Part 1
EAST VINCENT SCIENCE FAIR
Research for
the Real World
Key Question:
How can I use my research to help me plan a safe, reliable experiment?
Now that you've collected background research, make a prediction about what you think the answer to your investigation question (experiment) will be. This is called making a hypothesis--or an educated guess.
It's time to write your scientific procedure. Let's watch another Mythbusters clip. This time, the Mythbusters are trying to prove if Elephants really are afraid of mice--like we sometimes see in the movie.
As you watch this clip, see if you can identify steps the Mythbusters took to ensure their results were reliable and solid. We'll discuss your ideas as a class.
Variable Worksheet
You may have noticed that the Mythbusters only changed one thing between their tests: whether or not a mouse was in front of the Elephant. They kept everything else the same. They used the same length of string, the same type and size of dung, and the same timing. These are called the constants because they don't change.
The one thing the Mythbusters changed (the presence of a mouse) is called the independent variable. A good experiment will only have 1 independent variable.
The dependent variable is how the you will measure your results. For the Mythbusters' experiment, they counted the number of times the elephant moved around the object. How will you measure your results?
A good
experiment
has only 1
independent
variable.
As the Mythbusters conducted their procedure, you may have heard the narrator mention that a good science experiment should be repeatable. For that to happen, you'll need to write a clear, detailed procedure.
As you write your procedure, you'll start thinking about the specific materials you will need to conduct your experiment. Create a list of all the materials. Be very specific; include how many you'll need of each item and what size or type you'll use of each item.
While you write your procedure, think of a recipe. If a recipe is not clear, the cook will not be able to create the food. It's the same for your procedure. If it's not clear, others won't be able to repeat your experiment.
Procedure & Materials
Worksheets
Your
detailed
procedure
is like a
recipe.
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