Writing a Science Fair Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide
A well-written procedure is the backbone of a successful science fair project. It ensures your experiment is repeatable, reliable, and understandable by others. Here's a step-by-step guide to crafting a winning procedure:
1. Title and Introduction:
* Title: Clearly and concisely state the experiment's focus.
* Introduction: Briefly explain the scientific question you are trying to answer and the rationale behind your investigation.
2. Materials:
* List all materials: Be specific and include quantities (e.g., 100 mL beaker, 20 grams of baking soda, 30 cm of string).
* Consider safety: If your project involves potentially hazardous materials, clearly label them and outline appropriate safety precautions.
3. Procedure:
* Numbered Steps: Write your procedure as a series of numbered steps. This ensures a logical flow and easy reproducibility.
* Clear and Concise Language: Use simple, straightforward language that avoids jargon. Assume your reader has a basic understanding of science but may not be familiar with your specific topic.
* Detail & Specificity: Provide enough detail so that someone else can follow the steps exactly. Don't leave room for interpretation.
* Control Groups & Variables: Explicitly state any control groups used and the independent and dependent variables you are manipulating and measuring.
* Repetition and Data Collection: Clearly outline the number of trials or repetitions, as well as how you will collect and record data.
* Data Tables: If necessary, create a sample data table to show how you will organize your results.
4. Data Analysis:
* Briefly describe: How you plan to analyze the data you collect (e.g., graphs, calculations, statistical analysis).
* Include: Any specific formulas or calculations you will use.
5. Conclusion:
* Summarize your expectations: What do you predict will happen based on your hypothesis?
* Mention: How your findings will answer your initial question and contribute to scientific knowledge.
Example Procedure:
Title: The Effect of Fertilizer on Plant Growth
Introduction: This experiment investigates the impact of different types of fertilizer on the growth of bean plants.
Materials:
* 4 Bean seeds
* 4 Pots (same size)
* Potting soil
* Water
* Fertilizer A (brand and type)
* Fertilizer B (brand and type)
* Ruler
* Notebook and pen
Procedure:
1. Label the pots 1-4.
2. Fill each pot with potting soil.
3. Plant one bean seed in each pot, 1 cm deep.
4. Water each pot with 50 ml of water daily.
5. Pot 1: Control group (no fertilizer).
6. Pot 2: Apply 5 grams of Fertilizer A weekly.
7. Pot 3: Apply 5 grams of Fertilizer B weekly.
8. Pot 4: Apply 5 grams of a combination of Fertilizer A and B weekly.
9. Measure the height of each plant daily for two weeks and record the data in a table.
10. Calculate the average height of the plants in each group at the end of two weeks.
11. Analyze the data to determine the effect of different fertilizers on plant growth.
Data Analysis:
* Create a graph showing the average height of plants in each group over the two weeks.
* Analyze the data to determine if there is a significant difference in growth between the control group and the fertilizer groups.
Conclusion:
It is hypothesized that the bean plants treated with fertilizers will grow taller than the control group. The results of this experiment will provide insight into the effectiveness of different fertilizers on plant growth.
Remember:
* Always follow safety guidelines and seek adult supervision when handling potentially hazardous materials.
* Double-check your procedure for accuracy and clarity before starting your experiment.
* Be organized and keep detailed notes throughout the process.
With careful planning and a well-written procedure, you'll be well on your way to a successful and informative science fair project!