UNIT 1 BIOLOGY UNIT 1 EXAM - COMPLETE

Reflection

Planning First-Hand Investigations UNIT 1 BIOLOGY Planning First-Hand Investigations

Factors in a Controlled Experiment Remember: S-V-R (Some Vital Regulations) Two Set ups are made: The experimental set up and the control set up (to compare to). All Variables between the two set ups are controlled except one (experimental/independent variable). And finally, Repeats of the experiment.

Why TWO set-ups? This ensures that any result obtained are the result of the variable being tested, and are not caused by some other random factor.

UNIT 1 BIOLOGY Experimental Design

1. Observe Make an observation about something.

2. Question Ask a question or questions about the observation.

3. Formulate a Hypothesis A hypothesis is a possible explanation for an observation, an educated guess to account for what is observed. A good hypothesis is testable by experimentation. “If…then...” statement

Testing your Hypothesis When a hypothesis is tested under controlled conditions, the experimental results either support or disprove the hypothesis.

4. Design an Experiment Write a step-by-step account of how you will proceed.

5. Controlling Variables It is essential that one variable at a time is manipulated.

What Variables? Independent variable (change) Dependent variable (measure) Controlled variables (same)

Variables Practice 1… Two groups of fifth graders were tested to compare their speed solving long division problems. One group had calculators, the other didn’t. What is the independent variable? What is the dependent variable? What are the controlled variables?

Variables Practice 2… Students of different grades were given the same jigsaw puzzle to assemble. The time they took to assemble it was measured. What is the independent variable? What is the dependent variable? What are the controlled variables?

6. Carry out Experiment Follow each step of the procedure you have developed.

7. Recording Data Record all relevant data as you go, including measurements and/or observations.

8. Summarising Results Data analysis and writing a summary statement. Attempt to explain any unexpected results.

9. Evaluation Outline strengths and weaknesses of your experimental design, then describe any improvements.

10. Conclusion Make a concluding statement about your results in relation to the hypothesis you set out to test. Did your results support the hypothesis?

UNIT 1 BIOLOGY Writing Reports

Scientific Poster Outline

Biozone 25: Investigating Plant Survival in the Lab 28: Structure of a Report