IB Lab Practical Checklist

Before handing in your lab, please, for the sake of your teachers sanity, go through the following
check list. If your uncertainty regarding your own work is too great, please rectify that by coming in
and ASKING QUESTIONS.

Part A: Design
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List
Items

Yes No
1 Does your aim state in as much detail but as concisely as possible the variables
which will be manipulated, how it will be done and what relationship you would
like to find? Aim is to investigate the relationship between _____ and _______...

2 If necessary, have you included a section on the theory that is needed to
understand calculations in the analysis section and has it been referenced? This
may require clear, labeled diagrams accompanied by equations.

3 Have you made a table listing ALL of the variables that you can think of
(independent, dependent and controlled)?

4 Does the apparatus listing include enough detail? For example, do you state the
type of measuring apparatus, like a 30 cm ruler with millimeter divisions instead
of just a ruler? Remember reading scale and increments.

5 Is your diagram big (at least half a page), clear, drawn with a ruler or on the
computer and well labeled? Does it include the relevant apparatus listed?

6 Is the method in past tense (formal) and does it make reference to your diagram?
Camera photographs of the set-up are helpful.

7 Does the method allow for the collection of at least 7 points of data, covering the
largest range that you think can be measured with the available equipment?
Include a table for the collection of data. You must mention the specific values to
be tested.

8 Does the method ensure if possible that at least three trials are conducted for each
point?

9 Have you included a section that addresses how you kept each of the variables
constant? Try to quantify AND describe in detail in a separate section.

10 Does the method bear evidence of how the design was improved AFTER
conducting a few trials to ensure that the fluctuations between trials could be
decreased to get fairly consistent data?


Part B: Data Collection and Processing
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Items

Yes No
1 Have you included ALL of your raw data here? Even variables that have been
kept constant and are measurable within reason should be stated, especially if they
figure into calculations in the analysis section. There should be an uncertainty
associated with every value!

2 Does your raw data table have column headings, units and associated errors?
3 Is the stated decimal place of your data set consistent with the stated error?
4 Are you sure you did the error on your average calculation properly? In most

cases they will probably be different for each data point.

5 Does your processed data table have appropriate column headings, units and
associated errors? The errors should be absolute errors, not percentages.

6 Have you included a chart that includes at least one sample calculation for each
different calculation you may have carried out along with the accompanying error
calculation? Have you included the units?

7 Is your graph bigger than half a page? A full page graph is preferred.
8 Does your graph include labeled axes which include appropriate units and proper
increments?

9 Do the points on your graph have vertical and horizontal error bars? If they are
too small to show, have you written a comment to that effect?

10 Have you drawn the best fit, maximum and minimum lines properly? If your
graph is not linear you must manipulate the data so that you get a straight line.

11 When calculating the slope for each of the three above mentioned lines, have you
used more than half of the line and have you drawn three separate triangles?

12 Have you shown all of your work for the gradient calculations? Have you listed
the points, labeled them on your graph, used the slope formula and included the
units?

13 Have you extrapolated your line of best fit so that you can see whether or not it
goes through the origin or where it intercepts the axes?

14 Have you given your graph an appropriate title?
15 Have you utilized the equations or formulae that you have included prior to the
data tables?


Part C: Conclusion and evaluation
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List
Items

Yes No
1 Have you stated what you have found (see your aim) and have you compared
your value with the theoretical value by commenting on whether the theoretical
value lies within the experimental range? Have you calculated a % difference
between your nearest experimental value and the book value? Book values must
be referenced.

2 Have you commented upon the type of graphical relationship you have obtained
and justified your statement by referring to the shape of the graph? Discuss
whether the graph should go through the origin, what the intercepts might mean
and mention anomalies. Discuss anomalies in your evaluation.

3 Have you reconsidered the quality of your data and using it have you addressed
the reasons why your experimental value is above or below the book value?
Addressing the data points with the largest percentage errors is a good idea.

4 Have you made a table which addresses at least three weaknesses/limitations and
associated improvements? Where possible, have you stated the result that the
weakness had on your final result (caused it to be too high or too low)?

5 Have you linked the weaknesses/limitations with both the design aspect of your
lab and the quality of the data you have generated?

6 Have you considered all of the systematic and random errors associated with your
design? Random errors can almost always be reduced with more accurate
apparatus.

7 Are the improvements you state creative, specific and realistic (would desired
equipment actually be available to you) and is it clear that the improvements
would positively influence the quality of your data? Diagrams are helpful here.