Science 9 – Atoms, Elements and Compounds
Guiding Question – Why does matter, matter?
Investigation Lab: Pure Genius
Name:____________________
Date:________________ Bl:__
Sample #___________________
http://video.about.com/chemistry/What-Is-the-Importance-of-Chemistry-.htm
Purpose
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To use your scientific method and laboratory skills
To design your own experimental method in order to determine the true identity of a pure substance
To collect, present, interpret and explain data make conclusions
To reflect on the validity of observations and make connections to chemistry in real life
To write a formal scientific lab report of your findings
What are we going to do?
1. Obtain your sample of your pure substance and write the number of the container.
Question: What is the identity of the unknown pure substance “__”?
2. Design a logical, complete and safe method in which you will collect data and observations of your unknown
pure substance’s physical properties (color, odor, conductivity, lustre, harness, density, melting temperature,
boiling temperature, solubility, etc.)
3. Follow your method to record detailed quantitative data and qualitative observations of your pure substance’s
physical properties.
4. Compare your data and observations to known properties of pure substances from a chemistry data table such
as: http://chemistry.about.com/od/matter/a/Physical-Properties-List.htm and Appendix C Table of Properties
provided. Identify and explain your unknown pure substance using correct scientific reasoning.
5. Evaluate how valid your method was in determining the identity of your unknown pure substance.
6. Explain how your method could be improved. What new questions do you now have for future investigations?
7. Hand in a formal lab report of your investigation, along with a self-assessment of this criteria sheet.
8. Due Date:____________________________
Formal Lab Report Checklist: In order to be assessed on your inquiring/designing and processing/evaluating skills, you
must write and hand in a formal lab report that includes the following headings (bold and underlined):
o
o
o
o
o
o
Title of Lab centered at the top, with your name, lab partner’s name, block, and date on top right hand corner
Purpose
o Question: What is the identity of the unknown pure substance “__”?
Method
o All materials and equipment are listed
o List of steps and/or diagram flow chart that thoroughly and completely explains your method design
Data and Observations
o Accurate and complete with all units
o Original data tables and drawn with a ruler and in pen
 Can create a “good copy” of data and observations if desired, but must hand in original “raw”
data as an appendix
o All calculations are clearly shown with units
Discussion
o Written in full sentences.
o Answers statements 4, 5 and 6 above
Conclusion
o Summarizes the purpose and the key findings of your experimental investigation
Assessed by:_____________________________________
Criteria for Lab Investigation: Please ensure you have completed ALL items on the formal lab report checklist.
Criterion B: Inquiring and Designing
(0)
I have not
achieved a
standard
described by
any of the
descriptors
to the right.
Beginning (1-2)
I am able to:
state a problem or question to be
tested by a scientific investigation
Developing (3-4)
I am able to:
outline a problem or question to be
tested by a scientific investigation
design & communicate in formal lab design & communicate in formal lab
report a method, with limited
report a safe method in which he or
success.
she selects materials and
equipment.
Accomplished (5-6)
Exemplary (7-8)
I am able to:
I am able to:
describe a problem or question to be explain a problem or question to be
tested by a scientific investigation
tested by a scientific investigation
design & communicate in formal lab
report a complete and safe method
in which I select appropriate
materials and equipment.
design & communicate in formal lab
report a logical, complete and safe
method in which I select appropriate
materials and equipment.
Criterion C: Processing and Evaluating
(0)
I have not
achieved a
standard
described by
any of the
descriptors
to the right.
Beginning (1-2)
Developing (3-4)
Accomplished (5-6)
Exemplary (7-8)
I am able to:
I am able to:
I am able to:
collect and present data in numerical correctly collect and present data in correctly collect, organize and
and/or visual forms
numerical and/or visual forms
present data in numerical and/or
visual forms
I am able to:
correctly collect, organize,
transform and present data in
numerical and/ or visual forms
interpret data
accurately interpret data and
explain results using correct
scientific reasoning
accurately interpret data and
explain results
accurately interpret data and
explain results using scientific
reasoning
state the validity of the method
outline the validity of the method
discuss the validity of the method
evaluate the validity of the method
based on the outcome of a scientific based on the outcome of a scientific based on the outcome of a scientific based on the outcome of a scientific
investigation
investigation
investigation
investigation
state at least 1 improvements or
extensions to the method.
outline at least 1 improvements or describe at least 2 improvements or explain at least 3 improvements or
extensions to the method that would extensions to the method that would extensions to the method that would
benefit the scientific investigation.
benefit the scientific investigation.
benefit the scientific investigation.
A Selection of some Command Terms for Sciences
Describe - Give a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern or process
Design - Produce a plan, simulation or model
Discuss - Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments,
factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and
supported by appropriate evidence
Evaluate - Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations
Explain - Give a detailed account
Outline - Give a brief account
Present - Offer for display, observation, examination or consideration
State - Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or
calculation