Name:

PRACTICAL TITLE:

Key to marking
√=area completed to sufficient standard
· =partial-area attempted but some elements missing or not completed to a sufficient standard
×=not attempted or attempt made not relevant to criteria

Exploration
Aspects
Levels Defining the problems and Controlling variables Developing a method for
selecting variables collection of data
Title clearly identifies Apparatus & materials listed Preliminary evidence or
investigation focus including sizes, uncertainties, observations included
RQ: quantities and units Describes a method that allows
Relevant & fully focused Reasoning for chosen apparatus for collection of sufficient relevant
Identifies IV and DV Clear diagram or equivalent data
Includes what is being Describes a method that allows  Method would work in
measured and how it’s for control and measurement of practice
measured* variables:  At least 5 values for IV
Tissue/organism identified  IV  5 repeats
 DV Allows a third party to repeat
Selects the relevant IV & DV  CV1 procedure
Complete
IV, DV and CVs are clearly  CV2  Concentrations
(5-6)
specified  CV3  Uncertainties of
Selects relevant CVs  CV4 instruments
 IV must be directly measured
 Describes procedure that is:
  Safe
  Ethical
RQ accompanied by  Environmental sound
referenced background
information
If present, hypothesis
explained
Formulates RQ that is not fully Methodology mainly Develops a method that allows
focussed appropriate to address RQ and for the collection of most relevant
Partial IV, DV and CVs identified but considers most relevant variables data
(3-4) limited
Background info mainly
appropriate
Formulates RQ that is not fully Methodology superficially Develops a method that allows
focussed addresses the RQ and fails to for the collection of insufficient
Partial
IV, DV and CVs are of limited control the variables relevant data
(1-2)
relevance to the investigation
Background info is superficial
Not at all Does not meet the standards Does not meet the standards Does not meet the standards
(0) listed above listed above listed above
*DV must be testable and must identify what data will be recorded (e.g. for factors effecting rate of photosynthesis, DV=
how rate of photosynthesis will be measured rather than simply stating that DV=’rate of photosynthesis’)

Analysis
Aspects
Levels Recording raw data* Processing raw data Presenting & interpreting
processed data
Records all RAW data Appropriate statistical analysis of Correct graph for data
(quantitative and qualitative) raw data Clear, unambiguous titles for
 Appropriate units  Mean (Consistent tables/graphs
 Uncertainties decimals) Proper scientific conventions for
 Consistent &  Range/SD calculated graphs:
appropriate decimal  Accuracy relevant to that  Axes labelled
places of equipment*  Units with uncertainties
Tables have ruled lines  Other relevant statistical  Accurate plotting
Complete
Tables are efficient, logical analysis  Line/curve of best fit
(5-6)
and easy to follow Explanation of statistical analysis  Easy to interpret
 Choice of all analysis Error bars (max and min)
justified showing SD with a key
 Method explained Significance of SD values
including formulae** Accurate interpretation of data
 Removal of anomalies
explained and justified

Relevant but incomplete raw Appropriate data processing Presentation of processed data
Partial
data with some inaccuracies or is appropriately, but with some
(3-4)
inconsistencies mistakes and/or omissions
Partial Includes insufficient relevant Basic data processing carried out Limited evidence of the above
(1-2) raw data that is inaccurate or limited
Does not meet the standards No processing of quantitative Presents processed data
Not at all
listed above raw data is carried out or major inappropriately or
(0)
mistakes/omissions in processing incomprehensibly

Evaluation
Aspects
Levels
Concluding Evaluating procedure(s) Improving the investigation
Complete Conclusions clearly and Comments on reliability of State realistic suggestions to
(5-6) unambiguously stated and results (ref. Error bars) improve identified limitations:
address the research question Identifies any anomalous results  Repeats ameliorate the
Gives qualitative relationship and possible explanations effect of anomalies
between IV and DV At least 5 limitations of  More accurate
Identifies trends in the data procedure including: equipment/methods
Gives a valid conclusion  Process detailed
Explanation of findings  Equipment Improvements match identified
Comparison with referenced  Time errors and limitations
literature*** Discusses Improvements specific and
  Control of other variables realistic
 Data quantity and quality Further work suggested
 Instrument uncertainties
 Data processing
Evaluates significance of each
error/limitation
Relevant conclusion described Awareness of methodological Described realistic suggestion for
Partial
but not justified in the context of issues described improvement showing awareness
(3-4)
relevant science of methodological issues
States a conclusion basaed on Awareness of methodological Few realistic suggestions for
Partial
a reasonable interpretation of issues restricted to practical issues improvement
(1-2)
the data faced
States no conclusion or the Does not meet the criteria listed Suggests unrealistic
Not at all conclusion is based on an above improvements
(0) unreasonable interpretation of
the data

Communication
Levels Aspect
Clear, easy to read and follow throughout whole report
Pages are numbered and each section is clearly headed
Complete
All sections are relevant and concise
(3-4)
Subject specific terminology is appropriate and correct
Errors do not hamper understanding
Partial Presentation is unclear, poor structure, unclear focus and errors in scientific terminology make it difficult
(1-2) to understand portions of the report
Not at all Does not meet the criteria listed above
(0)

Personal Engagement
Levels Aspect
Research clearly shows personal engagement with chosen topic
Demonstrates clear evidence of:
 Independent thinking
 Initiative
 Originality
 Insight
Justification for choice of investigation show by:
Complete
 Reasoning for interest/focus of study
(2)
 Preliminary investigation/observations
 Curiosity
Evidence of personal input into:
 Design
 Implementation
 Presentation
 Suggestion for further work
Partial Evidence of personal engagement is limited with little of the above shown. Personal significance of the
 research question is not clear and there is little evidence of personal input into each aspect of the
(1)
investigation
Not at all Student’s report does not reach the standard listed above
(0)

Key to common abbreviations

Notes
*For example, if a balance weight to 2DP all weights should be reported to 2DP even if the number reported is 2.00
** Explanation of statistical method should include both the formula and a worked example. An excel formula or internet
reference is appropriate if properly justified
***What you have found must be compared to published literature. Primary literature is preferred, but secondary
literature is acceptable, e.g. a recent textbook or credible internet resource. Not Wikipedia or Answers.com