Research Question: What do you want to investigate? Be as specific as possible.
Introduction/Background: This is where you introduce your topic and provide a perspective using background research (research that has already been completed on your topic).
Hypothesis: Make a prediction of the relationship of whatever you're investigating. "If...then" statements are okay, but you do not have to use that format.
Independent Variable (IV): The quantity that you manipulate. It is represented on the x-axis of a line graph. This is what YOU are CHANGING. This is the CAUSE.
Dependent Variable (DV): The quantity that results from the manipulation of the IV. It is represented on the y-axis of a line graph. This is the result of what you changed. This is the EFFECT.
Control: The quantity that is used as a comparison, a standard, or a baseline. It is not manipulated at all. List all of the quantities that you will need to control for your experiment.
Materials: A complete and thorough listing of all the equipment you will use. You have to be specific. You can't say "a beaker." You must specify: "A 250mL beaker."
Safety Precautions: All safety precautions must be listed. If you're using sharp objects, toxic or corrosive chemicals, or anything that could cause harm, you must specify how to be safe. If there are ethical or environmental concerns, you can list them directly after safety.
Procedure: This is a step-by-step listing of what you are going to do in your experiment. Each step should be clear and concise. Someone should be able to replicate your experiment, so you have to think carefully about what you want to say in each step.
Data: This has two parts: qualitative (observations) and quantitative (numerical results). Qual goes before quan. All data will be organized into raw data and processed data. Sample calculations are provided. All tables and graphs must be labeled accordingly.
Line Graphs are the preferred method for representing change. They should always include a best-fit line, and you must be able to calculate the slope of the line from your data.
Analysis: You will analyze the raw data from your experiment using whatever necessary mathematical means. Describe any trends and patterns in the data and tie it to your hypothesis.
Conclusion: You will summarize your experiment from beginning to end, and report your findings. Restate and answer the research question. Restate and answer the hypothesis. Was your hypothesis supported or refuted? Why or why not? A brief explanation is required.
Evaluation: You comment on the effectiveness of the procedure. Evaluate the method. What worked, what didn't work and how did it affect your results? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your method? What would you change and what would be the effect of the change? How would you increase the efficiency of this experiment?