Writing Up A Scientific Experiment

1. We write up an experiment in Science using something called the 'Scientific Method'. Look at the lists below and choose the list that has all the headings for a Scientific write up in the correct order.

Aim, title, hypothesis, method, equipment, conclusion, results

Title, aim, hypothesis, equipment, method, results, conclusion

Hypothesis, equipment, method, results, conclusion

The correct answer is "title, aim, hypothesis, equipment, method, results, conclusion." In a scientific write-up, the title is the first thing mentioned, followed by stating the aim of the experiment. Then, the hypothesis is presented, which is followed by listing the equipment used and the method followed. The results obtained from the experiment are then discussed, leading to the conclusion. This order ensures a logical flow of information and allows readers to understand the experiment and its outcomes effectively.

Explanation

The correct answer is "title, aim, hypothesis, equipment, method, results, conclusion." In a scientific write-up, the title is the first thing mentioned, followed by stating the aim of the experiment. Then, the hypothesis is presented, which is followed by listing the equipment used and the method followed. The results obtained from the experiment are then discussed, leading to the conclusion. This order ensures a logical flow of information and allows readers to understand the experiment and its outcomes effectively.

2. An educated guess in a Scientific write up is called the ________________.

In a scientific write-up, an educated guess is referred to as a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a tentative explanation or prediction that is based on prior knowledge and observations. It is an essential part of the scientific method as it helps guide the research and experimentation process. Scientists use hypotheses to form logical predictions and design experiments to test their validity. The word "hypothesis" accurately describes the concept of an educated guess in a scientific context.

Explanation

In a scientific write-up, an educated guess is referred to as a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a tentative explanation or prediction that is based on prior knowledge and observations. It is an essential part of the scientific method as it helps guide the research and experimentation process. Scientists use hypotheses to form logical predictions and design experiments to test their validity. The word "hypothesis" accurately describes the concept of an educated guess in a scientific context.

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3. Here is a part of the instructions you are given BEFORE you do an experiment:

1. Place filter paper inside funnel
2. Attach funnel to clamp stand using clamp
3. Place beaker under funnel
4. Pour water sample slowly into funnel (do not let it rise further than 1/3 of the way up the filter paper)
5. When all of the sample is filtered dry the filter paper and any solids for 24 hours
6. Weigh the filter paper and solids
7. Weigh an unused filter paper and calculate the weight of the solids you collected

____________________________________________________________________________

Which statement below is true about these instructions?

The instructions are written in PAST TENSE: this means that they are written as though we have already done them

The correct answer is that the instructions are written in PRESENT TENSE: this means they are written as though we are doing them right this second. This is evident from the use of present tense verbs such as "place," "attach," "pour," and "weigh," indicating that these actions are to be performed in the present moment.

Explanation

The correct answer is that the instructions are written in PRESENT TENSE: this means they are written as though we are doing them right this second. This is evident from the use of present tense verbs such as "place," "attach," "pour," and "weigh," indicating that these actions are to be performed in the present moment.

4. Here is a part of the write up from the experiment in Question 3. It is our write up of the 'Method' section of the experiment. We wrote it after we had done the experiment:
___________________________________________________________________________
METHOD:

First we placed a piece of filter paper inside a funnel. Then we attached the funnel to the clamp stand using a clamp. We put a beaker under the funnel and very slowly poured the water sample through the filter paper in the funnel.

____________________________________________________________________________

Which statement is true about our method write up?

The instructions are written in PAST TENSE: this means that they are written as though we have already done them

The correct answer is that the instructions are written in PAST TENSE, indicating that they have already been done. This is evident from the use of past tense verbs such as "placed," "attached," and "poured."

Explanation

The correct answer is that the instructions are written in PAST TENSE, indicating that they have already been done. This is evident from the use of past tense verbs such as "placed," "attached," and "poured."

5. Which of these is the BEST aim for the experiment in Question 3?

To determine the weight of water samples

To determine the amount of solid in the water samples provided

To determine the amount of pure water in water samples provided

The aim of the experiment is to determine the amount of solid in the water samples provided. This means that the main goal is to quantify the quantity of solid substances present in the water samples. By doing so, the experiment aims to provide information about the level of impurities or contaminants in the water, which is crucial for assessing its quality and suitability for various purposes.

Explanation

The aim of the experiment is to determine the amount of solid in the water samples provided. This means that the main goal is to quantify the quantity of solid substances present in the water samples. By doing so, the experiment aims to provide information about the level of impurities or contaminants in the water, which is crucial for assessing its quality and suitability for various purposes.

6. Here are some results from the experiment in Question 3:

sample          weight of solids removed

   A                       1.5g

   B                       2.8g

   C                       0.15g

Which statement below is a RESULT rather than a conclusion?

Sample B contained the most solid matter

Sample C contained 0.15g of solid matter

Sample A contained 10 times as much solid matter as sample C; it may have come from a muddier river.

The statement "Sample C contained 0.15g of solid matter" is a result because it provides a specific measurement of the weight of solids removed from Sample C. It is a direct observation from the experiment without any interpretation or inference.

Explanation

The statement "Sample C contained 0.15g of solid matter" is a result because it provides a specific measurement of the weight of solids removed from Sample C. It is a direct observation from the experiment without any interpretation or inference.

7. Which of the following is true when we are drawing a diagram of Scientific equipment as part of our write up? (There may be more than one answer here)

The pieces of equipment should look exactly as they do in real life

The pieces of equipment are 'stylised' (drawn simpler than in real life), and a ruler is used for straight edges

We should use sketched lines rather than strong solid lines in our diagrams

We should include a title for the set up and labels for each piece of equipment

When drawing a diagram of scientific equipment as part of a write-up, it is true that the pieces of equipment should be 'stylised' or drawn simpler than in real life. This is done to make the diagram clearer and easier to understand. Additionally, a ruler should be used for straight edges to ensure accuracy in the drawing. It is also important to include a title for the setup and labels for each piece of equipment to provide clear identification and context.

Explanation

When drawing a diagram of scientific equipment as part of a write-up, it is true that the pieces of equipment should be 'stylised' or drawn simpler than in real life. This is done to make the diagram clearer and easier to understand. Additionally, a ruler should be used for straight edges to ensure accuracy in the drawing. It is also important to include a title for the setup and labels for each piece of equipment to provide clear identification and context.

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8. When we use GRAPHS in our write ups, which of the following MUST BE TRUE (there may be more than one answer).

There is a title that clearly tells us what the graph shows

The units used for any measurements must be clearly indicated on one of the axes

Lines don't need to be ruled

Points we have drawn for a line graph must be connected by RULED lines

If a pie graph shows percentages, they should add up to 100%

When using graphs in our write-ups, it is important that there is a title that clearly indicates what the graph is showing. This helps the reader understand the purpose of the graph. Additionally, the units used for any measurements should be clearly indicated on one of the axes. This ensures that the data presented in the graph is easily interpreted and understood. For line graphs, the points that have been drawn should be connected by ruled lines, providing a clear visual representation of the data. Lastly, if a pie graph is displaying percentages, they should add up to 100% to accurately represent the whole.

Explanation

When using graphs in our write-ups, it is important that there is a title that clearly indicates what the graph is showing. This helps the reader understand the purpose of the graph. Additionally, the units used for any measurements should be clearly indicated on one of the axes. This ensures that the data presented in the graph is easily interpreted and understood. For line graphs, the points that have been drawn should be connected by ruled lines, providing a clear visual representation of the data. Lastly, if a pie graph is displaying percentages, they should add up to 100% to accurately represent the whole.

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9. Which of the following might you put under the heading RESULTS in your write up? (There may be more than one answer)

Results table

Graphs: line graphs, bar graphs or pie graphs

Diagrams showing observations

Conclusions about what your results could mean

The heading "RESULTS" in a write-up typically includes a summary of the data collected and analyzed during the study. This can be presented in various formats such as a results table, which provides a concise overview of the numerical data obtained. Additionally, graphs like line graphs, bar graphs, or pie graphs are often used to visually represent the data and make it easier to interpret trends or patterns. Diagrams showing observations can also be included under the heading "RESULTS" if they provide visual representations of the data or help illustrate the findings. Finally, conclusions about what the results could mean are also relevant to include in this section as they provide an interpretation and analysis of the data presented.

Explanation

The heading "RESULTS" in a write-up typically includes a summary of the data collected and analyzed during the study. This can be presented in various formats such as a results table, which provides a concise overview of the numerical data obtained. Additionally, graphs like line graphs, bar graphs, or pie graphs are often used to visually represent the data and make it easier to interpret trends or patterns. Diagrams showing observations can also be included under the heading "RESULTS" if they provide visual representations of the data or help illustrate the findings. Finally, conclusions about what the results could mean are also relevant to include in this section as they provide an interpretation and analysis of the data presented.

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10. Which of the following conclusions has NO MISTAKES in it? (This means no mistakes in grammar, punctuation or spelling.)

We found that, on average, 40% of the cheek cells on a slide had burst.

A: The second sentence does not have a capital letter at the beginning

B: using the word 'discovering' is grammatically incorrect - it should be the work 'discovered'

C: The word 'there' in this sentence is incorrectly spelled. When we are talking about something that belongs to someone we need to spell the work 'their'

Explanation

A: The second sentence does not have a capital letter at the beginning

B: using the word 'discovering' is grammatically incorrect - it should be the work 'discovered'

C: The word 'there' in this sentence is incorrectly spelled. When we are talking about something that belongs to someone we need to spell the work 'their'