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Experimental Group

Reviewed by: BD Editors

Experimental Group Definition

In a comparative experiment, the experimental group (aka the treatment group) is the group being tested for a reaction to a change in the variable. There may be experimental groups in a study, each testing a different level or amount of the variable. The other type of group, the control group , can show the effects of the variable by having a set amount, or none, of the variable. The experimental groups vary in the level of variable they are exposed to, which shows the effects of various levels of a variable on similar organisms.

In biological experiments, the subjects being studied are often living organisms. In such cases, it is desirable that all the subjects be closely related, in order to reduce the amount of genetic variation present in the experiment. The complicated interactions between genetics and the environment can cause very peculiar results when exposed to the same variable. If the organisms being tested are not related, the results could be the effects of the genetics and not the variable. This is why new human drugs must be rigorously tested in a variety of animals before they can be tested on humans. These different experimental groups allow researchers to see the effects of their drug on different genetics. By using animals that are closer and closer in their relation to humans, eventually human trials can take place without severe risks for the first people to try the drug.

Examples of Experimental Group

A simple experiment.

A student is conducting an experiment on the effects music has on growing plants. The student wants to know if music can help plants grow and, if so, which type of music the plants prefer. The students divide a group of plants in to two main groups, the control group and the experimental group. The control group will be kept in a room with no music, while the experimental group will be further divided into smaller experimental groups. Each of the experimental groups is placed in a separate room, with a different type of music.

Ideally, each room would have many plants in it, and all the plants used in the experiment would be clones of the same plant. Even more ideally, the plant would breed true, or would be homozygous for all genes. This would introduce the smallest amount of genetic variation into the experiment. By limiting all other variables, such as the temperature and humidity, the experiment can determine with validity that the effects produced in each room are attributable to the music, and nothing else.

Bugs in the River

To study the effects of variable on many organisms at once, scientist sometimes study ecosystems as a whole. The productivity of these ecosystems is often determined by the amount of oxygen they produce, which is an indication of how much algae is present. Ecologists sometimes study the interactions of organisms on these environments by excluding or adding organisms to an experimental group of ecosystems, and test the effects of their variable against ecosystems with no tampering. This method can sometimes show the drastic effects that various organisms have on an ecosystem.

Many experiments of this kind take place, and a common theme is to separate a single ecosystem into parts, with artificial divisions. Thus, a river could be separated by netting it into areas with and without bugs. The area with no nets allows bugs into the water. The bugs not only eat algae, but die and provide nutrients for the algae to grow. Without the bugs, various effects can be seen on the experimental portion of the river, covered by netting. The levels of oxygen in the water in each system can be measured, as well as other indicators of water quality. By comparing these groups, ecologists can begin to discern the complex relationships between populations of organisms in the environment.

Related Biology Terms

• Control Group – The group that remains unchanged during the experiment, to provide comparison.
• Scientific Method – The process scientists use to obtain valid, repeatable results.
• Comparative Experiment – An experiment in which two groups, the control and experiment groups, are compared.
• Validity – A measure of whether an experiment was caused by the changes in the variable, or simply the forces of chance.

1. Butterflies are being studied by an entomologist. The researcher is curious to know the effects of increasing pollution on the butterflies. The researcher divides his butterflies into groups. Group 1 will receive normal air, with the normal level of pollution. Groups 2 and 3 will both get increased levels of pollution, with Group 3 getting more than Group 2. Which groups are experimental, and which are control groups? A. Control: 1 ; Experimental: 2, 3 B. Control: 1, 2 ; Experimental: 2 C. Control: 3 ; Experimental: 1, 2

2. Ecologists are trying to determine the effects of wildfire on populations of island birds. Two islands, Skeleton Caye and Isla De Fuente sit close to each other, and have the same species of birds. A fire erupts on Skeleton Caye, and scientists begin studying the populations of birds on each island, to see how they change. Which population is considered the experimental group? A. Isla De Fuente B. Skeleton Caye C. Neither Island

3. Scientists want to test the effects of an artificial sweetener on mice. What would the experimental group consist of in this experiment? A. Mice that receive artificial sweetener B. Mice that don’t receive sweetener C. Mice that are given different amounts of sweetener

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Control Group Definition and Examples

The control group is the set of subjects that does not receive the treatment in a study. In other words, it is the group where the independent variable is held constant. This is important because the control group is a baseline for measuring the effects of a treatment in an experiment or study. A controlled experiment is one which includes one or more control groups.

• The experimental group experiences a treatment or change in the independent variable. In contrast, the independent variable is constant in the control group.
• A control group is important because it allows meaningful comparison. The researcher compares the experimental group to it to assess whether or not there is a relationship between the independent and dependent variable and the magnitude of the effect.
• There are different types of control groups. A controlled experiment has one more control group.

Control Group vs Experimental Group

The only difference between the control group and experimental group is that subjects in the experimental group receive the treatment being studied, while participants in the control group do not. Otherwise, all other variables between the two groups are the same.

Control Group vs Control Variable

A control group is not the same thing as a control variable. A control variable or controlled variable is any factor that is held constant during an experiment. Examples of common control variables include temperature, duration, and sample size. The control variables are the same for both the control and experimental groups.

Types of Control Groups

There are different types of control groups:

• Placebo group : A placebo group receives a placebo , which is a fake treatment that resembles the treatment in every respect except for the active ingredient. Both the placebo and treatment may contain inactive ingredients that produce side effects. Without a placebo group, these effects might be attributed to the treatment.
• Positive control group : A positive control group has conditions that guarantee a positive test result. The positive control group demonstrates an experiment is capable of producing a positive result. Positive controls help researchers identify problems with an experiment.
• Negative control group : A negative control group consists of subjects that are not exposed to a treatment. For example, in an experiment looking at the effect of fertilizer on plant growth, the negative control group receives no fertilizer.
• Natural control group : A natural control group usually is a set of subjects who naturally differ from the experimental group. For example, if you compare the effects of a treatment on women who have had children, the natural control group includes women who have not had children. Non-smokers are a natural control group in comparison to smokers.
• Randomized control group : The subjects in a randomized control group are randomly selected from a larger pool of subjects. Often, subjects are randomly assigned to either the control or experimental group. Randomization reduces bias in an experiment. There are different methods of randomly assigning test subjects.

Control Group Examples

Here are some examples of different control groups in action:

Negative Control and Placebo Group

For example, consider a study of a new cancer drug. The experimental group receives the drug. The placebo group receives a placebo, which contains the same ingredients as the drug formulation, minus the active ingredient. The negative control group receives no treatment. The reason for including the negative group is because the placebo group experiences some level of placebo effect, which is a response to experiencing some form of false treatment.

Positive and Negative Controls

For example, consider an experiment looking at whether a new drug kills bacteria. The experimental group exposes bacterial cultures to the drug. If the group survives, the drug is ineffective. If the group dies, the drug is effective.

The positive control group has a culture of bacteria that carry a drug resistance gene. If the bacteria survive drug exposure (as intended), then it shows the growth medium and conditions allow bacterial growth. If the positive control group dies, it indicates a problem with the experimental conditions. A negative control group of bacteria lacking drug resistance should die. If the negative control group survives, something is wrong with the experimental conditions.

• Bailey, R. A. (2008).  Design of Comparative Experiments . Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-68357-9.
• Chaplin, S. (2006). “The placebo response: an important part of treatment”.  Prescriber . 17 (5): 16–22. doi: 10.1002/psb.344
• Hinkelmann, Klaus; Kempthorne, Oscar (2008).  Design and Analysis of Experiments, Volume I: Introduction to Experimental Design  (2nd ed.). Wiley. ISBN 978-0-471-72756-9.
• Pithon, M.M. (2013). “Importance of the control group in scientific research.” Dental Press J Orthod . 18 (6):13-14. doi: 10.1590/s2176-94512013000600003
• Stigler, Stephen M. (1992). “A Historical View of Statistical Concepts in Psychology and Educational Research”. American Journal of Education . 101 (1): 60–70. doi: 10.1086/444032

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Biology library

Course: biology library   >   unit 1.

• The scientific method

Controlled experiments

• The scientific method and experimental design

Introduction

How are hypotheses tested.

• One pot of seeds gets watered every afternoon.
• The other pot of seeds doesn't get any water at all.

Control and experimental groups

Independent and dependent variables, independent variables, dependent variables, variability and repetition, controlled experiment case study: co 2 ‍   and coral bleaching.

• What your control and experimental groups would be
• What your independent and dependent variables would be
• What results you would predict in each group

Experimental setup

• Some corals were grown in tanks of normal seawater, which is not very acidic ( pH ‍   around 8.2 ‍   ). The corals in these tanks served as the control group .
• Other corals were grown in tanks of seawater that were more acidic than usual due to addition of CO 2 ‍   . One set of tanks was medium-acidity ( pH ‍   about 7.9 ‍   ), while another set was high-acidity ( pH ‍   about 7.65 ‍   ). Both the medium-acidity and high-acidity groups were experimental groups .
• In this experiment, the independent variable was the acidity ( pH ‍   ) of the seawater. The dependent variable was the degree of bleaching of the corals.
• The researchers used a large sample size and repeated their experiment. Each tank held 5 ‍   fragments of coral, and there were 5 ‍   identical tanks for each group (control, medium-acidity, and high-acidity). Note: None of these tanks was "acidic" on an absolute scale. That is, the pH ‍   values were all above the neutral pH ‍   of 7.0 ‍   . However, the two groups of experimental tanks were moderately and highly acidic to the corals , that is, relative to their natural habitat of plain seawater.

Analyzing the results

Non-experimental hypothesis tests, case study: coral bleaching and temperature, attribution:, works cited:.

• Hoegh-Guldberg, O. (1999). Climate change, coral bleaching, and the future of the world's coral reefs. Mar. Freshwater Res. , 50 , 839-866. Retrieved from www.reef.edu.au/climate/Hoegh-Guldberg%201999.pdf.
• Anthony, K. R. N., Kline, D. I., Diaz-Pulido, G., Dove, S., and Hoegh-Guldberg, O. (2008). Ocean acidification causes bleaching and productivity loss in coral reef builders. PNAS , 105 (45), 17442-17446. http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0804478105 .
• University of California Museum of Paleontology. (2016). Misconceptions about science. In Understanding science . Retrieved from http://undsci.berkeley.edu/teaching/misconceptions.php .
• Hoegh-Guldberg, O. and Smith, G. J. (1989). The effect of sudden changes in temperature, light and salinity on the density and export of zooxanthellae from the reef corals Stylophora pistillata (Esper, 1797) and Seriatopora hystrix (Dana, 1846). J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. , 129 , 279-303. Retrieved from http://www.reef.edu.au/ohg/res-pic/HG%20papers/HG%20and%20Smith%201989%20BLEACH.pdf .

Additional references:

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Designing Science Fair Experiments by Science Made Simple

Design your science fair experiment to get the best results.

Now that you have a pretty good idea of the question you want to ask, it's time to use the Scientific Method to design an experiment which will be able to answer that question. If your experiment isn't designed well, you may not get the correct answer, or may not even get any definitive answer at all.

An experiment is made up of two nearly identical parts--let's say, two trays of tomato plants. The tiny differences that will test your hypothesis are called "variables." Let's look at the three kinds of variables.

The Independent Variable:

This is a variable that you intentionally change. In the case of our tomato plant experiment, it would be the brightness of the light in Tray #1.

The Dependent Variable:

This is the difference between the two parts of the experiment that happens when the independent variable is changed. In this case, it would be the size of the tomatoes in Tray #1. So you turn the up the lights in Tray #1 (the independent variable) and the tomatoes get bigger (dependent variable).

The Controlled Variables:

These are the variables that are kept the same in Tray #2. In other words, when you turn the lights up in Tray #1, the lights in Tray #2 stay the same. So when the tomatoes in Tray #1 get bigger, you can say that the difference in size between the tomatoes in Tray #1 and Tray #2 is the result of the independent variable, or the light that you made brighter.

Tray #2 is called a "control group." This is an identical setup to Tray #1, but it is kept in its natural, unchanged state. Tray #1 is called the "experimental group." So when you change something in the experimental group (like the brightness of the light), the control group stays the same so that you can measure changes in you dependent variable (the size of the tomatoes).

Important Design Tips

When you design your science fair experiment, you have to keep as many things identical as possible. For instance, the lights that you use to grow the tomato plants have to use the same light bulbs. The trays have to be the same, just like the soil has to be the same. The amount of water has to be the same too.

You should think very hard about differences that might try to sneak by you. For instance, when planting the tomato seeds, did they come from the same package? They should if you want to keep things under control. The only thing that can be different between the two identical groups is the thing that you are testing - in this case, light. The exact nature of your variables will depend on your exact science fair experiment idea.

If you changed the amount of light, AND changed the amount of water each plant received, you wouldn't know if the bigger tomatoes were because of the light, or the water! So it's absolutely critical to have everything be as close to identical or "controlled" as you can get it.

Once you've done your science fair experiment, consider repeating it if you have the time! This is very impressive for science fair judges, and really helps to make your results convincing.

If you conduct your experiment and the results just don't seem right, you might consider reviewing your experiment idea, and possibly even modifying your experimental design so that your science fair experiment will produce accurate results.

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Okay, this is the hardest part of the whole project…picking your topic. But here are some ideas to get you started. Even if you don’t like any, they may inspire you to come up with one of your own. Remember, check all project ideas with your teacher and parents, and don’t do any project that would hurt or scare people or animals. Good luck!

• Does music affect on animal behavior?
• Does the color of food or drinks affect whether or not we like them?
• Where are the most germs in your school? ( CLICK for more info. )
• Does music have an affect on plant growth?
• Which kind of food do dogs (or any animal) prefer best?
• Which paper towel brand is the strongest?
• What is the best way to keep an ice cube from melting?
• What level of salt works best to hatch brine shrimp?
• Can the food we eat affect our heart rate?
• How effective are child-proof containers and locks.
• Can background noise levels affect how well we concentrate?
• Does acid rain affect the growth of aquatic plants?
• What is the best way to keep cut flowers fresh the longest?
• Does the color of light used on plants affect how well they grow?
• What plant fertilizer works best?
• Does the color of a room affect human behavior?
• Do athletic students have better lung capacity?
• What brand of battery lasts the longest?
• Does the type of potting soil used in planting affect how fast the plant grows?
• What type of food allow mold to grow the fastest?
• Does having worms in soil help plants grow faster?
• Can plants grow in pots if they are sideways or upside down?
• Does the color of hair affect how much static electricity it can carry? (test with balloons)
• How much weight can the surface tension of water hold?
• Can some people really read someone else’s thoughts?
• Which soda decays fallen out teeth the most?
• What light brightness makes plants grow the best?
• Does the color of birdseed affect how much birds will eat it?
• Do natural or chemical fertilizers work best?
• Can mice learn? (you can pick any animal)
• Can people tell artificial smells from real ones?
• What brands of bubble gum produce the biggest bubbles?
• Does age affect human reaction times?
• What is the effect of salt on the boiling temperature of water?
• Does shoe design really affect an athlete’s jumping height?
• What type of grass seed grows the fastest?
• Can animals see in the dark better than humans?

Didn’t see one you like? Don’t worry…look over them again and see if they give you an idea for your own project that will work for you. Remember, find something that interests you, and have fun with it.

To download and print this list of ideas CLICK HERE .

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DIY Group Science Experiments for a Science Fair – Complete Guide

As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

Do you want to do something unique and exciting for your science fair project?

DIY group science experiments can be a great way to get everyone involved and have a lot of fun. You’ll learn how to get started, find ideas, and make sure your experiment is a success.

Plus, we’ll discuss safety considerations to make sure everyone stays safe.

So let’s get started planning your next big project!

Benefits of Doing DIY Group Science Experiments

You can reap many benefits when you do DIY group science experiments for a science fair. Group science experiments allow students to take an active role in the scientific process.

Working together helps to foster team-building skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and group dynamics. Plus, working together allows students to share the workload, making it easier to manage the time and resources available for the project.

In addition, the group setting allows for more creative and innovative ideas, as well as more ideas that are tested and evaluated. This means that the project can be more successful and engaging, while also helping to develop the students’ critical thinking skills.

Furthermore, students learn to take responsibility for their own work and the work of others. This way, students can better understand the importance of working together and taking ownership of their own projects.

help students understand the importance of collaboration understand the importance of collaboration and how to work effectively as a team.

Working together on a project can also help students to gain confidence in their own abilities and learn how to work together in a supportive and positive atmosphere.

By completing a group science experiment together, students will gain valuable experience that will help them succeed in future projects.

How to Get Started With DIY Group Science Experiments?

You can easily get started with DIY group science experiments by following these four steps:

• Gather your materials: Before beginning any project, make sure you have all the supplies you need for the experiment.
• Find a project: Look for a project that’s interesting and challenging. Also, make sure it’s something that can be completed in a short amount of time.
• Form a team: Gather a group of individuals with different skill sets to form an interdisciplinary team. This will help ensure everyone’s collaboration techniques are being utilized.
• Brainstorm ideas: Have everyone come together to brainstorm ideas and come up with a plan of action. This is a great way to get the creative juices flowing and ensure everyone is on the same page.

These steps will help ensure your DIY group science experiment is a success. With the right materials, project, team, and ideas, you can easily create something amazing for a science fair.

Ideas for DIY Group Science Experiments

With your team and materials ready, you can now explore some ideas for DIY group science experiments for a science fair. The possibilities are endless, but below are a few ideas to get you started.

You can also conduct experiments like creating a volcano, testing the pH levels of a liquid, or making a geyser. For each experiment, make sure to document the data collection process and observe the results. With DIY group science experiments, you can explore the wonders of science in a fun and creative way.

Tips for Making DIY Group Science Experiments a Success

To ensure your DIY group science experiments are a success, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Develop a clear goal and plan: Before you start, it’s important to set a goal and create a plan for achieving it. This will help you stay on track and ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Build team skills: Working in a group can be challenging, but it’s also a great way to help build team skills. Make sure everyone has a chance to contribute and be heard.
• Monitor progress: As the project progresses, keep an eye on the progress to make sure you stay on track and the experiment is going as planned.
• Analyze results: Once the experiment is complete, take the time to analyze and discuss the results. This will help you gain more insight into the scientific process and further develop your understanding of the subject.

Safety Considerations for DIY Group Science Experiments

When planning DIY group science experiments for a science fair, it’s important to consider safety. Before you begin, it’s wise to conduct a risk assessment. Check off the safety protocols, such as wearing protective eyewear and gloves. Ensure that everyone has an understanding of the experiment, its purpose, and the potential risks associated with it.

Ensure that all materials used are appropriate and safe for the experiment. Read the safety labels, and follow any warnings or instructions. If a student is performing an experiment that involves heat, make sure they’re wearing fire-resistant clothing.

It’s also important to have a plan in place in case of an emergency. Have a fire extinguisher present and ensure the students know what to do if something goes wrong. Make sure the students are aware of the testing protocols for the experiment.

Finally, make sure the students understand the importance of following safety guidelines. Remind them to always use caution and to follow the instructions of the experiment.

With these safety considerations in mind, you can ensure that everyone participating in the science fair has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

What is the best age group for diy group science experiments.

For the best results, choose an age group that understands teamwork, group dynamics, and project planning. Middle school is a great age for these types of experiments.

What Is the Estimated Cost of Completing DIY Group Science Experiments?

Managing time and budgeting costs for group science experiments is key. Depending on the complexity, the cost could range from minimal to expensive. Plan ahead to save time and money.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a DIY Group Science Experiment?

Planning time and group dynamics will affect how long it takes to finish a group science experiment. Allow yourself plenty of time for preparation and discussion to get the best results.

What Materials Are Needed to Complete a DIY Group Science Experiment?

You’ll need basic science supplies, such as beakers, test tubes, and safety goggles. Alternative materials can be used, but safety precautions must always be taken.

Are There Any Additional Resources to Help Complete a DIY Group Science Experiment?

Yes, there are additional resources available. DIY kits are a great way to get started, and safety precautions should always be followed. Look for online tutorials and videos for extra help.

It’s time to get creative and have some fun with DIY group science experiments !

With the right preparation and planning, these experiments can be exciting and educational for everyone involved.

They can also be a great way to learn more about science in a fun and engaging way.

Just be sure to follow safety guidelines and keep an eye on the group throughout the experiment.

Have fun and learn something new!

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Scientific Method For Kids With Examples

Kids have questions about the world around them every day, and there is so much to learn through experimentation with simple materials. You can begin using the scientific method with elementary kids. Below we’ll share with you how and when to introduce the scientific method, the steps of the scientific method, and some easy scientific method experiments. There are so many great ways to enjoy science projects with kids!

What Is The Scientific Method?

The scientific method is a process or method of research. A problem is identified, information about the problem is gathered, a hypothesis or question is formulated from the information, and the hypothesis is put to the test with an experiment to prove or disprove its validity.

Sounds heavy… What in the world does that mean?!? It means you don’t need to try and solve the world’s biggest science questions! The scientific method is all about studying and learning things right around you.

As children develop practices that involve creating, gathering data evaluating, analyzing, and communicating, they can apply these critical thinking skills to any situation.

Note: The use of the best Science and Engineering Practices is also relevant to the topic of using the scientific method. Read more here and see if it fits your science planning needs.

Can Young Kids Use the Scientific Method?

Kids are great scientists at any age, and can use the scientific method in context to what they are learning. It can be adapted for any age!

The scientific method is a valuable tool for introducing kids to a logical way to solve scientific problems. Scientists use the scientific method to study, learn, and come up with an answer!

The scientific method is a process that helps double-check that answers are correct and the correct results are obtained through careful planning. Sometimes the guesses and questions change as you run your experiments.

Kids can use the scientific method too on questions that are relevant to them!

Let’s break the scientific method for kids down into six parts, and you can quickly see how each can be incorporated into your next science experiment.

What Are The Steps In The Scientific Method?

• Make initial observations.
• Come up with a question of interest that is based on the observations.
• Develop a hypothesis or prediction to go along with the question.
• Experiment and test.
• Gather and record results of tests and experiments and draw conclusions.
• Share and discuss results.

Whoa… Wait A  Minute! That sounds like a lot for a young kid!

You are correct. Depending on your kid’s abilities, following all the scientific method steps precisely will not go well. Someone will get frustrated, bored, and turned off by just how cool science can be. We do not want that to happen!

Using The Scientific Method For Preschool and Kindergarten

Use the scientific method steps as a guideline in the back of your mind. You can cover most of the steps by talking with your kids about…

• What do they think will happen?
• What is happening ?
• What happened compared to what they thought would happen ?

No writing is required! It’s also best to pick pretty straightforward ideas that aren’t overly involved or complicated to set up and test. Kids always have burning questions and “what ifs.”

See if you can tackle their next “what if” using the scientific method by listening carefully to their conversations. You can even have them keep a journal with their “what if” questions for your next science time.

Learn more about Science Activities For Preschoolers and Kindergarten Science Experiments .

Now on to how to apply the scientific method for elementary kiddos and beyond.

Scientific Method Steps In Action

Learn more about the steps of the scientific method below, which are great for science at home with your kids or in the classroom! We have also included some simple scientific method experiments for you to enjoy.

Ice Science Experiments are perfect for this! Try these 3 today !

STEP 1: Make Observations

Tons of everyday activities would make for cool science experiments using the scientific method. Listen to what your kids talk about and see happening. My son noticed that ice melted pretty fast in his water.

Observation is simply noticing what’s happening through our senses or with tools like a magnifying glass. Observation is used to collect and record data, enabling scientists to construct and test hypotheses and theories.

Learn more about observations in science.

STEP 2: Come Up With A Question 

Your kids’ observations should lead to some sort of question. For my son and his ice observations, he came up with questions. Does ice melt faster in different liquids? His curiosity about what happens to the ice in liquids is a simple science experiment perfect for using the scientific method.

Next! Do some research and come up with ideas!

STEP 3: Develop A Prediction or Hypothesis

You have made your observations, you have your question, and now you need to make a prediction about what you think will happen.

A prediction is a guess at what might happen in an experiment based on observation or other information.

A hypothesis is not simply a guess! It’s a statement of what you believe will happen based on the information you have gathered.

My son hypothesizes that ice will melt faster in juice than in water.

STEP 4: Conduct An Experiment

We made a prediction that ice will melt faster in juice than it will in water, and now we have to test our hypothesis. We set up an experiment with a glass of juice, a glass of water, and an ice cube for each.

For the best experiments, only one thing should change! All the things that can be changed in a science experiment are called variables. There are three types of variables; independent, dependent, and controlled.

The independent variable is the one that is changed in the experiment and will affect the dependent variable. Here we will use different types of liquids to melt our ice cube in.

The dependent variable is the factor that is observed or measured in the experiment. This will be the melting of the ice cubes. Set up a stopwatch or set a time limit to observe the changes!

The controlled variable stays constant in the experiment. The liquids should be roughly the same temperature (as close as possible) for our ice melting experiment and measured to the same amount. So we left them out to come to room temperature. They could also be tested right out of the fridge!

You can find simple science experiments here with dependent and controlled variables.

STEP 5: Record Results and Draw Conclusions

Make sure to record what is happening as well as the results—note changes at specific time intervals or after one set time interval.

For example…

• Record when each ice cube is completely melted.
• Add drawings if you wish of the setup up and the end results.
• Was your prediction accurate? If it was inaccurate, record why.
• Write out a final conclusion to your experiment.

STEP 6: Communicate Your Results

This is the opportunity to talk about your hypothesis, experiment, results, and conclusion!

ALTERNATIVE IDEAS: Switch out an ice cube for a lollipop or change the liquids using vinegar and cooking oil.

Now you have gone through the steps of the scientific method, read on for more fun scientific method experiments to try!

Free printable scientific method worksheets!

Fun Scientific Method Experiments

Sink or float experiment.

A Sink or Float experiment is great for practicing the steps of the scientific method with younger kids.

Grab this FREE printable sink or float experiment

Here are a few of our favorite scientific method experiments, which are great for elementary-age kids . Of course, you can find tons more awesome and doable science projects for kids here!

Magic Milk Experiment

Start with demonstrating this delightful magic milk experiment. Then get kids to apply the steps of the scientific method by coming up with a question to investigate. What happens when you change the type of milk used?

What Dissolves In Water

Investigate  what solids dissolve in water  and what do not. Here’s a super fun science experiment for kids that’s very easy to set up! Learn about solutions, solutes, and solvents through experimenting with water and common kitchen ingredients.

Apple Browning Experiment

Investigate how to keep apples from turning brown with this apple oxidation experiment . What can you add to cut apples to stop or slow the oxidation process?

Freezing Water Experiment

Will it freeze? What happens to the freezing point of water when you add salt?

Viscosity Experiment

Learn about the viscosity of fluids with a simple  viscosity experiment . Grab some marbles and add them to different household liquids to find out which one will fall to the bottom first. 

Seed Germination Experiment

Set up a simple seed germination experiment .

Catapult Experiment

Make a simple popsicle stick catapult and use one of our experiment ideas to investigate from rubber band tension to changes in launch angle and more. How far can you fling your objects? Take measurements and find out.

Floating Orange

Investigate whether an orange floats or sinks in water, and what happens if you use different types of oranges. Learn about buoyancy and density with a simple ingredient from the kitchen, an orange.

Bread Mold Experiment

Grow mold on bread for science, and investigate how factors such as moisture, temperature, and air affect mold growth. 

Eggshell Strength Experiment

Test how strong an egg is with this eggshell strength experiment . Grab some eggs, and find out how much weight an egg can support.

Free Printable Science Fair Starter Guide

Are you looking to plan a science fair project, make a science fair board, or want an easy guide to set up science experiments?

Learn more about prepping for a science fair and grab this free printable science fair project pack here!

If you want a variety of science fair experiments with instructions, make sure to pick up a copy of our Science Project Pack in the shop.

Bonus STEM Projects For Kids

STEM activities include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As well as our kids science experiments, we have lots of fun STEM activities for you to try. Check out these STEM ideas below…

• Building Activities
• Engineering Projects For Kids
• What Is Engineering For Kids?
• LEGO Engineering Projects
• Coding Activities For Kids
• STEM Worksheets
• Top 10 STEM Challenges For Kids

Printable Science Projects Pack

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics

19 Comments

A great post and sure to help extend children’s thinking! I would like to download the 6 steps but the blue download button doesn’t seem to be working for me.

Thank you! All fixed. You should be able to download now!

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it is so great, thanks a lot.

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What Is a Control Group?

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• Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
• B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College

A control group in a scientific experiment is a group separated from the rest of the experiment, where the independent variable being tested cannot influence the results. This isolates the independent variable 's effects on the experiment and can help rule out alternative explanations of the experimental results. Control groups can also be separated into two other types: positive or negative. Positive control groups are groups where the conditions of the experiment are set to guarantee a positive result. A positive control group can show the experiment is functioning properly as planned. Negative control groups are groups where the conditions of the experiment are set to cause a negative outcome. Control groups are not necessary for all scientific experiments. Controls are extremely useful where the experimental conditions are complex and difficult to isolate.

Example of a Negative Control Group

Negative control groups are particularly common in science fair experiments , to teach students how to identify the independent variable. A simple example of a control group can be seen in an experiment in which the researcher tests whether or not a new fertilizer has an effect on plant growth. The negative control group would be the set of plants grown without the fertilizer, but under the exact same conditions as the experimental group. The only difference between the experimental group would be whether or not the fertilizer was used.

There could be several experimental groups, differing in the concentration of fertilizer used, its method of application, etc. The null hypothesis would be that the fertilizer has no effect on plant growth. Then, if a difference is seen in the growth rate of the plants or the height of plants over time, a strong correlation between the fertilizer and growth would be established. Note the fertilizer could have a negative impact on growth rather than a positive impact. Or, for some reason, the plants might not grow at all. The negative control group helps establish that the experimental variable is the cause of atypical growth, rather than some other (possibly unforeseen) variable.

Example of a Positive Control Group

A positive control demonstrates an experiment is capable of producing a positive result. For example, let's say you are examining bacterial susceptibility to a drug. You might use a positive control to make sure the growth medium is capable of supporting any bacteria. You could culture bacteria known to carry the drug resistance marker, so they should be capable of surviving on a drug-treated medium. If these bacteria grow, you have a positive control that shows other drug-resistance bacteria should be capable of surviving the test.

The experiment could also include a negative control. You could plate bacteria known not to carry a drug resistance marker. These bacteria should be unable to grow on the drug-laced medium. If they do grow, you know there is a problem with the experiment.

• Difference Between Independent and Dependent Variables
• Examples of Independent and Dependent Variables
• The Difference Between Control Group and Experimental Group
• Null Hypothesis Examples
• Understanding Experimental Groups
• What Is the Difference Between a Control Variable and Control Group?
• What are Controlled Experiments?
• Understanding Simple vs Controlled Experiments
• The Role of a Controlled Variable in an Experiment
• Scientific Method Vocabulary Terms
• Scientific Variable
• Dependent Variable Definition and Examples
• What Is a Controlled Experiment?
• Independent Variable Definition and Examples
• What Is an Experiment? Definition and Design
• What Is a Double Blind Experiment?

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The Experimental Group: Ilya Kabakov, Moscow Conceptualism, Soviet Avant-Gardes

2011, Third Text, Vol 25, Issue 2, 2011. 229-232

Review of Matthew Jesse Jackson, The Experimental Group: Ilya Kabakov, Moscow Conceptualism, Soviet Avant-Gardes, Chicago University Press, 2010

Related Papers

Irina Panasyuk

The Soviet-born American artists Vitaly Komar and Alexander Melamid formed their artistic partnership in Moscow in 1965. Over the course of almost 40 years of collaboration, they created various artworks commenting on power and popular culture using a wide range of media. In this thesis, I analyze four works by Komar and Melamid from the period of their immigration to the United States: Color Therapeutics (1974-1975), Circle, Square, Triangle (1974), Catalog of Super Objects – Super Comfort for Super People (1975) and We Buy and Sell Souls (1978-1979). These four works exemplify Komar and Melamid’s simultaneous criticality of ideological Soviet propaganda on the one hand, and Western consumer culture on the other. I argue that these works were created in accordance with the ideas and traditions of Moscow Conceptualism, as defined by Boris Groys in 1979. Through my analysis, I show that the distinctive characteristics of Moscow Conceptualism - romanticism and reference to the 20th Century Russian avant-garde heritage - are fully present in Komar and Melamid’s practice of this period. Further, this paper investigates the means and approaches that Komar and Melamid used to work with the reception of Soviet dissident artists in the United States in the late 1970. It also attempts to measure the degree to which the reception was predicated by the repercussions of political situation of the time and the Cultural Cold War between Soviet Union and Western world. In the end, I conclude that the great attention Komar and Melamid’s projects received within the social and political context of the late Cold War years, might have contributed to the critical recognition of Moscow Conceptualism as a newly formed art movement.

Silvia Burini

Adrian Barr

Ksenya Gurshtein

This publication was produced by Calvert 22 Foundation to accompany the exhibition Dmitri Prigov. Theatre of Revolutionary Action, on view from 13 October to 17 December 2017 at Calvert 22 Space in London. Republication of the article originally published in "Russian Literature," vol. 76, issue 3, 2014, pp. 309-338.

Klara Kemp-Welch

Alessandra Franetovich

Angelina Lucento

Francisco Martínez

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50 Exciting 4th Grade Science Projects and Experiments

Did you know you can make plastic from milk?

Nothing gets kids more excited for science than hands-on experiments! Watch your 4th grade science students’ eyes light up when they try some of these activities. You’ll find physics, biology, engineering, chemistry, and more. These projects are easy to set up and really help drive the learning home. Get ready for some science fun!

To help you find the right 4th grade science projects and activities, we’ve rated them all based on difficulty and materials:

Difficulty:

• Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much any time
• Medium: These take a little more setup or a longer time to complete
• Advanced: Experiments like these take a fairly big commitment of time or effort
• Basic: Simple items you probably already have around the house
• Medium: Items that you might not already have but are easy to get your hands on
• Advanced: These require specialized or more expensive supplies to complete

4th Grade Science Fair Projects

4th grade stem challenge science projects, 4th grade motion and energy science activities.

• More 4th Grade Science Projects and Experiments

These 4th grade experiments also work well as science fair projects. Try changing up the variables to turn it into a real experiment, then form a hypothesis and find out what happens.

Blow unpoppable bubbles

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium

A soap bubble you can hold in your hand? It’s true! A little glycerin makes the soap bubble layers stronger, so you can even toss them gently from person to person.

Learn more: Unpoppable Bubbles Experiment at Learning Resources

Grow crystal names

No list of 4th grade science projects would be complete without crystals! Kids of all ages love growing crystals, making this an ideal way to learn about supersaturated solutions. The classic experiment gets a new twist when you have kids shape pipe cleaners into their own names first.

Learn more: Crystal Letters at Playdough to Plato

Grow bacteria in petri dishes

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium

Your students will truly feel like scientists when they perform this classic experiment. They’ll prep the dishes with agar, swab different surfaces, and see what bacteria they grow. It’s gross science, but it’s also easy and impressive.

Learn more: Growing Bacteria at Steve Spangler Science

See coastal erosion in action

Here’s a cool experiment to include in your unit on oceans. Build a miniature coastline, then see how wave action erodes the shore.

Learn more: Erosion Experiment at Little Bins for Little Hands

Erupt a lemon volcano

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic

Early chemistry experiments with acids and bases are always a lot of fun. This one uses the natural acids of lemon juice and adds a little food coloring to up the wow factor.

Learn more: Lemon Volcano at STEAM Powered Family

Sink and float to explore density

Adding items like salt or sugar to water changes its density, as does the temperature itself. Turn this into a 4th grade science fair project by experimenting with different solutions and forming hypotheses about the results.

Learn more: Salt Water Density at Science Kiddo

Discover a density rainbow

Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic

Colorful, simple, and impressive: It’s the trifecta of 4th grade science experiments! Wow your students by layering colored sugar water as you learn about density, adhesion, and cohesion.

Transform milk into plastic

Plastic seems incredibly modern, but people have been making casein plastic from milk for centuries. In this 4th grade science project, students experiment to create the formula for the best milk plastic. They’ll be amazed at the results!

Simulate an earthquake

The ground under our feet may feel solid, but an earthquake changes that pretty quickly. Use Jell-O to simulate the Earth’s crust, then see if you can build an earthquake-proof structure for a practical and fascinating 4th grade science fair project.

Learn more: Earthquake Simulation at Teaching Science

Test Sharpie solubility

Find out if Sharpie markers are really permanent with this 4th grade science project that uses the scientific method to explore solutes and solvents.

Learn more: Sharpie Solubility at Around the Kampfire

Find out if mood rings really work

Apply the rigors of the scientific method to mood rings ! Find out what makes mood rings change color, then see if they really reflect a person’s mood.

Learn more: Mood Rings Validity Test at Education.com

Create a new plant or animal

Kids will really get into this project, indulging their creativity as they invent a plant or animal that’s never been seen before. They’ll need to be able to explain the biology behind it all, though, making this an in-depth project you can tailor to any class.

Learn more: Create an Organism at I Love 2 Teach

Investigate decomposition

Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Easy

Yup, it’s gross … so kids will love it! Seal food items in a plastic bag and experiment to see what factors affect their decomposition, helped along by a heaping dose of mold.

Learn more: Decomposition at Mystery Science

Assemble a lung model

With just a few supplies including balloons and a plastic bottle, you can make an impressive working model of human lungs. This makes a very cool 4th grade science fair project.

Explore the causes of tooth decay

They hear it from their parents all the time, but this experiment will prove to your students once and for all what can happen to their teeth when exposed to different drinks such as soda and milk. This is one of those classic 4th grade science fair projects every kid should try.

For students who love to tinker, STEM challenges can spark incredible 4th grade science fair projects. Here are some of our favorites for this age group.

Engineer a drinking-straw roller coaster

STEM challenges are always a hit with kids. We love this one, which only requires basic supplies like drinking straws . ( Get more 4th grade STEM challenges here. )

Learn more: Drinking Straw Roller Coaster at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Make a wigglebot

Who knew electricity could be so adorable? Explore the science behind batteries and motors by creating a simple “wigglebot.” Experiment with weights to throw the motor off balance and create fun designs.

Learn more: Wigglebot at Research Parent

Construct a working flashlight

You’ll only need a few supplies to guide your students in building their own LED flashlights. They’ll learn how electricity travels and the way circuits work. The slideshow available through the link makes this lesson a breeze for teachers too.

Learn more: DIY Flashlight at Mystery Science

Build a hovercraft

It’s not exactly the same model the military uses, but this simple hovercraft is a lot easier to build. An old CD and a balloon help demonstrate air pressure and friction in this fun 4th grade science experiment.

Learn more: DIY Hovercraft at Education.com

Create a smartphone projector

No projector in your classroom yet? No problem! Have your students help you construct one for your smartphone using a cardboard box and large magnifying glass . They’ll learn about convex lenses and how the brain processes images too.

Learn more: DIY Smartphone Projector at The STEM Laboratory

Set up a pulley system

The science of machines never fails to fascinate kids. In this experiment, they’ll design their own pulley system to make it easier to lift an object.

Learn more: DIY Pulley at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Design a working elevator

Engineering activities make for amazing hands-on learning. Challenge your 4th grade students to build an elevator that can safely lift a certain amount of weight.

Make a model seismometer

Explore the science of seismology and learn how scientists study earthquakes and their effects. This model seismometer is easy to build and fun to experiment with.

Learn more: Model Seismometer at Science Sparks

Conduct an egg drop

Here’s one more classic to add to our list of 4th grade science experiments: the egg drop! The great thing about this project is that kids can do it at any age, with different materials and heights to mix it up. Hit the link below to get an egg drop project designed just for 4th graders.

Learn more: Egg Drop Challenge Ideas

Demonstrate Newton’s laws of motion with balloon rockets

Who doesn’t love balloon rockets?! Your students will have a blast(off) displaying Newton’s third law of motion while learning about physics.

Many 4th grade science standards include units on energy and motion. These energy science activities offer cool hands-on ways to spice up your classroom lessons.

Flick marbles to learn transfer of energy

This experiment is a bit of a thinker: What will happen when one moving marble hits several stationary marbles sitting in a row? Flick the first marble and find out!

Learn more: Marble Energy Transfer at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

See energy transfer in action with sports balls

Place a tennis ball on top of a basketball and bounce them together to see how energy transfers from one object to another. This one is very easy, and kids will love seeing how high they can get the balls to bounce!

Go an on energy scavenger hunt

Emphasize the fact that energy is all around us in one form or another with this easy, free printable energy science activity. For a more advanced version, help students identify each kind of energy (kinetic, stored, heat, etc.) they find.

Learn more: Energy Scavenger Hunt at The Science Penguin

See a heat-powered windmill demonstrate convection

Heat rises, and its interaction with cooler air creates convection currents. Find out how we can put convection to work for us with this 4th grade science craft project.

Capture waves in a bottle

Here’s a quick and easy way to show wave action in a no-mess way. You don’t need to add a little ship to the bottle, but it does make it more fun!

Learn more: Waves in a Bottle at What I Have Learned Teaching

Assemble a wave machine

Turn this one into a class cooperative activity, or try it as a science fair project idea. Either way, it’s an incredibly fascinating way to demonstrate the energy science of waves.

Use a Slinky to demonstrate types of waves

A Slinky is more than just a toy—it’s also a terrific science manipulative! Use it to see waves in motion, both longitudinal and transverse.

Watch gravity beads prove Newton’s laws

You’ll need a loooooooong string of beads for this experiment. Make your own by taping dollar-store strings together, or buy a long bead garland . Pile them in a cup and get the beads going; it’s fascinating to watch inertia and gravity at work.

Learn more: Gravity Beads at Teach Beside Me

Spin marble tops to learn about inertia

Glue together marbles in a variety of pyramidal patterns to form tops, then form hypotheses about which will spin best. Afterwards, kids will have fun new toys to play with!

Learn more: Marble Tops at KidsActivities.com

Visualize the second law of motion with soda cans

Newton’s second law, concerning acceleration, force, and mass, can be a little hard to understand. This easy 4th grade science demo makes it a little easier to visualize.

More 4th Grade Science Projects and Activities

Use these cool science experiments to encourage a love of science, at home or in the classroom!

Measure a magnet’s attraction force

Fourth grade science students already know that magnets attract metal objects. In this experiment, they’ll measure to see how close a magnet needs to be to an object for the attraction to work. Mix things up with different sizes of magnets and objects of various weights.

Learn more: Magnet Measurements at Ashleigh’s Education Journey

See light refraction in action

This seems more like a magic trick, but we promise it’s science! Make colors seem to appear and disappear, change numbers into letters, and more.

Learn more: Light Refraction at Ronyes Tech

“Draw” on water with dry-erase marker

This is another one of those mind-blowing science demos that kids will want to try over and over again. Draw on a shallow bowl or plate with dry-erase markers , then slowly add water. The marker (which is insoluble in water) will float to the top!

Paint with sunscreen

Prove that sunscreen really does provide protection from harmful UV rays. Turn this into a full-blown experiment by trying different SPFs or comparing it to other creams or lotions without SPF.

Learn more: Paint With Sunscreen at Team Cartwright

Become human sundials

Choose a sunny day and grab some sidewalk chalk—your students are about to become sundials! They’ll practice measuring skills and learn about the movement of the sun across the sky.

Learn more: Human Sundial at Rhythms of Play

Mine for chocolate chips

If you’re learning about mineral resources, this quick hands-on activity is an interesting way to explore the effects of mining. Kids have two minutes to find as many chocolate chips as they can in a cookie. Will they smash it up and destroy it entirely? Pick them out one by one? This experiment can lead to intriguing discussions.

Learn more: Mining for Chocolate Chips at Sarah’s STEM Stuff

Assemble an edible DNA model

Use licorice sticks, four different-colored candies or fruits, and toothpicks to build an edible strand of DNA. Learn about chemical bonds and the helix shape, then eat your creation!

Learn more: Edible DNA Model at wikiHow

Layer an edible soil model

Digging in the dirt is fun, but it’s even more fun when you can eat the dirt when you’re finished! Create edible soil-layer models, complete with gummy worms, for a simple earth science project. ( Find more edible science projects here. )

Learn more: Edible Soil Layers at Super Teacher Blog

Turn a penny green

Experiment with simple chemical reactions as you turn pennies green using vinegar. (Don’t forget to tell students that the Statue of Liberty is green for this very same reason!)

Learn more: Penny Reactions at Buggy and Buddy

Use marshmallows to explore Boyle’s law

Seeing Boyle’s law (which relates pressure and volume of gasses) in action makes it a little easier to understand and remember. This simple 4th grade science experiment uses marshmallows to make a great visual.

Learn more: Boyle’s Law at Hojo’s Teaching Adventures

Form ocean currents

Learning about oceanography? Demonstrate how ocean currents form using warm and cold water (and a few plastic sea creatures for extra fun!).

Learn more: Ocean Currents at Life Over C’s

Understand the impact of non-renewable resources

This is a neat Earth Day activity . Discuss the differences between renewable and non-renewable resources, then have your class form “companies” to “mine” non-renewable resources. As they compete, they’ll see how quickly the resources are used. It’s a great tie-in to energy conservation discussions.

Learn more: Non-Renewable Resources at The Owl Teacher

Explore blood components

Use simple kitchen supplies to create a jar full of “blood” that includes plasma, platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells. (You can even snack on the blood cells along the way!)

Learn more: Blood Model at Almost Supermom

Create cool colors with candy

Learn about diffusion in the sweetest way! Grab a bag of Skittles for this quick and easy 4th grade science project.

Wow them with glowing water

Your students will ooh and aah at the result of this exploratory way to show phosphors in action with a black light, different types of water, and a highlighter. The results of this experiment might surprise both you and your students!

Learn more: Glowing Water Experiment at Cool Science Experiments Headquarters

Keep the STEM excitement going with these 25 Fantastic Free 4th Grade Math Games .

Plus,  sign up for our newsletters  to get all the latest teaching tips and ideas, straight to your inbox..

You Might Also Like

50 Fantastic 5th Grade Science Projects, Experiments, and Activities

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From CNN's Billy Stockwell

After initial predictions, the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) is comfortably in first place in Austria’s European Parliament elections.

In an exit poll, FPÖ was predicted to gain 27% of the vote, ahead of the second-placed conservative People’s Party (ÖVP), with 23.5%, and the Social Democrats (SPÖ) in third with 23%.

FPÖ were among the founding members of the far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) grouping in Brussels.

The prediction showed a sharp fall in support for the governing ÖVP, which won 34.5% at the last European elections in 2019.

Austria has only 20 seats in the European Parliament, but the vote could anticipate another strong showing for the FPÖ in Austria’s parliamentary elections, to be held later this year.

Far-right AfD party set to come in second in Germany, exit poll indicates

From CNN's Niamh Kennedy and Stephanie Halasz

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is set to come second in Germany’s European Parliament elections, according to an exit poll from the European Parliament.

After initial predictions, the AfD had gained 16.5% of the vote, 5 percentage points higher than in the last vote in 2019.

The center-right Christian Democrats Party (CDU) is predicted to win 29.5% of the votes, making it the strongest party. The CDU is the political party of the incumbent European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is hoping to gain a second term.

The exit poll indicates a weak showing from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which finished third with 14%.

Some background: Despite a strong predicted showing from the AfD, it is politically homeless in Brussels, after being kicked out of the far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) party.

ID removed the AfD from the group after its main European candidate, Maximilian Krah , said he did not consider all members of the Nazi group the SS to be criminals. ID said they no longer wanted to be associated with the party following Krah's comments.

How could the election affect Ukraine?

From CNN's Luke McGee

In the immediate-term, it’s very unlikely that the EU’s position of supporting Ukraine through military assistance and financial aid will change. 

The EU has been accused of moving slowly on Ukraine at various points since the start of the war, but it is fair to say that Brussels has taken moves on foreign policy – and specifically against Russia, an important economic partner and source of energy for many European countries – that would previously have been unimaginable. 

The bloc moved swiftly to sanction Moscow, stemming the flow of European goods to Russia and gradually to stop purchasing its gas. Over the past 27 months of war, many EU nations have sent Ukraine ammunition, then tanks, then fighter jets – which would have been unthinkable before Russia's invasion. In March, the bloc agreed a new €50 billion ($54 billion) funding deal for Kyiv.

Even with the influx of right-wing MEPs this unity is unlikely to change soon. The ECR and Meloni are fully committed to the EU position on Ukraine. 

Where things could get interesting is if pro-Russia leaders are elected in other EU countries in the coming years. The most obvious and interesting case will be if Marine Le Pen wins the French presidential election in 2027.

At that point, it is conceivable that the combination of right-wing MEPs plus a Russia-sympathiser in France would put huge pressure on the EU to soften its sanctions regime or even cool on support for Ukraine. 

Is a far-right surge expected, and what might that mean?

The EU’s political center has undeniably moved to the right over the past two decades, and it could shift further still after this week's elections.

Most of the lawmakers, known as MEPs, belong to a political party in their own country. Once they enter the European Parliament in Brussels, they sit in loose, multinational political groupings that broadly have similar political interests.

The two dominant groupings are the center-right conservative European People’s Party (EPP) and the center-left Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D).

But all eyes will be on the main right-wing groups, the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and the hard-right, populist Identity and Democracy (ID). 

These two parties have not said they will work together and the leaderships of the two groups are known to dislike each other. Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister and president of the ECR bloc, has an eye on working with the mainstream right at an EU level, for instance.

The anticipated influx of lawmakers into groups to the EPP’s right will certainly complicate matters. While the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) groups are expected to finish fourth and fifth respectively in terms of seat numbers, their combined tally will be hard for the EPP to ignore.

What might the election mean for President Ursula von der Leyen?

The European Commission President is seeking a second term. Some might argue she was lucky to have a first. 

In 2019, Ursula von der Leyen was not the lead candidate for the European People's Party, the largest political group in the European Parliament, which has the final say on appointing the president of the commission. She was only nominated for the job after the leaders of the EU member states overruled the EPP, ignoring their choice for the job, Manfred Weber.

It was controversial at the time, as it is conventionally the European political parties who put forward their choice to be approved by the leaders. Critics of von der Leyen have said that since taking office she has worked more directly with member states than the European institutions, effectively making her a more political figure than some feel the commission's leader has the right to be.

Controversy could surround von der Leyen again this year. She has risked alienating the center-left S&D party – the EPP’s partner in the parliament’s so-called “grand coalition – by hinting that she would be willing to work more closely with the hard-right conservative ECR grouping.

That will be on the minds of von der Leyen and her supporters as the results come in – especially if it transpires the ECR is making the gains predicted ahead of the elections. 

What issues are at stake?

Since this election is in effect 27 individual national elections, some issues are in play in some countries but not in others.

Broadly speaking, immigration, climate change, security and support for Ukraine are issues that matter across the bloc.

While irregular migration figures are lower than they were during the 2015-2016 refugee crisis, it is still a sensitive issue across the EU, as some countries bear a disproportionate share of the burden while others are loath to do their part.

Slowing the effects of climate change and making Europe greener has been a priority for a long time. However, some countries now balk at the cost of cutting fossil fuel emissions .

The EU is largely united in its support for Ukraine, but that too could be affected if populists like France’s Marine Le Pen are elected to lead national governments in subsequent elections.

How do the elections work?

The elections are held over four days every five years in June. This year, they took place from Thursday to Sunday.

They are held over multiple days because, despite being elections to an EU institution, they are still arranged and managed as national ballots by each of the EU’s 27 member states.

Because the elections are managed at a national level, they are not all carried out in the same exact way. However, they must all employ a proportional representation system –where the number of lawmakers elected to the parliament directly correlates to the percentage of people who voted for them.

Once all the votes have been counted, each national political party will be assigned a number of members of European Parliament (MEPs) relative to their vote share. It is up to the member states to determine how this is assigned.

Once they have been appointed to the parliament, MEPs can then join a European political party, which allows them to sit in a group in the parliament. These parties and groupings are multinational and based on a loose set of shared beliefs. The bigger the grouping, the more influence it has in parliament.

Results will start to come in later this evening, but full results will not be known until at least Monday.