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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
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.