Name: ______Lab:______Date: ______
Design: IB assessmentLevels/marks / Aspect 1 / Aspect 2 / Aspect 3
Defining the problem and selecting variables / Controlling variables / Developing a method for collection of data
Complete/2 / Formulates a focused problem/research question and identifies the relevant variables. / Designs a method for the effective control of the variables. / Develops a method that allows for the collection of sufficient relevant data.
Partial/1 / Formulates a problem/research question that is incomplete or identifies only some relevant variables. / Designs a method that makes some attempt to control the variables. / Develops a method that allows for the collection of insufficient relevant data
Not at all/0 / Does not identify a problem/research question and does not identify any relevant variables. / Designs a method that does not control the variables. / Develops a method that does not allow for any relevant data to be collected.
ICT:
___ Data logging (1) ____Graph plotting software (2) ____Spreadsheet (3) ____Database (4) ____Computer model/simulation (5)
Checklist:
____ IA contains an introduction:
- Title, student name & IB number, date, teacher name, one paragraph literature review (citations footnoted)
____ Focused research question or problem—based on the Aim provided by the teacher (D1)
____ Clear hypothesis is stated—not necessary if verifying a known value or outcome is not predictable—If-then format (D1)
____ Independent variable (IV) is identified and quantitative (D1)
____ Dependent variable is (DV) identified and quantitative (D1)
____ Controlled variable(s) is/are identified (D1)
____ List of materials is provided (D2)
____ Safety considerations/procedures are explained (D2)
____ Method describes how the IV will be manipulated (D2)
____ Method describes how controlled variables are held constant—needs to be clear and concise (D2)
____ Describe apparatus & setup and/or provides a diagram/picture with annotations (D2)
- Identify volumes of tubes, concentrations of solutions and other pertinent descriptors
____ If applicable, cite reference for standard collection procedure—use CBE/CSE, MLA or APA (D2)
____ Methods are not written in person-point-of-view (D2)
____ Method describes how data will be collected/measured (D3)
____ Method provides for collection of sufficient data points (5 recommended) (D3)
____ Method provides for replication of data points (3-5 replicates per data point / consistent results are met) (D3)
Data Collection & Processing: IB assessmentLevels/marks / Aspect 1 / Aspect 2 / Aspect 3
Recording raw data / Processing raw data / Presenting processed data
Complete/2 / Records appropriate quantitative and associated qualitative raw data, including units and uncertainties where relevant. / Processes the quantitative raw data correctly. / Presents processed data appropriately and, where relevant, includes errors and uncertainties.
Partial/1 / Records appropriate quantitative and associated qualitative raw data, but with some mistakes or omissions. / Processes quantitative raw data, but with some mistakes and/or omissions. / Presents processed data appropriately, but with some mistakes and/or omissions.
Not at all/0 / Does not record any appropriate quantitative raw data or raw data is incomprehensible. / No processing of quantitative raw data is carried out or major mistakes are made in processing. / Presents processed data inappropriately or incomprehensibly.
Checklist:
____ raw data—both quantitative & qualitative- (DCP1)
____ uncertainties are identified- (DCP1)
____ data is collected into tables with: (DCP1)
- IV values and trials/replicates are identified
- Cells contain only one value
- Values are aligned (by decimal point)
____ data tables contain headings (title and column)- (DCP1)
____ all measurements contain units and uncertainties (written in the column heading)- (DCP1)
____ measures and uncertainties have the same significance (same place)- (DCP1)
____ all raw data has been completely processed (e.g. calculations, graphed and statistical analyses performed) (DCP2)
____ sample calculations are present & clearly explained- (DCP2)
-standard calculations need not be shown but referenced (e.g. sum, mean, & standard deviation)
____ calculations show propagation of uncertainty (addition/subtraction vs. multiplication/division)- (DCP2)
____ a suitable format (graphs/tables) shows the relationship between IV & DV (DCP3)
____ graphs/tables have proper titles (DCP3)
____ graphs have appropriate scales, labeled axes with units & uncertainties and accurately plotted data (DCP3)
- A suitable best fit line/curve with appropriate equation is present
____ tables/graphs have annotations describing graphical relationships (DCP3)
____ statistical analyses of error is incorporated when prompted (e.g. standard deviation, error bars, max./min. slopes) (DCP3)
Conclusion & Evaluation: IB assessmentLevels/marks / Aspect 1 / Aspect 2 / Aspect 3
Concluding / Evaluating procedure(s) / Improving the investigation
Complete/2 / States a conclusion, with justification, based on a reasonable interpretation of the data. / Evaluates weaknesses and limitations. / Suggests realistic improvements in respect of identified weaknesses and limitations.
Partial/1 / States a conclusion based on a reasonable interpretation of the data / Identifies some weaknesses and limitations, but the evaluation is weak or missing. / Suggests only superficial improvements.
Not at all/0 / States no conclusion or the conclusion is based on an unreasonable interpretation of the data. / Identifies irrelevant weaknesses and limitations. / Suggests unrealistic improvements.
Checklist:
____ a conclusion statement describes the relationship between IV & DV (CE1)
- addresses the hypothesis or research question as being supported or refuted but not “proven”
- data is used in describing the relationship
____ explain the science (biology, chemistry or physics) behind the conclusion statement (CE1)
____ known/given values are cited and used for comparison (CE1)
- error analysis of results is performed based on known/given values
- citations follow CBE/CSE format
____ overall consideration for error—random vs. systematic (CE2)
____ the design and method is evaluated, this includes (CE2)
- addressing replicates and sample sizes
- precision of the study is addressed
____ Measurement errors are analyzed to evaluate accuracy and precision of measures (CE2)
____ instrument errors are analyzed—addressing accuracy of measures & identify random vs. systematic errors (CE2)
____ error analyses are explained thoroughly and addresses how outcomes can be affected (CE2)
____ improvements are based on errors and limitations identified in CE2 (CE3)
____ proposed modifications are appropriate to limitations and realistic (CE3)