Modified Nov. 18, 2003
This is a work in progress!
General Writeup Methods:
* Write your inquiry in the 3rd person rather than the 1st person. Example- "The contents of the test tube were mixed incorrectly." is much preferred to "John was a klutz and mixed the wrong chemicals.".
* Use sub-headings to organize your inquiry. Example- Introduction, Question, Hypothesis, Variables, Materials, etc.....
* Use labeled diagrams to aid descriptions if needed.
Introduction: Background info that sets the tone for the experiment.
Question
Hypothesis: Write a detailed explanation of why your hypothesis will occur.
Variables: Indicate independent & dependent variables, positive & negative controls if appropriate, and all variables to keep constant.
[More info on Framing the Investigation]
Procedure (Design of Experiment)
Materials
List steps which show a method that controls the variables & collects sufficient relative data.
[More info on Writing a Procedure]
Data Collection
Tables: Shows all raw data you collected in class & may show processed data too. Write a detailed title, include all column labels and units.
Drawings: Some data may be in drawing form. Drawings should be as accurate as possible, neat, with title and labels.
[More info on Data Collection]
Data Processing & Presentation
Analysis of Data: Explain any data processing formulas used (averages, standard deviation, mean, mode, median, percent deviation, etc.). Show sample calculations.
Graphs: Choose the best graph form to display data. Include descriptive title, labels and units on both the x- & y- axes, and key if needed.
Write a summary below the graph about what the graph is showing.
[More Info on Data Processing & Presentation]
Conclusion & Evaluation
List specific results (like a temperature of 50¾C has a reaction of 4 ml/sec, 60¾C has a reaction of 5 ml/sec.......etc). This data should represent an average, or processed data.
Compare your results to your hypothesis. How are they similar? How are they different?
Explain your results. Why did they occur?
List potential problems with your experiment. (Take notes of problems during the experiment. Look at your list of variables to keep constant. This is a great source of potential problems!) Consider sources of human error, the accuracy of the equipment used
List possible solutions to the potential problems listed above. How could you make it more likely that these variables are kept constant?
The Open Door Website: IB Biology Homepage See their suggestions on analysis, tables, and graphs.