Checklist for Scientific Experiments and Results

Section 1

Hypothesis: It is suggested that there is a link between the mass of mustard powder added and the time it takes for an oil/water emulsion to separate.

1. Think about the research that you did to find out how to test this hypothesis. Name two sources that you used for your research.

Which of these sources did you find the more useful?

Why was this source the more useful?

(3)

2. In this investigation, you will need to control some of the variables. Write down one variable that will need to be controlled.

Describe briefly how you would carry out a preliminary investigation to find a suitable value to use for this variable.

You should also explain how the results of this preliminary investigation will help you to decide on the best value for this variable.

(3)

3. In this question you will be assessed on using good English, organising information clearly and using specialist terms where appropriate. Describe how you plan to do your investigation to test the hypothesis given. You should include:

• the equipment that you plan to use • how you will use the equipment • the measurements that you are going to make • how you will make it a fair test • a risk assessment.

(9)

4. When you have completed your experimental work, you will be asked to share your results with others. Explain the advantages of sharing your results with others.

(3)

5. Make sure that you hand in your candidate research notes and your blank table for the results with this paper. You will be awarded up to two marks for your table.

(2)

Section 2

1.
a. What were the variables in your investigation?

The independent variable was

The dependent variable was

One control variable was

(3)

a. Think about the way in which you took your measurements. Resolution means the smallest scale division on the measuring instrument you were using. What was the resolution of your measurement of the dependent variable?

Do you think that this resolution was appropriate for this investigation?

Explain your answer.

(3)

a. The hypothesis that you were given before you started your investigation is printed on page 1. Do your results support this hypothesis? Explain your answer.

(3)

b. You researched the results obtained by other people in your class or by your teacher. Were your results similar to those of others in your class or different?

Describe one way in which your results were similar or different and explain one reason why the results of others in your class may be different from yours.

(3)

c. Think about the quality of your results.
i. Answer this part if your results showed a clear pattern. Describe how the method you used helped you to get a clear, consistent pattern.

(3)

OR

ii. Answer this part if your results did not show a clear pattern. Suggest why your results did not show a clear pattern.

(3)

(Total: 15)

6. You have been given a data sheet which provides data from similar investigations. Draw a sketch graph of the results in Case Study 1.

The graph should show how the time taken for the mixture to separate varies with the mass of mustard powder added.

(2)

d. Does the data on the data sheet support the hypothesis you were given at the start of the investigation? To gain full marks you should use all of the appropriate data from Case Studies 1, 2 and 3 to explain the extent to which the data supports or contradicts the hypothesis.

(3)

e. Use Case Study 4 to answer this question. What is the relationship between the percentage of emulsifier used and the time taken for the ice cream to separate?

Explain how well the data supports your answer.

(3)

(Total: 8)

7. Think about the context you were given for this investigation. How could the results of the investigation be useful in this context?

You may use information from your A4 sheet of research notes to help you answer this question.

(3)

8. Make sure that you hand in your A4 sheet of research notes, results tables, and charts or graphs with this paper. You will be awarded up to 4 marks for your chart or graph.

(4)

----------------------- Controlled Assessment
Mock ISA C1

Name …………………………………………………… Class ………… Date ………………….