Practical Report Scaffold
Section
What should be included
What it looks like
Introduction
2-3
paragraphs
Information about the topic that
helps the person reading your
report understand your experiment.
It could include information on
seeds, germination and factors that
affect seeds.
State the purpose of your report
Written in a formal style that does not
include any personal language such as I, you,
we.
e.g. Germination can be defined as….
Aim
1 line
Hypothesis
1-2
sentences
Equipment
List
A statement of the predicted effect
of your experimental factor.
A list of all equipment including
quantities and size.
To investigate the effect of X on Y
To investigate the effect of …. on seed
germination
Seeds exposed to X will have lower
germination rates when compared to seeds
that are not exposed to X
1 x 250mL beaker
150mL of water
A numbered list containing enough
detail to allow another scientist to
repeat this experiment exactly.
Includes how the data is collected.
Written in formal language without any use
of I, you, we , our. Includes action verbs:
1. Place the seeds…
Variables
5 lines
List the variables and include at
least 3 controlled variables.
Independent variable:
Dependent variable:
Controlled variables: The type of seed was
kept the same for each experiment.
Results
1 page for
table and
graph
1 /2 page for
photos
Table: Make an appropriate table to
collect the data from the
experiment- include averages
Create an appropriate graph (scatter
plot or column graph) to assist the
viewer to understand the results.
Tables must have rows and columns. Include
labels and units in the top row.
Discussion
2-3
paragraphs
This section will address the
following questions/points:
 Were the results of the
experiment as predicted –
why/why not?
 Validity
 Reliability
 What could be changed to
improve the experiment if it was
done again.
A statement that relates directly
back to the hypothesis. Did the
results support or refute your
prediction?
Procedure
Risk
Assessment
At least 2
risks
Conclusion
1-2
sentences
References
A list of all the sources of
information used to research, plan
and perform the investigation.
Include at lease 3 relevant
references.
All graphs must include:
 A heading
 Axis labels (and units)
 A consistent scale
Some graphs will include:
 a key
The discussion is written in paragraphs –
remember to keep each paragraph to one
idea.
Remember:
Reliable data occurs when consistent data is
produced by multiple experiments.
Valid data occurs when the independent
variable causes he dependent variable
without any interference from other
controlled variables.
The results of the experiment supported /
refuted the hypothesis as seen by the
increase in…
Use Harvard referencing via:
Neil’s Toolbox
Bibme.com
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