IB DP Bio Lab cover sheet

Stephen Taylor (i-‐biology.net) modified by Chris Paine (bioknowledgy.wikispaces.com)

Internal Assessment Coversheet Session: Student Name: SL/HL Candidate Number:

Investigation title:

Syllabus topic(s):

Teacher’s Instructions and help given:

Candidate declaration: “I confirm that this work is my own work and is the final version. I have acknowledged each use of the words or ideas of another person, whether written, oral or visual.”

Signed: Date:

Type your name on the line above.

Teacher’s Feedback:

Design Data Collection and Processing Conclusion and Evaluation


Design

Complete / 2 Partial / 1 Not at all / 0

A S P E C T

Define problem & select variables

Formulates a focused problem/ research question and identifies the relevant

variables.

Formulates a problem/research question

that is incomplete or identifies only some relevant variables.

Does not identify a problem/ research question AND does not identify any relevant

variables.

Controlling variables

Designs a method for the effective control of the

variables.

Designs a method that makes some attempt to control the

variables.

Designs a method that does not control the variables.

Developing a method for collection of

data

Develops a method that allows for the collection of sufficient

relevant data.

Develops a method that allows for the collection of

insufficient relevant data.

Develops a method that does not allow for any relevant data

to be collected.

Marking Checklist: C = complete & correct P = incomplete N = incorrect or not attempted

Design

Aspect 1: Define the problem and select the variables D1.1 Research Question or Aim clearly stated D1.5 If a hypothesis is very helpful:

□ It is quantitative □ A sketch graph is included, with

explanation □ Prediction is explained using

scientific theory □ Sources are cited

D1.2 IV correctly identified with units/ range D1.3 DV (as directly recorded) correctly identified

with units. Statement made if further calculations need to be performed on DV.

D1.4 Include background to investigation and/or refer to preliminary investigations.

D1.6 Important control variables identified and presented as table.

Aspect 2: Controlling variables D2.1 Method to manipulate IV, including specific

details of range or increments D2.5 Discuss the likely impact of each control

variable.

D2.2 Method for recording results, including units and uncertainty of tools (± ____ )

D2.6 Potential impact of each variable on results has been addressed.

D2.3 List of apparatus including sizes and uncertainty. Better add an annotated photo or diagram of equipment or experimental set-‐up.

D2.7 Specific method to keep each controlled variable constant has been explained clearly. This includes values of each controlled variable and equipment used to ensure or measure these values.

D2.4 Full citation of published protocol, if used (or elements thereof)

Aspect 3: Developing a method for collection of sufficient relevant data (D3.5 – D3.7 only considered if DCP not marked) D3.1 Min. 5 increments (or 2 if comparing

means) over a suitable range for the IV (unless comparing populations)

D3.5 Choice of data presentation method (chart or graph type) stated and explained.

D3.2 Min. 5 repeats (or 10 if comparing means) at each increment to ensure reliability and allow for stats.

D3.6 Explain how raw data will be transformed into processed data for comparison/ plotting

D3.3 Range of IV stated and explanation of how this range was chosen (refer D1.4).

D3.7 Choice of statistical test stated and explained.

D3.4 Method clearly, specific and easily replicated by the reader, if desired.

D3.8 Safety/ ethics concerns addressed, including animal experimentation policy.


Data Collection and Processing


A S P E C T

Recording raw data

Records appropriate quantitative data and

associated qualitative raw data, including units and

uncertainties where relevant.

Records appropriate quantitative and associated qualitative raw data, but with some mistakes or omissions.

Does not record any appropriate quantitative raw

data OR raw data is incomprehensible.

Processing raw data

Processes the quantitative raw data correctly.

Processes quantitative raw data, but with some mistakes

and/ or omissions.

No processing of raw data is carried out OR major mistakes

are made in processing.

Presenting processed

data

Presents processed data appropriately and, where

relevant, includes errors and uncertainties.

Presents processed data appropriately, but with some mistakes and/or omissions.

Presents processed data inappropriately OR incomprehensibly.

Data Co

llection an

d Processing

Aspect 1: Recording Raw Data DCP1.1 Most labs provide opportunities for

Associated qualitative data (observations). DCP1.5 Decimal points consistent throughout

DCP1.2 Units of IV and DV present and correct. Absent or incorrect leads to zero awarded.

DCP1.6 Decimal points consistent with precision of the measuring equipment

DCP1.3 Uncertainties correct (± __ ) DCP1.7 Raw data clearly distinguished from processed data (possibly separate table)

DCP1.4 All data are recorded correctly and honestly

Aspect 2: Processing Raw Data DCP2.1 Calculations to determine DV carried out, if

necessary DCP2.5 Standard deviations included where

appropriate, to appropriate decimal places

DCP2.2 Calculations or statistical tests appropriate to investigation and address RQ

DCP2.6 Uncertainties adjusted/removed to reflect any calculations carried out.

DCP2.3 Mathematics correctly applied DCP2.7 Processed data (and decimal places) consistent with precision of recorded data

DCP2.4 Formula (or excel equivalent) stated. Better worked examples given.

Aspect 3: Presenting Processed Data DCP3.1 Titles self-‐explanatory and complete DCP3.7 Error bars included, unless insignificant DCP3.2 Consistent decimal places DCP3.8 Error bar source (e.g. standard deviation)

stated and s.d. data are correct

DCP3.3 Uncertainties/ errors included DCP3.9 Appropriate best-‐fit curve should be present unless comparing means

DCP3.4 Appropriate choice of graph DCP3.10 Tables & graphs do not break across pages DCP3.5 Axes labeled clearly, including metric/ SI

units and uncertainties of values DCP3.11 Effective use of space leads to clarity of

presentation

DCP3.6 Axes scaled appropriately DCP3.12 Graphs clear, colouring appropriate


Conclusion and Evaluation


A S P E C T

Concluding

States a conclusion with justification, based on

reasonable interpretation of the data.

States a conclusion based on a reasonable interpretation of

the data.

States no conclusion OR the conclusion is based on an

unreasonable interpretation of the data.

Evaluating procedures

Evaluates weaknesses and limitations.

Identifies some weaknesses and limitations, but the

evaluation is weak or missing.

Identifies irrelevant weaknesses and limitations.

Improving the investigation

Suggests realistic improvements in respect of identified weaknesses and

limitations.

Suggests only superficial improvements.

Suggests unrealistic improvements.

Conclusion

and

Evaluation

Aspect 1: Concluding CE1.1 Patterns and trends in data stated, with

reference to the graph/ tables. CE1.5 Associated qualitative data add value to

explanations.

CE1.2 Comparisons made within the dataset. How does the variation at one point compare with others? If present anomalous data identified and impact assessed.

CE1.6 Appropriate language used “Supports my hypothesis” (not ‘proves’ or ‘is correct’)

CE1.7 Data related to hypothesis or RQ, the level of support does the hypothesis have; strong, weak, no support, or inconclusive?

CE1.3 Comparison with published data and theoretical texts, if possible.

CE1.8 Suggestions for further investigation stated.

CE1.4 Scientific explanation for results, with justification

CE1.9 Sources cited appropriately

Aspect 2: Evaluating procedures (All of the following evaluated in terms of possible effect on data and magnitude of error. Could be clearly presented as a table.) CE2.1 Reference to error bars (or STDEV) with

regard to variability of results and validity of conclusions. Do you need to repeat the measurements or increase sample size? This maybe covered in the conclusion.

CE2.4 Associated qualitative data referred to where appropriate.

CE2.5 Random biological variation

CE2.2 Analysis of appropriateness of the range/increments of IV values with regard to the aim/ RQ. This maybe covered in the conclusion.

CE2.6 Measurement/ instrument errors

CE2.7 Systematic errors (problems with method)

CE2.3 Analysis of sufficiency of data, is the way the DV is measured producing results or does it need to be changed?

CE2.8 All other limitations relevant to the investigation

Time management or human error may be mentioned, though these are not scientific errors – they should be eliminated with effective Manipulative Skills. The focus here should be on the investigation.

Aspect 3: Improving the investigation Improvements for the limitations or sources of error above: CE3.1 Are the improvements appropriate and

related to the RQ/Hypothesis CE3.3 Are specific (e.g. equipment named) and clearly

explained

CE3.2 Addresses all the areas of weakness identified in aspect 2

CE3.4 Are cited where improvements relate to published protocols or techniques

Documents

IB DP Bio Lab cover sheet