1. Generalized Report Format
Framing the Investigation
Background Info, Question, Hypothesis
Designing the Investigation
Variables, Materials, Procedure
Collecting and Presenting Data
Data Tables and Observations, Graphs
Analyzing and Interpreting Results
Data Analysis, Conclusions, Error Analysis

2. Background Information
What is the main reason or purpose for doing this investigation? Introduce and summarize the task. Think of how you’ll be able to relate your conclusion to this.
What information should the reader know to gain a better understanding of the topic? Think about different Earth surfaces, why they’re different, and why that’s important.
What information or previous experiences do you already know about your topic that will help you make your hypothesis?
What other information could you look up to help explain your hypothesis? (But don’t make it irrelevant)
Can you relate this experiment to the real world or in-class discussions?

3. Research Question
Clear enough to picture what you’re going to do. Don’t make the reader say “what do you mean by that?”
Formatting Examples:
How does _ (MV)_ affect the _(RV)_?
What is the effect of _ (MV)_ on the
_(RV)_?
How are ____ affected by ____?

4. Hypothesis If . . . then . . . because . . .” format.
If sand and water are heated for 15 minutes with a lamp, and then allowed to cool for 15 minutes with no lamp, then I think that the
I think that because . . .
The “because” should relate to your Background Information.

5. Procedure Watch teacher demonstration of setup.
You will be collaborating with your table members, but writing your own individual inquiry.
Refer to “Scientific Inquiry Checklist” for guidance on what to include.

6. Designing the Investigation
Every group member must have a rough draft of the procedure and a data table before starting to collect.
Includes:
Variables: comprehensive discussion of MV, RV, CVs and how to control them.
Materials: detailed and bulleted list
Procedure: step by step numbered directions with diagrams