Name:
Internal Assessment Planning Sheet: Design
All work on this planning sheet and in your final lab report is to be your own. Do not share or discuss any aspect of your
work with another student. If you need help or clarifications please see your teacher.
General problem statement: Investigate the effects of acid rain.
Aspect 1: Defining the problem and selecting the variables
1.
Identify a specific and focused research question about acid rain . A common format is: “ How does the
(independent variable) affect the (dependant variable)? ”
2.
Identify the relevant variables

Independent (Manipulated) Variable: what are you going to change in the experiment?

Dependent (Responding) Variable: what are you going to measure in the experiment?

Control Variables: what must be kept constant throughout the entire experiment so that they do not interfere
with the interpretation of the results?
Aspect 2: Controlling the Variables –
“Control of variables” refers to the manipulation of the independent variable and the attempt to maintain the
controlled variables at a constant value.
3. Create a chart that explicitly states how each variable that you identified above will be measured or controlled.
4. List the apparatus and materials needed for your experiment. Include full details of all apparatus selected (Ex. size of
glassware used, reactant concentrations, etc.)
Aspect 3: Developing a Method for the Collection of Sufficient Relevant Data.
The definition of “sufficient relevant data” depends on the particular experiment, but you should devise an
experiment to collect enough data so that you can answer the aim and evaluate the results. If plotting a graph,
then you will need at least five data points to do this. For some experiments, it may mean taking enough
measurements to calculate a mean; in others it may involve a trial run and then repeats until consistent results
are obtained.
5. Write the procedures to perform your investigation. Include information such as the range of measurements and the
size of increments within this range; (Ex. “I will vary the temperature between 20 C and 90 C in steps of 5C.”); how
reactants will be measured, how many trials will be run, the time taken for each step, and so on. Consider including
a clearly labeled diagram of your experimental set-up if applicable. There should be enough detail in the procedure
that anyone could replicate the experiment.
References - List any sources used for background information or for adapted measurement techniques obtained from a
literature source.
Adapted from “Standard Level Chemistry “ by Brown & Ford and the IBO Diploma Programme Chemistry Guide