Experiment Plan

After developing a testable hypothesis, a scientist sets up an experiment.  An experiment has a variable and a control.  A variable is the part of the experiment that changes.  It is the best to test one variable at a time in an experiment.  A control is the part of the experiment that remains the same.  Controls ensure that only the tested variable affects the results of the experiment.

You will need to answer the following questions before you can plan your experiment:

Decide what your variable will be for the experiment.  The variable is the one thing that is changed in an experiment.  All of the groups are the same in the experiment except for this one item.

Decide what your independent variable will be for the experiment.  The independent, or manipulated variable, is a factor that's intentionally varied by the scientist.

The dependent variable, or responding variable, is the factor that may change as a result of changes made in the independent variable.

In a scientific experiment, the control is the group that serves as the standard of comparison.  The control group may be a "no treatment" or an experimenter selected" group.  The control group is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group, except for the variable being tested.  All experiments should have a control group. 

Planning the Experiment

Before you go on an outing, you plan what you will need and what you will do.  that ay, your outing will go smoothly.  Different outings require different equipment and supplies.

The same is true for a science experiment.  Different science experiments require different tools and equipment.  Different experiments also have different steps.  What you will do in an experiment depends on what question you are trying to answer.  Be sure to write all of the information in your science journal. 

Before you begin your experiment, list the steps you will follow.  Important steps are listed here.  You might want to add more steps, too.

1.  Learn as much as you can about the topic of your experiment.  You did this step when you conducted your research.

2.  Decide what equipment you will need for your experiment and where you can get it.

3.  Ask your parents, older brothers and sisters for help or advice.

4.  Find out whether there is anything dangerous in your experiment.  Find out how you can do the experiment safely.

Materials

Many experiments require materials.  The materials might be special tools, such a microscope, or just paper and pencil.  You will need to collect different kinds of materials for different experiments.  You will also need to know where you can get the materials.  To make the job easier, make a list of the materials and where you can find the materials.  You need to include your list in your science journal.

Trials

A trial is a repeat of a test or an observation.  The more trials you do, the more you can trust the data that you collect.  You will be required to complete three trials for your experiment.  This means that your control group will be tested 3 times, and your variables will be tested 3 times.  You will need to be sure to record the data for each trial.

Experimental Plan Form is due on Thursday, October 20, 2011.

The Procedural Plan Form is due on Monday, October 24, 2011

Experiment Plan (DOC 41 KB)
This form is due on Thursday, October 20, 2011
Experiment Procedure Plan (DOC 43 KB)
This form is due on Monday, October 24, 2011
Experimental Procedures and Plans (DOC 27 KB)
This information is to help you plan for your experiment.

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