Investigation Plan: Hypothesis Independent variable What do you expect to see? Refer to both variables: As we increase the independent variable the dependent variable will …... This is because… Why? Explain the science behind it What is the null hypothesis for this experiment? What statistical test would you choose and why?
tick off all of these as you go to check your method
Dependent Control variable variable
Equipment And method
Risks
Data analysis
What will you change in your experiment?
What will you measure in your experiment?
What equipment will you use?
How will you measure it, or what categories will you use?
How will you measure it?
Hazard: What could cause harm? (Use the CLEAPS cards for chemicals)
Draw a sketch of the table you will use to collect your data. IV In the 1st column, DV in the 2nd. Calculated values in the 3rd.
What range will you use? What intervals will you use? E.g.. Change the light intensity by changing the distance of the lamp at 10cm intervals between 0 and to 100cm using a ruler to measure the distance.
What units will you use? How will you ensure you are being precise? E.g. Volume of hydrogen gas, measured in cm3 using a gas syringe, rather than a measuring cylinder as it has a greater resolution.
What variables will you need to control to improve the validity/ to decrease random error? How will you control them? E.g. Temperature Volume Mass Concentration Species time
How will you set it up? Include a diagram if it helps you to describe how to set up the experiment – especially in electricity Make sure your method is in a logical sequence Explain the science behind each step where you can, and justify your decisions Don’t forget to include repeats (at least 2) and calculating the mean
Risk: How could It cause harm? Precaution: What you will do to minimize the risk
H
R
P
Make sure risks are specific to the experiment- don’t write about bags over chairs etc., this will not gain marks.
Put units in the table headings. Sketch a graph and justify why you have chosen this type of graph.
Investigation mark scheme: Criteria
Level 1 (1-4 marks)
Level 2 (4-6 marks)
Level 3 (7-9 marks)
Level 4 (10-12 marks)
Hypothesis and scientific understanding
Limited attempt at a hypothesis is made.
An explanation for the hypothesis is given which is partially supported by scientific understanding.
An explanation for the hypothesis is given which is supported by scientific understanding.
An explanation for the hypothesis is given which is fully supported by scientific understanding.
Knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes
Demonstrates limited knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts, procedures, processes and techniques with a basic description of the plan to investigate the scientific scenario given.
Demonstrates adequate knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts, procedures, processes and techniques with a partial description of the plan to investigate the scientific scenario given.
Demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts, procedures, processes and techniques with a clear description of the plan to investigate the scientific scenario given.
Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts, procedures, processes and techniques with a step- bystep description of the plan to investigate the scientific scenario given.
Method explanation
Provides a rationale for the method suggested and generic statements may be presented rather than linkages being made so that lines of scientific reasoning are unsupported or unclear.
Provides a rationale for the method which has occasional linkages present so that lines of scientific reasoning are partially supported.
Provides a rationale for the method which has linkages present so that lines of scientific reasoning are supported.
Provides a rationale for the method which has consistent linkages present so that lines of scientific reasoning are fully supported.
Logical order, reliable results
The plan will not be logically ordered with significant gaps that will not lead to reliable results being collected.
The plan will generally be in a logical sequence and will yield some results.
The plan will be in a logical sequence but with minor omissions of steps and will yield reliable results.
The plan will be in a logical sequence and will lead to a reliable set of results being collected.