How to Develop a Science Project (continued)

Sample Graph

Step 12: Writing the Discussion Section

In this section you will discuss what your data shows; it is not the conclusion. Things you will need to discuss include: 

• Does your data show a relationship or reveal some pattern? 
• Is there a significant difference between your 2 groups? 
• What possible sources of error are there?

Step 13: Writing the Conclusion

In this section you will discuss what your project is proving. If your data does not show a pattern or if the difference between groups is small, you should say that there was no relationship or difference. This does not mean your project is a failure. Finding that there is no relationship is just as important to science as finding that there is. Also include:

• Acceptance or rejection of your hypothesis. 
• Summary of what the project shows us, relating background reading and data. 
• Explanation of whether you think your results are significant or possible affected by error or caused by coincidence. 
• Significance or possible application of your findings. 
• Recommendation for further investigation of the topic.

Step 14: Writing an Abstract

The abstract is the summary of your entire project.  In its basic form, it should do 3 things: 

• Summarize what your project was about, why you chose it, and what you were attempting to learn. 
• Explain how you did it - describe briefly your procedure, groups, and variables. 
• What did you learn? - List data highlights, summarize what the data shows, and extend your project by indicating how you would do it again or apply the results to other situations.

Sample Abstracts: 

Sample 1

Sample 2

Sample 3

Step 15: Creating your Display

Refer to the books and examples in the classrooms for guidance here. See the requirements mentioned earlier. Several bits of advice are given here. 

• You don't have to use a fancy display board; make one out of cardboard.
• You want a nice-looking display, but remember this is only a very small portion of your score. How much you learned, your experimental design, and your data are what are most important. 
• Put only your data summary and a key graph or two on the display. Too much detracts from what you want to show. 
• Photographs and diagrams help show what you are doing.