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Jan 1, 2023 · In science, an experiment is simply a test of a hypothesis in the scientific method. It is a controlled examination of cause and effect. Here is a look at what a science experiment is (and is not), the key factors in an experiment, examples, and types of experiments.
The five components of the scientific method are: observations, questions, hypothesis, methods and results. Following the scientific method procedure not only ensures that the experiment can be repeated by other researchers, but also that the results garnered can be accepted.
- Clayton Yuetter
- Purpose Statement. The purpose statement helps readers understand what you planned to accomplish with your project. Explain the basic reasoning behind the project, why you found the project compelling, and how you think the results of your experiment will be beneficial.
- Hypothesis. The hypothesis is your rough estimation of what you believe would happen in your experiment. The hypothesis must answer a specific question related to your project.
- Materials List. The materials list is relatively straightforward. You will simply need to make a list of everything you used to complete your experiment.
- Procedures. Writing a procedure is necessary so you can perform each section of your experiment consistently. Also, much like the materials list, the procedure section helps another person carry out your experiment if desired.
Field Experiments: A field experiment may be either a natural experiment or a controlled experiment. It takes place in a real-world setting, rather than under lab conditions. For example, an experiment involving an animal in its natural habitat would be a field experiment.
- Ask a Question. The scientific method starts when you ask a question about something that you observe: How, What, When, Who, Which, Why, or Where? For a science fair project some teachers require that the question be something you can measure, preferably with a number.
- Do Background Research. Rather than starting from scratch in putting together a plan for answering your question, you want to be a savvy scientist using library and Internet research to help you find the best way to do things and ensure that you don't repeat mistakes from the past.
- Construct a Hypothesis. A hypothesis is an educated guess about how things work. It is an attempt to answer your question with an explanation that can be tested.
- 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.
Choose 1 answer: The facts collected from an experiment are written in the form of a hypothesis. A. The facts collected from an experiment are written in the form of a hypothesis. A hypothesis is the correct answer to a scientific question. B. A hypothesis is the correct answer to a scientific question.
- 12 min
Let's look at each step in more detail, using an example from our teacher-made Science Experiments At Home resource! A simple dissolving experiment. 1. Observation. The observations about the world can be open-ended, this part of the experiment is important for getting children curious about their surroundings!