How to Write a Formal Practical Report

Aim The aim is what you want to find or accomplish (1-2 sentences) Eg, The aim of this experiment is to investigate the top speed of certain remote control cars.

Hypothesis What you think will happen (1-3 sentences) A good hypothesis is written in terms of the independent and dependent variables. Eg, If [I do/change this]-independent variable then [this-dependent variable] will happen. This statement does not need to be correct, it is just what you think will happen.

Hypothesis Practice Write a hypothesis for each of the following purposes. a)To test whether carrot seeds or tomato seeds germinate quicker. b)To test whether sourdough, multigrain or white bread goes mouldy the quickest. c)To test whether Trigg the dog likes dry food or fresh food better.

Hypothesis Practice a)If carrots and tomato seeds are planted at the same time, then carrot seeds will germinate quicker. b)If sourdough, multigrain and white bread are all placed in a moist plastic bag, then multigrain will go mouldy the quickest. c)If Triggs is given a choice of dry food or moist food, then he will eat the moist first.

Materials List all the materials, in dot point form or sentence form, used in the experiment.

Method Explanation of how the experiment was attempted in 3 rd person, i.e. NO “I” “WE”. Try to use complete sentences rather than short statements. Steps taken is acceptable. Try to avoid obvious statements, Eg “turn on the power.”

Results The results is simply stating what you found in a table or graph. No discussions of results, just a brief sentence of what your results are. Eg, Table 1, shows ___________. Independent and dependent variables must be titled and the variables units.

Results Table Must include a description of the table, above the table Easy way is independent variables (with title and units) go in first column, and dependent variables (trials) go in other columns. No units in numerical cells.

Results Graph Must have title, describing the graph below the graph (caption). Independent variable (x-axis) must be labelled with units. Dependent variable (y-axis) must be labelled with units. Different trials must be colour coded with a key or legend. Try to scale your numbers in order, rather then draw dots, on a specific number.

Results Practice Using the results below, draw an appropriate table and graph. Mining Temperatures Mine A Depth surface 300m 700m 1km Temp 15 o C 28 o C 49 o C 62 o C Mine B Depth surface 600m 1.5m 3km Temp 20 o C 25 o C 37 o C 55 o C

Results Practice Mine Depth (m)Temperature ( o C) Mine AMine B Surface Table 1: Temperatures in two different mines at increasing depth.

Discussions The discussion is where you discuss your thoughts and findings on the experiments. Answer any questions. Discuss any problems or errors, or things you would do differently to improve results.

Conclusion The conclusion sums up the report, it directly addresses the aim and hypothesis of the experiment. Eg, did you find what you wanted to find? 3 rd person NO “I” “WE.” 2-4 sentences