Check List for Assessment Criteria in Science Major Practical Reports

Design

Aspect 1: Defining the problem and selecting variables

1) State research question clearly: If the topic is not obvious, it is wise to write a paragraph introducing the
topic before you state the research topic.

How does X affect Y? How does changing the length of a pendulum affect
its period?
What is the relationship between X and Y? What is the relationship between length and period
of a pendulum?
Can be written as AIM To investigate the relationship between the length of
a pendulum on its period.

2) Identify and list the variables:

a) independent variable the one you are changing and your range
b) dependent variable the one you are measuring
c) control variables the ones that could affect your results and you are therefore keeping constant

Independent variable Length of pendulum

Dependent variable Period of pendulum
Control variables Mass of pendulum, gravitational field strength, light string, small
amplitude swing

Aspect 2: Controlling Variables

Three essential parts
1) List of materials what is used, i.e. all equipment and chemicals. Make sure to include size, degree
of precision (uncertainty) and correct number of significant figures
2) Method for manipulating and measuring the independent variable, and how you are going to measure
the dependent variable
3) Method for keeping the control variables constant.

Parts (2) and (3) can be combined with (2) of Aspect 1 by combining all parts in a table.

Aspect 3: Developing a method for collection of data

Design a realistic method which collects sufficient and relevant data for the variables.
Sufficient means - large enough range (breadth) of independent variable
- quantity i.e. at least six sets of data and repeated measurements for each set
Relevant means - what actual values of independent variable are used and will you be able to use them
to draw a graph and determine a clear relationship

Method Describe the method you used. Be careful not to leave out steps. The point is that
someone else should be able to redo your experiment exactly as you did it by following
your method, so it must be a step-by-step account and include equipment used, size,
concentration, etc.
Does your method include
i) independent variable and how it is going to be changed?
ii) dependent variable and how it is going to be measured?
iii) the constant variables and how they are going to be kept constant and possibly
monitored.
iv) how you are going to collect sufficient, relevant data, e.g. large enough range,
repeating measurements?

Diagram You must have a labelled diagram of your experimental set-up, with all distances being
measured clearly marked. A photo may be used, but all items must be labelled. Photos
 are often confusing and a diagram is usually better. Remember it must be sufficiently
detailed so that someone else can assemble the equipment in exactly the same way.

Note: If your method is unclear, confusing or contradictory, you may be penalised in the Controlling
Variables section.

Data Collection and Processing

Aspect 1: Recording Raw Data

Presentation of your raw data is as important as the quality of your raw data.
1) Clear and informative table headings, i.e., what will the reader find in the table.
2) Clear and informative column headings quantity name, symbol and unit (use slash not bracket)
e.g., Force, F / N [incorrect: F/N Force / N Force, F (N)]
3) Uncertainties must be stated two possibilities
i. Uncertainty is the same for all measurements
Force, F 0.2/N or Force, F/N 0.2 N
ii. The uncertainly varies with the measurement write the uncertainty alongside the measurement.

3) Record all data to appropriate precision of measuring device.

4) You must always give the reasons for your choices of uncertainty values.
5) Measurements and their uncertainties must be written to the same precision, e.g. 3.20 0.01 g
6) If using scientific notation, keep the same power for ease of reading data,
7) E.g. 9.1 x 10-3 0.5 x 10-3 (if value and uncertainty in separate column, or (9.1 0.5) x 10-3.
8) Uncertainties should be given to one significant figure, and you must state why you chose the
uncertainty values you have given.
9) When using a data logger, take raw data from computer and place in a table designed by you. An excel
spreadsheet is suitable for this.
10) You should also remember to record qualitative observations in this section, even though you may not be
able to quantify them, e.g., whether your equipment became hot, was there a colour change, etc.

Aspect 2: Processing Raw Data

1) Data must usually be processed in some way, e.g. averaging, squaring, finding the sine, etc.
2) Processed data should be displayed in a table separate from the raw data. Rules for table and column
headings as above.
3) Tables should be labelled Table 1. Title; Table 2. Title, etc, so that you can refer to them easily in
your text.
4) A clearly explained sample calculation for each process must be given, with all symbols defined and
equations explained. This means words of explanation, not merely a formula and a bunch of random
numbers.
5) Uncertainties for each processed value must be calculated. Once again you must include a clearly
explained sample calculation.
6) Uncertainties should be rounded to 1 significant figure and processed data reported to the correct
precision. E.g. F = 14.392 0.47 N should be reported as F = 14.4 0.5 N.

Aspect 3: Presenting Raw Data

Ideally you will have collected data so that you can draw one or more graphs.
1) Graphs should be a whole page, using graph paper, not grid paper.
2) If you use the computer to draw graphs, you must have enough grid lines to precisely read data
points, i.e., like graph paper.
3) Graphs require a heading, e.g. Figure 2. Period versus length for a simple pendulum. [Your
experiment diagram will usually be Figure 1.]
4) Remember your heading must correspond with your axes: it is always y versus x.
5) Axes labels as per column headings, i.e. Period, T / s
6) Appropriate scale so that data uses most of the graph space.
7) Accurately plot the points and include the uncertainty bars, or explain where uncertainties are not
significant. Your data points must be clearly visible.
8) NEVER join the dots with straight line segments!
9) If your graph is not linear, do not fit a random curve to line, but only something to which you can
attribute physical significance.
10) You can often linearize your graph where there is a power law relationship, in which case you will
also need to draw a log-log graph with a draw a line of best fit, work out the equation of the line and
determine the uncertainty in the gradient and intercept by using lines of maximum and minimum
slopes. There are three possibilities.
i) If error bars are large enough, use these to draw extreme fit lines
ii) If error bars are small but data points vary significantly from a straight line, draw you
estimate of extreme fit lines (you will be assessed on how appropriate your extreme lines
are, based on the spread of data)
iii) If error bars are small AND most points lie on the best-fit line, use 1 of the last
significant digit of the slope or intercept calculation for your uncertainty.
11) Gradients:
i) Use 2 points on the line that span at least half the line to minimise error in the gradient.
ii) Clearly label these points, with their coordinates, on the line.
iii) If your graph is computer generated, you must still show lines of maximum and
minimum slope, though you may use the computer generated lines to provide the
gradient and intercept.
iv) Do not forget the units if they exist.
Discussion, Conclusion and Evaluation

Aspect 1: Concluding
1) This is where you discuss your results, analyse your graph/s and draw meaning from your results, often
with comparison to theory and always with reference to physical scientific concepts. It relies heavily on
your data processing and presentation sections and should not be considered in isolation. You should
refer to your graphs and tables (hence the accurate numbering of graphs and tables) and calculations of
gradient/s and intercept/s. It is not sufficient to say The results show without specific reference to
the relevant result. Do not make the mistake that this is the final summing up of your experiment and
only write one line. It is the discussion and conclusion sections combined.
2) You must comment on the quality of your data, are there points that appear to be due to mistakes
(outliers), if so, how could they arise? Do your data cover a sufficient range to be able to draw
conclusions? If you are expecting a straight line graph, do your data support this conclusion or not?
3) NEVER make a statement without justification. You must always have some result or research to back
up your assertion.
4) Do not fall into the trap of only talking about an equation relating your variables. You should also
discuss what is actually physically happening in your system and how this explains your data.
5) If possible you should compare your experimental results with theoretical or accepted value, equation,
etc. if available. This means that you must do some research, and this research must be properly
referenced. Alternatively, you can derive a theoretical relationship and compare you results with this.
Often the experiment does not fall into an easily derived theory. In this case, you should try to explain
your results using physical concepts, i.e., what is actually happening and how does this explain the shape
of your graph.
6) When comparing your results to theory, there are only two possibilities:
i.) the accepted value (relationship) lies within the uncertainty limits of your experimental value,
i.e., your result supports (agrees with, verifies, confirms, but never proves) the theory or
accepted value
ii.) the accepted value does not lie within the uncertainty limit of your experimental value, i.e., your
experiment does not support (or contradicts) the theory.

Aspect 2: Evaluating Procedure/s

1) Identify any systematic and random errors. Compare the effect that the different errors have on your
final result and quantify this effect, i.e., for every systematic error explain whether is raises or
reduces your final result.
2) Comment on the range of values and the number of repetitions.
3) Comment on the errors in the procedure and equipment used.
4) Identify variables that were outside your control and assess their possible effect. Once again research
is required. It is not sufficient to say temperature may have had an effect and we could not control
it unless you have researched the temperature dependence of the property in question, found a
relationship and determined by how much temperature could affect your result/s, given the
conditions under which you worked. It is possible that temperature can vary widely without affecting
your experiment, so research and analysis are the keys here. Statements without justification will
earn at best Partial, and often Not At All.
5) You must include some significant weaknesses and/or limitations.

Aspect 3: Improving the Investigation

1) Suggest improvements based on weaknesses and limitations discussed in the previous section, i.e.,
what modifications would you make to the method, equipment, experimental design. These must be
realistic and clearly specified.
2) Address any issues of precision, accuracy and reproducibility of results, and suggest ways to obtain
greater control of the variables.
Communication
1) The marker should be able to read the report without having to continuously turn backwards and
forwards. For example, put in sample calculations with the relevant table/graph. If all done in a block,
often they are meaningless until, several pages later, that aspect is discussed. Graphs should appear as
they become relevant, not necessarily placed all together. NEVER put information in an appendix at the
end. The marker is not required to read appendices at all.
2) Beware of repetition. You will not get more marks for saying the same thing over and over again.
3) Writing more is not necessarily better. Clear, concise writing is what is wanted. Do not put in
information that is irrelevant to your investigation.

References

A reference list and a bibliography are not the same thing. A bibliography is more common in the humanities
and is an extra reading list.
A reference list refers to items you have cited in your text. This is what is required for science reports. If you
find a theoretical equation, a diagram, etc and use it in your report, you must note your source of information
in the text. There are several ways to do this, e.g.:
1) Place the authors name and the date of publication in brackets in your text (Smith, T.J., 1991). Then list
the details of this source, including page numbers if a book, in you bibliography at the end, placing the
authors in alphabetical order.
2) Place a superscript number1 at the appropriate place in your text2, starting with one and proceeding in
numerical sequence3. List the source details in numbered order in the bibliography.
3) Footnotes. Most word processing programs have utilities for this.

Refer to pages 64-67 of

http://www.narrabundahc.act.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/294010/ibook_2014_NC.pdf
for more details on referencing systems.