Science fair projects - Complete guide to a winning science project Step 1 - The scientific method

It’s that time of year again where you have to start thinking about science fair projects. Basically a science project is made up of the scientific method, which is used to discover the answer to a scientific problem. Understanding the scientific method is the key to a winning project. Scientists use the scientific method as a “tool” to find the answers to questions. When you are using the scientific method, you are thinking through possible solutions to a problem and then testing each possibility to find the best solution.

You’re probably thinking, “So what’s involved in the scientific method when it comes to science fair projects?” Well, I’ll tell you.

But first, I suggest downloading a free copy of Easy Steps to Award-Winning Science Fair Projects. This will really help you through your own project. Okay, so here are the steps.

1. Doing Research. Research is the process of collecting information. Your first research is selecting a project topic. After you’ve selected a topic, you’ll begin what is called project research. This will help you understand a problem, propose a hypothesis, and design your experiment. The results of your research give you the needed information for the next step—identifying the problem.

2. Identifying The Problem. This is the scientific question that needs to be answered for your project. It’s best expressed as a question that is answered with a statement, and not just a yes or a no. Be sure to limit your problem and try to only solve one answer. Another thing to remember is to choose a problem that can be solved experimentally.

3. Stating A Hypothesis. Science fair projects must have a good hypothesis as its starting point. The hypothesis is an idea about a solution to a problem, based on the research you’ve done and knowledge you’ve gained from various sources. All of your research is done with the objective of stating a problem, proposing an answer (hypothesis), and then experimenting. Basically your hypothesis should make a claim about how two factors relate to one another.

4. Conducting Project Experimentation. Testing the hypothesis is what makes up the project experimentation. The effects on the experiment are called the variables. There are three kinds of variables involved: independent, dependent, and controlled. The independent variable is the one that you manipulate on purpose. The dependent variable is the one that’s being observed, which changes in reaction to the independent variable. The variables that do not get changes are called the controlled variables.

There are a few things to keep in mind during your experimentation. Use only one independent variable. Repeat the experiment more than once to verify results. Be sure you have a control. And, always keep your data organized.

5. Reaching A Conclusion. The summary of the results of all of the experimentation done on your project along with a statement of how the results relate to the hypothesis is called the project conclusion. Even if your results don’t support the hypothesis, don’t change it. Don’t leave out experimental results that don’t support your hypothesis, but give possible reasons for the difference between your hypothesis and the results.

Science fair projects are a great way to get used to the scientific method and experimenting with variables. Just remember to use your imagination and have fun!

Check out the link to “Easy Steps to Award-Winning Science Fair Projects” if you are all set to start your own science experiment.