Identify  |  Hypothesis  |  Procedure  |  Collect  |  Analyze Data  |  Conclusion  |  Presentation

Before you begin, you need a plan to show how you will test your hypothesis. Your proposal must explain the materials and the procedure you will use for doing your experiment and gathering data.

Make a step-by-step list of what you will do to answer your research question and test your hypothesis. Describe how you will take measurements and how you plan to collect data. Will you use plots or transects? Will you only make observational surveys or will you capture (abiding all local and state regulations) the organisms you will be studying? You should be very specific about how you are measuring your results to prove or disprove your hypothesis.

Remember, your procedure should explain the variables – or the factors that you believe will have an effect on the experiment. The independent variable is the factor that will influence the predicted outcome. The dependent variable is the factor that is being observed, such as area biodiversity. The controlled variables are factors that are not changed. Remember that your experiment can only test one independent variable at a time, and you must have a control group set up to compare the data obtained.

Your procedure should be very clear and repeatable. Could your family or friends read through your proposal and repeat the experiment? Try it out on a friend.

Go to Step 4: Collect Your Data >>