Mini Science Experiments
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What you will learn
- 1Identify the five sections of a science experiment report
- 2Complete an experiment report by filling in the question, prediction, method, result, and conclusion
- 3Explain why each section of a science report is important
Mini Lesson
Scientists record their experiments using a structured report. Each section has a purpose and helps other scientists understand, repeat, and check the work. Learning to write a science report is an important skill for every scientist — even young ones!
The Five Sections of a Science Report
- Question — the thing you want to find out. It is usually written as a question starting with "Does...?", "What happens when...?", or "How does...?".
- Prediction (Hypothesis) — what you think will happen before you do the experiment. A good prediction says WHY you think this, based on what you already know.
- Method — a step-by-step description of how you carried out the experiment. It should be clear enough for someone else to repeat the experiment exactly.
- Result — what actually happened during the experiment. Record data, observations, measurements, and any changes you noticed.
- Conclusion — what the result tells you. Does it agree or disagree with your prediction? What did you learn from the experiment?
The Five Sections at a Glance
Words to know
Hypothesis
A testable prediction about what will happen in an experiment
e.g. My hypothesis is that ice melts faster in warm water.
Method
The step-by-step procedure used to carry out an experiment
e.g. The method described how to set up the experiment safely.
Result
The data and observations collected during an experiment
e.g. The result showed that the plant grew 2 inches taller.
Conclusion
A statement about what the results mean and whether the hypothesis was supported
e.g. The conclusion stated that warm water dissolves sugar faster than cold water.
Variable
Something that changes in an experiment
e.g. The variable was the temperature of the water.
Example — Does paper float? Q: Does a flat sheet of paper float on water? P: I think it will float at first. M: Fill a bowl, place paper on surface, observe 2 min. R: Paper floated 30 seconds then sank. C: Paper trapped air then absorbed water and sank — prediction was correct. Remember Q-P-M-R-C: Question, Prediction, Method, Result, Conclusion. A real scientist never skips any section!
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