Communicating Scientific Inquiry – Chemistry
Title
 descriptive and meaningful title
 include the names of lab group members
Purpose
 State the purpose of the investigation.
 If appropriate, state the testable question. Circle and label the independent variable and dependent
variable.
Pre-­‐lab Prediction or Hypothesis
 State the accepted or reference value if available.
 If appropriate, formulate a hypothesis that makes a prediction about the relationship b/w the
independent and dependent variables. Include an explanation.
Experimental Design – completed before the lab!
 Write a complete step-by-step procedure, including safety and disposal considerations.
 In a separate paragraph, write a brief (2-3 sentence) overview of the procedure. Use future tense.
Identify variables (dependent, independent, all control variables). Provide the main equation you will
be using, rearrange it to solve for the necessary variable and mention if the variables will be measured
or calculated.
Equipment and Materials
 written in lower case
 list in columns
 include relevant details (e.g. 500 mL beaker)
 complete
 correct terminology
Procedure – written after performing the lab!
 numbered steps or paragraph form
 written in past tense passive voice (not using I, Me, We)
 safety precautions included
 detailed – relevant and repeatable
Observations
 Design tables (Pre-lab) to record relevant quantitative and qualitative data.
 Table includes an underlined table # and a descriptive title in sentence form above.
Example: Table 1: Data for the effect of the mass of sodium chloride on the boiling point of water.
 Table columns have appropriate headings with units.
 During lab, record all quantitative data and qualitative data in previously designed tables.
Analysis
 Complete the questions found in the Analyze and Evaluate section of the investigation outline in the text.
 If there are no A&E questions:
 Analyze and interpret your observations. Present the evidence in the form of titled tables,
graphs, and/or illustrations, as appropriate.
o Show 1 example for every type of calculation done. Do not show multiple calculations
of the same calculation. Use full GRASP format.
o All calculated values must be shown in a table (Table # and title)
o Graph data and analyze graphs, if appropriate.
 Review the data in the table and/or graph to describe the relationship between the independent
and dependent variable. In paragraph form, state this relationship and explain whether it
supports your hypothesis or not.
 Answer the testable question, draw conclusions and evaluate the experiment and conclusions.
Error Analysis
 Consider the experimental design, the procedure and your lab skills. Were they all adequate? Are
there any control variables that you did not account for that might have affected your dependent
variable? These are your errors. (i.e.: revisit your fishbone diagram). List 3 errors.
 For each error stated above, discuss
 the effect of this error on a particular observation
 how it affected your results (i.e. higher or lower than expected)
 procedural modifications that would lead to more reliable or accurate results
Application and Extensions
 Answer the Apply and Extend questions in the text.
 If no questions are provided, connect the relationship discovered between the variables to some aspect
of real life.
Determining the Density of Water
Purpose
To determine the density of water by experiment.
Prediction
The accepted value for the density of water is 1.00 g/mL.
Experimental Design
Procedure (pre-lab)
1. Measure and record the mass of an empty beaker using the electronic balance.
2. Transfer 5.00 mL of water to the beaker using a pipette.
3. Record the volume of water used.
4. Measure and record the mass of the water and beaker. Repeat steps 2-4 for 10.00 mL and
20.00 mL of water.
5. Dispose of the water in the sink.
6. There are no hazardous materials used in this investigation.
The mass of a measured volume of water will be measured and recorded. The density of water will be
calculated using the following formula:
D=m
V
where D is the density of the water in g/mL, m is the mass of the water in g, and V is the volume of the water in
mL.
Equipment and Materials
150 mL beaker
25 mL pipette
electronic balance
water
Procedure (written after the lab)
The mass of an empty beaker was measured and recorded. 5.00 mL of water was transferred to the beaker
using the pipette. The volume of water was recorded. The beaker with water was placed on the balance. The
mass was measured and recorded. The water was poured in the sink. The procedure was repeated for 10.0
mL and 20.00 mL of water. No hazardous materials were used in the experiment.
Observations
Table 1: Data for the determination of the density of water
Trial
volume of H2O(l)
mass of H2O
(mL)
(mL)
1
5.00
5.10
2
10.00
10.05
3
20.00
20.21
*Entries in italics were recorded during the experiment. (i.e. not part of the pre-lab)
Analysis
Sample Calculation using Trial 1
m = 5.02 g
V = 5.00 mL
D=?
D=m
V
= 5.10
5.00
= 1.02 g/mL
Table 2: Results for density of water
Trial
density
(g/mL)
1
1.02
2
1.01
3
1.01
average density
1.01
Average density of water = 1.02 + 1.01 + 1.01
3
= 1.01 g/mL
% difference = I accepted value – experimental value I
accepted value
= I 1.00 – 1.01 I
1.00
x
x
100
100
= 1.00 %
The density of water as determined by experiment is 1.01 g/mL. Considering 1.00 % difference, there is a high
degree of confidence in the result.
Error Analysis
The beaker was not dried between trials. As a result, water remaining in the beaker would have increased the
mass of the measured volume of water. Consequently, the measured mass of water would have been higher
than expected, increasing the value of the calculated density. Dry the beaker between trials to eliminate this
error.
Communicating Scientific Inquiry Checklist – Pre-lab Components
Title
 descriptive and meaningful
 lab group members
Purpose
 stated with clarity
 proper testable question
o independent variable
o dependent variable.
Prediction or Hypothesis
 accepted or reference value if available
 prediction with explanation
Experimental Design – completed before the lab!
 complete step-by-step procedure, relevant and repeatable, including safety and disposal considerations
 brief overview
 variables (dependent, independent, all control variables)
 equation provided, required variable is isolated, measured or calculated variables are indicated
Equipment and Materials
 written in lower case
 list in columns
 include relevant details (e.g. 500 mL beaker)
 complete
 correct terminology
Observations
 Observations tables are designed for quantitative and qualitative data.
 # and title
 appropriate column headings with units
 fully lined with a ruler
Communicating Scientific Inquiry Checklist – Post-lab
Procedure – written after performing the lab!
 numbered steps or paragraph form
 written in past tense passive voice (not using I, Me, We)
 safety precautions included
 detailed – relevant and repeatable
Observations
 tables (title, #, fully lined, units)
 quantitative data:
o complete and relevant
o measurements include correct significant digits
 qualitative data:
o detailed and complete
o proper scientific terminology
o presented in organized manner
Analysis
 Complete the questions found in the Analyze and Evaluate section of the investigation outline in the text.
 If there are no A&E questions:
 Calculations:
o sample calculation is shown
o full GRASP format
o correct significant digits
o correct units
o all results are summarized in a table (#, title, fully lined with ruler)
 Graphs:
o large size (1/2 to 1 page)
o pencil
o Title
o axis are labeled, including units
o dot points
o line of best fit (linear or smooth curve)
o origin is included or excluded as appropriate
 Analysis:
o results are summarized in sentence form
o relationship between the independent and dependent variable is described
o comparison of results to hypothesis is described
o relevant theory is used to explain observations and results
• limited
• fair
• reasonable and detailed
• thorough and insightful
 Evaluation:
o % difference is calculated
o confidence in results is discussed
Error Analysis
 errors are stated
 the effect of each error on a particular observation is explained
 how the calculated result is affected is explained
 procedural modifications are provided
Application and Extensions
 Answer the Apply and Extend questions in the text.
 the relationship discovered between the variables is connected to some aspect of real life
o limited
o fair
o reasonable and detailed
o thoughtful and insightful