Primary school students are new to conducting science projects and may be a little confused about how to get the process started. If you're starting a science project for the first time, or you haven't quite got the hang of it yet, follow these three easy steps: hypothesise (It's OK if you don't yet know what that means), plan and prepare. Remember that the scientific method is based on following your inherent curiosity to see exactly where it leads.
- Skill level:
Other People Are Reading
Find a subject that intrigues you. For example, perhaps you noticed that once you finished drinking a glass of ice water, the ice cubes stuck together. Perhaps you were so curious about why that happened that you wanted to know more. Strange things happen around us everyday, like static electricity, mould growing on food and belching after drinking a carbonated beverage. Investigate your surroundings and find something you'd like to know more about.
Formulate a question about your topic. This will be the subject of your science project. For example, "Why do ice cubes stick together?" or "Why do I feel a shock when I touch metal after walking across the carpet?" or "Why does my brother always beat me in a burping contest after drinking a can of soda?"
Answer your question. The answer to your question is known as a "hypothesis," or an educated guess. It means that with all your scientific knowledge, you've formulated an opinion on how your project will turn out. For example, "My hypothesis is that as ice melts, the water molecules rejoin each other, causing the ice to stick together" or "My hypothesis is that the reason you belch after drinking soda is because the carbonation releases air bubbles into your tummy that must rise and escape through your mouth." The point of your experiment will be to prove your hypothesis right or wrong.
Determine what you will need to conduct your experiment. You might need help from a teacher, parent or reference book to determine how to test your hypothesis. If you there are things you will need that you don't have on hand or can't easily obtain, choose another experiment with more easily accessible materials.
Purchase all of your project materials. You may need to double up on some things, just in case you make a mistake while conducting your experiment. While shopping, be sure to buy a notebook and pen to record your project every step of the way. You might want to purchase a disposable camera as well, to take pictures of your experiment before and after completion.
- 20 of the funniest online reviews ever
- 14 Biggest lies people tell in online dating sites
- Hilarious things Google thinks you're trying to search for