Name: ________________________

Science Investigation Template

On the next pages follow the directions carefully and conduct your investigation
with great precision. Adhere precisely to the variables held constant (controlled),
and change only the changed (manipulated variable). You will be responsible for
documenting the measured variable.
Investigative Question: The question must have a manipulated variable and a
measured variable. Example: Will the addition of fifty (50) grams table salt
(Sodium Chloride) increase or decrease the temperature at which 250 ml of water
will boil?
Prediction (prediction statements are not hypothesis they contain a manipulated
variable and a measured variable statement) 5th Grade employs a hypothesis here:
Example: I predict that the additional of 50 grams of Sodium Chloride will
increase the temperature at which water boils.
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Materials List (make an accurate materials list that includes the quantity of
each item:
Items:
1.

13.

2.

14.

3.

15.

4.

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5.

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Variables:
There are three types of variables in an investigation. By manipulating or
changing one variable, the outcome of your investigation will likely change. That
is, you will get different results in your data. The three types are:
1. The Manipulated Variable (what you are going to change);
2. The Controlled Variable(s) (what you will hold constant, not changed);
3. The Measured or Observed Variable (what you are actually measuring).
List your variables here:
Manipulated Variable: ________________________________________________
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Controlled Variable(s): _________________________________________
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Measured Variable: _____________________________________________
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Procedure (write a detailed step-by-step procedure to explain how you will

conduct your investigation):
Note: This is not a retell of how you conducted your investigation. It is a plan for how you will
do your investigation. Dont forget to include a statement about how many times you will repeat
your trial for each changed variable.* Use as many steps as necessary.

*Note: We will boil the water without salt once, and the water with salt once.
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Step 5:
Step 6:
Step 7:
Step 8:
Step 9:
Step 10:
Step 11:
Step 12:
Step 13:
Step 14:
Step 15:

Now you are ready to begin your investigation.

Data Collection
Students collect data in a data table. Below are simple data tables for one manipulated variable.

Diagram (always diagram your investigation with precise details and labels):

Graph (Graph all Manipulated Variable Results)

Conclusion
Conclusions require the students to use precise cause and effect language. They are
formulaic if data collection yields clear results.
Example: In this investigation we were trying to determine (insert question): Will the addition
of fifty (50) grams table salt (Sodium Chloride) increase or decrease the temperature at which
250 ml of water will boil? (Insert prediction) I predicted that the addition of 50 grams of
Sodium Chloride will increase the temperature at which water boils. (Make a statement about
your prediction) I was correct. (Make a data statement.) The data clearly states water without
50 grams Sodium Chloride boiled at 100 degrees Celsius and the water with the addition of 50
grams of Sodium Chloride boiled at 103.5 degrees Celsius. (Make a closing statement) So we
can clearly see that the addition of 50 grams of Sodium Chloride increased the temperature at
which water boils.

Conclusion:
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