IB BiologyLAB REPORT:CHECKLIST Name:______P__
EXPLORATION / Peer Review #1 / PeerReview#2 / Peer Review#3 / Peer Review
#4
Title Page
Purpose/Topic
Focused research question
Does the RQ include the dependent variable? (What is being measured? How is it being measured? Include units)
Does the RQ include all 5 levels of the independent variable?
Background information
Is background information appropriate & relevant to the research question and does it ENHANCE the understanding of the investigation?
Are there a minimum of 2 references to other research in the field?—Must be in MLA [Author last name, year]
Methodology
Is a measureable hypothesis clearly stated?
- Is the hypothesis directly linked to the background information?
Are the experimental groups (IV x 5) and control groups evident?
- Does the control group differ from the experimental group(s) only by the independent variable? –Everything else should stay constant
Are all controlled variables (constants) clearly stated and explained as to how they remain constant- and WHY they need to stay constant? Best in table format
- Are regular measurements of controlled variables included? If you say the temperature stays constant- then you should record temperature!
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- when/what to record?
Is there a clear picture/ diagram of the experimental apparatus (set-up)? Include labels and annotations on what each part does.
Are all materials used clearly and precisely listed? (exact sizes of containers and concentrations of solutions must be stated- brand names etc—All details available) Be specific!
Does report show full awareness of significant safety, ethical or environmental issues? Include needed treatment if breeched.
Analysis / Peer Review #1 / PeerReview
#2 / Peer Review
#3 / Peer Review
#4
Data collection
Is there a sufficient amount of qualitative data and is it relevant to the lab investigation?
Is there a sufficient amount of quantitative data collected that could support a valid conclusion to the research question? 5 runs of each IV + control in IA
- Is an initial measurement taken before the lab investigation begins?
Recording of data in data tables
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
Are the uncertainties presented in the table? This is the precision of the measuring device(s) and 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.
Is the use of decimals consistent? Should go to at least the second decimal place value and should not exceed the capability of the measuring devices?
Processing of data
Is the raw data properly processed? This may include statistical tests, percent change, means and/or standard deviation. (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.
- 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?
Is the processed data presented properly in a table AND in graphical representation?
Are uncertainties included with tables or graphs showing processed 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 / Peer Review #1 / PeerReview
#2 / Peer Review
#3 / Peer Review
#4
Is the hypothesis restated at the beginning of the conclusion?
Is a clear conclusion, using the processed data, presented?
Is there a correlation between your work and literature values—How do your experimental findings relate to what we would expect to find based on scientific data? Include SOURCES- MLA!
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 / Peer Review #1 / PeerReview
#2 / Peer Review
#3 / Peer Review
#4
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 (FOR IA ONLY) / Peer Review #1 / PeerReview
#2 / Peer Review
#3 / Peer Review
#4
Is there evidence of clear independent thinking, initiative or creativity?
Is there included justification for choosing the RQ and/or the topic under investigation?
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 Reviewer #1 ______Peer Reviewer #2 ______
Peer Reviewer #3 ______Peer Reviewer #4 ______