Prepare a Materials List & Experimental Procedure

4 - Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment

Your experiment tests whether your prediction is accurate and thus your hypothesis is supported or not. It is important for your experiment to be a fair test. You conduct a fair test by making sure that you change only one factor at a time while keeping all other conditions the same. You should also repeat your experiments several times to make sure that the first results weren't just an accident.

Task #4A: Prepare a Materials List & Experimental Procedure

1. Read Preparing Experimental Procedures and Preparing a Materials List to review how to set up your materials list and experimental procedure. Be sure to look at the samples provided in each article.
2. Answer the following questions to check your learning:
   1. True or False: A good experimental procedure and materials list should be detailed enough that someone else can duplicate your experiment exactly.
      True

      False
      Correct! A good experimental procedure and materials list must be detailed and complete so that others can replicate the experiment exactly.
      Nice try! Review the section on writing an experimental procedure and materials list to understand the importance of detail and completeness.
   2. Which of the following is NOT a key component of a detailed experimental procedure?
      A description of the experimental and control groups

      A step-by-step list of procedures

      Predictions about the outcome of the experiment

      An explanation of how to change the independent variable and measure the dependent variable
      Correct! Predictions are not part of a detailed experimental procedure but are part of the hypothesis or conclusion sections.
      Nice try! Review the section on key components of an experimental procedure to understand what should be included.
   3. Which of the following is an example of a detailed, reproducible step in an experimental procedure?
      Water the plants.

      Measure 200 ml of water and pour it into each plant pot every morning at 8 AM.

      Give some water to the plants when needed.

      Check the plants regularly.
      Correct! This step is specific and detailed, making it reproducible.
      Nice try! Review the examples of detailed and reproducible steps to understand how to write them.
   4. Why is it important to include at least three trials, or repetitions, in your experimental procedure?
      To make the experiment more interesting

      To make the report longer

      To save time and effort

      To ensure that the results are consistent and reliable
      Correct! Including an appropriate number of trials ensures that the results are consistent and reliable.
      Nice try! Review the section on the importance of trials to understand their role.
   5. What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?
      To receive the independent variable and show its effect

      To receive a placebo or no treatment, providing a basis for comparison with the experimental group

      To ensure all variables are kept constant throughout the experiment

      To measure the dependent variable
      Correct! The control group receives a placebo or no treatment and serves as a basis for comparison with the experimental group. Note that even though they sound similar, the control group is different from the controlled variables.
      Nice try! Review the section on the purpose of control groups to understand their role in providing a comparison to the experimental group. Note that even though they sound similar, the control group is different from the controlled variables.
3. Make a detailed list of the materials you will need for your experiment and where/how you will get them. If you are using a Science Buddies project, a materials list is provided for you. Be sure to read it carefully and make sure you have access to all the required materials.
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   Materials
   Example:  5 medium rubber bands (my teacher has some I can use) 2 10x10 cm pieces of cardboard (boxes in the recycling bin at home) Ruler (will borrow from the classroom) Bathtub (have at home) Stopwatch (will borrow from coach)
   Your List (type below or put this in a separate document and share the link here):

4. Write a step-by-step list of your procedure. If you are using a Science Buddies project, it will give you a very detailed, reproducible procedure. You should review this procedure carefully and rewrite it so that it summarizes the key steps (see this Sample Materials List & Experimental Procedure for an example) and make sure that it includes the following:
   • A numbered, step-by-step explanation of your procedure
     An explanation of how you will vary the independent variable
     An explanation of how you will measure the dependent variable
     An explanation of how you will keep your controlled variables constant
     An explanation of your experimental groups and control group (if relevant)
     An explanation of how many times you intend to repeat the experiment (at least 3 trials)
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   Experimental Procedure
   Your Procedure (type below or put this in a separate document and share the link here):

5. What are your experimental groups? In other words, what are the variations or levels at which you will change your independent variable?
6. What is your control group (if you have one)?