A Sample Project: Results

Before you can state the results of an experiment, you must first organize all the data collected during experimentation.Numbers, called "raw data," have little meaning unless you organize and label them. Data from each experiment needs to be written down in an orderly way in your journal. Use a table (a diagram that uses words and numbers in columns and rows to represent data) to record data (see Figures 5.5). Use a graph, such as a bar graph (a diagram that uses bars to represent data) similar to the one shown in Figure 5.6 to analyze (separate and examine) data. Figure 5.7 shows another way to represent the data. This figure is a line graph (a diagram that uses lines to express patterns of change).

There are other useful ways to represent data. A circle graph, or pie chart, is a chart (data or other information in the form of a graph) that shows information in percentages. The larger the section of the circle, the greater the percentage represented. The whole circle represents 100 percent, or the total amount. For example, a pie chart can be used to represent the results of an experiment determining the direction of the sun at different times during one day, from sunrise to sunset.

To make a pie chart, first record the directions at different times in a table, as shown in Figure 5.8. Prepare a second table expressing the number of hours the sun is in the eastern (E and SE) and western (W and SW) parts of the sky, as shown in Figure 5.9. Then, express the same data as percentages in a pie chart, as shown in Figure 5.10. Note that illustrations of rising and setting suns are placed around the circle to add interest to the data displayed.

A pictograph could be used to represent the results of an experiment measuring the sun's altitude at noon over a three-month period. A pictograph is a chart that contains symbols representing data, such as quantities of an object. In the pictograph shown in Figure 5.11, each sun represents an altitude of 4 degrees. Pictographs are easy to read and can add a little fun to your data display.

The data charted in Figure 5.5 was used to write a statement of the changes in altitude of the sun as observed in the sample project, as shown in Figure 5.12.

Photographs are another way to display data. Have someone take a photograph of you performing the experiment, as in Figure 5.4, or take photos of the procedure setup to use as part of the project display. Use the format of the procedure shown in Figure 5.3 as a guideline to design your own project experiment.

Why?
Figure 5.13 shows an explanation of the results of the sample experiment. This information, along with the other research, will be used to develop a project problem, hypothesis, and one or more experiments.

 

Unexpected Results
What do you do if your results are not what you expected? First, if there is time, repeat the experiment to make sure everything is done properly. If there isn't time for this, or if you get the same unexpected results again,don't panic. A scientist's hypothesis often is not supported by his or her experiments. Report the truth in your conclusion. As before, state your hypothesis, but truthfully say that while your research backed up your hypothesis, your experiment results did not. Say what you expected and what actually happened. Report everything—if anything supported the hypothesis, identify it. Continue by giving what you think are the reasons that the results did not support your original ideas. Make your explanation scientific. For example, if you were moving during the experiment:

Dosay: "There is a possibility that the lamp was not centered between the materials at all times. This would have resulted in the materials not receiving the same amount of light. This problem can be solved by securing the materials to the table so they are not accidentally moved during the experiment."

Don'tsay: "My little brother bumped into the box and moved it. I need to lock my door so my brother can't mess up my stuff."

Now it's time to sum up the entire project by writing a detailed report. Review theProject Reportsection for advice on how to put together a science fair project report.

FromJanice VanCleave's Guide to the Best Science Fair Projects, Janice VanCleave (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1997)

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