STUDENT NAME ------------------------YEAR LEVEL -----------------------------
Scientific Investigation Report Guideline
Font/ Figures
All Investigation reports must be typed in size 12 Times New Roman font.
Content written in third person- past tense (No I or We).
Science Practical Investigation Report
1
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Page numbers must be included in the footer.
All figures, diagrams, raw data, tables, graphs must be labelled
Title/Cover Page:
Experiment Title- Research question or Research Statement, which ever relevant.
Student Name- Full name plus names of any investigation partners.
Teacher’s name- Full name.
Submission Date-The date the report was submitted.
Investigation Date-The date the investigation was performed
A nice relevant diagram is great for presentation.
Choosing an Investigation
The tough part about scientific research is coming up with a good investigation idea.
Take time to select a question to investigate that is original, realistic and testable.
Think about something that you are curious about and have interest in.
Science Practical Investigation Report
2
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Example
I will be investigating the role of light in the process of photosynthesis.
Now that you have chosen what you want to investigate, brainstorm a list of
possible investigation question. Try to be specific and choose a question that would require you to
carry out an investigation to discover the answer. Questions like ‘what is Photosynthesis?’ can be
answered by a simple web search, so why bother carrying out an investigation? Use the table below to
help you generate your questions.
Possible topic
Knowledge I already
have about the topic
Photosynthesis Plants use
Photosynthesis to
convert light into energy
to live and grow.
Question I can
investigate
What can I
change and test?
IV
Does light effect
the process of
photosynthesis
Different light
exposures for the
plants.
What could be
measured and
observed
Growth of the
plants.
Plants that are exposed
to more sunlight grow
bigger and faster and
better.
Title
A brief statement that describes the main point of the experiment/investigation.
In some cases, it may be in the form of a statement and in others it may be a question.
Example: Statement Form:
Question Form:
Science Practical Investigation Report
"Effects of salt on the boiling point of water”.
“Does the addition of salt affect the boiling point of water?”
3
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Example
The effect of Light on plant Photosynthesis.
Marking Criteria
1. Written as a question/ statement
2. The question is clear as to the purpose of the investigation
Strengths of a worthwhile investigation question/ statement:
Is it possible to do?
Is it relevant (personally, locally, nationally, internationally)?
Is it testing only one idea?
Am I going to enjoy this investigation?
Does it expand on existing research?
Does it address a worthwhile problem?
Would the results answer a specific question?
Will this help you answer a question you’ve been wondering about?
Introduction/ Background
A short paragraph that provides background information to the scientific investigation.
Defines key terms.
Refers to previous research if applicable.
Includes explaining scientific theories and knowledge.
Includes in-text citation when referring to information from different sources.
Science Practical Investigation Report
4
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Marking Criteria
1. Background theory behind the investigation is explained (in own words).
2. At least 2 definitions are given.
3. In text citations included.
Aim
Explains the objectives or purpose of the investigation.
It identifies what is going to be tested.
Short and clear.
Should begin with the words:
The aim of the investigation is to…….
Test/ Determine/ Demonstrate/ Find out/ Investigation/ Demonstrate/ Ascertain (find out)/ Illustrate
Marking Criteria
1. Purpose of the investigation is explained.
Science Practical Investigation Report
5
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Hypothesis
An educated guess (Inference).
Predicts relationship between the independent Variable(s) and dependent Variable(s).
It should reflect how the IV affects the DV.
A brief statement of what will be measured to test the hypothesis.
Not all experiments have a hypothesis.
Must begin with ‘It was Hypothesised/Predicted that;
IF…IV/ cause/changing…. THEN…DV/ effect/measuring….will occur.
Marking Criteria
1. Experimental hypothesis.
Independent Variable(s):
List the variable(s) that we will purposely manipulates/changes.
This is the intervention we make and have control over.
It is the Cause of what will happen in the experiment.
Example
The amount of light that the leaves were exposed to (covered and uncovered leaves)
exposure of the plants.
Science Practical Investigation Report
6
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Marking Criteria
1. Independent variable identified.
Dependent Variable(s):
List the variable(s) that are affected by the IV.
This is the variable(s) that is being measured.
It is the Effect that takes place due to the cause of the experiment.
Example
Photosynthesis occurrence indicated by presence or absence of starch in plant leaves.
Marking Criteria
1. Dependent variable identified
Controlled Variables:
List the variables that are kept constant to ensure experiment is a fair test.
Any changes in controlled variables invalidates the relationship of IV & DV
Must all be identified and accounted for in experiment design.
Example
Type and size of plant and leaves.
Duration of experiment.
Amount of time solution were heated and amount of Iodine.
Science Practical Investigation Report
7
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Marking Criteria
1. Controlled variables.
Risk Assessment
Identify all hazards associated with experiment.
Provide ways to prevent or minimise the risk.
Remember a hazard is what could cause harm and risk is the likelihood of that harm
occurring due to the hazard.
A table is a very good way to present your risk assessment.
You must specify type of harm that the hazard may cause.
Example scissors are sharp (Hazard) and can cause cut injuries (Harm).
Marking Criteria
1.
2.
3.
4.
x number of Hazards Identified
Type of harm due to hazard is identified
Risk associated with hazard is identified
Risk prevention/ minimization is identified
Materials and Method
The method has 3 parts.
1. A list of every material used
Science Practical Investigation Report
8
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
A list of every piece of equipment and materials used
Include amounts and sizes with correct units wherever relevant
Example: a 200ml Beaker/ 5g Na Cl
2. Steps of what you did in the experiment
Method to be written clear and in correct order
A reader should be able to replicate method and get the same results
Steps to be written in sequential order based on when they were done
Clear indication of which equipment was used
Clear indication of which materials and amounts used
Science Practical Investigation Report
9
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
3. A scientific diagram of the experimental apparatus
Use pencil to draw (ruler for straight lines)
Use simple, sharp, 2D drawings (do not draw 3D shapes or shade)
Use thin straight line to label (no arrows and no label lines crossing)
Marking Criteria
1. A specific materials list is included.
2. Method structure is step by step and in past tense, third person.
3. Students have designed elements of control in their experiment.
Results
Record all your observations and data as you do your investigation.
Data will be Quantitative and/or Qualitative.
Science Practical Investigation Report
10
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Qualitative relates to qualities based on observations. It’s a descriptive data
and written in words. Example: colour change.
Quantitative data refers to numerical data. Its recorded using numbers and can
be measured or counted. Example: Growth of plant in centimetres.
Based on data choose the right way to record or show your results. Example
tables, graphs, charts. Ensure correct labelling (titles, labels, units). Units always
written in header only and not body of tables.
To achieve fair test be consistent in how you collect your measurements.
You can take photos of your investigation to include in your report.
Make sure you also record any problems you encounter and what you do to overcome them.
If appropriate, use a graph to summarise and show your results more clearly.
Marking Criteria
1. Appropriate raw data chosen.
2. Graph type is appropriate (line or column graph) or Table of observation.
3. Graphs/tables clearly and correctly labelled including axes, columns.
Discussion
Science Practical Investigation Report
11
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Now that you have gathered your data you need to work out what it might mean. Questions in this
section will help you construct a discussion.
Are there any patterns, trends or relationships evident between IV & DV?
What do results tell us about the hypothesis?
How results relate to scientific concepts? (in text citation).
In what way was the result different to your prediction?
Did you have any unexpected results? Why do you think these occurred?
What sources of errors exist? Provide ways to prevent.
Using scientific language, try to explain the observable results.
What limitations does the experiment design have?
What improvements might you make to your experimental design?
What things can be further investigated (future leads).
Reliability/ Are your results reliable? Identify how you ensure reliability
of your results. For this section you need to show that you repeated your experiment and cross
checked the results with other groups.
Science Practical Investigation Report
12
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Improvements/ Identify risks and provide a method improve it. In this
section you can provide suggest new ways to improve the investigation design and/ or
minimise errors or risks.
Marking Criteria
1. State and refer to the results obtained in the experiment (1 marks)
2. Explain and discuss how the results of your experiment links between investigation findings and
relevant scientific concepts. (3 marks)
3. Discuss how the data your obtained supports your hypothesis, giving evidence. (2 marks)
4. Discuss any limitations or sources of error in the experimental design (including outliers). (2 marks)
5. Suggest experiment design improvements. Include intext citation (2 marks)
Conclusion
Clear and precise response to whether the aim was achieved, or your hypothesis was supported.
Science Practical Investigation Report
13
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Marking Criteria
1. Conclusion that provides a response to the question
2. Restate whether the hypothesis is supported or not
3. Give an explanation as to how the findings of this experiment could have wider applications to the
scientific community. Suggest areas of future work.
Acknowledgements
Acknowledge all those who assisted in the investigation
References & In-text Citation
In text citation, “The addition of salt to water lowers its boiling point (Kaddah, 2020) or Kaddah
(2020) stated that the addition of salt to water lowers its boiling point. May be included in Intro &
discussion.
Students should avoid including ‘word-for-word quotes’
Harvard Referencing.
Referencing Link: http://www.citethisforme.com/au/referencing-generator/harvard
Useful vocabulary for writing reports
The aim of this report is to ...
examine
consider
investigate
calculate
ascertain ('find out')
Science Practical Investigation Report
The calculations show that..
It can be observed from the graph..
Examining the data, it is visible that..
The investigation findings suggest that…..
14
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
test
summarise
demonstrate
illustrate
to anticipate.. (to think, to expect)
to estimate.. (to guess)
to find..(to discover)
to apply a rule
to arrive at a solution
According to the...
estimates
findings
calculations
initial workings analysis
The findings were...
surprising
unsatisfactory
confirmed the hypothesis
as we anticipated
In the …
first case..
second case
first example..
second example
first instance..
second instance
As a consequence
Consequently
As a result
Due to + [ noun ]
Since + [subject + verb]
Despite + [noun]
+ [verb - ing]
Change:
to adjust adjustment(s)
to vary variation(s)
to modify modification(s)
to alter alteration(s)
to transform transformation(s)
Getting register right...
Avoid posing direct questions
(such as: 'How should the aluminium sheets be designed?')
Avoid using the 'second person' form ('you')
(such as: '.. the combinations you can get from eleven flavours')
Planning Templates
Choosing a suitable question to investigate
Science Practical Investigation Report
15
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Planning Investigation
Science Practical Investigation Report
16
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Planning and investigation continued
Science Practical Investigation Report
17
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Processing and evaluating Data.
Science Practical Investigation Report
18
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Science Practical Investigation Report
19
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Science Practical Investigation Report
20
Ms. Doaa Mohamad
Science Practical Investigation Report
21
Ms. Doaa Mohamad