This resource was created by Vanessa Westbrook.

Doing and Explaining the Experiment

Doing the Experiment

An elementary science project is done with an experiment or test. This experiment or test will have only one variable. The variable is the one thing in the test or experiment that changes. This type of project is strongly recommended and suggested for the elementary division because of its ability to engage students in exploring scientific methods.

A good science experiment has as much data as possible. The test or experiment is done several times and averaged. Once is not enough! Several brands or specimens should be used in the same test when gathering data.

Measurements, observations, sketches, etc. are kept and recorded in your log or journal. Each entry refers to a specific observation and is dated. Dates are very important. This log accompanies the project and should be neat and orderly.

Showing What Happened in the Experiment

It is important to show the results of what happened in the experiment. This involves using your notes (data) taken during the experiment and displaying the notes in the form of a chart or graph. A chart or graph is like a "picture" of your investigation results.

If a graph is used, the two most common are the "bar graph" and "line graph." Bar graphs easily display comparisons among different types. Line graphs show changes that have occurred.