Glossary

Acknowledgements

A detailed list of people who helped you and what they did

Aim

The why behind doing an experiment. Usually stated as 'to show ....', 'to demonstrate.....'.

Branded items

These show the name of the item e.g.. BMW and these names should not be visible at Expo

Conclusion(s)

Relates to the results obtained to the aim/hypothesis and either agrees or disagrees with the aim/hypothesis.

Controlled/Fixed variable

Factor/s that cannot change throughout the experiment

Dependent/ Responding variable

The results obtained after doing the experiment. They are dependent on the independent variable and change as the independent variable changes.

Hypothesis

A proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations - this is a statement based on the aim.

includes errors and modifications

What went wrong that you can change the next time and what could have been done if you had more time or resources.

Independent/Manipulated variable

Factor that is being investigated in an experiment

Interpretation and analysis

Describing the results and the relationships shown in the results in words - they must be directly related to the data collected in the results.

Mentor

A person who assists you as you develop your project and gives you professional help (e.g. scientist)

Method

A step-wise description, written in the third person, of how the project is being done. It includes the apparatus used (where relevant).

Observation

Something interesting (a phenomenon) that you noticed. e.g. Elephants prefer to eat tree leaves?

References

ALL the books, magazines and internet sites that you consulted while doing your project and referenced in the correct way.

Results

What can be discovered from doing the investigation or project?
They Should be quantitative - In other words, can be measured and recorded in a table. Graphs should be drawn.

Scientific method

The way of proving whether something is true or false by carrying out experiments. The steps of the scientific method are: aim/hypothesis, method, results, interpretations, conclusion(s).

Variables

factor/s that affect(s) an experiment.