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Module 3

Designing your Experiment and Proposing your Project

Welcome to the third mentorship module! In this module we will work through page 8 to 11 of our workbooks!!

In this part of the mentorship program, students will begin with an online module teaching them major concepts in experimental design with associated workbook pages. They will review this information and be guided in writing a project proposal that they will receive comments on in a mentorship session. At the conclusion of this module, students will be able to:  


  1. Define and develop a model system for their experiment
  2. Describe the differences between qualitative and quantitative data 
  3. Define and identify independent, dependent, and confounding variables within an experiment
  4. Outline a clear plan to conduct experiments for their specific FER project

— Part 1 

What is a model system?

Gemma has a cool new experiment for us to go through about dinosaurs. Let’s see what she is working on.

Let’s review Gemma’s experimental design and model system.

Fill out page 8 in your workbook.

— Part 2

What are experimental variables?

In order to conduct our own controlled experiment, we need to learn about variables. Let’s learn about the three variables that are important for our projects: independent, dependent, and confounding variables.

Let’s review the variables Gemma uses and think about the variables we will use in our experiment. 

Fill out page 9 in your workbook.

Now you want to start thinking about your own experiment. This may be a good place to pause if you need a break and then continue on the next videos when you are ready with your project plan. Next you will work on your project proposal.

— Part 3

Experimental Design

Gemma’s classmate Neville wanted to tell us about his experiment. Let review how he designed his experiment.

Before filling out your worksheet let’s see how Neville conducts his experiment.

— Part 4

Conducting an Experiment

Neville now wants to show us how he actually did his experiment to help us do our own FER projects. Let’s watch.

Let’s review Neville’s experimental set up by filling out page 10 in our workbook.

Now we want to answer some questions about our own FER projects. You will want to propose your project to your mentors. Please fill out page 11 of your worksheet. Please answer all questions with full sentences. We are excited to hear about what you are thinking. You can submit your project proposal here by 1/31/25 to get feedback from your mentors.

See you soon!