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In this section, you will learn how to write a planning report for the Practical Assessment (Biology).
As part of Paper 4 (H2 A-level examinations), the planning report requires students to be able to:
· define question / problem using appropriate knowledge & understanding;
· give a clear logical account of the experimental procedure to be followed;
· describe how the data should be used in order to reach a conclusion; and
· assess the risks of the experiment & describe precautions that should be taken to keep risks to a minimum.
Read the introduction and sample report before trying out a practice question below!
Introduction
Introduction
The planning task is either a whole question (~9-12m), part question (~6m) or interspersed into another question. In this introduction, we shall learn how to tackle a whole question here.
In a planning task, we will need to address the following areas:
1. AIM
1. AIM
State the aim of the experiment, as defined by the question.
Example: To investigate the effect of ______ (Independent Variable) on the _________ (Dependent Variable)
2. EXPERIMENTAL VARIABLES (IV, DV and CV)
2. EXPERIMENTAL VARIABLES (IV, DV and CV)
Define the variables that you will manipulate (independent variable) and measure (dependent variable).
o You should use at least five different uniformly-spaced concentrations / intensities for the independent variable.
o Check if the question specifies the dependent variable.
For example, to determine the rate of an enzyme-catalysed reaction, the question may require you measure the:
amount of product formed in a fixed amount of time, or
time taken to form a fixed amount of product.
Define variables that you will maintain at fixed (usually optimum) values (controlled variables).
o Describe how the variables should be controlled by specifying the appropriate quantities (e.g. volume and concentration of materials) to use or the tools / apparatus required.
3. REACTION INVOLVED (Theoretical Reasoning)
3. REACTION INVOLVED (Theoretical Reasoning)
Describe the underlying biochemical reaction that is taking place in the investigation.
4. HOW TO MEASURE THE REACTION
4. HOW TO MEASURE THE REACTION
Explain the method of measurement that will be used to obtain the dependent variable.
5. HYPOTHESIS
5. HYPOTHESIS
State your hypothesis.
For example describe the relationship between the IV and DV - As IV increases, DV increases.
6. LABELLED DIAGRAM
6. LABELLED DIAGRAM
Provide a rough sketch of your experimental setup. Include the tools, apparatus, reagents and materials that are used. Remember to label your diagram.
7. PROCEDURE
7. PROCEDURE
When phrasing the steps of the procedure:
o Focus on the “actions to be taken”. Discuss fully any measuring techniques and apparatus that you would use. Read the question to see what materials / apparatus you can select from, and which you must use.
State the types of observations / measurements to be taken. Where applicable, you should also:
o Plan a suitable method to achieve the specified concentrations / intensities of the independent variable.
o Describe how to utilise the appropriate apparatus to measure the dependent variable.
o Specify the start and end-point of your dependent variable.
8. ACCURATE AND RELIABLE RESULTS
8. ACCURATE AND RELIABLE RESULTS
Carry out repeats and replicates with new reagents to obtain more data.
Specify statistical test to be carried out – e.g. t-test to determine whether there is any significant difference between the means.
Increase the range and decrease the intervals of independent variables to obtain more data for accurate determination of the experimental aim.
9. CONTROL
9. CONTROL
Depending on the nature of the independent variable under investigation, define either a negative control or a positive control experiment.
o Negative control – when the independent variable under investigation can be removed.
E.g. if you are investigating the effect of amylase concentration on the rate of enzyme action, you can “remove” the independent variable by not adding amylase.
o You must state that the negative control:
1. is subjected to the same factors as that for the experiment, except that the (independent variable) is replaced by (e.g. equivolume of distilled water).
2. It is expected that it does not result in (the observed phenomenon).
3. This proves that it is indeed (the independent variable) that causes (the observed phenomenon).
o Positive control – when the independent variable under investigation cannot be removed.
E.g. if you are investigating the effect of temperature on the rate of enzyme action, you cannot “remove temperature”.
o You must state that the positive control:
Is subjected to the same factors as that for the experiment, except that the (independent variable) is subjected to optimum conditions.
This serves as a reference point / means of comparison for the rates of reaction obtained from the range of (independent variables).
10. DATA MANIPULATION
10. DATA MANIPULATION
Draw a table with the independent and dependent variables (in appropriate columns and rows) to show how the results obtained are to be recorded and processed.
Draw a graph showing the predicted relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
11. RISK ASSESSMENT
11. RISK ASSESSMENT
Identify the hazards and risks in the experimental procedure.
Specify what precautions must be taken with respect to the risks identified.
You may DOWNLOAD the introduction below.
Introduction to Planning.docSample Report
Sample Report
Having learnt the format of the Planning Report, please read through the following sample question and report.
Intro to Planning_SAMPLE QN & ANS.pdfLet's Practice Now!
Let's Practice Now!
Please attempt the planning question below.
14. Effect of urease concentration on rate of urea hydrolysis (P) Q.pdfPage updated
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