Science Logbook Information
Include each of the following on a separate page of the Logbook:
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Title Page/Cover Page
Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Background Research
Problem
Hypothesis
Variables and Controls
Materials
Procedures
Observations
Results
Conclusions
Application
Bibliography
You will want to include the following information, each on an individual page, in your logbook. You can use a folder
with brads or a report folder with a clear front cover.
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Title Page/Cover Page: This will include the title of the project, the student’s name, grade, and school name. The
title relates to the independent and dependent variables that were investigated.
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Table of Contents: This will make it easier for judges to locate information in the notebook
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Abstract: This is a shortened version of your entire notebook. It should include information about you at the top:
project title, category, name, grade, address, and school. The abstract should be composed of three short
paragraphs: Purpose, Procedures, and Results (include data and conclusion). The abstract must fit on one page, be
less than 250 words and be written in paragraph form. The abstract must be written in past tense and in the 3rd
person. (Do not use I, you, we, etc.) Refer to the How to Write an Abstract handout for a more detailed
explanation on writing your abstract.
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Introduction: The introduction will set the scene for your report. Describe the rationale, purpose, and prediction.
Use three questions to guide your writing. (1) Why did you conduct the experiment? (Rationale) (2) What did you
hope to learn? (Purpose) (3) What did you think would happen? (Prediction) (Must be a complete paragraph 5-7
sentences)
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Background Research: This page should include what you learned while researching your topic. Report work and
research conducted by others in the past that relates to your topic and facts that help introduce readers to the topic.
Identify the source and then list at least one fact you learned from that source. You must have at least 3 sources.
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Problem: The scientific method starts when you ask a question about something that you observe: How, What,
When, Who, Which, Why, or Where? In order for the scientific method to answer the question it must be about
something that you can measure, preferably with a number. It must include your independent and dependent
variable and be written in question form.
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Hypothesis: State what you think will happen while testing your problem. Write hypothesis in the If/Then/Because
format. What have you learned through your research that helped you create your hypothesis? (Write your
hypothesis and then a short paragraph explaining how your research helped you formulate the hypothesis)
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Variables: Fully describe all variables involved while testing. The independent variable was the one thing that was
changed in your experiment, the dependent variable is the result of the change (the outcome you measure or
observe), and the controlled variables are all of the things you kept constant or the same for all parts of your
experiment (between the control group and experimental group). You must list at least 3 controlled
variables/constants.
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Materials: List all of the materials and supplies needed in order for another person to conduct your experiment.
Quantities (amounts) of each should be indicated clearly.
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Procedures: In detail, list all of the steps that are required to conduct your experiment. Number them sequentially.
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Observations: Include all raw, smooth and analyzed data, in all forms. This must include at least one data table and
one graph. This includes charts, graphs, tables, photographs, and diagrams you created or collected in the course of
the project. This section will probably be a number of pages in length.
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Results: Tell what you learned from the project while experimenting. What new information was provided as a
result of pursuing the topic? What do you know now that you did not know before? (must be a paragraph 5-7
sentences)
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Conclusion: Begin by stating your question, or problem. Then explain whether you would accept or reject your
hypothesis (do NOT say that your hypothesis was correct or incorrect). What were the actual results of testing? Do
your results support or reject your hypothesis? Explain why your results came out the way they did. Use the
research you found to help explain your results. Describe the purpose, major findings, an explanation for the
findings, and recommendations for further study. Use the following questions to guide your writing: (1) What was
the purpose of the experiment? (2) What were the major findings? (3) Was the hypothesis supported by the data?
(accept or reject hypothesis) (4) What possible explanation can you offer for the findings? (5) What
recommendations do you have for further study and for improving the experiment? (must be at least 1 paragraph
5-7 sentences)
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Application: How does your experiment apply to the world of science? What practical applications can be made
from your testing? What are some future areas of study with regard to your topic? (Must be a paragraph 5-7
sentences)
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Bibliography : List the resources you used while completing your research. Use the APA Format for References
handout as your guideline.