The
Procedure
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The procedure is how you plan to do things: how you
are going to conduct your experiment.
An experiment can only have one variable. That means
you can only change one condition in each experiment.
For example, with the seed-sprouting experiment, if
you vary the temperature at which the seeds are stored before you plant
them, keep each group of seeds at that temperature for the same amount
of time. And make sure all of the seeds get the same amount of light
and water after you plant them.
If there's more than one variable, the experiment
becomes flawed. It can be hard to figure out what other conditions must
stay the same. But it may help to think it through before you start
your experiment.
Also think about how long your experiment will take
before you decide on your procedure. If you only have a few weeks to
do your experiment, don't decide on a procedure that will take months
to carry out.
Think about your "sample size." How many
seeds will you test at each temperature? Allow a big enough sample so
you can have a few duds in each group.
Once you decide on a procedure, write it down
step by step. That way, you can prove what you did and can follow the
same procedure if you need
to repeat the experiment.
