This lab proforma should be used to complete all of your lab reports.
Delete all of the writing in blue & use all of the writing in black as your
section headings & subheadings. Make sure you continually refer back to
the THE IB Biology Lab Guide to get full details of what needs to be
included for each section.
Formatting – font:12pt , Arial; between sections double spaced, within
sections single spaced; every diagram, table, figure must be given a # &
title; pages numbered; decent size margins so I can leave comments;
written from 3rd person perspective NO I, me, we, our etc.
Name:
Date:
TITLE
DESIGN – Aspect 1: Defining the problem & selecting variables
Formulates a clear and focussed research question. The dependant and
independent variable are explicit in the question.
a. Selects at least the independent variable to investigate (the dependant
variable can be given by the teacher)
b. Identifies all the relevant control variables.
Pg 2 of THE IB Biology Lab Guide
Research Question:
Background Information:
Try to include known values / expected results from literature
If you are going to include diagrams make sure you give them a fig # & descriptive title.
Hypothesis:
Table 1: Variables Selected for this Experiment
Units
Independent Variable
Dependent Variable
Control Variables
Units
Possible effect on results
Range
Aspect 2: Controlling the Variables & Aspect 3: Developing a Method
for Collection of Data
Describes a method that allows for the effective control of variables.
a. Explicitly states how the independent variable will be changed, with values.
b. Explicitly states how control variables are fixed, with values where appropriate.
c. Selects appropriate apparatus. NOTE: Students must at all times indicate that
they are aware of safety issues & requirements when planning for labs. It is a
good idea to include a completed risk assessment form (available on first class)
Pg 3 of THE IB Biology Lab Guide
Describes a method that allows for the collection of sufficient relevant data.
a. Range of data is effective for the task.
b. Plans to collect between 5 and 10 data points.
c. Plans to repeat data collection or to increase the number of readings,
whichever is more appropriate.
Pg 4 of THE IB Biology Lab Guide
Table 2: Method for Controlling Variables
Control Variables
Method for Control
Materials:
Method:
1.
2.
3.
etc.
Diagram 1: Experiment Setup
fully labelled diagram or photograph
DATA COLLECTION & PROCESSING - Aspect 1: Recording Raw Data
& Aspect 2: Processing Raw Data
Records appropriate quantitative raw data, including units and
uncertainties where relevant.
a. Headings and units are included and are correct.
b. Where relevant uncertainties are included in table headings.
c. Uncertainties are consistent (same number of significant figures) with the raw
data.
d. There is no variation in the precision of the raw data eg significant figures are all the
same & they reflect the precision of the instrument.
Pg 5 of THE IB Biology Lab Guide
Processes the quantitative raw data correctly.
a. Processes raw data, if necessary, into a form suitable for graphical
representation eg combing & manipulating the data
b. Plots a suitable ‘best-fit’ line graph.
c. Recording & processing of data may be shown in the one table BUT they
must be clearly distinguishable (see e.g. of table above where the processing
part of the table was left unshaded).
d. Sample calculations must be included eg Equation 1: Standard Deviation
Calculation .
Pg 6 of THE IB Biology Lab Guide
Table 3: Title (should include the independent and dependent variables)
Sample Calculations
Equation 1:
Aspect 3: Presenting Processed Data
Presents processed data appropriately and, where relevant, includes errors
and uncertainties.
a. If you are comparing a relationship between parameters then a graph will be
most appropriate as it provides a visual representation of the data
a. Both axes labelled and include the correct units
b. At least 70% of the graph paper is used.
c. Points are plotted accurately
d. Error bars are drawn for at least one variable or line of best fit is included.
Pg 7 of THE IB Biology Lab Guide
Graph 1: Title (should include the independent and dependent variables)
Graph 2 etc
CONCLUSION & EVALUATION Aspect 1: Concluding
States a conclusion, with justification, based on a reasonable interpretation
of the data.
a. The relationship between the variables is correctly stated.
b. Students must justify their conclusion and note any systematic or unforeseen
random uncertainties (anomalies).
c. Results are calculated and compared with referenced accepted values.
d. The percentage difference between calculated and accepted values is stated
and compared to uncertainty of calculated value.
Pg 11 of THE IB Biology Lab Guide
Aspect 2: Evaluating Procedures & Aspect 3: Improving the
Investigation
Evaluates
weaknesses and limitations.
a. Comments on the overall ‘quality’ of the procedure used and data collected.
b. Significant weaknesses and limitations in the process, equipment used and
management of time are identified.
c. Has some appreciation of the significance of each weakness.
Pg 12 of THE IB Biology Lab Guide
Suggests realistic improvements in respect of identified weaknesses and
limitations.
a. Weaknesses and limitations identified in aspect 2 are addressed.
b. Realistic improvements are suggested.
c. Suggestions state exactly what should be done to reduce random uncertainties
or to improve the quality of the data.
d. Suggestions on how to remove systematic uncertainties, if present, are made.
Pg 13 of THE IB Biology Lab Guide
Table
: Errors, Limitations, Weaknesses and Improvements
Systematic Errors (if present)
Significance, Effect and
Direction
Improvement
Random Errors
Significance and Effect
Improvement
Weaknesses and Limitations
Significance and Effect
Improvement
Bibliography