Welcome to the Science
Fair
Creating A Successful
Science Project
Steps In Creating A
Successful Science Project
Part One: Experimentation
1. Identify an area that
really interests you! For
example: What is something
you wonder about? What is
something you have a question
about?
3. Think of a TESTABLE
(measurable) question.
Remember this is an investigation
not a demonstration or survey.
Ask yourself:
Does the question include
a manipulated variable and
a responding variable?
Types of Variables
• Manipulated Variable
The single condition that will be
changed in an experiment.
• Responding Variable
The condition that will be
measured in an experiment.
• Controlled Variables
The conditions that are kept the
same (unchanged) in an
experiment.
Testable Question
• Does changing the amount of
light affect the growth rate of
plants?
Testable Question #1
Manipulated
Variable
• Does changing the amount of
light affect the growth rate of
plants?
Responding
Variable
Testable Question #1
• Controlled Variables:
* Same type / size of plant
* Same wattage of bulb
* Same amount of water
* Same soil
* Same environmental conditions
* etc…
Testable Question
• Does the temperature of water
affect the time it takes a sugar
cube to dissolve?
Hot
Cold
Testable Question #2
Manipulated
Variable
• Does the temperature of water
affect the time it takes a sugar
cube to dissolve?
Responding
Variable
Testable Question #2
• Controlled Variables:
*
*
*
*
*
Same size of container
Same amount of water
Same amount of sugar
Same dissolving method used
etc…
Testable Question
• Does changing the height of the
ramp affect the speed of the car
going down the ramp?
Testable Question #3
Manipulated
Variable
• Does changing the height of the
ramp affect the speed of the car
going down the ramp?
Responding
Variable
Testable Question #3
• Controlled Variables:
* Same car
* Same ramp surface
* Surface the car roll onto
* etc…
4. Hypothesis/Prediction:
I predict that if I increase the height of the ramp then
(manipulated variable)
the speed of the car will increase
(responding variable)
because when I ride my skateboard down a steep hill
I go faster than when I ride it on a less steep hill.
5.
Set up experiment
a. List materials
b. Research
c. Determine the procedure
d. Determine the variables
e. Keep notes
f. Replication of experiment:
do at least three trials
g. Record results
6. Observations:
a. Take pictures
b. Record data
c. More research may be needed
7. Conclusion:
Did you prove your hypothesis?
Question
Hypothesis/Prediction
Data
Summary
I was trying to find out…
My hypothesis was…
The data showed that…
Based on the data the hypothesis
was…
Part Two: Display Board
Observations
Testable Question
Hypothesis
Test
Results /
Conclusion
Materials
Procedure;
include
variables
Photos and
Drawings
Charts/Graphs
Part Three: Journal
th
(Grades K-4 Optional, 5 and
th
6 Required)
• Record everything you do for your
project
• Must be written neatly
• Check journal scoring rubric
Part Four: Oral Presentation
1. Practice
2. Be prepared to answer questions.