Methods of research and lab report drafting

1. SCIENTIFIC METHOD OF
RESEARCH

2. INTRODUCTION
• This method is used by scientists, college students,
and school students. It plays a key role in the PA
Science PSSA assessments.
In the lower elementary grades, science learning
should focus on inquiry, a more informal approach
grounded in children's own thinking. Gradually begin
to introduce basic terms like hypothesis or
experiment.

3. STEPS OF SCIENTIFIC METHOD
1. Define the
problem.”What causes
mums to bloom in the fall?”
2. Collect information
(Perform research).
Use the Internet, textbook,
reference books, etc. to study
mums.
3. State a hypothesis
(“educated guess).”
“Mums bloom in the fall
because the temperature
is cooler.”
4. Conduct an experiment.
Have 2 groups of plants- one at
room temp. (70 F) (control
group), the other at 55 F
(experimental group).All other
factors are the same.
5. Observe and record data.
Write results a few times a week
in a notebook, make a table or
graph.
6. Draw conclusion. “My
hypothesis is incorrect, the
temperature does not affect
the blooming rate of mums.”

4. STEPS IN A LAB REPORT
(5TH
GRADETHROUGH COLLEGE)
1. Title
2. Background Information (at least a paragraph from
research (handout, etc.).
3. Objective (purpose)
4. Hypothesis (What is expected result)?
Can be if/then format and should be a specific, observable
phenomenon.

5. LAB REPORT FORMAT (CONT.)
5. Procedure (Brief summary, can refer to
page or handout). In college detailed
steps might be required.
6. Data (Results, observations, should be
numerical table form if possible, may
use words).

6. LAB REPORT FORMAT (CONT)
7. Discussion (At least a paragraph
explaining experimental results, possible
errors, areas for future research, etc.)
8. References (List source) Science uses
CSE format (Council of Science Editors).