Unit 3 Researching Chemistry Project write-up

Introduction Prior to starting this write-up you should have planned and completed a practical chemistry investigation. You should have kept a record of work in your day book as this will form the basis of your project–report. This record should include details of your research, experiments and recorded data. Typically this may include a series of related experiments using at least two different techniques. The project–report submitted to SQA must have a logical structure and must be clear, concise and easy to read. The project–report should be written in the past tense and impersonal voice.

The project–report should be between 2000 and 3000 words in length excluding the title page, contents page, tables, graphs, diagrams, calculations, references, acknowledgements and any appendices. The word count should be submitted with the project– report. If the word count exceeds the maximum by 10%, a penalty will be applied. It should be written in the past tense and the impersonal voice should be used. The following table shows how the 30 marks are allocated to each of the categories against which the evidence will be assessed.

Allocation of marks Abstract 1 mark Introduction 4 marks Procedures 9 marks Results 6 marks Discussion, Conclusion and Evaluation 8 marks Presentation 2 marks Total 30 marks

Abstract- 1 mark This should immediately follow the contents page and come before the introduction. It should be on its own page The abstract should be a summary stating the overall aims and findings (summary of results) of the project. The overall findings must relate to the aim(s) of the project and must be consistent with the conclusion at the end.

Introduction- 4 marks This should be on a new page following the abstract. This should detail the background chemistry of your project including: Formulae Balanced chemical equations Structural formulae Redox equations This should be in your own words and include at least three in-text references. (4 marks are awarded holistically) AH Project WWHS CB 2015

Procedures- 9 marks Appropriate to aim(s) i.e. do the procedures allow the aim(s) to be achieved. (1 mark) Descriptions of methods must allow them to be repeated exactly detailing all apparatus, chemicals, concentrations, temperatures and quantities. Include labelled diagrams if appropriate. This should not be in bullet point instructions. (2 marks) If any modifications are made (ie. Change in solvent or concentration) explain why by including results before and after the modification. (2 marks max) AH Project WWHS CB 2015

Procedures cont.- 9 marks To increase the reliability of your results, repeat the experiments with fresh samples to obtain duplicate results. (1 mark) Accuracy is important and measurements should be taken to the number of decimal places appropriate for the apparatus. (1 mark) Risk assessment: Show that you have taken appropriate safety measures and that you are aware of the hazards associated with the chemicals and procedures in your project. Describe what you have done to minimise these risks. (2 marks)

Results- 6 marks Results should be relevant to the aims of your project. (1 mark) Present results (raw and processed data) in a clear and concise manner using tables, graphs, diagrams and calculations as appropriate. These should be clearly laid out and have correct headings, axes, label and units. (4 marks) Observations are detailed and suitably recorded. Include descriptions of colour changes, precipitates forming, changes/shapes of crystals, redissolving, melting points, yield/percentage yield etc.(1 mark)

Discussion- 8 marks You must write an overall conclusion and evaluation at the end of your report. Conclusion must be valid from the results and relate the aim(s). (1 mark) Evaluation should include positives from your project and areas for improvement.

Discussion cont.- 8 marks Evaluation of procedures includes as appropriate: Accuracy of measurement e.g. glassware used. Adequacy of replication/sampling. Adequacy of controls. Sources of uncertainties in relation to measurements. Include suggestions of modifications and/or improvements to procedures which might have given better results. (3 marks)

Discussion cont.- 8 marks Evaluation of results includes as appropriate: Analysis and interpretation of results, were they as expected? Can you compare your results to possible theoretical results? Account of uncertainties described and consideration of uncertainties on outcome, include uncertainty calculation if you wish. Discuss any further work you would have liked to carry out given more time. (3 marks) Marker will consider all of this section before awarding marks. Overall quality of report. (1 mark)

Presentation- 2 marks Appropriate structure, including informative title, contents page and page numbers. (1 mark) References cited in the text and references listed in standard form (3 min.) and acknowledgements, where appropriate (1 mark)

Referencing Referencing When citing a reference in the text, the author's surname and the year of publication should be given, as in the exemplar below: The reduced form of indigo is soluble and colourless while the oxidised form is insoluble and blue (Brown et al., 2001). References may include books, journals/periodicals and websites and should be listed near the end of the project–report. Note that it must not be the same book/website referred to on two or three occasions even if the reference is to different page numbers. • This website helps you with your referencing http://www.qub.ac.uk/cite2write/vancouver3b.html