Results
Writing the ResultsWriting the Results will include both a summary and graph (or table/chart). Use the summary to explain and guide the reader through your key results. This is the information that answers the hypothesis you investigated. Use the graph, table or chart to help strengthen and explain what you are stating in your summary.
Your results should follow these guidelines:
Example of how to write the results:
The original purpose of this experiment was to see which brand of popcorn pops the most kernels. The results of the experiment were that Act II Premium Theater Butter flavored microwave popcorn produced 93%, Orville Redenbacher flavored microwave popcorn produced 84%, and Kroger Butter flavored microwave popcorn produced 81% popped kernels. There was a 12% unpopped kernel difference in the top and bottom popcorn brands. The graph shows a comparison between the three brands of microwave popcorn tested.
Your results should follow these guidelines:
- Include what you wanted to accomplish and prove during your experiment.
- Describe and report what you discovered. Be sure to include any data that might have been collected. It is important to show this data even if it did not support your hypothesis. The process of completing the experiment with true data is what is important.
- The function of the Results section is to objectively present your key results, without interpretation.
Example of how to write the results:
The original purpose of this experiment was to see which brand of popcorn pops the most kernels. The results of the experiment were that Act II Premium Theater Butter flavored microwave popcorn produced 93%, Orville Redenbacher flavored microwave popcorn produced 84%, and Kroger Butter flavored microwave popcorn produced 81% popped kernels. There was a 12% unpopped kernel difference in the top and bottom popcorn brands. The graph shows a comparison between the three brands of microwave popcorn tested.
Conclusion
What is a conclusion? A conclusion is a reexamination of your original hypothesis in regards to the data you have collected. Your conclusion will continue by describing how your results prove or disprove your hypothesis. Your conclusion included what questions you have developed in doing the experiment. It also includes how you might change your experiment if you were to continue this topic in order to explore those questions that you developed during the experiment.
Conclusion Format
Your conclusion should summarize how your results support and/or contradict your original hypothesis.
Fill out the conclusion format worksheet in your Log Book:
1. Summarize your results in 1-2 sentences.
2. State whether your results support or contradict your hypothesis.
3. Summarize your experimental procedure making comments about its success and effectiveness.
4. Suggest changes in the experimental procedure (or design) and/ or possibilities for further study (Examples: use different materials, switch steps around, allow more time, control more variables, etc.).
You will combine these four points into one conclusion paragraph. This should be no longer than ONE paragraph. Complete your rough draft conclusion paragraph on the next page of your log book.
Example of a conclusion:
In my experiment which brand of popcorn pops the most kernels, the Act II Premium Theater Butter flavored microwave popcorn produced 93%, Orville Redenbacher flavored microwave popcorn produced 84%, and Kroger Butter flavored microwave popcorn produced 81% popped kernels. There was a 12% unpopped kernel difference in the top and bottom popcorn brands. My hypothesis was incorrect that was based on Orville Redenbacher’s higher quality ingredients. Through out testing, it was important to test several bags of popcorn from each brand. To insure that are trials were the same I had to make sure that the cooking power level, cooking time and type of popcorn was all the same. If I were to conduct this science fair project again, I would test more brands of popcorn that are on the market. I would also include a price comparison to identify which brand is best for the money.
Conclusion Format
Your conclusion should summarize how your results support and/or contradict your original hypothesis.
Fill out the conclusion format worksheet in your Log Book:
1. Summarize your results in 1-2 sentences.
2. State whether your results support or contradict your hypothesis.
3. Summarize your experimental procedure making comments about its success and effectiveness.
4. Suggest changes in the experimental procedure (or design) and/ or possibilities for further study (Examples: use different materials, switch steps around, allow more time, control more variables, etc.).
You will combine these four points into one conclusion paragraph. This should be no longer than ONE paragraph. Complete your rough draft conclusion paragraph on the next page of your log book.
Example of a conclusion:
In my experiment which brand of popcorn pops the most kernels, the Act II Premium Theater Butter flavored microwave popcorn produced 93%, Orville Redenbacher flavored microwave popcorn produced 84%, and Kroger Butter flavored microwave popcorn produced 81% popped kernels. There was a 12% unpopped kernel difference in the top and bottom popcorn brands. My hypothesis was incorrect that was based on Orville Redenbacher’s higher quality ingredients. Through out testing, it was important to test several bags of popcorn from each brand. To insure that are trials were the same I had to make sure that the cooking power level, cooking time and type of popcorn was all the same. If I were to conduct this science fair project again, I would test more brands of popcorn that are on the market. I would also include a price comparison to identify which brand is best for the money.