Each time an experiment is repeated is called a trial. In order to gather reliable, fair data from experimentation, we must always perform multiple trials (at least 3) for every experiment.
If you have struggled to write a strong experimental procedure, you are not alone. Writing a procedure for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or drawing a simple smiley face can even be tricky!
Check out Ms. Shon's "Pocket Guide for Writing a Procedure" to help you edit your procedure to make sure that any other scientist is able to replicate your experiment and results.
Ms. Shon's Pocket Guide for Writing a Procedure
When writing a procedure, you should....
- Number steps
- Start each step with a verb (action word - list of examples follow)
- Include only ONE action in each step
- Include measurements (size, how much, how far, how many, etc.)
- Use pictures and labels for hard to explain parts
- Use the present tense (fill, place, measure, pour, etc.)
- Avoid transitional words or phrases (next, finally, in addition to, therefore, however, etc.)
Variety of Verbs
Pull from the list of verbs below to improve your experimental procedure!
- Gather
- Label
- Measure
- Observe
- Count
- Determine
- Calculate
- Average
- Clean
- Record
- Throw out
- Cut
- Lift
- Listen
- Repeat
Due Tuesday, December 17, 2013.
1. Copy Ms. Shon's pocket guide for writing a procedure in your science notebook.
2. Edit your experimental procedure using the guide (SNVP) above. Write them in your science notebook.