Instructions for getting the most marks in a practical assessment

Time allocation Number of marks / time allowed spend time according to the marks given. Practical dependent marks / other marks 1) Don't forget to write the independent variable and dependent variable in a table together with the result of the experiment. 2) Careful when dealing with any numbers (eg: calculation of mean) 3) Table should be with appropriate units 4) At least 5 data should be included Time allocation / cut off point? If you think you can't answer certain questions, KIV them first. Designing the experiment Selecting values for an independent variable 1) Make your life easy. Think the easiest way to conduct the experiment especially for serial dilution. 2) Make a range of serial dilution at least 5 values from the highest percentage to the lowest percentage. 3) Remember all the tests and follow all the procedures correctly especially for the food test. Prepare the space below to record your results Rules for a table 1) Use pencil 2) Use correct units and headings 3) Include the dependent and independent variables 4) At least 5 values 5) Dont spend too much time drawing the table Recording results 1) Record what you observe 2) Be careful when transferring the data especially numbers 3) Be careful with any calculations Method analysis questions standard answers What would you use as an experiment control for this experiment? -Use water for any experiment involving aqueous solution -Carry out an experiment without the presence of the independent variable

How would you control this variable in your experiment? -Fixed the value of the control throughout the experiment Identify sources of error in an investigation -Inaccuracies in preparing solution -Difficulties in judging colour -Evaporation of the solution How would you improve the experiment? -Use more accurate measuring devices -Use wider range of solutions at different concentration -Use Buffer solution for any experiment involving enzyme Method analysis questions specific answers to certain experimental features Some features of experiments open up specific answers Enzymes Control variable Concentration of enzyme, pH buffer, temperature (use thermostatically controlled water-bath) Experimental control Enzyme concentration = 0 (use distilled water), no enzyme, boil the enzyme to denature it. Visual observations Potential errors (look at the method for errors) eg: difficulties in judging colour. Improvements 1) Repeats for several readings =>improves reliability 2) Smaller increments in IV/ wider range of IV => improves accuracy 3) Use colorimeter to measure colour changes. 4) Use white background to judge colour. 5) Use more precise and accurate measuring instruments. 6) Use a thermostatically controlled water bath. 7) Use colour reference.

Data questions tables Anomalies? Outliers in data=> dont include in the calculation of mean. Complete the table 1) Draw with ruled columns, rows and border. 2) Columns are headed with the quantity and its unit. 3) Organize results in sensible sequence (from the lowest to the highest). 4) IV comes first followed by the readings of DV. 5) Use same number of decimal places. Data questions Graphs Rules for drawing graphs 1) With a suitable title. 2) IV goes on the x-axis, DV goes on y-axis. 3) Label axis with units. 4) Scale with equal intervals, dont use silly scale (eg : 3,5,7) 5) Carefully placed crosses, joint one point to another point with ruler. 6) No extrapolation. Conclusion questions Relationship between variables State the relationship between two variables 1) The higher/the lower the IV, the lower/higher the DV. 2) IV influences DV. Describe the relationship between two variables -General trend (increased sharply, decreased) with values and units. Explain the relationship between two variables because (theory). Conclusion Questions Hypothesis Do the results support the hypothesis? YES/NO and further evidences from the data/graph/tables/pictures. Discuss a hypothesis in relation to the results because