Is it a Testable Question?
Question:
What is being observed?
What is being compared?
Can it be measured? How? (Dependent variable)
What is being changed? (Independent variable)
What materials are needed? Are they accessible?
Does it follow the Science Fair rules and guidelines for this year?
Is approval needed?
Date approval was obtained?
Is it safe?
How long will the project take?
Can it be completed in time for the Science Fair?
5th Grade
Ways to Collect Data
tables
Date
Plant A
Plant B
9/17
10 cm
10 cm
9/18
10 cm
10 cm
9/19
10 cm
10 cm
9/20
10 cm
10 cm
9/21
9.5 cm
10 cm
observation lists
9/17/16
began science fair project
both plants are 10 cm tall
9/18/16
no change in appearance
plants A and B are still 10 cm tall
9/19/16
no change in appearance
plants A and B are still 10 cm tall
9/20/16 plant A turning brown at edge of leaf
9/21/16 plant A beginning to droop
plants A and B are still 10 cm tall
plant A is 9.5 cm plant B is 10 cm
9/22/16
5th Grade
Ways to Analyze Data
charts and graphs
Plant Height
10.6
10.4
10.2
10
9.8
9.6
9.4
9.2
9
9/17/2016
9/18/2016
9/19/2016
Plant A
Plant B
Plant Height
Plant A
Plant B
5th Grade
9/20/2016
9/21/2016
10.6
Plant Height
10.4
10.2
10
9.8
9.6
9.4
9.2
9
17-Sep
18-Sep
19-Sep
Plant A
20-Sep
Plant B
Ask yourself these questions:
Does my data make sense?
Is it reliable?
Do my data and my observations support my hypothesis?
Are there any patterns or trends?
Is anything missing?
What conclusions can I draw?
5th Grade
21-Sep
In Conclusion
The conclusion is a summary of the investigation explaining the outcome
based on your data and responds to the original question. It should
include further questions and statements about what you have learned
now that your investigation is complete.
Claim: what you thought was an answer to the original question
Evidence: all of the scientific data or proof that supports you claim
Reason: an explanation that connects your claim to the evidence that
supports it
Sample Conclusion:
I did a scientific investigation on…
This topic interested me because…
I thought…
My investigation showed…
Now I think (or know)…
because…
During my investigation I wondered…
I also learned…
5th Grade