BUTLER COLLEGE
Science Investigation Journal
Name: _________________________________________________ Science Class: _______ Teacher: __________________________ Investigation Number
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Title of Investigation
Mark Achieved
Marking Grid for Practicals Headings Problem
Content
Marks
Clearly identify the problem to be investigated
1
Clearly state a hypothesis that predicts how the independent variable will affect the dependent variable
1
Identify the independent variable, dependent variable, and at least 2 or more controlled variables
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Apparatus/ Materials
Make an accurate list of science equipment and materials needed to complete the investigation
1
Procedure
Write a step by step procedure to clearly describe how the experiment was conducted
1
Safety and/or Diagrams
(If applicable) Identify safety precautions that were observed during the investigation
1
Results (table)
Organise data into tables: show repeated trials, calculate an average, independent variable in the left column and dependent variable in the right column
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Results (graph)
Use a graph to accurately display data. Graphs must have a title, axis labelled with units, appropriate scales, points accurately plotted, correct type of graph used
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A statement that shows wether the results support or contradict the hypothesis and can explain the data in terms of trends, patterns or relationships
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Identify the problems or difficulties that were found when conducting the investigation and suggest ways to overcome these. Suggest changes that might improve the design of the experiment if it was repeated.
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Hypothesis Variables
Conclusions Evaluation
Total mark Available
10
Sketching Science Equipment How to sketch science equipment
Sketching and labelling equipment used in an experiment
Investigation Number
Title
Problem/Aim What problem are you investigating? What is the purpose of the experiment?
Hypothesis What are you trying to show?
Variables Identify each of the following variables (if applicable)
Independent Variable (the variable that is deliberately changed)
Dependent Variable (the variable that is measured)
Controlled Variables (the variable that are kept the same)
Uncontrolled Variables (Variables that may be too hard or difficult to keep the same)
Apparatus/Materials A LIST of all the equipment and materials you need or used for the experiment
Date
Procedure A step by step description of how you will do the experiment. Avoid using ‘I’ or ‘we’
What safety precautions will you take?
Draw a clearly labelled diagram of this investigation Use a pencil and ruler. Use the inside cover to assist.
Observations Table of Data Data should be clearly tabulated. Columns must have titles and include correct units. Independent variable is placed on the right hand side.
Graph of the results All graphs must be titled with both axes labelled and showing correct units.The independent variable goes on the ‘x’ axis and the dependent variable goes on the ‘y’ axis.
Conclusions What do the results tell you about your original aim or hypothesis?
How do you explain these results?
Evaluation What problems or difficulties did you have and how might you solve these?
How could you improve your investigation if you were to do it again?
Terms Used in Science Investigations Investigation Variable Independent Variable
Experiment or survey used to test ideas or discover facts any factor that can vary A factor that can be changed or manipulated in an experiment by the scientist; “you change it” variables.
Dependent Variable
A factor that responds to changes in other variables in an experiment; “it changed” variables.
Controlled variables
The variable(s) that is kept the same
Fair Test Trial Hypothesis Qualitative data Quantitative data
An investigation in which only ONE variable is changed Experimental tests done more than once. A testable explanation for observations and questions about the physical universe. Data that is based on observable characteristics of things or events that can be collected using the five senses. Example: “The juice tastes sweet to me.” Data that is based on measurable characteristics of things or events such as mass, volume, length, and quantity. Example: “There is one litre of juice in the carton.”