COMPONENTS OF A WRITE-UP FOR A LAB OR FIELD INVESTIGATION

Introduction (10)
Research or investigation question is stated.
Purpose and context of investigation is clear and compelling.
Investigation is presented as being intrinsically important.
Evidence of personal engagement.

Research & Exploration (15)

Research is prompted by a meaningful question.
Information has been gathered from a variety of scientifically rigorous and peer-reviewed print
and electronic sources.
Information is synthesized and processed thoroughly through paraphrasing, incorporating own
ideas, and avoiding research "holes".
Information is used ethically: ideas, text, and graphics are credited; in-text citations are
included, and "Works Cited" list is formatted correctly.

Hypothesis (5)
Clearly stated expectation of results with rationale and justification.
Hypothesis is testable.

Experimental Design (20)

Appropriate design to investigate question and test hypothesis.
Materials listed.
Variables properly accounted for.
Simple but thorough design with procedural steps listed.
Timeline.
Modifications to original design are explained.

Collection of Data (15)

Sufficient and valid data - with repeats where necessary.
Data is quantitative.
Data collection is organized in well-labelled, easy to understand tables.

Analysis of Data (15)

Graphs and Diagrams are clearly labelled and explained with captions.
Appropriate treatment of results - statistics, trends, comparisons, probability, etc.
Errors and uncertainties are accounted for and quantified.

Conclusions (20)
Purpose is restated and put in context of research and experiment.
Hypothesis is addressed (supported or rejected).
Review results in light of the original purpose/question.
Any problems with the experimental design should be described and solutions addressed
Errors in the data collection process and analysis should be described and solutions addressed.
Future questions and recommendations should be listed.