CRITERIA FOR EXPERIMENTS

PURPOSE:

• Is the objective of the experiment clear?
• Is the experiment relevant to you?
• What would it mean if your hypothesis is confirmed?
• What would it mean if your hypothesis is refuted?

REFERENCES:

• Use at least two references to support your hypothesis or to help you interpret your data.

DESIGN:

• Makes use of materials that are available
• Can be carried out in the time available
• Allows extra time for everything that can and will go wrong [Murphy's Law]
• Includes controls for the variable introduced

SAFETY:

• The experiments can be conducted safely without risk, now or later.
• Toxic materials used or produced can be disposed of in a safe, legal manner.
• Adequate protective equipment is used - safety glasses, gloves, etc.

APPROVAL:

• The project has the entire group's input and approval
• Everyone is assigned a role. They understand their task and agree to do it.
• The project has the teacher's approval, BEFORE work begins.