4th and 5th graders are busy working on Science Fair projects. It is such a challenge to find a testable question.
A rule of thumb to follow is to ask yourself, "Can I find the answer to my question on the internet or in a book?" If the answer is "yes", then you do not have a testable question. Your question can only be answered by setting up an experiment to find the answer.
After you have a good question, you then need to do a little background research on the topic. For instance, if your question is: "Which surface will allow the car to travel the fastest?" then, you would research friction, speed, gravity, mass, etc. As you research, write down key words and define them (this will not only help you, but your audience as well).
Next, you need to plan your experiment. That means you will make a list of needed materials, write a step-by-step procedure, and write an hypothesis using the "If......(I do this).....then...(I think this will happen)....." format.
You are now ready to set up your experiment and begin your 1st trial.
A rule of thumb to follow is to ask yourself, "Can I find the answer to my question on the internet or in a book?" If the answer is "yes", then you do not have a testable question. Your question can only be answered by setting up an experiment to find the answer.
After you have a good question, you then need to do a little background research on the topic. For instance, if your question is: "Which surface will allow the car to travel the fastest?" then, you would research friction, speed, gravity, mass, etc. As you research, write down key words and define them (this will not only help you, but your audience as well).
Next, you need to plan your experiment. That means you will make a list of needed materials, write a step-by-step procedure, and write an hypothesis using the "If......(I do this).....then...(I think this will happen)....." format.
You are now ready to set up your experiment and begin your 1st trial.