A hypothesis is a tentative answer to the science question you have posed. A good hypothesis will:
- Be based on all the information you know about the topic.
- Lead to at least one prediction that you can test in an experiment.
Predictions formed from a hypothesis often take the shape of "If ____ then ____" statements, but do not have to follow this format. A good prediction needs both an independent variable (something you change) and one or more dependent variables (things you observe or measure).
A single hypothesis can lead to multiple predictions, but generally one or two predictions is enough for a science fair project.
For more information and examples of how to write a good hypothesis for a science project, check out our hypothesis reference page.
To self-check whether or not you have done a good job writing your science project hypothesis, think about the following questions and answer "yes" or "no" honestly.
If you answered "no" to any of the self-check questions, then your hypothesis may not be good for a science project. Consider changing your hypothesis and prediction or asking your teacher or another adult mentor for help.
