Primary Research: Exploratory Investigation

Primary Research is information about a topic that you discover yourself, such as an exploratory investigation.

An Exploratory investigation is an experiment that you do in order to discover information about a topic. This type of experiment can be to discover the parts of a flashlight, or to answer a specific question.

An Example Exploratory Investigation

What happens when yellow paint  and blue paint are mixed together?

In order to have data that can be used as a record of the results, the following procedure is used.

Procedure:

1.Fold an index card in half by placing the short sides together.
2.Unfold the card.
3.Place 2-3 drops of yellow paint on one side of the fold.
4. On the opposite side of the fold, and in line with the yellow drops, place equal
size drops of blue paint.
5. Fold the card again and press the sides together with your fingers. You want the
paint drops to mix and spread out.
6. Open the card and observe the results.

Results: A green shape forms on the paper card.

Conclusion: When yellow paint and blue paint are mixed, green paint is formed.

Science Challenge:

With this information, you can design a science fair investigation.

For example:
What effect does the ratio of  blue and yellow paint mixed together affect the  color of the paint mixture?

Another way to write this question

How is the color of a paint mixture affected by the ratio of blue and yellow paint mixed together?

Independent Variable: ratio of blue and yellow paint mixed together

Dependent Variable: color of the paint mixture

Janice VanCleave’s Guide to More of the Best Science Fair Projects The first section of this book gives detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to design and develop a science fair project. The second section gives examples of exploratory investigations that can be developed into a science fair project.