The following components should be present in your report for P&D Labs:

 State the problem under the heading Problem

 State the Hypothesis – This is a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations. It is a
statement presented in such a way to solve the problem and which can be tested with an
experiment to see if it is true.

 Identify the Aim of the experiment – This must be related to your hypothesis.

 Indicate the Apparatus and materials to be used – give appropriate measurements. E.g. 5 grams
of solid, 10 cm3 of solvent or solution.

 Write a set of numbered steps written in present tense. This forms the Procedure of your plan.

 List directly below the procedure under their respective headings the following: Controlled
variables, manipulated variables, responding variables, data to be collected.

MANIPULATED VARIABLES:
These are variables that you change on purpose in your experiment. It is what you are testing.

RESPONDING VARIABLES:
These are the changes that happen in your experiment because of what you changed
.
CONTROLLED VARIABLES:
These are the variables that are held constant or are assumed to stay the same during the experiment.

EXAMPLES
In a science project that would investigate "What is the effect of changing soil pH on plant growth," here
are some examples of the different types of variables.

MANIPULATED VARIABLES:
pH. Probably the water that is used to nourish the plants will have chemicals added to it. A wide range of
pH is good to use.

RESPONDING VARIABLE:
Plant growth. You might determine plant growth by measuring the height of the plant, thickness of the
stem, and/or the number of leaves before and during the experiment.

CONTROLLED VARIABLES:
Temperature, Light, Type of Plant, and Type of Soil would all be variables that you should keep the same
for all the plants for the whole time of the experiment. If possible, you should also record values for these
variables- what is the temperature, what is the amount of light, and for how long, etc... .

 Expected results must be presented in a tabular form. Use predictive statements written in the
future tense with verbs like “shall” or “will.” E.g. Alcohol will remove the stain from the shirt. A
graph should be included if appropriate. A short explanation of the results should also be present.
The section should end with a statement that ties your results to the hypothesis.

 Limitations/Sources of Error (at least two). These are variables which will interfere with your
experiment and are out of your control. They will have a negative impact on your experiment and
should be written in the future tense “will” or “may.”

 Assumptions (at least one). These also affect the results of the experiment and are taken into
consideration before carrying out the procedure. They are NOT the same as limitations.
Assumptions support your hypothesis or procedure. They are written in the future tense. E.g. The
solvent used to remove the stain will not stain the short.