Experiment Analysis: Graph, Analyze Results, and Draw Conclusions

My students were comfortable with the first steps of the Scientific Method, but had trouble at the end. I created this activity to give them focused practice on: identifying independent, dependent, and control variables; setting up a line graph; analyzing the results (including explaining the relationship between the variables); drawing conclusions; and thinking about "next steps". I created this for my 7th grade classroom, but I think it would work for an advanced 5th grade or as review for high school.

Note, these are NOT actual experiments. The data tables are made up. The free preview download is version A of this activity, so you can see exactly the format you will be getting. This product download is versions: B1, B2, C1, C2, D1, D2, E1, E1, F1, F2

This download includes:
1) Teacher note/directions
2) 10 analyzing experiment results activity pages*
3) Answer keys

*I made two versions of five experiment scenarios:
Does time off task affect grades?
Do readers make better writers?
Does skateboard length impact speed?
Does the number of Mentos affect Diet Coke explosions?
Are foods with fewer ingredients healthier?

There are two versions of each scenario. The basic premise of the scenario stays the same, but I changed:
- the data table format so that students would not be able to identify the independent and dependent variables solely by location in the table. - the results
- Whether or not the hypothesis was correct, partially correct, or incorrect.
- Variable relationships (direct relationship, indirect relationship, or no relationship)

Because there are two of each scenario, you could have students compare different trials of the same experiment to graph as a double line graph, analyze data, determine next steps, etc. Or you can use them as stand-alone practice. When the students recognize the scenarios, it is another opportunity to remind them that good science requires multiple trials of the same experiment.


*This is part of a larger unit. Please view this before buying the individual piece!
Experiment Analysis Unit