Aim: Is what you want to find out
Hypothesis: This is what you think is going to happen
Independent variable is the thing that you would change.
fixed test the ones that you keep the same
Dependent variable the thing you measure
Fair test: Do it 3-4 times to get an average.
Reliability: Do more than 1 test because it could be faulty.
Accuracy: Make sure you use the same measurement.
3 things I could have done better in the test.
.making sure to read what they said to do
. reading the question properly and taking my time
.making sure to finish the answer before handing it in
Method
A simple, workable plan of what you will do – and can be repeated by another person. Usually written as a numbered list
You should list the variables which are important in this investigation
"independent variable" (the one you are testing)
"dependent variable" (the one you are measuring)
"controlled variables" (all the other variables must be kept constant so that it is a ‘fair test’)
Techniques used to increase accuracy (closer to the actual value). This can include reducing parallax error, reducing ‘zero’ error, suitable units of measurement
Techniques use to increase reliability (consistently getting the same result) Achieved by doing multiple tests and then averaging the result
Your instructions should be clear enough for another pupil to do the experiment.
Results
a table of the measurements you have taken with any processed data (i.e averages)
graphs (SALTy - Scale, Axes, Labels, Title) possibly including a line of best fit with gradient (rise ÷ run) calculated
Conclusion
what your results tell you linked back to the aim and hypothesis
State whether your hypothesis (prediction) was proved or disproved
Discussion
Write down any improvements which you can think of.
Say how reliable your experiment was by quoting a set of results
Say how accurate your experiment was (zero error, parallax error reduction, scale selection, reduce reaction time)
Discussing the relevant scientific principle (e.g. energy transformation, friction, forces)