Name: _________________________________
Mrs. Keller
G8 Science 1st 4th 5th
Date: __________________________________
Experimental Design Process
Based on a FOSS Leadership Academy activity
Pre-Lab -- Learning to Observe:
Observe and Record
Each group will be given 3 numbered objects. Select one and spend several minutes examining it with
your partners and writing down what you observe. You may ask for any equipment you feel is necessary
to make your observations.
Leave your observations and all three objects at your table.
Select Based on Observations
Go to each table and try to identify the object each group chose based on their observations.
Discuss
As a class we will discuss which object you think was selected at each table and why you believe that is
the object selected.
Write
Write a paragraph explaining what should be included in a good observation.
Lab
Observations:
1. Observe popper and environment interactions.
2. You may ask for any equipment you feel is necessary to make your observations.
3. Record your observations.
List 4 things to change or vary (Independent variable)
Write down 4 things about poppers and their environment that you could change.
List 4 things to measure or observe (Dependent variable)
Write down 4 things you observed that could be changed if you change something about the popper or its
environment.
Choosing Variables
I will change:
Write down 1 of the things about poppers and their environment that you could change.
Independent Variable –
what I know beforehand
The Cause
I will measure:
Write down 1 of the things you observed that could be changed if you change something about the
popper or its environment.
Dependent Variable –
what I found out from
The Effect
I will not change (so that it is fair):
Write down the other 3 things about poppers and their environment that you could change.
I will not measure:
Write down the other 3 things you observed that could be changed if you change something about the
popper or its environment.
Asking a Focus Question
When I change:
Write down what you chose to change.
What will happen to:
Write down what you chose to observe.
Write a focus questions that you will investigate:
(Example: How does _____________ affect the __________?)
From this question, write a cause and effect statement that answers the question: What do you
think will happen?
(Example: When I change ________ I think _______ will happen because________.)
My Plan or Design
Others should be able to follow your plan without asking you any questions:
Steps for the investigation:
(Include WHAT will be measured and HOW data will be collected and recorded.)
Materials needed for the investigation:
Write down all the things you will need to conduct an investigation on whether making one change to the
popper or its environment will change one of the things you can measure.
Data Collection
What I will change or vary (independent variable).
What I will measure or observe (dependent variable):
How I will collect and record data:
Number of trials:
Sample chart for recording findings (data):
What I changed
(independent
variable for X
axis.) 
What I measured (dependent variable for Y axis)

Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Average
Graphing Results
Title of the graph: __________________________________________________________________________________
What I measured (specify units)
Dependent Variable
Y axis
What I changed (specify units)
Independent Variable
X axis
Note: Bothe axes need to be labeled and appropriate units of measurement marked.
Finding Patterns in Results
When I changed:
What happened to:
Data Summary Statements
Describe the data by explaining the relationship(s) between the variables on the graph. Use as much
quantitative information as possible. Describe what the data indicates. How do the data support your
prediction?
(Example: I claim that ______. I know this because ______________.)
Conclusion
(The conclusion is a synthesis of the summary statement and is based on evidence and a logical
argument. It should wrap up the cause and effect relationship, as well as discuss any unresolved
questions or error analysis of the data. The conclusion should answer the original question or explain
why it cannot be answered at this time.)
Example: When I changed _________, _____________ happened, therefore, _____________________.
The next thing I want to know is:
Another thing I will change:
What I will measure:
Self Reflection
What did you find most surprising or interesting?
In what ways have you changed your ideas as a result of your experiment?