Mark Schemes Practice Exploration (formerly Design) Honors Physical Science

Exploration

Exploration includes… 1. An introduction to your investigation. 2. Materials/Method portion of your investigation Possible section headings in Exploration include: – Variables – Materials – Diagram of experiment – Method – Safety

1. Introduction To write your introduction, you must first do these things: A. Define the problem – EX: Question – How does the chew time affect the bubble size? B. Select variables – EX: IV - type of bubble gum, DV – bubble size, CV - time chewing, person blowing bubble, method of measuring, etc. C. Conduct background research on topic D. Personal significance statement**

Helpful Hints: Introduction This section tells the reader why you did the experiment. Include background information that suggest why the topic is of interest and related findings. It should contain the following: – Descriptions of the nature of the problem and summaries of relevant research to provide context and key terms so your reader can understand the experiment. – A statement of the purpose, scope, and general method of investigation in your study. Express the central question you are asking. – Descriptions of your experiement, hypothesis(es), research questions. Explain what you are proposing for certain obervations.

2: Materials/Methods Include list of materials Sometimes a photograph is helpful List steps of method/procedure Plan should have a trial run and repeats until consistent results are obtained (3 trials) Be clear and concise, making sure someone could repeat it Include diagrams of set up as needed

Helpful Hints: Materials/Methods This section should describe all experimental procedures in enough detail so that someone else could repeat the experiment. Some guidelines to follow: Explain the general type of scientific procedure you used to study the problem. Describe what materials, subjects, and equipment you used (Materials). Explain the steps you took in your experiment and how did you proceed (Methods). Mathematical equations and statistical tests should be described.

Prompt Investigate some physical property of a bouncy ball. 1. Create your own exploration. 2. Analyze your exploration using rubric and checklist 3. Analyze your partner’s exploration 4. Reflect on the process, strengths and weaknesses

1. Create your exploration Research Question / Identify variables – Independent – Dependent – Controlled Control Variables – Manipulate independent variable – Attempt to maintain the controlled variables Method for collection of data – Collect sufficient amount of data – Trial run and repeats until consistent results are obtained

2. Analyze YOUR Exploration by using the checklist Take 5 minutes or so and read over your Exploration. Make sure you have included all the listed requirements. Assess your aspects using the checklist and the rubric. “What grade would I earn?”

3. Analyze Partner’s Exploration Trade with the partner (See Board) Analyze using the checklist and rubric. Assign a grade at the top of the paper – Write the number, 1-6 – Justify using the checklist

4. Reflection Time! Trade with partner to get YOUR Exploration back Look at feedback – agree or disagree? No hard feelings, we’re all new at this : ) Reflection free write: – 1. Which part was my strength? Why? – 2. Which part was my weakness? Why? – 3. How can I improve my current Exploration? – 4. What will I do differently when I create my next Exploration? Hand in your Exploration and Reflection and…

Exploration Checklist __ Focused research question or problem-- may include a clear hypothesis __ Introduction describes current knowledge on topic and provides clear overview of this investigation __ Independent variable (I.V.) & Dependent variable is (D.V.) are identified and quantitative __ Controlled variable(s) is/are identified and justified __ Materials list is provided __ Safety, ethical or environmental considerations are described __ Method describes how the I.V. will be manipulated—should include description of sample sizes, trials & replicates __ Method describes how controlled variables are held constant—needs to be clear and concise

Exploration Checklist cont. __ Describe apparatus & setup and/or provides a diagram/picture with annotations—including materials specific to the investigation __ If applicable, cite reference for standard collection procedure—use CBE/CSE, MLA or APA __ Methods are not written in person-point-of-view __ Method describes how the D.V. will be measured __ Method describes how data will be collected/measured __ Method provides for collection of sufficient data points (5 recommended) __ Method provides for replication of data points (3-5 replicates per data point / consistent results are met)