AIM
State what the experiment is trying to investigate.
To investigate the relationship between ______ and ______.
Example:
To investigate the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
A question related to the aim.
What is the effect of ______ on ______?
Example:
What is the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis?
HYPOTHESIS
A prediction showing the relationship between variables.
If ______ increases/decreases, then ______ increases/decreases.
Example:
If light intensity increases, then the rate of photosynthesis increases.
Tip:
Always relate Manipulated Variable → Responding Variable
VARIABLES
a) Manipulated Variable (MV)
The factor you change.
Example: Light intensity
b) Responding Variable (RV)
The factor you measure.
Example: Rate of photosynthesis
c) Constant Variable (CV)
Factors kept the same.
Example:
Type of plant
Temperature
Volume of water
APPARATUS AND MATERIALS
Example:
Beaker
Stopwatch
Aquatic plant
Light source
PROCEDURE
Steps of the experiment written in numbered points.
Example:
1.50 mL of water is poured into a beaker.
[Link] aquatic plant is placed inside the beaker.
3.A lamp is placed 10 cm away from the plant.
[Link] number of bubbles produced in one minute is recorded.
DIAGRAM
Draw the apparatus setup.
Tips for marks:
Label important parts
Use ruler
Keep it simple.
DATA/TABULATION
Usually in a table.
Example:
Light Distance (cm) Number of Bubbles per Minute
10 25
20 15
30 8
GRAPH
If required.
Tips:
MV → X-axis
RV → Y-axis
ANALYSIS/INTERPRETATION/OBSERVATION
Explain the trend.
Example:
As the distance of the light increases, the number of bubbles decreases.
CONCLUSION/HYPOTHESIS
Format:
The hypothesis is accepted/rejected.
The ______ affects ______.
Example:
The hypothesis is accepted. Light intensity affects the rate of photosynthesis.
PRECAUTIONARY STEP
Example:
Repeat the experiment three times to obtain an average value.
Ensure the stopwatch is started accurately.
Use same type of apple.
INFERENCE
What it is:
A logical explanation for an observation using scientific knowledge.
Format teachers like:
This is because ______. OR This shows that ______.
Observation = what you see
Inference = why it happens
Example 1
Observation:
More oxygen bubbles are produced when the lamp is closer.
Inference:
The rate of photosynthesis is higher because the light intensity is greater.
Example 2
Observation:
The blue litmus paper turns red.
Inference:
The solution is acidic.
Example 3
Observation:
The temperature of the water increases.
Inference:
Heat energy is released during the reaction.
Example 4
Observation:
The plant grows taller when fertilizer is added.
Inference:
Fertiliser provides nutrients needed for plant growth.
PRECAUTIONARY STEPS (examples)
Precautions are written to reduce error and ensure accurate results.
General Precautions (very reusable)
Ensure the apparatus is clean and dry before starting the experiment.
Repeat the experiment three times and calculate the average value.
Take readings at eye level to avoid parallax error.
Ensure the stopwatch is started and stopped accurately.
Ensure the apparatus is set up correctly and tightly to prevent leakage.
Measurement Precautions
Ensure the measuring cylinder is placed on a flat surface when taking readings.
Record readings immediately to avoid forgetting the values.
Use the correct measuring instrument for accuracy.
Temperature Experiments
Ensure the thermometer does not touch the sides of the container.
Stir the solution before recording the temperature so heat is evenly distributed.
Reaction Experiments
Start the stopwatch immediately after the reactants are mixed.
Ensure the reactants are mixed thoroughly.
Plant Experiments
Ensure the plant used is of the same type and size.
Carry out the experiment in the same environment to avoid temperature differences.
Gas Experiments
Ensure the apparatus is airtight to prevent gas from escaping.
Remove any air bubbles before taking measurements.