Have you: Spoiler: chosen your hypothesis so it is soundly based on an A-level biology theory?

? discussed your choice of investigation with your teacher? chosen a hypothesis that is clear, simple and does not attempt to investigate multiple variables? looked at a range of sources of information, not just websites? chosen the information carefully so that it helps to explain why you formed your hypothesis? (Remember you have a 3300-word limit so keep it relevant.) found an academic source of information? listed your sources of information accurately and included the date you accessed the websites?

Planning Have you: Spoiler: described the apparatus you propose to use and explained why you chose it? considered the level of accuracy of any methods or apparatus you propose to use? described exactly what you are going to measure? considered how your results are to be analysed? explained why the number and type of measurements you propose to take is suitable? listed the variables that might affect your investigation? explained how you propose to control or monitor these variables? carried out a short pilot experiment? reviewed your plan using information from your pilot study? Observing and recording Have you: designed and drawn a table of results labelled clearly with suitable units? recorded at least five sets of measurements? repeated measurements if appropriate? used a consistent and suitable number of significant figures? explained any changes to your planned procedure?

Interpreting and evaluation Have you: Spoiler: processed your data to make it easier to identify trends and patterns? carefully identified trends and patterns in your data? carried out a suitable statistical test that is matched to your hypothesis? set out the calculation of your statistical test clearly? interpreted the results of your statistical test using a null hypothesis and a 5% (p=0.05) confidence level if appropriate? drawn overall conclusions from your data and expressed them in writing or numerically where possible? used A-level biology to explain your actual results? commented on limitations of your experimental design and suggested modifications or further development?

Communicating Have you: Spoiler: organised your report in the form of a scientific paper? used sub-headings to organise your report in a logical order? numbered each page? included a word count page by page? checked to make sure you have not exceeded 3300 words (including any appendices)? plotted a graph to help you to compare two sets of data? chosen the correct form of graph which is clearly labelled with units? made sure your graph is large enough to be clear and show all the plotted points, has accurately labelled axes and a clear key to identify your plots?