Drawing Conclusions
Elementary School
Definition
Using the evidence gathered in an investigation to make reasoned, supported statements that answer the original question. Sound conclusions are based on data rather than opinion and may suggest new questions to explore.
Worked examples
A plant grows \(12\,\)cm\(\) in sunlight and \(3\,\)cm\(\) in shade over two weeks. Conclusion: Sunlight increases this plant's growth rate.
The conclusion directly answers the question using measured data, not assumptions.
Water boiled at \(100^\circ\)C\(\) in three trials. Conclusion: At sea level, pure water boils at \(100^\circ\)C\(\). New question: Does altitude change this?
A sound conclusion may also identify new testable questions based on the findings.
Common mistakes
- Conclusion: Plants need sunlight (based on personal belief, no data collected) → Conclusion: In this experiment, the plant in sunlight grew taller than the one in shade Conclusions must be grounded in the actual data you gathered, not general opinions or prior assumptions.
- Stating only raw numbers without interpretation: 'The plant was 12 cm tall.' → Interpreting the data to answer the question: 'Sunlight increased growth compared to shade.' A conclusion explains what the data means in relation to your original investigation question.
Where you'll use it next
Drawing conclusions is essential in every science investigation and lab report you write. Later you'll refine conclusions using statistical analysis, error margins, and peer review in advanced biology, chemistry, and physics courses.
See also
Reviewed by Pat Cheng, M.Ed. — StudyPug Curriculum Lead · Last updated June 6, 2026