Analyze results and reach conclusions

Now that the experiment is done, it is time to analyze your results and draw conclusions. The results may support your hypothesis, but don't get discouraged if they do not. Negative results are common in science experiments, and will not adversely affect how judges view your science fair project. Do NOT try to change any data to support your hypothesis.

You must take the raw data - the observations and numbers you recorded- and analyze it to draw a conclusion. Perform any calculations needed. Make graphs or charts to show changes or compare outcomes. Which variables had the biggest effect? Summarize your results and state a conclusion.

Was the outcome what you expected? If so, that's great. Your conclusion would be that your data support your hypothesis. It is important to note that you can NOT PROVE the hypothesis with your experiment. You can only say that the data support or do not support the hypothesis.

If the results were not what you expected, you should review your hypothesis, experimental design and procedures to try to determine why not. Was there an error in your design or the way you conducted the experiment? Was your hypothesis incorrect? Analyzing why your results were different than expected is a necessary and important part of any science experiment.