Question or Problem Statement

Now that you have picked out a topic that you like and that you are interested in, it’s time to write a question or identify a problem within that topic. The question/problem has to be in the form of a testable question.  What is a testable question?  Read on to find out:

A testable question is one that can be answered by designing and conducting an investigation. Testable questions are always about changing one thing (independent variable) to see what the effect is on another thing (dependent variable).  All the things that do not change in the experiment are called controls.

Independent variable:  An independent variable is the one thing that is different in the experiment design.

Dependent variable:  A dependent variable is a variable that changes as a result of the independent variable manipulation. It’s the outcome you’re interested in measuring, and it “depends” on your independent variable. 

Click HERE to view Mrs. Sterling's Science Fair Journal

Here is an example:

Testable question:  How does the amount of water affect plant growth?

In this example, the amount of water is the independent variable because this is the one thing that will be different in the experiment.  Plant growth is the dependent variable.  The number of inches the plant grows depends on the amount of water given.

To give you an idea of what we mean you can start by filling in the question blanks with the following list of words: 

The Effect Question:

What is the effect of _________________________ on ___________________________?

                                            sunlight                                             on the growth of plants

                                            eye color                                           pupil dilation

                                            brands of soda                                  a piece of meat

                                            temperature                                      the size of a balloon

                                            oil                                                      a ramp

The How Does Affect Question:

How does the ______________________________ affect _________________________?

                                          color of light the growth of plants

                                          Humidity the growth of fungi

                                          color of a material its absorption of heat

The Which/What and Verb Question

Which/What ______________________________ (verb) __________________________?

                       paper towel                                           is                the  most absorbent

                       foods                                                    do                 mealworms prefer

                      detergent                                              makes           the most bubbles

                      paper towel                                           is                  the strongest

                      peanut butter                                        tastes           the best

Now It’s Your Turn:

Create your Science Fair question using either the “Effect Question”, the “How does Affect Question” or the “Which/What and Verb Question”:

Example Journal Entry for Problem