1. Subject defines a testable question that begins “Why… or What is effect of a change in X on Y? “(For example, what is the effect of a change in the amount of sunlight on the growth of tomato plants?)

2. Bibliography includes references from your literature research.

3. Hypothesis based on your library research and knowledge. It is your best estimate of what will happen and it’s not only OK but quite common if your results turn out differently.

4. Experimental design:

       (A) Define a control (a “standard” group) to which all test groups will be compared.

       (B) Define test groups where only one variable differs from the “control” group.

       (C) Define measurable endpoint(s).

• Each test group should contain a minimum of 3 objects being tested (seed, plant, etc.).

• Plan to change only one variable in each test cycle. However, change the variable in several ways (several concentrations of a chemical, several temperatures, or several time points etc.).

• Report measurements in metric units (SI) when possible.

• Repeat the test three times or more to see if your results are reproducible.

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Need an example?

During her Quick 5 interview​, our fair manager briefly referred to a fun experiment that could be done with dominos based on a recent article she read. The author of the article, "How fast a row of dominos topples depends on friction," (www.sciencenews.org/article/physics-falling-dominos-friction) talked about how, using computer simulations of rows of dominos being pushed over, closely spaced dominos on slicker surfaces fell faster. This could be repeated as a student physics project, using a variety of surfaces with different slip-stick properties. (If you were to do this project, look up the slip-stick properties of various materials as part of picking what you'll set the dominos up on (i.e., your surface selection could include a tile counter, newspaper , etc.) and reference this and the Science News article in your bibliography. If the tile and newspaper are the surfaces you pick, then your hypothesis could be "the dominos on the tile will fall faster than those on the newspaper."The independent variable (what you change) is the surface; the dependent variable is fall time. Do at least three repetitions with each surface - including your control - with the same number of dominos set up in the same pattern and distances from each other. Want to add more or less dominos or change the pattern? That's adding more variables, so repeat each new condition at least 3 times, making only one change at a time. And for all, make sure you time how fast the dominos fell. Think about how you can do that repeatably - is the "time" the first domino falling or the last? Maybe take a video on your phone to help figure this out. There are lots of ways to approach this simple, fun experiment that would meet all the Science project requirements. And be sure to enter all your data in your bound science notebook.