Ideas

Questions

Predictions

Variables & Controls

Experimental & Control Groups

Materials & Methods

Recording Results

Use a reporters notebook or create your own record sheet to write down your results immediately. Never rely on your memory and always record the measurement or observations you make. Even if the result is not what you expect.

Experiments should always be repeated to confirm results and observations. If your results are numerical these will need to be averaged.

Make drawings, sketches and diagrams of your equipment and experiment. They really are worth a thousand words.

Take photographs. Digital cameras are an excellent tool. If you don’t have a camera ask to borrow one or invite someone to take photos for you.

Analysing Results

Analysing results, even for relatively simple experiments, can be quit difficult. Talk to your teachers and parents about how this can be done.

If you have a lot of data try using a spreadsheetto calculate averages. Spreadsheets, like MS Excel, usually have excellent tools for producing graphs. Like photos graphs are a great way to present your data without the need for long explanations.

Finally don’t be frightened by confusing results. Get help from your science teacher and discuss results with your friends it can help clarify your findings. There may be an interesting result that you did not expect. 

Conclusions and New Ideas