hypothesis, Materials and Procedure (or Methods), Results, and Conclusions.

At the Science Expo, use your project board and your words to tell the Visiting Scientists and other visitors what you did and what you learned. More information about what to expect at the Expo.

More help? See our Tips for Parents, Tips for Students, or Frequently Asked Questions