Mark Schemes Practice

Exploration (formerly Design)Honors Physical Science

Exploration

Exploration includes…• 1. An introduction to your investigation.• 2. Materials/Method portion of your investigation• Possible section headings in Exploration include:– Variables– Materials– Diagram of experiment– Method– Safety

1. Introduction• To write your introduction, you must first do these

things:• A. Define the problem– EX: Question – How does the chew time affect the bubble

size?

• B. Select variables– EX: IV - type of bubble gum, DV – bubble size, CV - time

chewing, person blowing bubble, method of measuring, etc.

• C. Conduct background research on topic• D. Personal significance statement**

Helpful Hints: Introduction• This section tells the reader why you did the experiment.

Include background information that suggest why the topic is of interest and related findings. It should contain the following:– Descriptions of the nature of the problem and summaries of

relevant research to provide context and key terms so your reader can understand the experiment.

– A statement of the purpose, scope, and general method of investigation in your study. Express the central question you are asking.

– Descriptions of your experiement, hypothesis(es), research questions. Explain what you are proposing for certain obervations.

2: Materials/Methods

• Include list of materials• Sometimes a photograph is helpful• List steps of method/procedure• Plan should have a trial run and repeats until

consistent results are obtained (3 trials)• Be clear and concise, making sure someone

could repeat it• Include diagrams of set up as needed

Helpful Hints: Materials/Methods• This section should describe all experimental procedures

in enough detail so that someone else could repeat the experiment. Some guidelines to follow:

• Explain the general type of scientific procedure you used to study the problem.

• Describe what materials, subjects, and equipment you used (Materials).

• Explain the steps you took in your experiment and how did you proceed (Methods).

• Mathematical equations and statistical tests should be described.

Prompt• Investigate some physical property of a bouncy

ball.1. Create your own exploration.2. Analyze your explorationusing rubricand checklist

• 3. Analyze your partner’sexploration4. Reflect on the process, strengths and weaknesses

1. Create your exploration• Research Question / Identify variables– Independent– Dependent– Controlled

• Control Variables– Manipulate independent variable– Attempt to maintain the controlled variables

• Method for collection of data– Collect sufficient amount of data– Trial run and repeats until consistent results are

obtained

2. Analyze YOUR Exploration by using the checklist

• Take 5 minutes or so and read over your Exploration.

• Make sure you have included all the listed requirements.

• Assess your aspects using the checklist and the rubric.

• “What grade would I earn?”

3. Analyze Partner’s Exploration

• Trade with the partner (See Board)• Analyze using the checklist and rubric.• Assign a grade at the top of the paper– Write the number, 1-6– Justify using the checklist

4. Reflection Time!

• Trade with partner to get YOUR Exploration back• Look at feedback – agree or disagree? No hard

feelings, we’re all new at this : )• Reflection free write:– 1. Which part was my strength? Why?– 2. Which part was my weakness? Why?– 3. How can I improve my current Exploration?– 4. What will I do differently when I create my next

Exploration?• Hand in your Exploration and Reflection and…

Exploration Checklist__ Focused research question or problem-- may include a clear hypothesis__ Introduction describes current knowledge on topic and provides clear overview of this investigation__ Independent variable (I.V.) & Dependent variable is (D.V.) are identified and quantitative __ Controlled variable(s) is/are identified and justified__ Materials list is provided __ Safety, ethical or environmental considerations are described __ Method describes how the I.V. will be manipulated—should include description of sample sizes, trials & replicates

__ Method describes how controlled variables are held constant—needs to be clear and concise

Exploration Checklist cont.__ Describe apparatus & setup and/or provides a diagram/picture with annotations—including materials specific to the investigation __ If applicable, cite reference for standard collection procedure—use CBE/CSE, MLA or APA __ Methods are not written in person-point-of-view __ Method describes how the D.V. will be measured__ Method describes how data will be collected/measured __ Method provides for collection of sufficient data points (5 recommended) __ Method provides for replication of data points (3-5 replicates per data point / consistent results are met)