Student Number 1

Title: Ideally, this is in the form of a question and includes both the independent and dependent
variables and simplified process.
DESIGN
Problem: The problem statement will occur in three parts. The first portion, and most likely
the most lengthy, will focus on the science you are researching. For instance, if you
are doing a project on the movement of molecules you may want to discuss such
topics as diffusion and concentration gradients.
The second portion of the problem statement should focus on the way that you are going
to specifically test your research. This portion should refer to the science. For
instance, if you are working with osmosis, you would say something like ‘set up an
artificial cell to create the conditions necessary for osmosis, etc.’
The final portion is the most difficult. This portion will discuss the purpose for the
research. It should NOT be anything simplistic. You should look for a valid
application of the research and discuss it here. Remember, if you were doing real
research, this is the portion that would get you the funding.

Hypothesis: The hypothesis will occur in two parts. The first portion will be the actual
“prediction” where you will, using a quantifiable statement, predict the outcome of
the research. The second portion is the “BECAUSE” portion. I do not recommend
that you use the word because, but in the second portion of the hypothesis, you will
relate your prediction back to the science you were researching.

Variables: Independent ______________________

Dependent ______________________
Controlled ______________________
______________________

Assumptions:

Materials: Everything that you use to carry out your experiment should be LISTED in this
section. You do not need to number. Remember, if your project is in more than
one part, you should segregate the materials and label accordingly.

Procedures: 1. The first procedure on EVERY list should be gather materials.

2. Subsequent procedures should be listed and enumerated.
3. The procedures should list EVERYTHING that is necessary to complete the
process.
4. You must list separate procedures to show how you will control each variable.
(Generally this is how you will do the measurements)
5. You must list separate procedures to show how you will collect your data.
(Generally this is how you actually write down the data and explicitly what it will
be with units, etc.)
6. You should separate procedures into logical steps.

DATA COLLECTION & PROCESSING

 Student Number 2

Data
Collection: In this section you will create tables to represent your raw data. You should not put
all of the raw data here, but should reference it as an appendix. Raw Data should be
averaged, or created in some clear and concise way to show what information you
will be analyzing. There should be NO graphs in this section, only tables, etc.
Pictures would also be appropriate in this section. REMEMBER, anytime you use
an object in your write-up, such as a table or picture, you must also include a
caption to describe what it is. You should also summarize your QUALITATIVE
data here as well. Always include appropriate units and uncertainties.

Calculations: This entry is used only when the data must be analyzed using a mathematical
formula that is not common. For example, Lincoln Index, Simpson’s Diversity
Index, etc. should appear here. You should show the working for one complete
entry, then may reference this by saying all other calculations carried out in the
same manner. If you use a calculator or Excel for this section, you must state it
here.
Data
Processing: Data should be analyzed and graphs or charts should be created to clearly articulate
what the data means. As in the previous section, all objects must be supported by
captions. After you have presented your charts or graphs, you should also conduct
error analysis where appropriate. You should also write a brief outline of what the
data means collectively. You SHOULD NOT compare the data to the hypothesis at
this point. You should, however, write out your Null & Alternate Hypotheses and
show how the data will either Accept or Reject NULL.

CONCLUSION & EVALUATION

Conclusion: This section has two major parts. The first portion should read something similar to
this: “Based on the data (restate the most important parts) the hypothesis (restate
the hypothesis) was SUPPORTED/NOT SUPPORTED. You will show that
because the Null was accepted or rejected so was the stated hypothesis not
supported/supported. The second part should include something to the effect of the
hypothesis was supported/not supported because when the research was finished the
data did not match the science as was expected. You will compare your results to
any other research that was completed that you read about in literature. Should
contain observations, trends or patterns revealed by data.

Evaluation: This is a three part process: Part one you should evaluate (tell what worked and
what did not) in the actual process (controlling the variables, etc.) as well as discuss
the results that you found. The second portion will be a discussion of any
limitations, weaknesses or errors you encountered during the process. The final
portion will be realistic suggestions to improve the process. If it worked, this
would be where you would suggest further study. This section should NOT just say
that you needed more subjects/tests/data, that will be considered superficial and get
no points.