4. Something that interests, surprises, or confuses
you.
Something that can be investigated and done.
Formulate a single question that sums up you
would like to examine (Topic/Idea).
The topic you select is manageable within your
time frame, budget, and skill level, and that it
doesn't break any rules for the assignment / fair /
competition.
5. Sources will need to be unbiased, timely and
credible.
Sources that are supported by scientific
organization or journals are a good bet.
6. The hypothesis is your working theory or prediction, based
on the question you've asked and your subsequent research.
It needs to be accurate and clear, but it doesn't need to be
proven correct in order for your SIP to be successful (failed
experiments are just as important as successful ones in
science).
7. It is often helpful to turn your question into a
hypothesis by thinking in "if / then" terms. You
may want to frame your hypothesis (at least
initially) as "If [I do this], then [this will
happen]."
8. Know your variables, i.e., the independent and
dependent variables.
Consider that materials you need – available
(better if readily available in your house), and
affordable.
9. Closely follow the steps that you have planned to
test your experiment.
Conduct your test at least three times to ensure
a scientifically-valid result.
10. May be best recorded as a graph, chart, or just
a journal entry
Make sure it is easy to review and analyze.
Keep accurate records of all your results.
11. Time to clearly and accurately state your findings. In
essence, you are now answering the question you
originally asked.
If you started out with a simple, clear, straightforward
question, and a similar hypothesis, it should be easier to craft
your conclusion.
Remember, concluding that your hypothesis was completely
wrong does not make your SIP a failure. If you make clear,
scientifically-grounded findings, and present them well, it can
and will be a success.
12.
13. 1. Know how your project will be evaluated.
For a science fair, for example, the judging
could be based on the following criteria (adding up to
100%).
Research paper (50%);
Oral presentation (30%);
Display poster (20%).
14. 1. Know how your project will be evaluated.
For a science fair, the judging could be based
on the following criteria (adding up to 100%).
Research paper (50%);
Oral presentation (30%);
Display poster (20%).
15. 2. Create an Abstract (Summary of your SIP)
3. Write a Reseach Paper
1) Title Page;
2) Introduction (where you identify your topic and
hypothesis);
3) Materials & Methods (where you describe your
experiment);
4) Results & Discoveries (where you identify your
findings);
5) Conclusion & Recommendations (where you "answer"
your hypothesis);
6) References (where you list your sources).
4. Prepare your Oral Presentation
5. Make a Visual Aid
