INVESTIGATORY

PROJECT
(SIP)
JOEL H. VILLEGAS, LPT
 HOW TO DO A SCIENCE
INVESTIGATORY PROJECT?
A Science Investigatory Project (SIP) uses the scientific
method to study and test an idea about how something
works. It involves researching a topic, formulating a
working theory (or hypothesis) that can be tested,
conducting the experiment, and recording and reporting
the results. However, knowing how to do an SIP is
useful for anyone interested in the sciences, and really
anyone who wants to improve his/her problem solving
skills.
 EMPLOYING THE
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
ASK A QUESTION.
Often, the most challenging part of an SIP is figuring out what you want to investigate. Take your
time in choosing, because all of the subsequent steps will be based on the idea you select. Think
about something that interests, surprises, or confuses you, and consider whether it is something
you can reasonably investigate for a project. Formulate a single question that sums up you would
like to examine.
For instance (in a running example that will carry throughout this section), say you've heard that
you can make a simple solar oven out of a pizza box. You may, however, be skeptical as to whether
this can be done, or done consistently at least. Therefore, your question might be: "Can a simple
solar oven be made that works consistently in various conditions?"
Make sure the topic you select is manageable within your time frame, budget, and skill level, and
that it doesn't break any rules for the assignment / fair / competition (for example, no animal
testing). You can search for ideas online if you need help, but don't just copy a project you find
there; this will also be against the rules and is unethical.
 EMPLOYING THE
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
RESEARCH YOUR TOPIC.
You can do this by reading reference and science books, searching
online, or discussing it with knowledgeable people. Knowing your
topic in more depth will help you construct your SIP. Be aware of the
requirements for your project.
Your sources will need to be unbiased (not tied to a product for sale,
for instance), timely (not an encyclopedia from 1965), and credible
(not some anonymous comment on a blog post). Web sources that
are supported by a scientific organization or journal are a good bet.
Ask your teacher or project director for guidance if you need it.
 TITLE
The Title should be clear and
precise. It has an objective or
purpose. It should not be written too
long or too short. By just reading the
title, you can determine what the
investigative study is all about.
 SAMPLE TITLE
I. Pyrolysis of plastic wastes materials for the production
of plywood substitute
II. Marang (Artocarpus ordorotissimus) peelings as
hardiflex like
III. Ethyl alcohol from ripe banana peelings
IV. Rat killer extract from tuble roots
V. Fuel briquettes from dried banana leaves and waste
papers
 SAMPLE TITLE
VI. Coconut sheath substitute of abaca fiber
VII. Commercial glue from Talisay resin
VIII. Butter derive from marang (Artocarpus odoratissima)
seed
IX. Marang seeds as alternative source for commercial
flour
X. Glue out of cigarette filer and acetone
 ABSTRACT

The Abstract is the abbreviated version

of your SIP. It includes your research
problems, the method or procedure that
you used and the findings or conclusion
of the study.
 FORMAT OF YOUR SIP
Font style - Times New Roman
Font size 12
Spacing 1.5
Margin - left (1.5), right (1), top (1), bottom (1)