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Conducting a Science Experiment
Key Info
If you haven't already, obtain a notebook to record all of your observations during your experiment.
Before starting your experiment, prepare a data table so you can quickly write down your measurements as you
observe them.
Follow your experimental procedure exactly. If you need to make changes in the procedure (which often happens),
write down the changes exactly as you made them.
Be consistent, careful, and accurate when you take your measurements. Numerical measurements are best.
Take pictures of your experiment for use on your display board if you can.
Preparations
With your detailed experimental procedure in hand, you are almost ready to start
your science experiment. But before you begin there are still a few more things to
do:
Know what to do. Read and understand your experimental procedure. Are
all of the necessary steps written down? Do you have any questions about
how to do any of the steps?
Get a laboratory notebook for taking notes and collecting data (see Data
Table below).
Be prepared. Collect and organize all materials, supplies and equipment you
will need to do the experiment. Do you have all of the materials you need?
Are they handy and within reach of your workspace?
Think ahead about safety! Are there any safety precautions you should
take? Will you need adult supervision? Will you need to wear gloves or protective eye gear? Do you have long hair
that needs to be pulled back out of your face? Will you need to be near a fire extinguisher?
Data Table
Prepare a data table in your laboratory notebook to help you collect your data. A data table will ensure that you are
consistent in recording your data and will make it easier to analyze your results once you have finished your experiment.
Sample Data Table
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_experiment.shtml 2013-10-30
Faucet Opening Water Flow
Trial
(the Independent Variable) (the Dependent Variable)
[Write your data in this column as you make

#1 1/4 open
measurements during your experiment.]
#2 1/4 open
#3 1/4 open
#4 1/2 open
#5 1/2 open
#6 1/2 open
#7 3/4 open
#8 3/4 open
#9 3/4 open
#10 Fully open
#11 Fully open
#12 Fully open
Note: Some experiments will require additional columns for two or more dependent variables.
During the Experiment

It is very important to take very detailed notes as you conduct your experiments. In addition to your data, record your
observations as you perform the experiment. Write down any problems that occur, anything you do that is different than
planned, ideas that come to mind, or interesting occurrences. Be on the lookout for the unexpected. Your observations will be
useful when you analyze your data and draw conclusions.
We suggest that you keep a laboratory notebook (http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/printable_project_logbook.pdf) so that all your
information is kept in one place (don't use loose-leaf notebooks, you want to make sure all your information stays together).
The data that you record now will be the basis for your science fair project final report and your conclusions so capture
everything in your laboratory notebook, including successes, failures, and accidents.
If possible, take pictures of your experiment along the way, these will later help you explain what you did and enhance your
display for the science fair.
Remember to use numerical measurements as much as possible. If your experiment also has qualitative data (not
numerical), then take a photo or draw a picture of what happens.
Be as exact as possible about the way you conduct your experiment, especially in following your experimental procedure,
taking your measurements, and note taking. Failures and mistakes are part of the learning process, so don't get discouraged
if things do not go as planned the first time. You should have built enough time in your schedule to allow you to repeat your
test a couple of times.
In fact, it's a good idea to do a quick preliminary run of your experiment. Show your preliminary data to your mentor or
teacher, and make revisions to your experimental procedure if necessary. Often there are glitches in the procedure that are
not obvious until you actually perform your experiment--this is normal. If you need to make changes in the procedure (which
often happens), write down exactly the changes you made.
Stay organized and be safe! Keep your workspace clean and organized as you conduct your experiment. Keep your supplies
within reach. Use protective gear and adult supervision as needed. Keep any chemicals away from pets and younger
brothers or sisters.
Sample
Here is a sample from a laboratory notebook (http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/printable_project_logbook.pdf) .
Checklist for Conducting a Science Experiment
For a Good Science Experiment,

What Makes a Good Science Experiment? You Should Answer "Yes" to
Every Question
Did you take detailed notes about your observations and record them in your
Yes / No
laboratory notebook?
Did you collect your data using a data table? Yes / No
Were you consistent, careful, and accurate when you made your
Yes / No
measurements?
Were you careful to insure that your controlled variables remained constant
Yes / No
so as not to affect your results?
If you ran into any unexpected problems, did you adjust your experimental
Yes / No
procedure accordingly?
If you are doing an engineering or programming project, have you involved

Yes / No
some of your targeted users in the testing of your prototype?
You can find this page online at: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_experiment.shtml
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Conducting a Science Experiment

Sample Data Table

[Write your data in this column as you make

#10 Fully open

#11 Fully open

#12 Fully open

During the Experiment

Checklist for Conducting a Science Experiment

For a Good Science Experiment,

Did you collect your data using a data table? Yes / No

If you are doing an engineering or programming project, have you involved

You can find this page online at: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_experiment.shtml

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