Download Template for experimental design

1a Lab Template for Experimental Design & Handling Data in secondary school
Experimental Design Diagram = A visual layout of key parts of a controlled experiment:
Name: ……………………………………………………………………. Class & Stream ……………… Submission Date: ……………………… Time: ……………………
Title:
The ………………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………….
Hypothesis (is PREDICTION but a SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATION is ADDED at the END – starting with word “because”):
If ……………………………………………………………………………………………..….., then ………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Because ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Variables (things that can change and affect experimental outcome):
1.
Measuring Variables:
a. Dependent variable & how to measure it (instrument + unit)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……
Values of Independent Variable in Control Group, IV Experimental Group & Numbers of Repeated Trials:
Control Group
Number of trial
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 2
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 2
Value of Independent Variable
Experimental Group
Number of trial
Value of Independent Variable
NB:
o
the closer the intervals between the levels of independent variables, the likelihood of getting a more accurate
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outcome (just like the smaller the divisions the calibrations of an instrument, the more accurate the
instrument is);
This can be an exam point when asked to improve accuracy of results in some questions!
o
o
o
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one of the levels of independent variable will serve as the control for the experiment.
Set-ups with the control = control group
this group is not treated with independent variable (IV not applied)
or independent variable is not manipulated but left at natural levels
The other se-ups are experimental group
b. Dependent variable and how is measure it (instrument + unit):
..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………
2.
3.
Controlling Variables (controlled variables/Constants/ factors kept same in all set-ups)
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…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
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…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
State two safety hazards & safety precautions taken:
Hazard ……………………………………. Safety precaution to be taken: ………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Hazard ……………………………………. Safety precaution to be taken: …………………………………………………………………..…………………………….
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Method/Procedure (short sentences + annoted diagram):
Observations during experiment:
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..................…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……
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..................…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……
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..................…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……
Data Collection
Table of results
Data analysis:
Conclusion: Based on analysed data, answering the question that you started with that lead to the hypothesis; then rejecting or
accepting hypothesis;
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..................…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……
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..................…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……
State the weaknesses / sources of errors (only mention experimental errors or experimenter’s error)
1.
Source of error/ weakness:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
What can be done to improve the investigation/minimise the errors:
2.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Source of error/ weakness:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
What can be done to improve the investigation/minimise the errors:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
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