1. Discussion Discuss your calculations.
You should be typing numbers in this section and referencing graphs and data tables.
For example: NPP was calculated by subtracting the starting mass from the final mass using the average mass obtained from 4 samples over an 8 day period. Grass A…., Grass B… Because the difference was higher in Grass B that indicates a higher NPP because more biomass was accumulated over the 8 days.
You can discuss the importance of measuring the variables and the purpose of measuring them which most you did but that needs to reference your data specifically.
Background information needs to be included in the PLANNING section of your IA. Yes, you can reference some info again in the discussion but the focus should just be on how and why you calculated the data.
If there was a calculation that you did not take into consideration to test your hypothesis DO NOT INCLUDE THAT DATA.
For example: The covered grass samples represented respiration (R) if you wanted to discuss GPP (NPP + R). Many of you only discussed NPP only but included R calculations in your data table. If you were not going to discuss R in relation to GPP or NPP, it should not have been included.

2. Evaluation Error analysis with VALID improvements.
Human error is tricky. Stay away from this.
Uncertainties need to be noted in your data (see IA Guide)
Miscalculations is NOT a valid limitation because you don’t report data unless it’s correct.
Systematic error
For example: the seeds were small so it was difficult to accurately count each seed before planting which could affect… Not all the soil was removed from the root system which could cause…
Random error
For example: water and sunlight was controlled but temperature which was not controlled may have affected results…too high may have caused…too low may have caused…
You need to have valid improvements to the limitations.
For example: to improve this lab, temperature should be controlled to avoid…More samples from X to rule out…In addition to testing variable X, variable Y should also be tested…..
You cannot say the methods should be different or better equipment.
You cannot say we should have done another IA.

3. Conclusion MUST REFERNCE YOUR INITIAL
SUPPORTED or NOT SUPPORTED based on data
You CANNOT say PROVED, DISPROVED, or NOT PROVEN
You CANNOT change your hypothesis based on your data.
You CANNOT say it SHOULD HAVE BEEN or WOULD HAVE BEEN or COULD HAVE BEEN!! You have to make a conclusion based on the data even if you thought there would be a different outcome. That’s the whole point of an experiment!!!
If you think errors could have caused a change in data, that needs to be noted in the evaluation section.
For example: EVALUATION: before measuring the grass samples, soil was to be removed from the root system to ensure that only the mass of the plant was included in the measurements. However, it was nearly impossible to remove all the soil from the roots without removing a significant portion of plant biomass. Therefore, the mass of the dried samples were skewed in that they contained soil mass as well. This lead to inaccurate mass of samples which would ultimately affect the calculated NPP.

4. Planning Background info Research question/Problem Statement
Hypothesis: If (independent variable), then (dependent variable).
Independent: what is changing (temp, pH, nitrate levels, pollutants, dissolved oxygen levels)
Dependent: what is measured/the outcome (plant growth, species diversity –low, high--)
Hypothesis Explanation: why do you think that will the outcome?? Reference any background research, correlations/relationships, etc.
List all of your variables: independent, dependent, control (what is kept constant: water, temperature, etc. Explain how you are going to control those things, how the measurements will be collected)
You must have a control: group that you leave in normal conditions but also maintaining the integrity as you would the experimental groups
For example: if looking at how pH of water affects plant growth, control needs to be plants given water at a neutral (7) pH that way you can compare how pH changes affect the growth to “normal” conditions

5. Planning ALL materials used
500 mL beaker
100 cm ruler
10 mL Nitrate reagent solution
Test reagent color chart
4 collected soil samples (#1: Mountain Island riverbank, #2:…)
Step by step procedure. Paragraph form or list.
1. Fill 500 mL beaker with water
2. Label beaker X
3. Place nitrate indicator tablet in beaker and stir until completely dissolved
Anyone should be able to recreate your exact experiment

6. Data Labeled data tables Labeled graphs
Axis must be labeled
TITLE: what are you showing me?????
STEP BY STEP SAMPLE CALCULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please use the equation editor and the table generator in Word
If you want to draw tables and calculations by hand, it needs to be clearly scanned and embedded into your IA.
Cam Scanner App…it’s free!!!