IB BiologyGROW&GLOWSNAKELAB REPORT:CHECKLIST Name:______P__

EXPLORTION (Design-(Aspects 1/2/3)) / Student / Teacher / Comment
  • Title

  • Purpose/Topic

  • Focused research question

Is the research question carefully worded?Include all portions below:
Does the RQ include the dependentvariable?(What is being measured? How is it being measured? Include units)
Does the RQ include the independent variable? (What is/are you changing- DETAILED- what are ALL levels of the IV?)
Does the dependent variable directly stem from the independent variable?
  • Background information

Is background information appropriate & relevant to the research question?
Does background information enhance the understanding of the investigation?
Are there a minimum of 2 references to other research in the field?
Is proper citation technique used? (parenthetical referencing-[Author last name, year])
  • Methodology

Are the experimental groups and control groups evident? You MUST have a control!!!!
Does the control group differ from the experimental group(s) only by the independent variable?
Are the independent and the dependent variables quantitative? Can we measure it?
Is the independent variable set up so there are at least5intervals? Ex: Time in mins 5m,10m, 15m…
Are there at least 5 levels of the independent variable?
Are all variables clearly stated and explained as to how they remain constant?What stays the SAME for each trial?
Are regular measurements of controlled variables included? (Measure your control too!)
Is your procedure listed and clearly written? (Should be able to repeat. Like a recipe Details!)
Does your procedure include information about HOW TO gather data?
Is there a clear picture or diagram of the experimental apparatus? Include labels. THIS IS NOT JUST A PICTURE OF YOUR MATERIALS.
Are all materials used clearly and precisely listed? (exact sizes of containers and concentrations of solutions must be stated) Be specific!
Does report show full awareness of significant safety, ethical or environmental issues? Include needed treatment if breeched.
Analysis(Aspects 1/2/3) / Student / Teacher / Comment
  • Selection of data to collect

Are both qualitative (visual observations- things that can’t be measured) & quantitative (measurements) data collected?
Will data collected directly address research question?
Is the data accurately collected?
  • Recording of data

Is the raw data presented in a table with an appropriate title and in the proper format?
Are all parts of tables presented clearly labeled? All axes clearly labeled.
Is the precision of the measuring device(s) used included with each table? (This includes + the smallest division of the device.) Unit of measure is usually found on the device. Ex: Smallest unit on standard triple beam balance is .1g.
Are all uncertainties presented?
  • Processing of data

Is the raw data properly processed? This may include statistical tests, percent change, or simple means. (Just subtraction alone is not sufficient)
  • Are TOTAL percent changes included (if used)- Make sure to process your data in a way that allows a graph to show any trends (if available) to be apparent.

Is the processed data presented properly in a table AND in graphical representation? Show your work!
Is the use of decimals consistent? Should go to at least the second decimal place value
Do the decimals not exceed the capability of the measuring devices?
Are uncertainties included with tables or graphs showing processed data?
For statistical tests, is a clear explanation of the test given with at least one clear example of the test being applied to the raw data?
  • Interpretation of data

Is the data correctly interpreted?
Is there a clear pattern shown by your processed data? Note- You may want to write a discussion or trends description UNDER EACH processed data table/graph
Conclusion and evaluation (Aspects 1/2/3) / Student / Teacher / Comment
Is the hypothesis restated?
Is a clear conclusion, using the processed data, presented?
Is there a correlation between your work and literature values? (if applicable) SOURCES!
Is proper citation technique used? (parenthetical referencing)
Are weaknesses of experimental design stated? State AT LEAST THREE.
Is the quality of the data discussed? What role might the weaknesses listed play in skewing data?
Are there references to equipment or processes in the discussion of the design weaknesses?
Are suggested modifications to the design presented based on the weaknesses presented? MAKE SURE THEY ARE LINKED TO THE WEAKNESSES.
Are the suggested modifications specific and significant?
Communication / Student / Teacher / Comment
Are all graphs/tables properly labeled?
Are units used properly & consistently throughout the paper?
Are decimal places used properly & consistently through the paper?
Is report well structured and clear? Purpose, hypothesis, variables, controls, procedure, data table(s), Analysis, conclusion & evaluation
Does paper use subject appropriate terminology (ie correct technical terms)?
Is report between 6-12 pages long? (only applicable to final IA)
Personal Engagement / Student / Teacher / Comment
Is there evidence of clear independent thinking, initiative or creativity?
Is there included justification for choosing the RQ and/or the topic underinvestigation?
Does the lab demonstrate personal interest, significance, or curiosity?
Is there evidence of personal input and initiative in the designing and presentation of the lab?

Peer Reviewed by:______Ridley College, St. Catharines, ON Teacher: Kathy Anderson [Edit by McCobb 2017]