Sciences for the IB MYP 3: by Concept
1 How do we make it work?
Activity: Cycle gear
ATL
Critical-thinking skills: Interpret data; Test generalizations and conclusions
Creative-thinking skills: Generate hypotheses
Inquiry question: What is the effect of gears on effort?
Work in groups. In this activity you will compare the effect of different bicycle gears on the
performance of a cyclist.
Background information: Bicycles have two sets of gears. The ‘gear train’ is attached to the pedals.
The turning motion of the pedals is transmitted through the chain to the rear set, often called the
‘cassette.’ Most bicycles have multiple gears on the cassette, and some also have multiple gears on
the gear train (especially mountain bikes).
You will need:
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A bicycle with multiple gears (at least 3 gears)
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Three stopwatches and measuring tape (25m minimum length), a bicycle odometer /
speedometer, or a smartphone cycling app with GPS location
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A cyclist with plenty of energy!
Use the scientific experiment cycle and the template on the
following pages to design an investigation about the effect
of cycle gears on motion.
Safety
Make sure your cyclists observe
road safety at all times and
wear suitable protective gear!
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1
Sciences for the IB MYP 3: by Concept
Write an inquiry question for your investigation.
Inquiry question: To investigate ______________________________________________________
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Sciences for the IB MYP 3: by Concept
Background
Use this section to collect any background research you have made. Explain why it is important or
useful to investigate into this.
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State the variables you will control in the experiment:
Independent variable: ______________________________________________________________
Dependent variable: _______________________________________________________________
Controlled variables: ______________________________________________________________
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Criterion B
strand (ii)
Hypothesis
When I change [independent variable] _____________________________________________ the
[dependent variable] will change by ________________________
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Sciences for the IB MYP 3: by Concept
This is because:
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Method
Criterion B
strand (iii)
The independent variable (_______________) will be changed by
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The dependent variable (_______________) will be measured by
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The measurements will be made every ________________________________________________
Or
The measurements will be repeated ________________________ times.
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Sciences for the IB MYP 3: by Concept
These other variables will be controlled to ensure a fair test:
Criterion B
strand (iii)
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These other precautions will be taken to reduce error in our results:
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Safety notes
Risk analysis for this experiment suggests the following safety precautions must be observed
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Sciences for the IB MYP 3: by Concept
Criterion B
strand (iv)
Equipment
The equipment required for this experiment will be:
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You may wish to draw an outline diagram of the equipment setup here, with labels.
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Sciences for the IB MYP 3: by Concept
Results
Record your results in a clear and organized way – usually in a table – showing units of
measurement and any uncertainties in measurement.
Criterion C
strand (i)
Presentation and analysis
Look for patterns in your results. What kind of presentation would be most appropriate? Consider:

A histogram (for results where the independent variable changes in a discontinuous way or
‘jumps’ from one value to another)
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A scatter graph (for results where a continuous or gradual change in the independent variable
results in a similar continuous change in the dependent variable)
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A pie chart (where results are a proportion or ratio of some other quantity).
Criterion C
strand (ii)
Summarize the analysis of your results – what patterns do you see in the data?
Can you use the results presentation to work out any values or derive any relationships?
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Sciences for the IB MYP 3: by Concept
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Sciences for the IB MYP 3: by Concept
Conclusion
Write a conclusion that:

States whether or not your hypothesis was supported, and correct
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Describes your results and any relationships you have analysed

Explains any relationship identified or observed.
Criterion C
strand (iii)
The results show
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This is because
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Sciences for the IB MYP 3: by Concept
Evaluation
Explain how your experiment was …
Criterion C
strand (iv)
Valid:
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Reliable:
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State what errors were present in the results. Evaluate how important or significant they were for the
final conclusion.
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Suggest what could be done to improve the experiment, so as to reduce these errors.
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Sciences for the IB MYP 3: by Concept
Suggest what new, further questions could be investigated following your experimental findings.
Explain what changes could be made to your experiment to investigate these new questions.
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Criterion C
strand (v)
Assessment opportunities
This activity can be assessed using Criterion C: Processing and evaluating. In this activity you have
also practised skills that are assessed using Criterion B: Inquiring and designing.
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