Scientific Investigation Write Up

Lab Write up should be neat, and easily readable

Raw data should be included (data you actually collected).
Underline each section so that it is easily identifiable.

Title – Create a title that describes the investigation.

Introduction:
Question – The challenge here is to come up with a question that is testable in an experiment you can
perform. Clearly identify the variable you will change (independent variable) and the variable you will
measure (dependent variable). Write the question in the form: “What effect does …IV have on …DV.”
Note: If there is no independent variable in the experiment then briefly explain the purpose for doing the
activity. If the lab is not a controlled experiment, then state the purpose of the lab.

Hypothesis – Your hypothesis should include: What you think the answer to your question will be,
and why. Writing the hypothesis in the if … then … form helps to make it specific.

Variables - List your variables

1. Independent variable (IV – the thing you change)
2. Dependent variable (DV – the thing you measure)
3. 3 Control Variables (CV – the things that stay the same)

Materials: list all materials you used

Method:
Procedures – Briefly summarizing the procedures of the lab.
1. Number your procedures in order.
2. Do not simply copy the procedures, write them in your own words.

Diagram of Set-up - Small sketch that shows the lab in progress.

Results:

Blank Data Table – Data table is ready for you to start entering data when you arrive.

Data – Create an experiment that allows you to quantify (measure with numbers) your results.
1. Display your raw data a table
2. Create a graph of data to communicate important data that answers your questions. (IV
on X axis and DV on Y axis)
3. All data and graphs must be labeled with Title and Units
4. Show at least one example of each calculation
Discussion:
Questions – Either write out the questions or include the questions in the answers.

Conclusion – Discuss the results and validity of your experiment.

1. Restate the question.
2. State your answer to the question.
3. Do the results support your hypothesis?
4. Discuss at least two sources of error in your data that would result from the design or
logistics your experiment.
Grade 9&10 Lab Rubric Name:____________ Partner:_________ Lab:_________
Date:______

ECA standard Aspects Level

Defining Problem or Research Formulating a hypothesis or Selecting Variables CCC 7 or 6
Question prediction CCP 6 or 5
Standard 9 –
identifies focused problem or research __ hypothesis related to aim __ includes relevant CCN 5 or 4
specific to this lab __ is quantitative if possible independent variables CPP 4
Designs __contains independent & dependent __ explained & justified dependent variable PPP 4 or 3
Experiments variables relevant background on topic is stated CPN 3
included __ all controlled variables PPN 3 or 2
are stated CNN 2
C= complete C P N PNN , NNN 1 or 0
P= partial C P N C P N
N= none Selecting appropriate apparatus or Designing a method for the Method for collection of CCC 7 or 6
materials control of variables sufficient relevant data CCP 6 or 5
appropriate equipment selected __ methods of how to control __ relevant data collected CCN 5 or 4
__ list or diagram included variables are stated in plan __ irrelevant data not CPP 4
__ diagram is labeled __ procedure detailed enough in collected PPP 4 or 3
__ sizes/quantities included numbered format that a peer can __ sufficient range of CPN 3
follow & produce same results independent variable PPN 3 or 2
__ sample size is at least 5 CNN 2
PNN , NNN 1 or 0
C P N C P N __ multiple trials are
planned for

C P N
Standard 10 – Collecting & Recording Data Organizing & Presenting Raw Data CC 7 or 6
CP 6 or 5 or 4
__ raw data related to problem __ raw quantitative data is presented in table format with ruled CN 5 or 4
Collects and __ all correct units are included columns & rows PP 4 or 3
processes data __ uncertainties are included (margin of __ observations neat and in order PN 3 or 2
error) __ has meaningful title NN 1 or 0
__ all data collected is included __ table is complete and understandable

C= complete C P N C P N
P= partial Processing Raw Data Presenting Processed Data CC 7 or 6
N= none __ correct type/method of calculations __ correct choice of presentation to show patterns & relationships CP 6 or 5 or 4
performed (graph or chart, table, etc) CN 5 or 4
__ (if applicable) drawings correctly __ correct units used in table/graph PP 4 or 3
labeled __ meaningful titles or headings used PN 3 or 2
__ sample calculations shown for every __ answers given are to correct # of significant digits NN 1 or 0
type of calculation margin of error given for processing
__averages of several measurements __ include error bars on graphs where significant
taken __draw line of min and max gradient
__data transformed so it may be __determine uncertainty in best straight-line gradient
represented graphically __ graph is laid out clearly & large enough /neatly
__ drawing lines of best fit and (graph paper, ruler used, etc.)
determining gradients

C P N C P N
Standard 11 – Drawing Valid Conclusions Evaluating procedure & Results Improving the CCC 7 or 6
investigation CCP 6 or 5
Draws
__ correct interpretation/conclusion __ comparison of hypothesis & __ specifically identify all CCN 5 or 4
conclusions and __ conclusion is in agreement w/ conclusion included weaknesses CPP 4
evaluates accepted ideals or literature __ explanation for differences __ impact of the problems PPP 4 or 3
experiments __ explanation of how the conclusion included on results stated CPN 3
was reached (based upon results) __ evaluation of reliability of results __ for each problem a PPN 3 or 2
suggestion for CNN 2
C P N C P N improvement is given PNN , NNN 1 or 0

C P N
Standard 12- Follows Instructions Carries out techniques correctly Works safely CCC 7 or 6
CCP 6 or 5
CCN 5 or 4
Manipulates CPP 4
equipment PPP 4 or 3
CPN 3
PPN 3 or 2
CNN 2
PNN , NNN 1 or 0