Instructions
Complete the plan before experimenting
- Define a measurable research question.
- Identify all experimental variables.
- Choose suitable measurement instruments.
- Plan repeated trials and control conditions.
- Prepare tables before collecting data.
- Review safety and limitations.
Planning details
Student and investigation information
Experiment plan
Complete experimental planning template
Investigation title
Write a concise title that identifies the purpose or main variables.
Observation or problem
Describe the observation, pattern, or problem that led to the investigation.
Research question
Write a focused, measurable, and testable scientific question.
Hypothesis
Write a prediction and explain the scientific reasoning behind it.
Independent variable
Identify the factor that will be deliberately changed.
Dependent variable
Identify the response that will be measured or observed.
Controlled variables
List the conditions that must remain constant throughout the investigation.
Control condition
Describe the baseline or comparison condition used in the experiment.
Materials and equipment
List equipment, materials, quantities, sizes, concentrations, and measuring instruments.
Measurement plan
State what will be measured, the units, instrument resolution, timing, and recording intervals.
Repeated trials and sample size
State how many trials, samples, or observations will be collected and explain why.
Experimental procedure
Write numbered steps detailed enough for another person to repeat accurately.
Safety and risk controls
Identify hazards, required protective equipment, safe handling, and disposal procedures.
Data table plan
Sketch the table headings, variables, units, trials, averages, and observation columns.
Expected graph
State the graph type, x-axis variable, y-axis variable, units, and expected trend.
Possible limitations
Predict equipment limits, uncontrolled conditions, procedural weaknesses, or sampling problems.
Teacher or peer review
Record feedback and revisions required before the experiment begins.
Final approval
Pre-experiment checklist
- The question is testable and measurable.
- The hypothesis includes reasoning.
- Variables and controls are correctly defined.
- The procedure is clear and repeatable.
- Measurements include suitable units.
- The sample size and trials are sufficient.
- Safety precautions are documented.
- The data table is ready before testing.
Related resources
Strengthen the experimental plan
Review the Experimental Design Guide, identify Experimental Variables, and prepare measurements with the Data Collection Guide.
Questions and answers
Experiment planning template FAQ
What should be planned before starting an experiment?
Plan the research question, hypothesis, variables, control conditions, materials, procedure, measurements, repeated trials, safety precautions, and data-recording method.
Why should the data table be prepared before the experiment?
Preparing the table in advance ensures that all required measurements, units, trials, and observations are recorded consistently.
How many repeated trials should an experiment include?
The number depends on the investigation, but repeated trials should be sufficient to reveal variation and improve confidence in the results.
Why are controlled variables important?
Controlled variables help ensure that changes in the dependent variable are linked to the independent variable rather than unrelated conditions.