1. Research questions to Procedures
Lab reports

2. Research Questions SHOULD BE WRITTEN IN THE FORM OF A QUESTION
dON’T FORGET THE QUESTION MARK
sHOULD INCLUDE BOTH THE INDEPENDENT AND DEPENDENT VARIABLES
‘hOW DOES x AFFECT Y?’
shOULD BE BASED ON OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH

3. vARIABLES dependent variable
The variable that is being measured in the experiment
Always include units and how it is measured
Independent Variable
The variable that is being changed in the experiment
Always include units and a list / Range of the independent variable

4. vARIABLES Control Variables
The variables that stay the same throughout the experiment BECAUSE Changing these variables could impact the data collected.
These are generally measurable. To be considered a control variable, you must measure these and work to keep these measures constant throughout the experiment.
For each control variable, include the ‘amount’ or level of control and units as well as why it is controlled.
How it is controlled belongs in the procedure.

5. vARIABLES Experimental Control or control group
Group of things in an experiment that is NOT EXPOSED TO THE INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

6. Identify the independent and dependent Variables
How does the amount of television watched affect attention?
How do carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere affect global temperature?
How do different brands of fertilizer affect pea plant growth?

7. hYPOTHESIS nEEDS TO INCLUDE BOTH A PREDICTION AND A REASON
pREDICTION MAY BE IN IF/THEN FORMAT OR WRITTEN AS A DIRECT STATEMENT
gENERALLY 1 SENTENCE LONG
rEASON SHOULD BE BASED ON SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH / OBSERVATION
bRIEF SYNOPSIS OF THE BACKGOUND RESEARCH

8. wRITE A HYPOTHESIS
How does the amount of television watched affect attention?
How do carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere affect global temperature?
How do different brands of fertilizer affect pea plant growth?

9. bACKGROUND iNFORMATION
A brief essay near the beginning of a lab that is used to help put the research question into perspective
Background information may also be used to help form an appropriate research question and choose appropriate variables
Should give any background scientific theory related to the research question
Scientific words should be explained / defined so that understanding is clear
Should attempt to answer the research question being asked / related back to the hypothesis
Usually 2-3 paragraphs in length

10. Scientific Research
Scientific research should be conducted using a variety of sources
Data bases and books are best
Avoid blind google searches
The library offers access to online databases, but there is also a link to other options on the moodle page
In text citations and a bibliography must be used to properly cite all ideas and images that are not your own
MLA Format should be used for these
You may use EasyBib for this, but are certainly not required to

11. Materials
A list of all materials that will be used to complete the ENTIRE experiment (NOT JUST 1 TRIAL)
pUT INTO A LIST FORMAT (SENTENCES ARE NOT NEEDED)
bULLET POINTS ARE FINE, BUT do not number the items
Give specific information about all items in the list
Include the quantity or ’amount’ of each item
Include the size of items (such as glassware)
Include brands of items when possible
You may choose to include uncertainty of materials in this section as well

12. Procedure
A detailed description of all steps that are undertaken to successfully complete the lab
This should be repeatable by someone who is not familiar with your lab
sHOULD BE WRITTEN IN A NUMBERED LIST (IN COMPLETE SENTENCES)
Must include specific language
Include how all control variables are controlled
Include how all materials are used
iNCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF HOW MUCH DATA IS COLLECTED AND WHY

13. sAFETY
A DESCRIPTION OF ALL THINGS THAT WERE DONE TO MAKE THE PROCEDURE SAFE
yOU SHOULD CONSIDER PERSONAL SAFETY, ETHICS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
wHAT SAFETY EQUIPMENT WAS USED? wHAT STEPS WERE TAKEN TO MAINTAIN SAFETY?
What are some concerns of the chemicals used? hOW WERE ITEMS DISPOSED OF?
aRE THERE ANY ETHICAL CONCERNS? Were living creatures used at all?
tHIS CAN BE IMBEDDED IN THE PROCEDURE OR CAN BE A SEPARATE SECTION WRITTEN AS A PARAGRAPh