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Conducting a Science Experiment

Key Info

Overview

Preparations

A student pours a bottle of liquid into a large graduated cylinder

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:

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

Trial Faucet Opening
(the Independent Variable)
Water Flow
(the Dependent Variable)
#1 1/4 open [Write your data in this column as you make 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 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. See Science and Engineering Project Laboratory Notebooks for more information about using a lab notebook to document your science investigations, experiments, and product designs.

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

Sample

See the Science Buddies resource Science and Engineering Project Laboratory Notebooks for information about using a lab notebook to document your science investigations, experiments, and product designs.

Checklist

Checklist for Conducting a Science Experiment

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