Step 3: Background Research

Background research is necessary so that you know how to design and understand your experiment.
​To make a research plan you need to follow these steps:

1. Identify the keywords in the question for your science fair project. Brainstorm additional keywords and concepts.

2.  Use a table with the "question words" (why, how, who, what, when, where) to generate research questions from your keywords. For example:

• What is the difference between a series and parallel circuit?
• When does a plant grow the most, during the day or night? 
• How does a java applet work? 
• Does a truss make a bridge stronger? 
• Why are moths attracted to light? 
• Which cleaning products kill the most bacteria?

                      Throw out irrelevant questions. 

project_background_research_worksheet.pdf
File Size:	121 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

3. Determine the area of science or science concept your experiment falls under. 

Sample Background research plan for the science fair project:

Question: Does drinking milk help decrease spiciness better than water or Pepsi?

1. Keywords --

• Milk
• Spiciness
• Pepsi
• Water​

​2. Research questions --

• Why do spicy foods taste hot?
• How does the tongue detect spiciness?
• How does one measure spiciness?
• What causes spiciness to increase (or decrease)?
• What are the properties and characteristics of spicy substances?
• Where in the body does spiciness occur?
• What is the composition of milk, Pepsi, and water?
• What are the properties and characteristics of milk, Pepsi, and water?

3. Science concepts and/or areas of science - ​Taste buds

4. Research your topic and research questions--
​Write all your research notes and bibliography information in your science journal pages 19-23

​Helpful research sites:

Back