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THE SCIENCE RESEARCH

Bureau of Secondary Education


Department of Education
May 2008
Planning the Science Research

lIdentifying the problem;


lIdentifying the variables;
lFormulating the hypothesis; and
lPlanning the experimental procedure
l
l
Identifying the Research Problem

lFinding a Research Topic


¡Hardest part of a science research
¡Need to focus on topics which are interest to
you
¡Select a question that is going to be
interesting to work on for at least a month
or two, and;
¡A question that is specific enough to allow
you to find the answer with a simple
experiment.
Some characteristics of a good science
fair project question:
lThe question should be interesting
enough to read about then work on for
the next couple months.
lThere should be at least 3 sources of
written information on the subject. You
want to be able to build on the
experience of others!
 Now, for something like a science fair
project, it is important to think ahead. This
will save you lots of unhappiness later.
Imagine the experiment you might perform
to answer your question. How does that
possible experiment stack up against
these issues?
lThe experiment should measure changes
to the important factors (variables) using
a number that represents a quantity
such as a count, percentage, length,
width, etc. Or,
Key Elements of the Experimental
Procedure
lDescription and size of all experimental
and control groups, as applicable
lA step-by-step list of everything you must
do to perform your experiment.
lThe experimental procedure must tell how
you will change your one and only
independent variable and how you will
measure that change.
lThe experimental procedure must explain
how you will measure the resulting
change in the dependent variable/s.
lIf applicable, the experimental procedure
should explain how the controlled
variables will be maintained at a
constant value.
lThe experimental procedure should
specify how many times you intend to
repeat your experiment, so that you can
verify that your results are reproducible.
lA good experimental procedure enables
someone else to duplicate your
experiment exactly.
Where will you conduct your
experiment?
 You may need a lot of room for your
experiment or you may not be able to
more your experiment around from place
to place. If you are working with human or
animal subjects, you may need a location
that is quiet. You will need to think about
these limitations before you start your
experiment so you can find a location in
advance that will meet your needs.
Conducting the Science Research
 The second step in the science
research process is conducting the
research consisting of:
 1. Preparing for the conduct of the
experiment;
 2. Constructing the data table; and
 3. Conducting the experiment.

l
l
Preparing for the Conduct of the
Experiment
lKnow what to do.
lGet a laboratory notebook for taking notes
and collecting data.
lBe prepared. Collect and organize all
materials, supplies and equipment you
will need to do the experiment.
lThink ahead about safety!
Preparing the Data Table
 Prepare a data table in your
laboratory notebook to help you collect
your data. A data will ensure that you are
consistent in recording your data and will
make it easier to analyze your results
once you have finished your experiment.
Sample Data Table
Trial Faucet Opening Water Flow
(the Independent (the Dependent Variable)
Variable)
#1 ¼ open [Write your date in this column as
you make measurements during your
experiment.]
#2 ¼ open

#3 ½ open

#4 ½ open

#5 Fully open

#6 Fully open
Conducting the Actual Experiment
 It is very important to take very detailed
notes as you conduct your experiments. As
addition to your data, record your observations
as you perform the experiment. Write down any
problems, anything you do that is different from
planned, ideas that come to mind, or interesting
occurrences. Be on the lookout for the
unexpected. Your observations will be useful
when you analyze your data and draw
conclusions.
lKeep a lab notebook so that all your
information is kept in one place. The
data that you record will be the basis for
your science research final report and
your conclusions.
lIf possible, take pictures of your
experiment along the way.
lRemember to use numerical
measurement as mush as possible. If
your experiment also has qualitative
data, then take a photo or draw a picture
of what happens.
lBe as exact as possible about the way
you conduct your experiment, especially
in following your experimental
procedure, taking your measurements,
and note taking.
lIn fact, it’s a good idea to do a quick
preliminary run of your experiment.
Show your preliminary data to your
teacher, and make revisions to your
experimental procedure if necessary.
 Stay organized and be safe. Keep
your workspace clean and organized as
you conduct your experiment. Keep your
supplies within reach. Use protective gear
and adult supervision as needed. Keep
any chemicals away from pets and
younger brothers or sisters.
Processing the Results of the
Experiment

STEPS:

1.Classifying data;
2.Calculating and summarizing data; and
3.Interpreting data.
Classifying Data

lQuantitative data – based on


measurements and use a scale of equal
interval.
lQualitative data – gathered using
nonstandard scale or unequal intervals
or discrete categories.
Both quantitative and qualitative data
can further be sub-divided into 4 scales
of measurement.

1.Nominal data – data placed in discrete


categories which can not be ranked in
ascending and descending order.
2.Ordinal data – data placed into categories
that can be ranked or ordered in the
ascending or descending manner.
3. Interval data – data collected using a
scale with equal interval but no absolute
zero value.
4. Ratio data – data collected using a scale

of equal and an absolute zero value.


Calculating and Summarizing Data

 A spreadsheet program such as


Microsoft Excel may be a good way to
perform calculations, and then later the
spreadsheet can be used to display the
results. Be sure to label the rows and
columns.
 You should have performed multiple
trials of your experiment. Think about the
best way to summarize your data. You
may want to calculate the average for
each group of trials, or summarize the
results in some other way such as ratios,
percentages, or error and significance.
Perform any calculations that are necessary
for you to analyze and understand the data
from your experiment.

lUse calculations from known formulas


that describe the relationships you are
testing.
lPay careful attention because you may
need to convert some of your units to do
your calculation correctly. All of the units
for a measurement should be of the
same scale.
Graphs are often an excellent way to
display your results.
For any type of graph:

lGenerally, you should place your independent


variable on the x-axis of your graph and the
dependent variable on the y-axis.
lBe sure to label the axes of your graph – don’t
forget to include the units of measurement.
lIf you have more than one set of data, show
each series in a different color or symbol and
include a legend with clear labels.
l
Few of the Possible Types of Graphs
 A bar graph might be appropriate for
comparing different trials or different
experimental groups. It also may be a
good choice if your independent variable
is not numerical. (In Microsoft Excel,
generate bar graphs by choosing chat
types “Column” or “Bar”.)
Example
Time-series plot – can be used if your

independent variable is numerical and


your independent variable is time.

 In MS Excel, the “line graph” chart type


generates a time series. By default, Excel puts a count
on the x-axis. To generate a time series plot with your
choice of x-axis units, make a separate data column
that contains those units next to your dependent
variable. Then choose the “XY (scatter)” chart type, with
a sub-type that draws line.)
Example:
X-Y Line Graph – shows the relationship

between your dependent and independent


variables when both are numerical and the
dependent variable is a function of the
independent variable.

 In MS Excel, choose the “XY (scatter)” chart type,


and then choose a sub-type that does draw a line.
Example:
Scatter plot – might be the proper graph if

you’re trying to show how two variables


may be related to one another.

 In MS Excel, choose the “XY (scatter)”


chart type, and then choose a sub-type that
does not draw a line.
Example:
Interpreting Data
Steps:

1. Write a topic sentence stating the independent


and dependent variables giving reference to
your tables and graphs.
2. Write a sentence comparing the measure of
central tendency of the collected data.
3. Write a sentence describing the variations; and
4. Write a statement on how the data support the
hypothesis.
Evaluating the Science Research


It is the last step of the science
research process which involves
drawing conclusions and formulating
recommendations.
Drawing Conclusions and
Recommendations
lYour conclusions will summarize whether
or not your science research support or
contradict your original hypothesis.
lIf the results of your science experiment
did not support your hypothesis, don’t
change or manipulate your results to fit
your original hypothesis, simply explain
why things did not go as expected.
lScientific research is an ongoing process,
and by discovering that your hypothesis
is not true, you have already made huge
advances in your learning that will lead
you to ask more questions that lead to
new experiments. Science fair judges do
not care about whether you prove or
disprove your hypothesis; they care how
much you learned.

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