Results & Conclusions

Science Fair

Results

In this section, you will review and

analyze the data you collected
from your experiment.

Review Your Data

Is it complete, or did you forget something?
Do you need to collect more data?
Did you make any mistakes?

Calculate Averages
If necessary, calculate the average for your trials.
For instance, if you performed 3 trials to see how long it takes an apple to turn brown your data
might look like this:
Trial

Independent Variable: Time Apple was Heated

Dependent Variable: Time to Turn Brown

1 minute

15 minutes

1 minute

16 minutes

1 minute

13 minutes

To calculate the average time it took the apple to turn brown, add all the results together and divide
by the number of trial:
(15 mins + 16 mins + 14 mins) / 3 = 45 mins / 3 = 15 mins.

Make Tables & Graphs

Clearly label all tables and graphs with a title, labels for the variables, and
units of measurement.
When making graphs, put the independent variable (the one you are
changing) on the x-axis (horizontal axis) and the dependent variable (the
results) on the y-axis (vertical axis).
Choose the right type of graph for your data: Bar Graph, Time-Series Plot, XYLine Graph, Scatter Plot, etc.

Conclusions

In this section, you will summarize

your results and explain what you
have learned. You will write a
claim, support it with evidence,
and provide reasoning.

Summarize Results
Begin by summarizing how your results support or contradict your original
hypothesis.
Summarize the results in a few sentences (3-6 sentences) and use the results
as evidence for how the hypothesis is supported or contradicted.
Include key facts from background research to help you explain the results, if
necessary.

Example of Summarizing Results

According to my experiments, the Energizer maintained its voltage (dependent
variable) for approximately a 3% longer period of time (independent variable)
than Duracell in a low current drain device. For a medium drain device, the
Energizer maintained its voltage for approximately 10% longer than Duracell.
For a high drain device, the Energizer maintained its voltage for approximately
29% longer than Duracell. Basically, the Energizer performs better, and with
increasing superiority, the higher the current drain of the device.
The heavy-duty non-alkaline batteries do not maintain their voltage as long as
either alkaline battery at any level of current drain.

Conclusions
State whether your results support or contradict your hypothesis.
State the relationship between the independent and dependent variable.
Summarize and evaluate your experimental procedure and comment about
its success and effectiveness.
Suggest changes in experimental procedure and/or possibilities for further
study.

Example of Conclusion
My hypothesis was that Energizer would last the longest in all of the devices tested. My results do
support my hypothesis.

I think the tests I did went smoothly and I had no problems, except for the fact that the batteries
recover some of their voltage if they are not running in something. Therefore, I had to take the
measurements quickly.

An interesting future study might involve testing the batteries at different temperatures to simulate
actual usage in very cold or very hot conditions.